NOTE: VENUE CHANGED TO GRANITE CITY BREWERY
Join us for a Des Moines Area Atheist MeetUp at Granite City Brewery (map) tonight, November 16, at 6:30 p.m. This will be a great time to visit with old friends and meet some new ones! Click here for more information or to R.S.V.P. Special thanks to Daren J. for organizing this MeetUp. See everyone there!
We have changed software for our Forum to take advantage of new security features. While the posts appear to have migrated properly, many avatars and profile settings did not. We will attempt to transfer as many of them as possible. If you have specific questions please email the webmaster.
UPDATE The new forum software will not allow us to transfer the avatars from the old software. You should reload your avatar from your home file.
Iowa Secularists Cedar Rapids Branch extends an open invitation to our community. Join us for an evening of intelligent discussion with like-minded individuals. Our monthly meeting is Thursday October 26th at 7:00pm. This months meeting place The Cedar Rapids Chop House, deck area. Located at 200 1st Avenue NE in Downtown Cedar Rapids. Come with discussion points, and an open mind.
Redemption for the Iowa Secularists!
What!?
That’s right, the Iowa Secularists need redemption. Can and bottle redemption, that is! The Iowa Secularists are asking you to pitch in and send us your can and bottle redemption money to help fund membership and community outreach.
Why Can & Bottle Redemption?
Well, first of all, it’s kinda funny! Second, it will be a bit of friendly competition. But more importantly, if each of us contributes a little, it will add up to a lot.
What is the money for?
The money for the Redemption drive will be earmarked exclusively for outreach. Specifically, we will use the funds to reach other Iowans who are looking for what you’ve already found - a community of people who share the same values that you do.
How does the Redemption Drive work?
First, redeem your cans and bottles to your local recycling center. Keep a tally of the redeemed amounts. Mail a check with “Redemption” in the memo for the amount redeemed to the Iowa Secularists at P.O. Box 883, Iowa City, IA 52244-0883 before the end of each quarter of the calendar year. On January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st of each year we will tally up the redemption amounts and announce how much we raised that quarter and who the biggest redeemer is. On January 1st of each year we will announce the total for the year and who the year’s biggest redeemer is.
The first quarter ends on September 30th so start redeeming today! We will announce this quarter’s leader on October 1st. Happy redeeming!
In a huge win for science education and secularism, a US District Court blocked the efforts of a Dover, PA, school board to mandate Intelligent Design education in their science classrooms.
Judge John E. Jones III declared that the school board’s Intelligent Design policy violates the Establishment clause of the constitution. In the conclusion to his opinion, Judge Jones said, “In making this determination, we have addressed the seminal question of whether ID is science. We have concluded that it is not, and moreover that ID cannot uncouple itself from its creationist, and thus religious, antecedents.” Judge Jones went on to caution against those who would accuse him of judicial activism by pointing out that, “this case came to us as the result of the activism of an ill-informed faction on a school board.”
This closely-watched case will likely have a significant impact on future school boards who are considering an ID curriculum. Specifically in Iowa, recent discussions of ID the issue from members of the Muscatine School District Board of Education indicate that they may consider the issue in the near future. They will not likely be the last Iowa school board to do so.
What Can I Do?
This is as important an issue as we will likely see in some time and it is important that IS members voice their opinions. Here are a few simple things you can do:
Where Can I Get More Information?
If you are concerned that your school board is considering an ID curriculum let us know so that we may track ID in Iowa.
On Wednesday, October 19, 2005, the University of Iowa Freethinkers will host a panel discussion titled Intelligent Design: In Your Classroom?. The discussion will be in room C20 of the Pomerantz Center at 7:00 p.m.
John Witte, Jr., professor of law and ethics at Emory University School of Law, will present his talk “Separation of Church and State: Facts, Fiction and Future Challenges” at Shambaugh Auditorium in the University of Iowa Main Library (map) on Thursday, September 15, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. Prof. Witte has written and lectured widely on issues regarding the intersections of government and religion. Critical of the Wall of Separation, Prof. Witte has been a strong advocate for traditional, religiously-defined regulation of marriage. Prof. Witte recommends to those who are offended by religious symbols on government property to “close your eyes.”
The lecture is being presented by the University of Iowa Geneva Campus Ministry.
On Monday, June 27, 2005 the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to deliver its verdict on the two controversial Ten Commandments cases. It is up to each of us to make the secular viewpoint heard. Many people will chime in on this decision and the vast majority of them will not be sympathetic to our cause. Please take a moment on Monday to express your views. Write a letter to the editor of you local newspaper or call in to your local talk radio show. There are many other ways to get the word out - be creative!
Case Info
The two cases being heard are Van Orden v. Perry, regarding the granite Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of the Texas state capitol, and McCreary County v. ACLU, regarding the posting of the Ten Commandments in the McCreary County courthouse building.
Tips
Here are a few pointers that might help ensure your letter to the editor gets printed!
Talking Points
Know what few specific points you want to get across and craft your letter accordingly. Check in with these sites for some pointers on talking points and submission suggestions:
If you need pointers just let us know and we would be happy to help you word your letter. If you do send a letter to the editor or communicate with the press in some other way, let us know. This will help us track how well our viewpoints are being represented!
Due to low expected turn out and high expected temperatures, the Solon Gathering has been postponed until a later date to be announced. We apologize for any inconvenience. We’ll keep you posted on the details. If you have any questions please let us know.
“Hey! The website looks different!” That is just one of the many changes that have happened with the Iowa Secularists. Our organization has made a big step forward toward accomplishing our goals in Iowa. We have officially been recognized as a nonprofit corporation in the State of Iowa and are in the process of securing tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit! We have installed our first Board of Directors and elected executive officers.
What does that mean for you? A lot! First of all, it means the Iowa Secularists are working even harder for you to create a community of religion-free Iowans, educate the public about living without religion and actively keeping the Wall of Separation strong. Our new organizational structure lends us legitimacy and democtratic structure to ensure we continue our mission far into the future.
Second, it gives you a voice in the organization. Paid members can vote for openings on the Board of Directors and certain organizational issues.
Third, it provides an all-important fundraising mechanism. Your valuable dues and contributions will allow the Iowa Secularists to move forward and achieve a greater presence in Iowa.
“Cool! What do I do now?” Become a paid member of the Iowa Secularists to enjoy the benefits of membership and provide important support for our mission in Iowa. Click on the Join page for more information and to sign up!
Copyright 2004-2005, Iowa Seculairsts
PO Box 883 | Iowa City, IA 52244-0883
