Secular Coalition for Washington Monthly Conference Call
Location
Secular Coalition for America Washington Chapter
Conference Call Agenda
Call-in number: (530) 881-1400 Participant Access Code: 978895
Tuesday, September 18th at 1pm PT
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 Washington 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.
Government Update
November Elections
Federal
Senator Maria Cantwell running for re-election
Democrat, first elected in 2000
Predicted to win
All 10 seats in the U.S. House are up for election
The Democratic Party holds 5 seats and the Republican Party holds 4 seats
Washington gained one seat after the 2010 census and will elect 10 representatives
Governor
Candidates:
Jay Inslee (D) former member of the U.S. House of Representatives 1992-2012
Rob McKenna (R) current Attorney General
Considered a toss-up
State Senate
26 seats up for election
Democratic party currently holds a 27-22 majority, unlikely to change
Possible the chamber majority could switch
7 incumbents retiring: 5 Democrats and 2 Republicans
State House of Representatives
All 98 seats up for election
Democratic party currently holds a 56-42 majority, unlikely to change
21 incumbents retiring: 10 Republicans and 11 Democrats
Chapter Development Status
Initial call summary: 18 callers from all over the state, variety of organizations represented
Leadership
Executive Committee
Interested individuals:
John Lawhead
Scotty Mack
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
WA.secular.org still under construction
Temporarily: Secular.org>States>Your State>Washington
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 Washington's state chapters page for updates
Spread the word about the next conference call!
Next Conference Call Date and Time
October 16th at 1pm PT
Third 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!
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