Secular Coalition for Minnesota Monthly Conference Call
Location
Secular Coalition for America Minnesota Chapter
Conference Call Agenda
Call-in number: (530) 881-1400 Participant Access Code: 978895
Wednesday, September 19th at Noon CT
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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.
Government Update
November Elections
Federal
Senator Amy Klobuchar running for re-election
Democrat, first elected in 2006
Predicted to win
All 8 seats in the U.S. House are up for election
The Democratic Party holds 4 seats and the Republican Party holds 4 seats
Minnesota gained one seat after the 2010 census and will elect 10 representatives
State Senate
All 67 seats up for election
Republican party currently holds a 37-30 majority
Possible chamber majority switch: 16 incumbent senators have been paired together and there will be eight open seats with no incumbent.
State House of Representatives
All 134 seats up for election
Republican party currently holds a 72-61 majority
Possibly chamber majority switch: 30 incumbent representatives have been paired together and there will be 15 open seats with no incumbent
Chapter Development Status
Initial call summary: 6 callers, need to spread the word
Leadership
Executive Committee
Interested individuals:
August Berkshire
George Kane
Anyone one else interested?
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.
Resources Status
Website
MN.secular.org still under construction
Temporarily: Secular.org>States>Your State>Minnesota
Conference Calls
Initial organizing calls
Setting up the structure, identifying leadership, spreading the word about the calls and building momentum
After Official recognition
Educate and inform: track legislation, coordinate lobbying efforts and coordinate secular organizations.
Agendas and Call replays available online
Looking into forums
Logo
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
2012 Ballot Constitutional Amendment: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as marriage in Minnesota?"
Minnesota United for All Families- coalition including faith organizations, advocating to vote against this amendment
Any issues or events anyone would like to mention?
What the SCA is doing until the next call:
Getting resources in place
Researching technologies to assist in chapter coordination
Identifying leadership and putting Executive Committee members in contact with each other
What you can do:
Email Kelly@secular.org if interested in leadership or volunteering
Sign up on our website to receive info and updates
Like the Facebook page
Check out Minnesota's state chapters page for updates
Spread the word about the next conference call!
Next Conference Call Date and Time
October 17th at Noon CT
Third Wednesday of the month
Same call in number and code
My contact information
Kelly Damerow
Research and Advocacy Manager, Secular Coalition for America
Email: kelly@secular.org
Phone: 202-299-1091 ext. 204
Thank You!
Become a Secular Activist
