AAACon2013

Now I know this is a UK site, but I highly recommend this event over in the USA. I started going to atheist conventions is the USA back in 2009 (and I was present athe the magnificent Lawrence Krauss “Universe From Nothing” talk). I have made many good friendships with our fellow heathens “across the pond” who I remain in contact with to this day (and hope to see at this convention). It also reminds me of how important the work we are doing is. The problems that do occur in the US and other countries across the word solidify how marginalised and persecuted (yes I will use that word) some people are simply for not believeing in the Sky Fairy.

It can also be the centrepiece of a great holiday!

So the Atheist Alliance of America present the “Shout Heard Around The World!” Convention in Boston over the US Labor Day weekend (30th August – 1st September 2013).

Highlights include:

Host Seth Andrews, (Host of the “Thinking Atheist Podacst”), thepresentation of the Richard Dawkins Award to Steven Pinker, and keynote speaker Paula S. Aspell (senior executive producer of NOVA who commissioned the brillaint documentary on the Dover Trial) as keynote speaker.

I’m already booked up, hope to see you there!

The Apostasy Project

The Rationalist Association has launched The Apostasy Project which aims to support and provide information to those that have chosen, or are thinking about, leaving their religion. This is something that needs to be supported if we wish to achieve our goal of advancing atheism. Also at time of writing they have only achived 11% of their required funding so if you, every little helps!

From their Website:

The problem: Many people around the world are suffering because they cannot be honest about their lack of belief in the god of their parents, community or country. They are caught between their desire to live honestly and the fear of losing their loved ones or the support of their community. They might even face violent reprisal. The decision to leave your faith behind can be scary, disorienting and lonely.

Our solution: If you are questioning your faith or wanting to leave your religion you need help and support. You may be leaving behind family, friends and community, but where are you going and how do you get there? The Apostasy Project will help by offering guidance and resources and direct access to others who have been through the same experience. When you doubt your faith it can feel like you have nowhere to turn. The Apostasy Project will fill this gap, and offer reliable information and, more importantly, a sense of community. The project is not about criticising religion but supporting the right to choose what you believe.

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief…”

How you can help: Donate now so we can build a stock of resources and a network of advisors to start helping those in need. Without the financial support of the secular community these people will go unsupported. We want to raise £20,000 so we can fully fund the first phase of the project and make sure that these people have the chance to live honest, fulfilling lives, with freedom to believe what they choose.

Why we need £20,000: Providing the full-time support and resources we want to takes time and skill, which means, ultimately, money. We want to be able to pay our expert editors to produce high-quality resources – like a “coming out” guide, podcasts and video – we want to be able to staff an email helpline that can provide guidance to individuals, and keep up regular blogging to inform the community about what’s going on, and develop a website for all of this to sit on. We have a team of people from a variety of faith backgrounds – evangelical Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness – ready to share their experiences and support others going through the same issues. But we need your support to make it happen.

Other ways you can help: Making a donation towards our £20,000 target is the most immediate way to help. But we know that for some this is not possible, so we also welcome offers to help out with our work (especially those who have left faiths not yet represented in the project). And please spread the word.

If you want to help or get involved get in touch at info@rationalist.org.uk

 

The Omega Mission

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Empowering Women Through Secularism Conference

Atheist Ireland in accociation with the Atheist Alliance Internation present the Empowering Women Through Secularism Conference. To be held at the O’Callahagn Alexander Hotel on 28th-30th June 2013.

The Atheist Alliance International will also be holding its AGM during the course of the conference and all members are welcome to attend.

Speakers include:

• Ivana Bacik, Irish Senator and member of Atheist Ireland
• Dan Barker, Freedom From Religion Foundation, USA
• Ophelia Benson, author and commentator, USA
• Ann Brusseel, Member of Flemish Parliament, Belgium
• Mairin de Burca, writer and secularist, Ireland
• Carlos Diaz, President Atheist Alliance International, Argentina
• Jane Donnelly, Education Policy Officer Atheist Ireland
• Annie Laurie Gaylor, Freedom From Religion Foundation, USA
• Anthea McTiernan, reproductive rights activist and journalist
• PZ Myers, science professor and blogger, USA
• Maryam Namazie, Council of Ex-Muslims in Britain, Iran
• Taslima Nasrin, novelist and activist, Bangladesh and India
• Michael Nugent, Chairperson Atheist Ireland
• Nina Sankari, Polish Rationalist Association
• Farhana Shakir, lawyer and legal consultant, Pakistan
• Kate Smurthwaite, comedian and activist, Britain
• Anne Marie Waters, One Law for All Campaign, Britain
• Rebecca Watson, Skepchick network, USA

For full details and booking information please go to the Conference Website.

 

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