Bay Area Humanists (BAH)

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Final Exit Network (FEN), a national organization which grew out of the Hemlock Society founded by Derek Humphry, and which has been supporting those who wish to hasten their own deaths.

Only eleven jurisdictions currently have Death with Dignity Acts -- often referred to as Medical Aid in Dying -- and many people desiring a planned death don't meet states' strict criteria. Learn about what FEN does and how it addresses the needs of potential clients who are not necessarily terminally ill.

Also discussed will be the importance (and shortcomings) of Advance Directives. Even for those not looking to hasten their death, FEN serves as a strong advocate for members who need help getting their legally enforceable wishes honored.

Jim Van Buskirk is a Regional Coordinator for FEN, as well as a newsletter contributor, and Death Cafe facilitator.

Brought to you by the BAY AREA HUMANISTS and the BAY AREA FREEDOM FROM RELIGION FOUNDATION

Kevin Bolling's presentation sheds light on the pervasive conservative threats facing public education. Exploring the historical roots, Kevin unveils a timeline marked by systematic challenges. Real-life headlines illustrate the broader plan threatening public education: curriculum and book bans aimed at erasing vital historical narratives, private school vouchers, parent and student rights, and efforts to privilege Christianity. Kevin details a coordinated assault on the very foundation of democratic learning, urging action to safeguard the educational landscape for generations to come.

About the speaker:
Kevin Bolling is the executive director of the Secular Student Alliance, serving since 2017. Kevin brings with him 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. His career has included over 10 years of student association management and on-campus program development from Los Angeles to Boston. For 10 years, Kevin served as the Executive Director of the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation, a charitable trust serving the healthcare needs of the industries’ largely immigrant workforce. Kevin worked in higher education administration in student services and leadership for over 15 years.