2013 Calendar
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JANUARY
Sat., Jan. 19, 2013 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
Sun., Jan. 27, 2013 2:00 pm, Annual Meeting,
Kirkwood Library, 6000 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington DE 19808.
We will review activities in and finances for 2012, and consider proposed activities and budget for 2013.
We will also deal with new officers for 2013. Members are needed to step forward to lead DAH for the next year.
If no new candidates are willing to serve, we will consider a bylaws amendment to allow the current officers to continue.
Monday, January 28, 2013, 7:00 pm at the
Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia
, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA
We support The Freethought Society (FS) and the Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia (EHSP),
who will host Katherine Stewart as the speaker for
Monday, January 28, 2013.
Stewart's presentation is based on her popular book, The Good News Club: The Christian Right's Stealth Assault on America's Children.
Left, Katherine Stewart
Right, The Good News Club: The Christian Right's Stealth Assault on America's Children
In January, 2009, Katherine Stewart learned that the Santa Barbara public elementary school her children attended had added a Bible study class
called the "Good News Club" to its afterschool program. She soon learned that the Good News Club—a seemingly spontaneous and
voluntary after-school program—was in fact part of a larger, calculated initiative by national advocacy groups whose declared aim is to "take back"
America's public schools and repurpose them with a Fundamentalist Christian agenda.
What happened in Stewart's community is happening nationwide: at the end of 2010 there were more than 3,500 Good News Clubs operating in public
schools across the country, and the number is rapidly increasing. What's more, a landmark 2001 Supreme Court ruling not only permits such an
unusual pairing of schooling and religion, it effectively makes it obligatory.
In The Good News Club: The Christian Right's Stealth Assault on America's Children, Stewart sets out on an investigative journey to uncover the
effect the Good News Clubs and similar initiatives have on our schools, children, and communities. She travels to dozens of cities and towns across
the country and visits regions famous for their piety, like west Texas and Alabama, as well as places known for the opposite, like Seattle and New
York City. Everywhere, she discovers religion-driven programs inserting themselves into public school systems with unprecedented force and
unexpected consequences.
The Christian Right's strategy to "take back America" is stealthy, calculated, extremely well-financed, and coming soon to a
neighborhood near you.
The presentation will take place at 7:00 PM at the Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia (1906 South Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania). Stewart will expose a well-funded, highly coordinated effort by Christian Nationalists to use public schools to advance a fundamentalist
agenda.
Stewart is an investigative journalist and author. She began her career working for the Village Voice, Newsweek International, Rolling Stone,
and Marie Claire. Stewart has also written for The New York Times, The Guardian, The Daily Beast, Bloomberg View, and Religion Dispatches.
Read more about Stewart and her eye-opening book
here.
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FEBRUARY
Sun., Feb. 10, 2013, 11:00 am, Darwin Day Brunch
Kid Shelleen's Charcoal House & Saloon,
1801 West 14th St., Wilmington DE 19806. Darwin Day is a global celebration of science and reason held on or
around Feb. 12 (Feb. 10 in our case), the anniversary of the birthday of evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin. Specifically, it
celebrates the discoveries and life of Charles Darwin, the man who first described
biological evolution via natural selection with scientific rigor. More generally, Darwin Day expresses
gratitude for the enormous benefits that scientific knowledge, acquired through human curiosity and
ingenuity, has contributed to the advancement of humanity. A sample proclamation follows.
Proclamation of "International Darwin Day"
Whereas, February 12, 2013, is the anniversary of the birth of
Charles Darwin in 1809; and
Whereas, Charles Darwin is recognized for the development of
the theory of evolution by the mechanism of natural selection; and
Whereas, Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is
recognized as the foundation of modern biology, an essential
tool in understanding the natural world and the development of
life on earth; and
Whereas, Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection has
provided and continues to provide, the basis for great advances
in science, medicine, and philosophy; and
Whereas, the anniversary of Darwin's birthday is an
appropriate period on which to reflect and celebrate the
importance of scientific advancement to all people; and
Whereas the City of Vancouver is rightfully proud of its
commitment to scientifically-based environmental awareness,
appropriate technology, and progressive education;
Now therefore, I, Gregor Robertson, Mayor of the City of
Vancouver, do hereby proclaim February 12, 2013, as
"International Darwin Day" in the City of Vancouver.
