Secular Coalition for North Dakota Monthly Conference Call
Location
Secular Coalition for America North Dakota Chapter
Initial Organizing Conference Call Agenda
Call-in number: (530) 881-1400 Participant Access Code: 978895
Monday, October 8th at 4pm ET/ 3pm CT/ 2pm MT
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 North Dakota 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
Governor
Jack Dalrymple, Republican appointed in 2010 after John Hoeven resigned to run for Senate, running for re-election
North Dakota Legislative Assembly
No 2012 legislative session, only convene on odd-numbered years
Senate has 47 members which serve 4 year terms. Controlled by the Republican Party with 35 Republican s and 12 Democrats
The House of Representatives has 94 members who serve 4 year terms. Controlled by the Republican Party with 69 Republicans and 25 Democrats
23 Senate seats and 47 House seats up for election in November 2012.
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 North Dakota and giving the group access to our resources.
Membership/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
Lobbying Rules for North Dakota
LOBBYIST : seek the introduction of legislation or to promote, oppose, or influence in any manner the passage by the Legislature of any legislation affecting the special interests of any agency, individual, association, or business, as distinct from those of the whole people of the state,
Lobbying Registration Information:
Cost: A lobbyist must have an official name badge which is issued when they register, and they must wear the badge at all times when lobbying. Lobbyists must also file a written authorization from their employer stating that they are authorized to lobby on the employer's behalf. The registration fee is $40
Online Link: http://sdsos.gov/content/viewcontent.aspx?cat=adminservices&pg=/adminser...
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
Sign up to receive action alerts to be part of a grassroots campaign when particular issues arise. Sign up online here.
SCA's Support for the Chapters
Conference Calls
Initial organizing calls
Focus on setting up the structure, identifying leadership, discussing how the legislature in North Dakota operates and the best ways to meet the needs of the Secular Coalition for North Dakota
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
State house bill tracking
CQ Statetrack
Full bill text and details
Committee hearings calendar
Customizable reports
Automatic web publishing
Website
Temporarily: Secular.org>States>Your State>North Dakota
Conference Call dates, time, numbers
Call replays and Agendas
Sign up to receive alerts
ND.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 North Dakota
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
What the SCA is doing until the next call:
Coordinating the lobbying needs of North Dakota with best practices in organizational development and lobbying to create the best structure for North Dakota
Conducting outreach
Identifying leadership
What you can do:
Contact us if interested in leadership
Sign up on our website to receive info and updates
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
November 12th at 4pm ET/ 3pm CT/ 2pm MT
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
