March 2026 Greenstar
Green Party Celebrates International Women’s Day 2026
By Erin King
International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated by Green Party members on Sunday, March 8, this year. The IWD theme for 2026 will be “Give to Gain.” The Green Party National Women’s Caucus says it “will organize and act to advance Women's rights and concerns with the ultimate goals of maximizing...a voter, activist, leadership, candidate and officeholder base of Women, that is reflective of the great diversity of this nation.”
Another year, another chance to do better, despite the ongoing human catastrophes occurring here and overseas—war and genocide, mass starvation, state-sanctioned rape and pedophilia, police beating and jailing protesters for lawfully protesting, and billionaires allowed the impunity to wreck whatever tiny scraps of democracy the West has remaining, at whim.
Over the past year alone in America, we’ve seen no end to greedflation, as evidenced by skyrocketing homelessness, grocery prices continuously climbing, and our own government caring less and less about the wellbeing and basic human rights of its own citizens...
Giving is its own reward and a form of empathy that can mean more than we realize to someone in need. Giving can literally mean the difference between life and death. We gain on so many levels as a society when we recognize our shared humanity and make the time to act on it with great love.
The Green Party and its political candidates, for whom we campaign and confidently show our support, stand firmly against any and all forms of discrimination and inequality targeting women and LGBTQA+ persons. The Green Party is also committed to grassroots initiatives, which are necessary for growing a solid base of everyday citizens who believe in true democracy and equality without the interference of corporate entities.
Walk proudly. Embrace Solidarity. Remember that to give is to gain so much on this International Women’s Day and beyond.
Erin King is a member of the Green Party of Centre County, PA. During 2025, Erin was an elected member at large of the Green Party of Pennsylvania Steering Committee.
PA Green News
Edited by Chris Robinson
Montco Green Party Urges Vanguard to Divest
The Montgomery County Green Party formally expressed its solidarity and support for the Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT) in their prolonged struggle to bring pressure to bear against the investment firm, Vanguard, one of the largest investors in the world in the fossil fuel industry...As our world continues to be threatened by the ever-growing problem of climate change, its catastrophic effects, and our contrarily ineffectual governance across the world, the duty of combatting climate change has fallen onto the general populace. The question is not just what kind of future we are going to have, but whether we are going to have a future at all. That is why grassroots movements and organization are so extremely important, for only we, the working class, can apply the pressure necessary to make the changes needed for the preservation, and improvement, of our world.
Allegheny Greens Elect 2026 Leaders
The Green Party of Allegheny County (GPOAC) held its annual convention on February 3, where they elected their 2026 Executive Committee: Chair Abi Hunter, Vice Chair Colleen Schmotzer, Secretary Stacy Flinn, Treasurer Kelly Soni, Technology and New Media Coordinator Kat Marquez, Working Groups Coordinator Riley Mahon, and Neighborhood Groups Coordinator Jay Ting Walker. GPOAC members also elected delegates to the Green Party of Pennsylvania State Committee
Green Party Women are Ready to Run
By GPPA Co-chair Colleen Schmotzer
The Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics offers a course with the trademark name “Ready to Run,” for women who are considering a campaign for public office. The day-long program at Chatham University provides training and mentoring by campaign professionals and office holders.
I recently attended a Ready to Run campaign training designed for women. The day was quite informative, and I was pleased to see approximately ten women I knew from the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA). We heard from various guest speakers who detailed the different teams essential for running a successful campaign. It was interesting to learn that the size of the campaign team can vary significantly depending on the specific office being sought, and that sometimes, a modest donation of $50.00 can be enough to win a seat. The organizers provided breakfast, lunch, and a snack, which was greatly appreciated.
The event concluded with a panel of four accomplished women. Among them was the Chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Party, who emphasized the critical importance of women participating in politics. She shared an anecdote about a friend who successfully won a seat by running as an independent, highlighting that breaking traditional party lines can be a viable strategy.
[This story includes quotes from Pam Bruno and Kat Marquez.]
Temperature of PA Green Party Returns to Normal
By GPPA Secretary Bryarr Misner
Since the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) State Committee Meeting on January 11, I have had some time to step back and reflect on where we are as a party and the direction in which we are heading together. What stood out to me most is how quickly the overall tone and energy across the Green Party has shifted in a positive way.
We are now seeing that change show up in real ways -- more people coming to state meetings, stronger turnout and participation at the county level, and renewed engagement in places like Allegheny County's committee and assembly meetings. That does not happen overnight or by accident. It is the result of people intentionally reaching out, showing up, and doing the work to make our spaces feel welcoming again.
Since I took office as Secretary in November 2025, I have heard from many members who shared that the temperature of the Green Party feels better -- more open, more collaborative, and less intimidating. I appreciate hearing that, but I want to be clear: that shift is not about me alone. It is about a lot of people choosing to engage differently, listen more closely, and create space for others to participate.
I want to recognize everyone -- at both the state and county level -- who have helped make that possible. Whether you're organizing meetings, onboarding new members, answering questions, or just being willing to help, it all adds up. People notice, and it matters.
Team Reports
Edited by Patrick O. McNally
Communication Team
During the last six months, your ComTeam has published the writings of Green Party members from Allegheny, Butler, Chester, Lackawanna, Lancaster, McKean, Montgomery and Westmoreland Counties and Philadelphia. Please send your draft to [email protected]. You may also attend the next ComTeam meeting.
