Created in the State of New Jersey in 1997, the Council of Alternative Political Parties serves as neutral ground upon which discussion and action can take place on problems affecting independent candidacies in the United States. The Council opposes the monopolistic and repressive election tactics of America's major political parties, and acts as a catalyst for cooperative activities between opposition political parties, in which vital energies and resources can be combined for successful political campaigns. Although at this time, its activity has been limited to New Jersey state politics, the Council intends to create a national program of state based councils, to expand its effectiveness.

Independent Progressive Politics Network

In the spring of 1995 several organizations issued a call for a National Independent Politics Summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We call upon representatives of national, regional and local organizations and campaigns, rooted in the new movements of resistance and the various new/labor/green/third parties, to join together in a broad, urgent conversation about the future of progressive politics. We want to create a culture of resistance to the current two-party system and support and unite independent political initiatives.

We are a group of independents and `third party' supporters who are cooperating in support of the rights of all citizens to participate in the electoral system. We represent many parties, including American Reform, Constitution, Green, Independence, Libertarian, Natural Law, and Reform. While diverse in ideology, we share a conviction that parties outside the two-party monopoly must no longer be denied the right to compete effectively in American politics.

We believe that 3rd parties in the U.S. will succeed only when they find common ground and coordinate efforts.   This forum exists to support constructive dialogue about third party coalition / alliance.

One primary focus is an alliance effort is designed with Greens, Reformers, Natural Law and Independence Party members in mind.   We plan to focus around a core set of shared principles, such as electoral reform, environmental protection, and special interest control.   For more information on this idea, look at message #573.