Resources
Principles, Objectives and Bylaws
Links
Atheists and Agnostics of Wisconsin is the official blog of AAW.
Bank of Wisdom books are exact copies of old Scholarly and needed books, and sets of books, on the subjects of Atheism, Freethought, Religion, History, Philosophy, Science, Politics, Economics, and other important subjects that have been suppressed and not readily available to the general public.
Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty (CHILD, Inc.) is a non-profit national membership organization established in 1983 to protect children from abusive religious and cultural practices, especially religion-based medical neglect. CHILD opposes religious exemptions from duties of care for children. CHILD is a member of the National Child Abuse Coalition.
RehabCenter.net – For individuals who are not looking to a higher power to overcome addiction, a non-religious rehab may be the best option. These programs follow an evidence-based plan of proven addiction treatment methods that focus on a holistic, individualized approach, that treats the person as a whole.
EvilBible.com – Fighting Against Immorality in Religion
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is the largest association of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics) in the United States. FFRF has been working since 1978 to promote freethought and to keep state and church separate.
The Freethought Society of Wisconsin serves humanists and individuals who celebrate mankind’s efforts to understand the universe and solve human problems without turning to myth, superstition, or faith-based beliefs. We provide social gatherings for those who are committed to freedom of thought, critical reasoning, and a strict separation of church and state, by arranging speakers and presentations on a wide range of current issues. This gives us an opportunity to meet and discuss the moral and ethical consequences of society’s actions.
Minnesota Atheists is Minnesota’s oldest and largest atheist organization. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit, educational organization that seeks to promote the positive contributions of atheism to society and to maintain separation of state and church.
Secular Coalition for Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s state chapter of the Secular Coalition for America. A Secular Coalition for America state chapter is unlike any other nontheistic state organization — it brings together interested organizations and individuals for the exclusive purpose of lobbying government officials.
Skepticism 101: the Skeptical Studies Curriculum Resource Center is a comprehensive, free repository of resources for teaching students how to think skeptically. This Center contains an ever-growing selection of books, reading lists, course syllabi, in-class exercises, PowerPoint presentations, student projects, papers, and videos that you may download and use in your own classes.
The Web’s Best Videos on Evolution, Creationism, Atheism and More: a fantastic resource, full of videos that answer just about every question a person could have on evolution, atheism, and much more. Check it out!
Podcasts
SGU (Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe)
Principles, Objectives and Bylaws
Organizational Structure
La Crosse Area Freethought Society (LCAFS)
First Revision
Originally Adopted April 12, 2010
Freethinker: a person who forms opinions about religion on the basis of reason, independent of tradition, authority or established belief. Freethinkers may include atheists, agnostics, humanists and rationalists.
LCAFS’ MISSION
To promote positive freethought, the separation of Church and State, and the application of reason and science to human understanding.
OPERATING PRINCIPLES, OBJECTIVES AND BYLAWS
- Conduct the business of LCAFS ethically, honestly and with courtesy to others.
- Promote and exemplify that Freethinkers are reasonable, thoughtful, civil and caring people.
- Demonstrate by example that principled conduct is not dependent upon religion or a supernatural being, but by treating others as we ourselves would like to be treated.
- Whenever possible, increase awareness of Freethought positions.
- Promote the application of science and reason to all areas of human understanding believing this to be the most reliable means of arriving at truth.
- Encourage objective and non-dogmatic education.
- Do good works for others on behalf of Freethought.
- Create opportunities for Freethinkers to meet for open exchange of ideas and mutual support.
- Provide venues for Freethinkers and their families to get together in social settings.
- Volunteer for presence at community events.
- Establish a civil method of responding to local attacks on Freethought or free inquiry.
- Lobby for the inclusion of Freethought view in local government decision-making and policy.
- Take a strong and consistent position against any unconstitutional mingling of government and religion and against discrimination of all people.
ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE
Membership
Membership is open to anyone who supports our Operating Principles and Objectives and requests to join as a Member. Non-Members, or guests, are those persons who may, from time to time, attend social gatherings or business meetings but who will not have voting rights nor receive emails within the LCAFS list serve.
Non-Profit Status
LCAFS is not a 501(c)3 organization. We do not have dues associated with membership; however, from time to time, we may request, and welcome, voluntary donations to assist in sponsoring special events, comply with LCAFS business matters, or other circumstances deemed appropriate by the Board and approved by the members.
Board of Directors, Officers and Election
The Board of Directors consists of five officers elected by a majority vote of the membership at the Annual Meeting held in March every even-numbered year. The Board of Directors will hold office for a term of two years; if a position becomes vacant within any term, parties interested in filling the vacancy may express their willingness to fill that position via the LCAFS listserv email. The Board will meet at least once per calendar quarter (or more if necessary). Unless requested by at least two Board members, email communication may be used as authorized Board meetings.
Officers’ Duties
President: preside at Board meetings and general meetings of LCAFS; act as ex-officio member of all committees, with the exception of the nominating committee; represent LCAFS at meetings outside the purview of LCAFS.
Vice President: act in lieu of the President when the President is unavailable; serve as co-signer for the Secretary-Treasurer for any disbursement of LCAFS funds.
Secretary-Treasurer: attend organizational meetings (general and board) and record the official minutes; maintain copies of all organizational meetings and important correspondence; act as the custodian of the organization’s funds; maintain records of the LCAFS bank account; prepare financial reports for the Annual Meeting.
Members At Large (2): when requested, or needed, serve as chairpersons to committees; act on behalf of the secretary/treasurer when needed.
Meetings
The Annual Meeting of the membership for the purpose of elections will be held on even-numbered years; additional annual meetings of the membership may be held on the odd numbered years. Social meetings for the entire membership and guests may be held anytime throughout the year. Notice of social occasions will be sent to the entire membership through the LCAFS list serve emails.
Roberts’ Rules of Order may be invoked by a Board Member or at the request of any member in good standing and approved by a majority of the Board Officers present.
By the decision of the BoaRd of Directors, a membership may be revoked in cases where the behavior of any member is deemed to be abusive or threatening to any other person attending an LCAFS meeting, social gathering, or in any written or verbal communications.
Assets
All assets are owned by the membership. They may be used only in furtherance of scheduled events or LCAFS business as approved by the Board. The treasurer will prepare a report on assets and expenditures to the Board at the time of an Annual Meeting or upon request by the Board.
Affiliations
LCAFS may affiliate with other groups that support our Operating Principles and Objectives. Any expenditures or additional rules established by other affiliated groups must have the approval of the LCAFS membership.
Changes to Structure or Bylaws
Any amendment to the organizational structure of LCAFS or to Bylaws affecting the Operating Principles and Objectives must be made in writing to the Board of Directors. Upon Board approval, these changes or amendments must be approved by a majority of the membership at the next Annual Meeting.
Presented to attending members at LCAFS Annual Meeting on March 25, 2017.
