Secular Coalition for Wisconsin Monthly Conference Call
Location
Secular Coalition for America Wisconsin Chapter
Initial Organizing Conference Call Agenda
Call-in number: (530) 881-1400 Participant Access Code: 978895
Wednesday, September 12th at 2:00 pm ET/ 1:00 pm CT
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 Wisconsin 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
Capital city is Madison
Governor
Scott Walker, Republican elected in 2010
Won the recall election in June, 2012
Wisconsin State Legislature
Currently in recess
2012 session began January 10th and ran through March 16th, returned for limited business April 24th, there is no session limit length and they have not officially adjourned
Wisconsin State Senate has 33 members which serve 4 year terms, Democratically controlled with 17 Democrats, 15 Republicans and 1 vacancy
Wisconsin State Assembly has 99 members who serve 2 year terms, Republican controlled with 39 Democrats, 58 Republicans, 1 Independent and 1 vacancy
14 Senate seats and all 60 House seats up for election in November 2012.
Church/State Violations
A few example of previous or current laws, general practice, or religiously-inspired legislation seen in Wisconsin that fall within the Secular Coalition for America's scope as an organization are:
WI AB 337 - The bill aims to chip away at access to comprehensive sex education classes in Wisconsin public schools.
The Wisconsin state legislature opens with a prayer.
National issues sweeping the states
Reframing discrimination as "religious freedom" or "religious liberty"
Similar authorization of discrimination, this time by medical professionals with "Rights of Conscience" bills
Does anyone know any legislation or regulation in Wisconsin we should be watching?
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 Wisconsin 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
Wisconsin Lobbying Rules: LOBBYIST means an individual who is employed by a principal, or contracts for or receives economic consideration, other than reimbursement for actual expenses, from a principal and whose duties include lobbying on behalf of the principal.
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 Wisconsin operates and the best ways to meet the needs of the Secular Coalition for Wisconsin
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
The Wisconsin Legislature offers bill tracking upon free registration
http://notify.legis.wisconsin.gov/
CQ Statetrack
Full bill text and details
Committee hearings calendar
Customizable reports
Automatic web publishing
Website
Temporarily: Secular.org>States>Your State>Wisconsin
Conference Call dates, time, numbers
Call replays and Agendas
Sign up to receive alerts
WI.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 Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin with best practices in organizational development and lobbying to create the best structure for Wisconsin
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
Wednesday, October 10th at 2pm ET/ 1pm CT
Second 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
