In a groundbreaking year, the Green Party of Pennsylvania continues to build and strengthen a new generation of elected officials across the state. In 2003, the GPPA had a record of 18 wins across the keystone statetheir greatest number of wins yet. According to their web site, Pennsylvania is one of their most successful states in the country.

The GPPA has affiliated committees in 25 of the state's 67 counties, and passionate organizers are working hard to build affiliates in many other counties across the state. The national Green Party, commonly known as the Greens, believes government officials should learn their constituents' concerns through community meetings and organizations, and then act for the people. The Greens are a proactive third party for the people that formed to give the people an alternate choice. According to the GPPA website, many loyal and passionate volunteers support the Greens, a true grassroots organization and a "Party with a Purpose."

But Centre County has been "colorless" since early 2000. "All local parties are organized and developed by local Greens and there has not been a critical mass to generate an organized interest" in Centre County, said Doug McConatha, chairman of the GPPA.

The Green Party originally formed to address neglected issues, such as ecological and community focuses. Although they are still on the ballot they have no visible presence in Centre County.

But the Green Party was active here years ago, according to National Committee Organizer Dan Kinney, who works at the Harrisburg office.

"Many people moved away who were involved with the party, and our leadership disappeared. We are just waiting on a new spark plug to ignite us," Kinney said.

The Campus Greens also fell apart in early 2001. Repeated calls to past members and the faculty advisor were not returned.

The Greens are known for their 10 key values: grassroots democracy, social justice, ecological wisdom, non-violence, decentralization, community-based economics, feminism, diversity, responsibility and future focus. These values were ratified at the Green Party Convention in Denver, Colo., in June 2000. They are guiding principles that are adapted and defined to fit each state and local chapter.

When active, the Campus Greens supported the key values of the Pennsylvania Green Party. But they too have lost momentum since the days of monthly meetings in the Burrowes Building on the Penn State campus, according to long-time green activist and local resident Virginia Brickwedde.

"We had some students attend our meetings, but our numbers eventually fell," Brickwedde said. "Many residents supported (the Green Party's) values and believed in the organization."