SCSC Conf Agenda

SCSC 1st Annual (Virtual) Conference

Date: Nov. 13, 2021, 9am-5pm PST

Registration link on Zoom: https://bit.ly/3Bjz0Bi

Conference Objectives:

  • Demonstrate how various secular groups through SoCal are working together to make a difference in our communities

  • Give everyone who considers themselves to have 'secular values' in SoCal an opportunity to find a group to engage with, and become involved

  • Represent diversity in our movement: age, ethnicity, backgrounds, viewpoints

Agenda (Subject to Change):

8:30-9a Informal check-in and chat

9-10:30a History and future of the secular movement

  • Michael Werner, President, Humanist Foundation

  • Phil Zuckerman, Secular Studies Dean, Pomona Pitzer; (Exec. Dir., Humanist Global Charity)

  • Joe Blankholm - UCSB professor - update on their latest research project on 'nones'

  • Bailey and Elle Harris - Youth in Action!

10-11a SCSC Overview and update (highlight unique programs from each group)

  • Americans United for Separation of Church and State

  • Backyard Skeptics

  • Humanist Association of Orange County

  • Humanist Society of Santa Barbara

  • Humanist Community of Ventura County

  • Freethought Society

11-12p State of Secular Advocacy (Q&A after each speaker)

  • Rachel Laser, Pres/CEO, Americans United for Separation of Church and State

  • Debbie Allen, Exec. Dir., Secular Coalition for America

12-1p Lunch - social networking and discussion; breakout rooms available

1-2:30p Key Secular Programs (for us to know about and support!)

  • Humanist Global Charity (Hank Pellissier, Founder)

  • Foundation Beyond Belief (Tif Ho, Exec. Dir.)

  • Recovering from Religion, Secular Therapy Project (Darrel Ray)

  • Secular Rescue (CFI with seculars at risk overseas) (Wafa Bahra, CFI)

  • The Translations Project (Wafa Bahra, CFI)

  • The Clergy Project (Lon Ostander, Pres)

  • Humanist celebrants (Reba Wooden, CFI)

2:30-3p Engaging with Related secular groups, causes

  • UU churches / UU Humanist Assoc (Karen Stoyanoff)

  • Secular Jewish communities (Bev Zarnow,Kahal AM)

  • Hispanic American Freethinkers (Arlene Rios)

  • Other (UNA, Indiginous, LGBTQ etc.)

  • United Nations Association (Dave Rice, Pres., OC chapter)

3-3:10p Break

3:10-4:30p Breakouts on CASE (3 segments: Community, Advocacy, Service - how our groups can grow in each area - 15-20 min each

  • Community (small groups, 3D etc.)

  • Advocacy (So Cal Advocacy Group)

  • Service (Local 2030, food programs etc.)

4:30-5p Panel Discussion: How We Can Help Grow the Secular Movement

5:00p Close (more networking available - virtual happy hour!)

After Virtual happy hour! Networking, social time