INQUIRER
Long Island Secular Humanists Box 119, Greenlawn, NY 11740, 516 7421662, Email:
InfidelsRe@aol.com
Volume 1, Issue 1, November 1998
Birth of LISH! Gerry Dantone
1 The Birth of a Secular Humanist Group
2 It Can't Be Done Alone
3 Planning Meeting Announced
4 In the Beginning
4a What's First?
4b Programs/Meetings
4c Legal/financial Issues
4d The Newsletter
4e A Long-term Goal
5 SummaryThe Birth of a Secular Humanist Group
I don't know what got into me one September day, but after reading a recent issue of Free Inquiry, I decided to contact Joann Mooney of the Council for Secular Humanism about starting an organization on Long Island. A few emails and phone calls later, I was invited and then attended a meeting in Manhattan outlining the methods involved in growing sue organization, and I was hooked. So here goes! [TOC]It Can't Be Done Alone
The first thing I learned, as if I didn't already realize it, is that in order for such an organization to exist and then grow, there must be a united effort on the part of members. There are far too many responsibilities for one person, and if a sense of community is to be created, it indeed must be a communal effort.So here goes a call out to my fellow humanists of Long Island: Have you ever felt isolated at times and have a desire to meet like-minded people where you can discuss common concerns? Do you wish to be a part of an advocacy group for humanist ideals and help place humanist ideals into practice in the community? Is there a need for a humanist support group to serve the needs of non religious people? I believe the answer to these questions is a resounding yes and that is why I have volunteered and that is why humanists of Long Island should get involved. We have something to offer each other and the community. [TOC]
Planning Meeting Announcement
The first meeting of LISH will be held at 7:30 PM Friday. January 29. 1999 at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Librarv. 999 Old Country Rd., Plainview. A follow up meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 26, 1999, same time. The purpose of this meeting will be to find volunteers for the roles of Newsletter Editor, and assistants (hint: I am not good at desktop publishing), secretary, and treasurer as well as discuss projects and other objectives of the group. The success of LISH is dependent on a group effort, so please attend. Elections will be held shortly after with dues paying members only eligible to vote. For directions, please call 516 742 1662, days. This event is not sponsored by the Public Library. [TOC]In the Beginning
What's First?
The first thing that is needed is to develop a solid core of activists who are willing to take the necessary steps to get this project off the ground. The primary immediate goals for the group would be to distribute a regular newsletter, with contributions from many persons, hopefully, and arrange interesting and well publicized meetings. Therefore it would be wise to elect a Program Chair and Newsletter Editor at the earliest convenience with others in assisting positions, as well as Chairman, Treasurer, Counsel and Board of Directors. [TOC]Programs/Meetings
There will be two styles of meeting, essentially: The simpler type is a primarily a social kind of meeting where the theme may be food, and/or entertainment such as a play, outing or music. The other is the meeting where a guest speaker will appear for a lecture/debate with a question and answer session for the membership. A special meeting will be the group's Launch Meeting, where we first publicize to the general public the existence of our group. In programming all meetings, issues will include booking a meeting place, arranging for the guest speaker, publicity, child care if necessary, so that parents may attend, and so on. Of course, all ideas are encouraged and welcome. [TOC]Legal/financial Issues
We have the opportunity to gain tax exempt status, and a person to take the lead and file the necessary papers is sorely needed. The financial base of the group must also be explored, so that group programs can be implemented and the monetary burden shared. Accountants and attorneys are urged to consider volunteering for these important roles. If one cannot attend meetings easily or regularly, a contribution such as this would be greatly appreciated in its place. [TOC]The Newsletter
An editor for the newsletter should not be expected to write all the articles. In fact, ideally, the editor would simply arrange the contributions of group members. Of course, if the urge to write is strong, the editor will have a terrific opportunity to express themselves. Letters to the editor should be encouraged so the local humanist community knows what is on the minds of their neighbors. A modest goal for the newsletter may be a folded 11"x17" four page product on a monthly basis. [TOC]A Long-term Goal
In my meeting with Joann Mooney of the Council for Secular Humanism, she mentioned that a program is being developed for children of humanists. The program, expected in late 1999, will feature the kind of character building, critical thinking and ethics lessons that many parents may desire for their kids, but have nowhere to turn other than superstition-based church programs. We should seek to inquire of this program and if we choose, implement it in our communities. An alternative to segregated salvation focused instruction may have wide appeal beyond the humanist community and serve as a introduction to humanism for those who are curious. In addition, there exist many other long-term programs addressing humanist community needs that we should seek to explore as we grow. [TOC]Summary
A quick recap of immediate goals:
a) A formalized legal standing as a non-profit organization is important. Hopefully this can be done before the initial meeting.
b) Volunteers and nominations are needed for the various positions and offices to be filled. Willing persons should submit their names by the end of the first meeting for action to be taken by the second meeting.
c) Dues, estimated at $30/year shall be required in order to vote. Meetings shall remain free to the general public.
A newly formed group that is able to plan meetings up to six months in advance, with a mix of social and other style events, issue a monthly newsletter and complete the necessary legal work as a non profit group, would have accomplished something extraordinary. From this base, we can grow and serve our community needs. This should serve as the focus of our first meeting, and if we care enough to do it, it should certainly be feasible.
See you at the meeting! [TOC]