Blog #5

Green Communities should function as the name suggests.  A unit made up of people providing support for a cause. Based on what I've recently read, the green community is extremely dedicated to the green values. Humans and the earth should exist as one and not two seperate entities. This understanding helps protect the earth and her natural resources. Our green communities should be structured in a manner that represents the views of the green party. Decentralized control and power within each individual should be the model the group follows. It is the green party’s belief that power should not be centered within one powerful group of individuals, the groups should be an open forum for everyone to feel they have power and voice. The community should empower each individual and allow them to help make a difference. Everyone should feel important. Decision making should be the same way. No one person’s opinion should dictate the outcome/projects for the group. Democratic decision making is key. By doing this, everyone should bring a positive and open attitude to the group. Willingness and friendliness should naturally blossom in this environment. Our classroom functions as an excellent model for how a green community should run. The communities purpose is so vital, smooth running is crucial for function.

Blog #4-Green Values, What I Believe In, What Suprised Me

Green Values are a relatively new concept to me. I think it is a great concept of thinking. Thinking about the earth in terms of non-human concern naturally lends itself to protecting the earth and the natural resources available. Nature has its own sense or value that has nothing to do with the value that it offers human needs. I think that is a pretty powerful statement. This one statement helps me understand why those of the green movement find it so important to respect plants and animals. I believe that is important to respect the earth and what it offers not just in terms of consumerism. This is necessary to ensure that the greedy nature of humans are not depleting the Earth's resources too quickly. I was surprised to see that there is actually a whole other political party dedicated to Green Values. There is even a constituion if you will of values that party believes in. The party is very dedicated to the idea that humans and nature are one and not seperate from one another. Another factor that varies significantly from the way society function is the idea of decentralization. The party is commited to removing the power from the hands of a few and moving it back to the local level while still protecting the civil rights of individuals.

Blog #1

I am so excited to be taking Poli 477. This class is a first for me. I have never had the opportunity to work with an organization dedicated so passionately to green values. I think by taking this class I will learn new information and gain a greater sense of responsibility when it comes to taking care of our planet. I am super excited to be working with Sustainable Carolina. This is something I don't think I would have become involved with if it were not for our class. The structure of the class really excites me and I love that we are going to actually build a community within the classroom. Who doesn't love a class that gets to take a trip to the zoo as an assignment? In most classes, I am used to just showing up, taking notes, and going home. I never really build in class relationships so I think this will be a unique opportunity to get to know my classmates. The guest speakers also seem like a great way to become more informed on the policies of being green so I look forward to that. Overall, this class offers me an opportunity to learn something new, and I hope to do so.