The NRV Chapter of the Green Party
Ecological Wisdom | Democracy | Peace | Social Justice
Our Four Pillars
Ecological Wisdom
Human societies must function with the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from nature. We must maintain an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of our communities and our planet. We support being good ancestors and caretakers of this planet by creating a sustainable society that utilizes resources in such a way that future generations will benefit and not suffer from the practices of our generation. To this end we must practice agriculture that replenishes the soil, move to an energy-efficient economy, and live in ways that respect the integrity of natural systems.
Democracy
All human beings must be allowed a say in decisions that affect their lives; no one should be subject to the will of another. We work to improve public participation in every aspect of government and seek to ensure that our public representatives are fully accountable to the people who elect them. We also work to create new types of political organizations that expand the process of participatory democracy by directly including citizens in decision-making.
Peace
It is essential that we develop effective alternatives to society’s current patterns of violence. We will work to demilitarize and eliminate weapons of mass destruction, without being naive about the intentions of other governments. We recognize the need for self-defense and the defense of others who are in danger. We promote non-violent methods to oppose practices and policies with which we disagree, and will guide our actions toward lasting personal, community and global peace.
Social Justice
As a matter of right, all persons must have the opportunity to benefit equally from the resources afforded us by society and the environment. We must consciously confront in ourselves, our organizations, and society at large, any discrimination by race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, religion, or physical or mental ability that denies fair treatment and equal justice under the law.
Our Core Issues
Climate Change and Resiliency
We need to move to 100% renewable energy as quickly as possible in order to limit the impact of the ongoing climate crisis. Simultaneously, we must take steps to build resiliency in the face of ongoing disaster — from rising temperatures to increased risks of flooding. We must build a sustainable economy that does not put profit above life and the natural resources which sustain it. The Paris Agreement was been thrown out due to the Trump Administrations environmental policy and we are past the point of no return.
REFORM OR EXINCTION
Ending Open Burning at RAAP
For almost every bullet fired overseas, it can be traced back to The Radford Army Ammunitions Plant. It is the only facility in the US that produces nitrocellulose for the military. RAAP is also Virginia’s #1 Polluter-beating #2 by millions of lbs. of toxic waste. Toxic waste that includes perchlorates, PCB’s, Lead, PFAS, nitrates, nitroglycerin, and many other pollutants that are released into our environment daily due to archaic and deadly practice of Open Burning. We stand with the fence line communities of the NRV, incoming college students and the Citizens for Arsenal Accountability, BREDL and EarthJustice who are fighting every day to spread awareness and keep RAAP accountable.
Affordable Housing
We currently have a longstanding housing crisis where home ownership is increasingly out of reach. We must take steps to ensure genuinely affordable housing for all, however, just building additional housing will not be sufficient. We must take steps to increase tenant power against the power of landlords
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Public Transportation
We need a strong and effective public transit network, one that works for everyone, both rural folks and those living in more urban areas. Our transit networks should be free, and should interconnect all local areas as seamlessly as possible.
Democracy and Human Rights
We support efforts to build deep democracy, increasing people’s participation in all levels of government and the economy. Accomplishing this is only possible when basic needs like healthcare are universally guaranteed and human rights are protected. We seek a vibrant, diverse society without discrimination or bigotry.
