Secular Coalition for Pennsylvania Monthly Conference Call
Location
Secular Coalition for America Pennsylvania Chapter
Conference Call Agenda
Call-in number: (530) 881-1400 Participant Access Code: 978895
Tuesday, September 4th at 2:00 pm 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 Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania General Assembly
In session through November 30th
In recess right now, will reconvene September 24th
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 Pennsylvania and giving the group access to our resources.
Membership/Leadership
Executive Committee
Co-chairs: Justin Vacula and Brian Fields
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 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.
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 Pennsylvania operates and the best ways to meet the needs of the Secular Coalition for Pennsylvania
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
Pennsylvania's General Assembly has Bill Tracking and Daily Session update emails. There is a 10 bill limit for tracking.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/DSU/subscribe.cfm
CQ Statetrack
Full bill text and details
Committee hearings calendar
Customizable reports
Automatic web publishing
Website
Temporarily: Secular.org>States>Your State>Pennsylvania
Conference Call dates, time, numbers
Call replays and Agendas
Sign up to receive alerts
PA.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 Pennsylvania
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
Issues/Events
PA Nonbelievers Conference
September 28th - 30th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Harrisburg, PA
Atheistpa.org
Eliza Kashinsky, Chief of Staff of the Secular Coalition for America will be speaking
Signing ceremony to sign the Memo of Understanding that officially recognizes the Secular Coalition for Pennsylvania!
Religious child care bill
Senate Bill 1134 introduced by Senator Corman, similar bill in the House
It would relax the requirements for religiously affiliated child-care centers
Met with the Early Care and Education Consortium last week, we plan to coordinate efforts on this bill
Outlook- the bill will likely be tabled for 2012 and picked up again in 2013
What the SCA is doing until the next call:
Building the website
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 Pennsylvania's state chapters page for updates
Spread the word about the next conference call!
Next Conference Call Date and Time
October 2nd at 2pm
First Tuesday 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
