Doing good for goodness' sake.

This event is being hosted by Jeff Wismer, not Beltway Atheists. Jeff has also created a facebook page with more information.

Also, please remember, we (Beltway Atheists) are collecting clothing at Festivus for DC Coalition for the Homeless!

Who: LOCAL ATHEISTS/AGNOSTICS/SECULAR HUMANISTS
This event is not affiliated with Beltway Atheists.
It is also rumored that there will be a special appearance from FESTIVUS CLAUS!!!

What: Tabling/Charitable event. We will set up our usual tent & table along with the banner that the American Humanists Association has allowed us to borrow, and hand out our festive holiday information packets while a few of us will hand out sweaters that we have thanks to the generous donation from American Atheists.

When: SUNDAY December 7th, from NOON until 2:00pm

The 7th of December for the event described below is significant for two (2) reasons:

#1:::Yes it is Pearl Harbor Day (Atheists in Foxholes Sweaters)

#2::::The 7th is also the personal anniversary of my first meeting with any local atheists in which I first announced my visions for the future of local activism based on my experience in community service albeit with the church.

Where: Dupont Circle Park (where the water fountain is) on the grassy area

Why: I feel like I do need to address this issue as to WHY we are doing this, b/c there are bound to be some immediate concerns/questions.

Yes I do understand some atheists/agnostics/secular humanists point of view about this being an imitation of Xian like behavior and points in heaven...catholic point system...yada yada yada.....Point well taken, BUT I do feel strongly about this being public and this is WHY:

1. We are not xians therefore we don't give a hoot about the holier than thou perception of public charity, b/c we don't buy into the b.s. theory or reasoning that a good deed done in secret or done in anonymity are the ONLY Valid reasons. Nor do we believe that by asking the media to cover this is somehow no better than Xians seeking some sort of moral positive reinforcement to cover up and distract from all the divisive and destructive behavior and M.O. they do (i.e. calvary church in sterling, FLDS, and Proposition 8)

2. We can stand on the street corner, on debating podiums, and write books about how messed up organized religion is...but in the Court of Public Opinion they get cut all the slack and receive the benefit of the doubt b/c I believe that people see them as the only ones that do most if not all of the charitable works (part ignorance part whatever) but we know that's not true b/c of organizations like the one I work for AmeriCorps...and others like United Way, Habitat for Humanity...etc etc etc...So this is a way to get some more credibility and sway in our direction so that many will not continue to think that organized religion has the monopoly on such things (which they don't)...and it may open up a few more people to listening to our side of the story, and gives us an other opportunity to point out the secular charities in the world.

3. We need positive publicity. The great works of literature that the 4 horseman have done has brought out a lot of good debate and discussion in the public arena, but it's also brought out A LOT of negative backlash that has been covered very well by the press. Our event will introduce another type of story which gives the press another positive angle to cover atheism/agnosticism/secluar humanism.

4. We're a local group, not a national one with tons of money flowing in...so this looks a lot more impressive, and a lot more of a sacrifice and effort that would need to be put into this event. I have a lot of experience in this line of work (which I'll be happy to show you all if necessary), and I know how this comes across to the general public...this is a win win scenario folks.

5. Yes I'm pushing this before the holidays for obvious sentimental reasons..and reasons that make sense if you couple this action with the public advertising on DC Metro buses that the AHA has done specifically for the holiday season...So you can say this is another strategic move in the war on Xmas and the perception that organized religions do most of the charitable works.

I'll stop right there...b/c those are 5 excellent reasons to do this. AS you all know I'm not closed minded, and I'm open for criticism and questioning of my motives/logical set-up of the event. But as you also now that I'm very good and standing up for myself, and I will be happy to defend my line of reasoning once again...much like I was when I pushed for tabling outside the Values Voter Summit in September and we all know how that turned out (see Obama Waffles controversy).

This event is not affiliated with Beltway Atheists.