Sat. Feb. 16, 2013, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
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MARCH
Sat. Mar. 16, 2013, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
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APRIL
Sat. Apr 20. 16, 2013, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
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MAY
Sat. May 18, 2013, help us put a face on hunger and publicize the 2013 Wilmington
Grand Prix with an inspiring display of community spirit by being part of the Parade
to Fight Hunger. Meet at noon at 5th and Market Streets, to organize (stage) the
parade, which officially begins at 1:00 pm. Following the parade enjoy six blocks
of free family fun while pro and amateur cyclists compete for more than $25,000
in prizes. Enjoy a sidewalk sale and food/drink at cafes and vendors throughout
the festival course.
Sat. May. 18, 2013, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
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JUNE
Sat. Jun. 15, 2013, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
Sun. Jun. 30, 2013, 2:00 pm, Holy Hullabaloos: The State of Church/State Law in the United States
Jay Wexler, author of "Holy Hullabaloos: A Road Trip to the Battlegrounds of the Church/State Wars" will talk
about the various people and places he visited researching the book and about the current state of First
Amendment law in the United States.
Brandywine Hundred Branch Library, 1300 Foulk Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803
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JULY
Sat. Jul. 20, 2013, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
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AUGUST
Sat. Aug. 17, 2013, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
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SEPTEMBER
Sat. Sep. 21, 2013, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
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OCTOBER
Sat. Oct. 12, 2013, Frawley Stadium, Light the Night Walk to raise funds for the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society to help end cancer.
Click here to donate or join our team!
Sat. Oct. 19, 2013, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
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NOVEMBER
Sat. Nov. 16, 2013, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
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DECEMBER
Sat. Dec. 21, 2013, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
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2012 Calendar
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February
Sun., Feb. 12
, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, "Celebration of
Darwin's Birthday" Get
together for brunch at
Kid Shelleen's Charcoal House & Saloon,
1801 West 14th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806. [This
event substitutes for the Free Thinkers Forum for February.]
Sat., Feb. 18, 3:00 pm, "Is Christianity True or Good?"
Discussion program led by Paul Donahue at the
Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship of Newark, 420 Willa Rd., Newark DE 19711.
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March
Mar. 1 Free Inquiry Conference, Orlando FL.
Mar. 9, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, 118 Purnell Hall, U of D,
Newark DE. The Socratic Club at the University of Delaware
presents Professor Richard Hanley, speaking on the philosophy of
trans-humanism
or "Is living forever and resurrection of the dead within
science's reach and, if it is, should we desire it?"
Food will be provided.
Professor Richard Hanley is in UD's Philosophy Department, and he is author of the book "Is
Data Human? The Metaphysics of Star Trek."
Sat., Mar. 10, 3:00 pm, Brad Garrison, Atheist Party,
Discussion program at the Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship of Newark, 420 Willa Rd., Newark DE 19711.
CANCELLED due to unforeseen circumstance.
Sat. Mar. 17, 5:00 pm,
Freethinkers' Forum
, Dead Presidents Bar & Restaurant, 617 N. Union St., Wilmington DE 19805.
Mar. 24, Reason Rally
, The National Mall, Madison Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20011
Join other Humanists, atheists,, non-believers etc. from all over the nation
in this giant rally. Bus service is available from Wilmington and Dover.
Check out this link:
http://reasonrally.dcrallybus.com/. Fare is $20 per person.
See also the
AHA page
.
Mar. 31, Sat. 10:00 am, Adopt-a-Road Clean-up, Graylyn Crest Shopping Center, 1718 Marsh Road,
Wilmington, DE 19810. Join us afterwards for lunch.
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April
Sun., Apr. 8, Atheist's Brunch, [location to be
announced]
Sat., Apr. 21, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers' Forum
, Dead Presidents Bar & Restaurant, 617 N. Union St., Wilmington DE 19805.
Sat., Apr. 28, 3:00 pm, Discussion, "Pale Blue Dot: The Beauty of Fragility of our Mother Earth,"
led by David Martin, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark, 420 Willa Rd., Newark DE 19711.
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May
May 3, National Day of Reason is the secular answer to National Day of Prayer. The goal of
this effort is to celebrate reason (a concept all Americans can support) and to raise public
awareness about the persistent threat to religious liberty posed by government intrusion into
the private sphere of worship. Thus, National Day of Reason is a great way to serve our communities.