Please join the Communication Team right here.
www.gpofpa.org/team_communications_join
Green Wave Team
The team met in early February with renewed interest to build the supports needed for Greens to run and win. A lively and thoughtful discussion among party members from across Pennsylvania ranged from near-term needs to long-range tactics, including: deep outreach to potential Green candidates and voters, inclusive of those in rural communities, counties yet without organized Greens, and college campuses; Green political education to make the Party’s values better seen and understood; and various practical steps team members will take with Core and Communications Teams to make the most of the tools that we already have.
To get us from planning to action, Green Wave intends to meet more frequently in the coming months, with its members taking needed steps between twice-monthly meetings. Greens who are interested in joining the effort to empower future Green candidates are encouraged to join the Team’s next and future meetings, and to bring along a fellow Green.
Please join the Green Wave Team right here.
www.gpofpa.org/team_greenwave_join
Core Team
Among the team’s ongoing 2026 projects discussed in the February meeting were an update and expansion of resources for onboarding of new Party members, with a revised handbook and plan for regular online presentations. The Core Team meets on the first Monday of the month.
Please join the Core Team right here.
https://www.gpofpa.org/team_core_join
National Green News
Edited by David Ochmanowicz Jr.
Nina Turner Endorses Butch Ware for CA Governor
Watch this powerful interview with Butch Ware and the Honorable Nina Turner as they dive into revolution, electoral power, and real action—and hear why she’s proudly endorsing Butch Ware.
Former U.S. Soldiers Turned Palestine-advocates Run for Congress
Former Army Ranger Greg Stoker and retired Green Beret Anthony Aguilar . . . who have become some of the most notable critics of Israel's genocide in Gaza, have now launched campaigns for Congress ahead of November's midterm elections. Stoker is seeking Texas District 31, and Aguilar is running for North Carolina District 13.
Stop ICE Terror! Prevent the Coup!
Watch the emergency webinar to stop ICE terror and prevent an impending coup. The webinar on 2/12 connected the dots between murder in our streets, the real threat of a coup in November, and the billions of dollars Congress is bestowing on the criminal, irredeemable agencies driving the crisis. $10 billion in ICE funding is currently on the table that will deepen the problem. The Democrats’ proposed “guard rails” to “rein in” ICE abuses are ineffective and/or already in place, and a nonstarter given that ICE and CBP are lawless, violent agencies that do not play by the rules.
Panelists: Roger Waters, Musician and Human Rights Advocate; Medea Benjamin, activist & Co-founder of CODEPINK; Lt. Col. (Ret.) Anthony Aguilar, veteran, advocate, whistleblower; Dr. Butch Ware, historian and activist; Fernando Deveras, activist and organizer’ and Jill Stein, Green Party candidate for U.S. President in 2012, 2016 and 2024.
A look back at Greens' efforts in New Jersey over the last year
We want to share with you the work of the Green Party of New Jersey (GPNJ), its achievements and successes of 2025...
Greens Celebrate Women's History Month 2026
The Green Party has never wavered in its commitment to gender equity. Feminism and gender equity are core to our 10 Key Values. We have always fought for reproductive freedom, equal pay, and leadership opportunities for women—not just in words, but in action. While other parties debate whether a woman can lead, Greens have ensured that women dolead. Since 1996, every Green Party presidential ticket has included at least one woman.
VISIT THE STORE: WWW.GP.ORG/STORE
Every store transaction that is over $50 will be eligible for a FREE 5-pack of Women's Caucus Buttons. Enter Promo Code "GPWC" to have the cost of the buttons removed from your order.
Global Green News
Edited by Hal Brown
Green Party Calls for Ireland to Sign Antarctic Treaty
Speaking in the Irish Seanad . . . [Green Party Senator Malcolm] Noonan called on the Government to progress Ireland’s participation in the Antarctic Treaty System, “In light of the U.S. administration’s recent brazen and imperialist attempt to take over Greenland and exploit resources there – particularly rare earth minerals but also oil reserves – I think that Ireland as a peaceful nation, a respected neutral country, could not only benefit from becoming a signatory to the treaty, but could also provide an invaluable contribution to the aspiration and the ambition of this unique treaty.”
Greens Say Suspend Contracts with Trump-supporting Palantir
Green [Members of Parliament] have written to the [UK] Cabinet Secretary to demand that the government scrap its NHS and MoD contracts with spy tech firm Palantir...The letter states (in part), “Palantir technology has reportedly been used by U.S. immigration authorities to profile and target migrants and has been used by the Israeli military in Gaza – it has no place in our NHS or any of our public services… Palantir is now deeply embedded in the NHS and Ministry of Defence – and the longer they are in place, the harder and more expensive it becomes to remove them and the more the risk of poor value for money increases.”
GPPA Meeting Dates for 2026
All State Committee Meetings will begin at noon
Sunday, March 8, via Zoom
Saturday, June 13, or Sunday, June 14, hybrid
Saturday, September 12 or Sunday, September 13, hybrid
Sunday, November 15, via Zoom
GPPA Meeting Dates for 2027
Saturday, January 9, or Sunday, January 10, hybrid
GPPA Communications Team
Issue Credits
Editors: Hal Brown, Patrick O. McNally, David Ochmanowicz, Jr. and Chris Robinson
Contributors: Pam Bruno, Theron Gilliland, Jr., Tristan Holland, Erin King, Kat Marques, Bryarr Misner, Alex Noyle, Chris Robinson and Colleen Schmotzer
Layout: Hal Brown, Sherri Miller, and David Ochmanowicz Jr.
Graphic Arts: Kevin Richardson
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The GREEN STAR is an official publication of the Green Party of Pennsylvania Communications Team * 2026.
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