November 15, 2007

OC Atheists Community Charity Project

Friends,

At our November meeting, several of us discussed the issue of doing some good for the community and finding a charity to support both for the holiday season and beyond. I know a lot of the group is interested in this kind of work, so we'd like to make it official.

Here's what I need from you...

1. List a charity or charities that you feel would be appropriate for OC Atheists to sponsor and support. Any type is fine, but we'd really prefer they don't have a religious element, for obvious reasons. Groups that need time (volunteers), money, or both are all acceptable.

2. Use this space to discuss what you'd like to do to support any and all charities we're backing - direct donations, fund raising, events, etc. Also list the pros and cons, so others here can discuss the issue.

3. After some good discussion, use this space to get a consensus.

Even if you've never been to a meeting before, help us decide here. I'd like to have some plan in action so we can get some actual work done before our December 12 meeting. Thanks for your time and support!

Posted by mikebdoss at November 15, 2007 04:50 PM
Comments

I would recommned that you look at those that not religious by nature, but remember we don't want to be like the religious and be choosy. If are to be better than that kind of judgement, I don't recommend we go there. I can recommend two good ones; The Orange County Shelter for those that are less fortunate due to these Christian fundamentalists, and CHOC (Childrens Hospital of Orange County), Thus to show the world that we are not opinionated and insensitive to others due to some paradigm of rightiousness and arrogance. These are institutions that need help no matter who it is that gives.

Posted by: Robert Bowland at November 15, 2007 06:13 PM

I'm a member of a local Kiwanis Club, and I see similarities here for what we could be doing. They sponsor several specific charities, and engage in fundraising to help those charities, plus community events to support those and other needy people/organizations. I would recommend:
1. South County Outreach, which provides temporary housing for those in need, plus has a food bank and thrift shop (in Lake Forest)
2. working with OC Child Abuse Prevention, which has a good number of entities it supports, including Orangewood (home for abused kids) etc.
3. CHOC and its Ronald McDonald House are great causes too.

There are plenty of deserving charities out there. I think the key for us is simply to pick one or two to start with, and take it from there.

Dave

Posted by: Dave at November 19, 2007 01:39 PM

I like that South County Outreach does so many social programs - it's got my vote right now. If you'd like to read more, their website is http://www.sco-oc.org/.

That said, our options are open. Other thoughts?

Posted by: Michael Doss at November 19, 2007 03:39 PM

I'd say Second Harvest and/or Habitat for Humanity but I have no strong preference.

Posted by: Mary at November 19, 2007 04:50 PM

Any of the above organizations would be great. However, I would second OC Child Abuse Prevention and Orangewood as I have a preference for focusing on Children's issues.

Posted by: Scott at November 20, 2007 04:36 PM

There's a non-religious 12-step program out there. Can't remember the name. That might be something to look into.

Posted by: Gary Kephart at November 25, 2007 10:48 AM

I think we should go with South County Outreach - they seem to be doing good work, they're non-religious, and they're local. The Register did a story mentioning them at http://www.ocregister.com/news/norris-program-county-1929031-outreach-sufficient.

I'll make an announcement to the group before our next meeting so we can get on the fund raising bandwagon.

Posted by: Michael Doss at November 26, 2007 01:50 PM