The Four Pillars

The Four Pillars are the basis of the Green Party. These core values, tied closely to the Green Party's Ten Key Values , are derived from the Green vision of a thriving planet filled with sustainable, democratic communities of people who participate in their government, and treat one another and the world with dignity and fairness.

Ecological Wisdom
More than stop-gap solutions like recycling, this means living in harmony with our surroundings. Humanity is not separate from nature, nor do individuals live in isolation from each other. Our actions and lifestyles - and our businesses - inevitably have an impact on our human and natural environment. We seek to minimize our negative impact and maximize our positive impact on both civilization and wilderness. We must live as Thoreau did: deliberately.

Social Justice
The promises of our Constitution and society are meant for all people, regardless of our superficial differences (including economic disparity). Everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy, meaningful life, with the ability to participate in the decisions that affect their lives and their surroundings. Green Parties seek to help individuals and their communities achieve that balance. Further, we oppose efforts by business or government to infringe on the human rights of citizens of the United States or of other nations.

Grassroots Democracy
The legitimacy of government is derived from the voluntary consent of the governed. The closer the decision-makers are to those who would be affected by the decision, the more effective, efficient, and accountable government can be. This value is based on Greens' unshakable conviction that people everywhere have the right to, and capacity for, self-determination. Through local action and grassroots participation in government true democracy can be achieved.

Nonviolence
Violence is morally wrong and logistically ineffective, because it treats the symptoms of problems, not the root causes. Greens acknowledge the need to take desperate measures in self-defense in life-or-death situations, but non-violence to us means actively working to build a world where violence is unnecessary. In the 21st Century, where the international community has become increasingly dependent upon all cultures, we believe that there is no problem that cannot be solved through dialogue. And we believe that no problem CAN be solved through violence - whether it's military or interpersonal, physical violence, Greens will work to promote peaceful resolution to conflict. We also categorically reject the death penalty in any form.