The Green Party, a Westminster student organization, will host the second annual progressive conference on democracy, peace, and the environment Sunday, April 10, beginning with registration at 11 a.m. in  Beeghly Theater, Beeghly lobby and Patterson Hall rooms 112-114.

The events begin at 12:30 p.m. with Sandy Kelson, lawyer and Vietnam veteran, reflecting on his first-hand experience and comparing it to the current conflict in Iraq.  At 1:30 p.m., Ray Nakley, spokesman for the Arab-American Community Center in Youngstown, Ohio, and chair for the Coalition 4 Peace in the Middle East, will discuss the current events and new situations in Lebanon.

At 2:30 p.m. Steve Porter, recent opponent of United States Congressman Phil English, will reflect on the successes and failures of his campaign, as well as the current state of the Democratic party.  Dan Kuzma, president and co-founder of the Youngstown State Environmental and Animal Rights Coalition, who support and work with Vegan Outreach, will speak about his work at 3:30 p.m.

After an hour of networking, Joe Jenkins, entrepreneur, founder of Joseph Jenkins, Inc. and author of the "Humanure Handbook" and "Slate Roof Bible," will speak on the economic and environmental benefits of composting toilets and slate roofing from the perspective of a small business owner.  The final speakers, Jennaro Pullano and Dave Baker, Pennsylvania Green Party officers, will talk about the state of their party, including their work with the local and county level Green Party organizers.

The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Dr. Andrea Grove, assistant professor of political science and advisor to the group, at (724) 946-7254 or e-mail groveak@westminster.edu.

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