If your organization hasn't planned for this day yet, great idea include volunteering at a soup
kitchen or food bank, donating blood, cleaning up the highway. You might also want to ask your local
government leaders to stand behind you and request an official proclamation. If you want any help
in planning this, don't hesitate to contact Eric Nguyen at the American Humanist Association
(enguyen@americanhumanist.org).
Sat., May. 12, 3:00 pm,
Discussion program at the Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship of Newark, 420 Willa Rd., Newark DE 19711.
Sat., May 19, noon, annual Wilmington Grand Prix and the Hunger Awareness parade
March in the parade with our banner and/or staff the literature table.
Sat., May. 19, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers' Forum
, Dead Presidents Bar & Restaurant, 617 N. Union St., Wilmington DE 19805.
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June
Sat., Jun. 2, Public Contact Table at "Newark Night"
[details later].
Jun. 7-10, American Humanists Association, 71st Annual Convention, New
Orleans, LA.
Get more information and register now! See
Gloria
Steinem awarded Humanist of the Year, Debra Sweet awarded
Humanist Heroine,
Ira Flatow
awarded Isaac Asimov Science Award.
Margaret Downey, President, Freethought Society will
be a speaker.
Sat., Jun. 23, 2:00 pm Solstice-World Humanist Day Picnic,
Paul and Nancy Donohue's home, 18 Boulder Brook Drive, Wilmington, DE 19803.
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JULY
Saturday, July 21, 2012 5:00 PM Freethinkers Forum
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AUGUST - NOVEMBER
Sorry; too busy with election to update. [Webmaster]
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DECEMBER
Sat., Dec. 1, 2012, 3:00 pm, Human Tree of Knowledge 2012 rally and dinner
, Chester County [PA] Courthouse, High & Market Streets, West
Chester PA. Join the Freethought Society in their continuing demand
for the right to display a Tree of Knowledge on the grounds of the
Chester County Courthouse.
Wed., Dec. 5, 2012, 2:00 pm, What is Unique about Humanism, Osher Life Long Learning
Institute, Arsht Hall, 2700 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington DE 19806. Paul Donohue will speak about humanism in
the final of the series "Uniqueness of World Religions," in which religious leaders spoke about the factors
that differentiate each faith.
Sat., Dec. 15, 5:00 pm, Freethinkers Forum,
Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like.
Sun., Dec. 23, 2012 11:00 am HumanLight/Solstice Celebration,
Kid Shelleen's Charcoal House & Saloon,
1801 West 14th St., Wilmington DE 19806. Come welcome winter and share with
other humanists the elements of HumanLight. HumanLight presents an alternative reason to celebrate:
a Humanist's vision of a good future. It is a future in which all people can identify with each other.
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Activities
DAH marched with our banner in the Parade to Support the Food Bank at the May 21,
2011, Wilmington Grand Prix. We also had a table with literature available.
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DAH members attended a Friggatriskaidekaphobia 2011 Party on Friday,
May 13, 2011. The party was sponsored by the Freethought Society.
See pictures and a terrific write-up in the Freethrought Society
September-October 2011 newsletter.
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News
See our new
membership form!
Look for events at our site on
meetup.com.
DAH's 2012 Annual Meeting was held Sunday, January 29, at the Kirkwood Highway Public Library.
A motion was approved to amend the Bylaws, Article III
(Governance), Sec. 4 (Terms of Service), to limit Directors to
no more than three (3) full, consecutive terms, effective
immediately. Then, Alan Palmer, James Presley and Glen Schmiesing were reelected to the DAH Board.
We have an on-going series of informal discussions, our Freethinkers Forum, on the Third Saturday of each month
at 5:00 pm at Seasons Pizza
[Kirkwood Highway], 1112 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805. This meetup is for
people to freely discuss anything they would like..
Our lecture/discussion series co-sponsored by Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of
Newark (UUFN) and the Delaware Association for Humanism (DAH) is
suspended until further notice.
This series offers a philosophical examination of a wide range of questions in ethics and
value theory, with an accent on individual choices. The program
will allow an hour for discussion with
drinks and snacks provided. Donations are welcomed to help defray expenses.
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Book Section
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The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Nonbeliever
by
Christopher Hitchens
(Nov 6, 2007)
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The God Delusion
by
Richard Dawkins
(Jan. 16, 2008)
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The God Virus: How religion infects our lives and culture
by
Darrel W. Ray
(Dec. 5, 2009)
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God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything
by
Christopher Hitchens
(Apr. 6, 2009)
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