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A message from Randy

New Year—New Call to Get Involved
  
With the beginning of 2011, Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers as a group and members as individuals are starting a new year.  The past year has been one of learning how to support one another and building on our past successes.  We have been successful in becoming established in the community and in networking with other groups in the area.  So with this in mind I want to encourage you all to find ways to get involved in this coming year.
  
There are many, many ways to get involved.  There are numerous groups, events and causes that we can support in various ways.  We encourage folks to find groups and ways to support the causes of separation of church and state, challenging religious superstition and speaking out about atheism and secularism.  IAF is affiliated with several groups and we have links on the website to other worthy groups.  We also try to keep our members informed about what is happening in terms of conferences and events.
  
Just a mention about the Darwin Week put on by the students at University of Northern Iowa.  This event will take place in the second week of February and will have a strong line up of speakers and events.  IAF is supporting their efforts.  If possible, we may have some folks go there to attend the events.
  
Of course, most have heard by now that the American Atheists International (AAI) will have their national convention in Des Moines in April of 2011.  I am please to say that several folks have volunteered time to help with the event.  IAF will be involved and need people to help with our activities such as having a table to promote IAF and provide information and merchandise.
  
There will be other such opportunities to attend events and conferences throughout the year.  However, there will be opportunities to get involved here locally via IAF events and activities.
  
  • IAF with the Freedom from Religion Foundation will be registering our objections to the opening of each legislative session in prayer.  If you wish you are encouraged to write to legislators protesting this activity.  With the legislative session opening on January 10th, sending letters or email would be needed at the beginning of the session.
  • As mentioned, we will be recruiting volunteers for the AAI convention and your help is needed.  You can contact me or other board members to volunteer. 
  • We will have other events during the year such as the National Day of Reason, booths at the farmers’ markets, and involvement in the Pride Parade and Festival.
  • We will continue the educational and social events during the year.  Please continue to check on the meet up site for events.  If you have ideas for events, please let me and other board members know.
  
This will be a challenging time with the political scene in Iowa.  There will be moves in the Iowa legislature to pass bill restricting rights such as same sex marriage and women’s reproductive rights and promoting an agenda based on the conservative and religious right’s views of the world.  It will be important to keep an eye on the Iowa General Assembly website and track bills that either call for our support or opposition.   
  
So we need to work together.  IAF needs support via volunteers and financial support to continue to work with you to promote our views and be heard.  It is time again to step up and be heard.

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