Jefferson Humanists

This month we will explore the question: Will traditional journalism survive?

There is a worry that traditional modes of journalism, including hometown newspapers and local radio and tv stations, are dying leading to news deserts and that non-traditional means or reporting the news through social media are taking over. Journalism is called the fourth estate, with power that influences and places a check on politics. Without experienced journalists and traditional media to check facts and report on governments, businesses and issues that affect citizens, facts can be skewed to serve a personal or business agenda. Social media has already shown us the effects of biases on politics and how people see each other. Information without fact checking is just gossip, and gossip is often wrong.

Join us online on Monday, May 5th at 7 pm to discuss this question.

PLEASE BE SURE TO RSVP on Meetup or email ASC@jeffersonhumanists.org to get the Zoom link. Attendance is restricted to the first 20 people who RSVP.

***

ABOUT THE JH SALON

Much like the salons of France during the Enlightenment, we will discuss a variety of topics and lubricate the discussion with a few libations. Topics will be worded as questions and can be related to science, sociology, politics, philosophy, history, ethics and more. Attendees are not required to read anything in particular before the discussion, but it certainly helps to do some study before the discussion to be able to make a coherent argument and back it up.

A few JH Salon ground rules:

• Respect others and their opinions.
• Don't come with a personal axe to grind
• Criticize ideas, not individuals.
• Don't make personal attacks.
• Allow everyone the chance to speak.
• Don't take things personally.
• Listen actively and with an ear to understanding others' views.

The JH Salon will be held on the first Monday of every month.
--------------------------------------------
"THE AIM OF ARGUMENT, OR OF DISCUSSION, SHOULD NOT BE VICTORY, BUT PROGRESS." ~ Joseph Joubert

Join FROG, the Free thinkers Reading Opportunity Group, for the Saturday May 10 book group meeting from 2-3:30 PM.

This month we'll be discussing The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers by Eric Weiner.

Adapted from Goodreads:
Eric Weiner combines his twin passions for philosophy and global travel in a pil­grimage that uncovers surprising life lessons from great thinkers around the world, from Rousseau to Nietzsche, Confucius to Simone Weil. Traveling by train (the most thoughtful mode of transport), he journeys thousands of miles, making stops in Athens, Delhi, Wyoming, Coney Island, Frankfurt, and points in between to recon­nect with philosophy’s original teaching us how to lead wiser, more meaningful lives. From Socrates and ancient Athens to Simone de Beauvoir and twentieth-century Paris, Weiner’s chosen philosophers and places provide important signposts as we navigate today’s chaotic times.

Location: We are meeting at the Mills Building. The Mills Building is a separate building behind the Jefferson Unitarian Church (no affiliation), at 14350 W. 32nd Ave. Enter the parking lot and head to the back left (southeast) corner of the lot. Use the walkway between the church and the Mills Bldg to enter the Mills Bldg (on your left), and walk straight down the hallway to our room.

RSVP to this Meetup or email frog@jeffersonhumanists.org.

This book group is sponsored by the Jefferson Humanists. (Find friends. Share Ideas. Do Good!) For more information about humanism see https://www.jeffersonhumanists.org. JH provides snacks, please bring your own beverage of choice to enjoy.

Upcoming Book Discussions:

Saturday June 14 - An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960's by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Saturday July 12 - James by Percival Everett

The entire 2025 schedule is posted on The Jefferson Humanists' website at https://www.jeffersonhumanists.org/jh-frog-book-group/.

Join us each month on second Wednesdays for a leisurely walk or hike at your own pace, followed by nourishment and conversation. Conversation may be whatever comes to mind or a topic related to Humanism and nature. Please post ideas in the Meetup Comments. For inspiration, visit https://jeffersonhumanists.org/ or https://americanhumanist.org/what-is-humanism/definition-of-humanism/.

Our May event will include a little history and a lot of flora and fauna, especially birds! From the Heritage Center, we’ll walk past historic buildings to Belmar Park, originally part of the 1930s Bonfils Estate. This is now a natural park with dirt and paved trails, and wooden walkways on the water. For a longer walk, there are more trails north and south of the lake and we can also check out exhibits in the Heritage Center. Plan on 45 minutes to an hour to explore. Afterward, we’ll regroup for a picnic (BYOBB bring your own brunch and beverage). Indoor option: Village Roaster (Alameda & Garrison).

To attend this event, please RSVP on Meetup.com or email your host at ASC@jeffersonhumanists.org. Don't forget; check the MeetUp.com "COMMENTS" for updates.

MEETING LOCATION: Please park in the Heritage Center parking lot on Yarrow Street and meet top of the steps on the south side of the main building.