They may have become a slicker campaign machine with successes in local and European elections but the Green Party still retains some of its old-school altruism, says Tony Grew.
In a policy unlikely to be copied by the main parties, delegates at this week's Green Party conference in Brighton pay attendance fees which vary depending on their income.
Those earning more than £50,000 per annum pay £270 for the four-day conference, while those who take home less than £10,000 only pay £40.50.
For the 300-plus paying delegates there are bicycles provided for the conference, free of charge.
Entertainment for conference-goers will include a special showing of the film Pig Business, political theatre and comedy, and the first unofficial Green Party awards.
And comedian Mark Thomas, a kind of patron saint of direct action against 'the establishment', will be performing his polemics for them.
The main business of the conference, however, is serious - gearing up for the general election.
Key policies will be unveiled, including "protecting and improving the NHS, and how a Green government would make life better for older people".
There will also be important elections to the national executive.
The Green Party came fifth in June's European elections, polling 8.6 per cent of the national vote.
The party is hoping to repeat that success when Gordon Brown goes to the country next spring.
While Brighton Pavilion may well elect Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, the first-past-the-post system works against smaller parties nationally.
Even with high-profile candidates such as human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who is contesting Oxford East, it is unlikely more than one Green MP will be returned to Westminster at the next election.
