AAR is also doing another event on April 30th from 5-6pm: "EVOLUTION IS FACT AND IT IS THE UNIFYING CONCEPT OF BIOLOGY", A lecture about evolution by UCI's Professor Ayala. Visit the group's website for more info

For the past 13 months I've been invited to attend the Laguna Beach Interfaith Council meetings representing the non-church affiliated in Laguna Beach. At today’s meeting, by some coincidence, the South County Outreach Program was on the meeting agenda with Thomas Whaling and Megan Smith making presentations. When the subject of food collection came up, I interjected that just last week about 40 atheists collected 200 pounds of non-perishable food and considerable money for South County Outreach. Megan verified that Orange County Atheists were very generous to SCO. In closing I mentioned that even though we (atheists) may not go to church, we can still be generous and giving. I think, as they say in my native Nu Yawk, we done good today (at least with the Laguna Beach faithful).

2) Have a protest at the next vote. Though this probably won't change their votes, at the very least it will get into the news (and thus the general public) that there are people strongly against mixing government and religion. It's suggested that people dress nicely (business casual is good enough) and to act professionally. Those that are willing to speak at the council meeting (you can live anywhere) may make a difference, but if you can just show up to support the group that would be great too.

Villa Park (near anaheim) is the next city to vote. Their meeting is on:
Tuesday April 22nd at 6:30pm
17855 Santiago Blvd., Villa Park, CA 92861
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=17855+Santiago+Blvd.%2C+Villa+Park%2C+CA+92861&hl=en

If anyone has some writing skills, if you could post sample letters to city councilmembers then that would help us out a lot! Also anyone with ideas or experience at protests please offer some tips!

Remember that we'll be collecting non-perishable food for South County Outreach, and Ed from SCO will be there to talk to us about some volunteer opportunities. Please bring canned foods or cash, if you'd like to donate. If you don't know what to bring, SCO can always use peanut butter and jelly -they are some of their most popular items. A list of other needed items are available here.

SCO provides food, clothing and transitional housing for people in need in Orange County, and it'd be great if we can give them a little help in the non-holiday season. Thanks!

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...

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!