Secular Coalition for Ohio Monthly Conference Call
Location
Secular Coalition for America Ohio Chapter
Conference Call Agenda
Call-in number: (530) 881-1400 Participant Access Code: 978895
Thursday, September 20th at 2pm ET
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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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
U.S. Senate
Senator Sherrod Brown (D) is not running for re-election
Race leaning in his direction
U.S. House of Representatives
All 16 seats in the U.S. House are up for election
The Democratic Party holds 5 seats and the Republican Party holds 13 seats
Ohio State Senate
17 seats up for election
Republican Party holds a 23-10 majority
Ohio House of Representatives
All 99 seats up for election
Republican Party holds a 59-40 majority
Chapter Development Status
Initial call summary: 9 callers, need to spread the word
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
Interested individuals:
Mark Tiborsky
Doug Berger
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
OH.secular.org still under construction
Temporarily: Secular.org>States>Your State>Ohio
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
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 Ohio's state chapters page for updates
Spread the word about the next conference call!
Next Conference Call Date and Time
October 18th at 2pm ET
Third Thursday 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!
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