Secular Coalition for Maine Monthly Conference Call

Location

Thursday, September 13, 2012 - 13:00 - 13:30

Call In Details:

Phone Number: 530-881-1400 Participant Code: 978895

Secular Coalition for America Maine Chapter

Initial Organizing Conference Call Agenda

Call-in number: (530) 881-1400 Participant Access Code: 978895

Thursday, September 13^th at 1:00 pm ET

Welcome message

Who is here and not here that needs to be here?

Explanation of conference call style and recording

No one is required to speak up, but there will be opportunities to do so.

Agenda available at secular.org state page.

Thank you for joining us for this historic event. The inaugural Secular Coalition for Maine 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

Capital city is Augusta

Governor

Paul LePage, Republican elected in 2010

Maine governors are restricted to two consecutive terms in office, after which they must wait one term before being eligible to run again.

Maine State Legislature

Currently is adjourned

2012 session began January 4 and ran through April 14, was in recess from April 14 through May 13, and adjourned May 31.

Maine State Senate has 35 members which serve 2 year terms, Republican Party controlled with 15 Democrats, 19 Republicans and 1 Independent

Maine House of Representatives has 153 members who serve 2 year terms, Republican Party controlled with 71 Democrats, 77 Republicans, 1 Independent, 2 non-voting and 2 vacancies

The two non-voting members within the House represent the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe. The special Representatives can sponsor legislation relating to Natives and Native land claims, as well as co-sponsor any other legislation brought before the House, but are not allowed to submit an actual legislative vote.

All seats up for election in November 2012.

Church/State Violations

One example of previous or current laws, general practice, or religiously-inspired legislation seen in Maine that fall within the Secular Coalition for America's scope as an organization is Maine Statute Title 36 Section 652.1.c.6.b.iii offers a parsonage exemption--a form of government privileging of religion through tax exemptions.

National issues sweeping the states

Reframing discrimination as "religious freedom" or "religious liberty"

Similar authorization of discrimination, this time by medical professionals with "Rights of Conscience" bills

Does anyone know any legislation or regulation in Maine we should be watching?

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

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

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

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

Chapters are representatives of the SCA

As lobbyists we must be the diplomats of the secular movement

Nonpartisan, we believe secular values are American values.

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 Maine and giving the group access to our resources.

SCA's Support for the Chapters

Conference Calls

Initial organizing calls

Focus on setting up the structure, identifying leadership, discussing how the legislature in Maine operates and the best ways to meet the needs of the Secular Coalition for Maine

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

Bill Tracking

The Maine Legislature offers bill searching

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/default_ps.asp?PID=1456&snum=125

CQ Statetrack

Full bill text and details

Committee hearings calendar

Customizable reports

Automatic web publishing

Website

Temporarily: Secular.org>States>Your State>Maine

Conference Call dates, time, numbers

Call replays and Agendas

ME.secular.org subdomain

Uses our template, but you will be able to update information

Technical set-up work still needs to be done, hope to have up soon

Use of our logo and name Secular Coalition for Maine

Email Address for Chair/Co-Chairs

Executive Committee Chair's name at secular.org

Gmail Group Mailing List

For leadership to discuss which issues they should address and to coordinate action

Facebook Page

Set up for each state

Will add leadership as admins

Can schedule events

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

Leadership

Executive Committee

No set number of members or roles

Flexible to availability and strengths of individuals who want to get involved

Examples of Helpful Skills: leadership skills, familiarity with local groups, monitor legislation, conduct lobbying visits, mobilize grassroots, IT or website knowledge, social networking familiarity, comfortable speaking with press

Maine Lobbying Rules: LOBBYING: To communicate directly with any government official for the purpose of influencing any legislative action when reimbursement for expenditures or compensation is made for those activities.

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 Kelly@secular.org.

Database

What the SCA is doing until the next call:

Coordinating the lobbying needs of Maine with best practices in organizational development and lobbying to create the best structure for Maine

Identifying leadership

What you can do:

Like the Facebook page

Check out your state chapters page for updates

Spread the word about the next conference call!

Next Conference Call Date and Time

Thursday, October 11^th at 1pm ET

Second Thursday of the Month

same call in number and code