By Eric Jayne
Minnesota Atheists had an incredible (some might say “unbelievable”) year in 2012. Thanks to great leadership and enthusiasm from our board and general members we were able to take on new and significant projects that helped to promote our brand of Positive Atheism in Action. I’d like to take a moment to celebrate some of our accomplishments this year.
In some ways it feels like it’s been several years ago, but it was only this past January that we erected our first ever billboard campaign. After receiving design feedback and financial assistance from American Atheists and our own members, we were able to put up two billboards—one in Minneapolis and one in St. Paul.
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Read more: 2012: An Unbelievably Positive Year for MN Atheists
"You're an atheist? Oh, you must be lonely and miserable during the holidays."
"No, not at all. I celebrate too."
"What? What do you celebrate?"
You know how it goes. People who have never gotten far enough outside Christianity to look back in and realize that Santa Claus isn't Jesus and eggnog wouldn't have kept well in Israel just can't wrap their heads around the idea of secular holidays. They can't quite figure out how we manage to make festive without the bible, even though theirs doesn't make an appearance when everyone is sitting around the Christmas tree.
So we're going to help them out. The only catch is that to do that, we're going to need some help.
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Read more: Unholy Days: An Atheists Talk Radio Special
Announcing the 13th Annual Freethought Winter Solstice Celebration! It's the most fun you will have all year!
This is a joint production of Minnesota Atheists and the Humanists of Minnesota and will be hosted this year by Minnesota Atheists.
Join us on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at Jimmy’s Event Center - 3565 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110 (two blocks east of I-35 & Cty Rd E). Our special guest star is Dan Barker, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Dan will perform selections from his freethought music albums. Also featured is a comedy act by the Freethought Players and music by the Freethought Band with guest vocalists.
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Read more: Freethought Winter Solstice Celebration
Dear Friend,
As you may already know, Minnesota Atheists is making a difference every day by building a positive atheist community that actively promotes secular values through educational programs, social activities and participation in public affairs. Your generous support will enable us to continue our hard work to build a secular America.
Join us on November 15, for Minnesota’s Give to the Max Day, and help us win a $1,000 Golden Ticket. By partnering with GiveMN—an online giving website for Minnesota nonprofits—Minnesota Atheists will have 25 chances to maximize your gift on Give to the Max Day!
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Read more: Give to the Max Day: November 15, 2012
By George Kane
The October issue of our newsletter included an article by Minnesota Atheists’ Associate President Eric Jayne on the voter photo ID constitutional amendment on the November ballot. Beneath the banner the Editor ran a disclaimer stating “The opinions expressed herein are solely those of Eric Jayne and are not necessarily those of Minnesota Atheists.” This may have led new readers of the newsletter to wonder if Minnesota Atheists has official political positions – and, if so, how those positions fit with their own.
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Read more: News and Notes
