NRGR Initiatives

The Nashua River Green-Rainbow local of the Green-Rainbow Party of Massachusetts has distinguished itself as one of the most active locals in the state. Outlined on this page are some of the past, present, and on-going initiatives the local has taken.


Present and Upcoming Initiatives

Buy-Local Campaign

The NRGR is currently becoming more involved in buy-local campaigns, with an emphasis on supporting local farms. More to come.

Counter-Recruitment Campaign

The membership of the NRGR is currently educating itself for a possible campaign in Counter Military Recruitment in public schools and elsewhere. Strategies are being researched.

2008 Election Season

In addition to national Green Party candidates, Steve Baer is running for the Massachusetts State Senate in the 2nd Worcester District. Activities will undoubtly include stand-outs, signature gathering, and joining campaign committees.


On-Going Initiatives

Annual Green-Rainbow Awards

The NRGR each year bestows awards to local entities for their work representing the Ten Key Values of the Green Party. It was decided to put this activity on hold for the time being.

Delegation and Representation on Green State and National Levels

The NRGR local has had many very active members within the state and national parties:

  • Wendy van Horne was a co-chair of the Green-Rainbow Party of Massachusetts, making her one of the two party leaders and spokespersons of the state party. Wendy was also a Worcester County representative to the Green-Rainbow State Committee.
  • Colby Peterson was Communications Director for the Green-Rainbow Party and a Worcester County representative to the Green-Rainbow State Committee.
  • Mark Laserte was a Worcester County representative to the Green-Rainbow Party State Committee.
  • Samantha Zitola was a Worcester County representative to the Green-Rainbow Party State Committee, and also served as a delegate to the 2004 National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for presidential candidate, David Cobb.
  • Richard Zitola was a Worcester County representative to the Green-Rainbow Party State Committtee, and also served as a delegate to the 2004 National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for presidential candidate, David Cobb.
  • Tony Lorenzen was a delegate to the 2004 National Convention for Green presidential candidate, David Cobb.


    Past Initiatives

    Four Green-Rainbow Party Candidates for the 2006 Elections

    The NRGR was active in supporting four Green-Rainbow Party state candidates:

    Grace Ross for Governor
    Martina Robinson for Lt. Governor
    Jill Stein for Secretary
    James O'Keefe for Treasurer

    Organic Food Within the Green-Rainbow Party

    The NRGR was the sponsoring local that made all food served at State Committee and State Convention meetings organic. In January of 2006, the State Committee passed by consensus the NRGR's proposal. The text of the proposal as passed appears below:

    At all Green-Rainbow Party State Conventions and meetings of the State Committee, any meals prepared should contain only organic and non-genetically-modified ingredients from the most desirable availble and financially feasible source. The persons responsible for providing the meals shall make the judgments on the source and financial feasibility of the organic foods, unless a long-term relationship with a source (such as Community-Supported Agriculture) is established, in which case, the food preparers should use that source. Also, we encourage the use of reusable and recycable goods.

    Rich Zitola for State Senate, 2004

    One of our most consuming campaigns we've ever launched was the candidacy of one of our local members, Richard Zitola, in his 2004 run for state senator in the Worcester-Middlesex district. Although Rich was not elected, the campaign was a victory for progressive causes in the district, challenging the incumbent, Sen. Antonioni and Republican David Shnaider to take clear stands on important issues such as universal health care, MCAS testing, and equal marriage rights. For the duration of the campaign, the local took on the work of the campaign and made its central focus Rich's candidacy.

    Tony Lorenzen for Lt. Governor, 2002

    Although the local was in its gestation period in 2002, the local proudly boasts the membership of Tony Lorenzen of Leominster, as a former candidate for Lt. Governor alongside Jill Stein for Governor and Jamie O'Keefe for Treasurer, in the state-wide campaign that practically established the presence of the Green Party in Massachusetts.


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