Secular Coalition for Colorado Monthly Conference Call
Location
Secular Coalition for Colorado
Chapter of the Secular Coalition for America
Conference Call Agenda
Call-in number: (530) 881-1400 Participant Access Code: 978895
Tuesday, September 4th at 3pm ET/ 1pm MT
Welcome message
Who is here and not here that needs to be here?
Agenda available at secular.org state page
Explanation of conference call style and recording
No one is required to speak up, but there will be opportunities to do so.
Thank you for joining us for the Secular Coalition for Colorado monthly conference call!
Despite the fact that there are tens of millions of nontheistic Americans, we remain one of the most marginalized groups in the country.
The Secular Coalition for America is the only 501(c)(4) representing secular and nontheistic Americans.
The Secular Coalition for America is working to make sure that we are heard on Capitol Hill. We fight in Washington DC against religious privileging on a federal level, yet some of the most egregious violations of separation of church and state are being promoted and passed at a state level.
The Secular Coalition for America is forming state chapters across the country.
Our chapters will bring together secular Americans in each state to lobby on secular issues.
State Government
Colorado General Assembly
Out of session
Senate is currently Democratic controlled and the House is Republican controlled
November elections for 18 Senate seats and 65 House seats
Overview of the State Chapter Model
A Secular Coalition for America state chapter is unlike any other nontheistic state organization-it brings together interested organization and individuals for the exclusive purpose of lobbying.
Relationship to the SCA
Chapters are part of the SCA
Don't need to file any tax documentation
Covered under our C4 tax exemption
Have C4 Lobbying privileges to educate and lobby on ballot initiatives, legislation, regulations, meet with policymakers, etc.
Cannot "electioneer" - endorse or speak out against specific candidates
Same Mission- to increase the visibility of and respect for nontheistic viewpoints in the United States, and to protect and strengthen the secular character of our government as the best guarantee of freedom for all.
Similar Purpose - accomplish its mission through cooperation between local groups and coordinated state lobbying activities.
Chapters are representatives of the SCA
As lobbyists we must be the diplomats of the secular movement
Nonpartisan, respectful, diplomatic
We believe secular values are American values
Fundraising
Fundraising challenges prevent chapter growth
SCA will do all the fundraising and provide all resources the chapter needs
Donations will go to the SCA for the benefit of the state chapters
Official Chapter Recognition
Once your state chapter is organized, the executive committee and a representative of the SCA will sign a memo of understanding officially recognizing the Secular Coalition for Colorado and giving the group access to our resources.
Membership/Leadership
Executive Committee
Co-chairs: Ben Donahue and Murray Wallace
They are reaching out to individuals who have already expressed interest in the executive committee.
Anyone else interested in being a part of the Executive Committee?
Volunteer List
Those who do not wish to be on the Executive Committee, but still want to play an active role and help out once there is work to be done, please email me secularcoalitionofcolorado@gmail.com
Database
Sign up to receive action alerts to be part of a grassroots campaign when particular issues arise. Sign up online here.
Secular Coalition for America's Support for the Chapters
Conference Calls
Initial organizing calls
Focus on setting up the structure, identifying leadership, discussing how the legislature in Colorado operates and the best ways to meet the needs of the Secular Coalition for Colorado
After Official recognition
Future monthly calls will become a way to educate and inform: track legislation, coordinate lobbying efforts and coordinate secular organizations.
Agendas available online
Call replays available online
CQ Statetrack
Full bill text and details
Committee hearings calendar
Customizable reports
Automatic web publishing
Website
Temporarily: Secular.org>States>Your State>Colorado
Conference Call dates, time, numbers
Call replays and Agendas
Sign up to receive alerts
CO.secular.org subdomain
Uses our template, but you will be able to update information
Technical set-up work is happening now!
Use of our logo and name Secular Coalition for Colorado
Gmail Group Mailing List
For leadership to discuss which issues they should address and to coordinate action
Facebook Page
Future Resources
Promotional resources- brochures, stickers, buttons, handouts
Informational resources - Research, fact sheets and policy papers
Trainings and Guides - media and lobby trainings and guides
National Resources
Powerpoints -available at secular.org/resources
National Secular Calendar - secular.org homepage
National Secular Update Weekly Conference Call
Thursdays at Noon 559-726-1300 Code 199568
Issues/Events
Personhood Amendment fails to get on the ballot
Secretary of State Scott Gessler announced Wednesday August 29th that the proposed ballot measure fell 3,859 signatures short of the 86,105 they needed to qualify for the November ballot
Ascent of Atheism Conference
Labor Day weekend at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtown Denver
Hosted by the Atheist Alliance of America
Executive Director Edwina Rogers speaking Saturday September 1st at 5pm
President Herb Silverman speaking Saturday September 1st at 7:50pm
What the SCA is doing until the next call:
Building the website
Researching technologies to assist in chapter coordination
Turning over coordination of Secular Coalition for Colorado activities to our chapter leaders
What you can do:
Email secularcoalitionofcolorado@gmail.com if interested in leadership or volunteering
Sign up on secular.org to receive info and updates
Like the Facebook page
Check out Colorado's state chapters page for updates
Spread the word about the next conference call!
Next Conference Call Date and Time
October 2nd at 1pm MT
First Tuesday of the month
Same call in number and code
Contact information
Kelly Damerow
Research and Advocacy Manager, Secular Coalition for America
Email: kelly@secular.org
Phone: 202-299-1091 ext. 204
Ben Donahue and Murray Wallace
Executive Committee Co-chairs, Secular Coalition for Colorado
secularcoalitionofcolorado@gmail.com
Thank You!
Become a Secular Activist
