1 March 2015 
     

In additional to the usual news and event information, we are proud to announce two big events coming to Central Florida this year. You don't want to miss these and we'll make sure to keep you updated as they get closer.

Openly Secular at UCF

Thursday, April 23rd the Secular Student Alliance at UCF is hosting a free event starting at 6 PM. There will be national-level speakers, exhibit tables from local and national groups, and snacks! Please RSVP at our Meetup page for more information.

Hemant Mehta, Greta Christina, and Will Gervais are just the first names to be announced. More will follow!

FreeFlo 2015 Venue and Date Set

The list of speakers is still coming together, but go ahead and mark your calendars for the weekend of November 6, 7, and 8. The event is at the Holiday Inn Airport--same as last year. CFFC will have a table for information and merchandise again.

The weekend starts early this year with new activities for Friday and Saturday evening as well as a podcast recording. Stay tuned for more news by following the Florida Humanist Association and FreeFlo on Facebook.
News You Can Use
Local or regional news that matters to you 

Seminole School Textbook "Manufactroversy"

Back in October a parent complained to the Seminole County School Board that a teacher had been indoctrinating students by doing more than introducing students to the religion of Islam (which is legal and part of State Standards) in 10th grade World History. Read about it and watch the interview with the parent here: wftv.com

A School Board representative appeared on camera answering questions until the reporter's objectivity appeared to wane. Then he got up and walked out in the middle of the interview. Here it is from start to finish: wftv.com

Politifact did some fact checking and rated the claim by the parent and the ensuing story in the news as "Mostly False." The CFFC did our own research into the textbook and found--as you might expect--a much deeper dive into Christianity and Judaism than into Islam. 

It appears from the interviews linked above that the teacher's delivery method may have been the problem. The questions remain: How do we teach about various religions in school if we know they will be taught by humans who all have a bias? Should we be teaching religion in schools? How much should we teach? Chime in on our Facebook page if you have an opinion: CFFC on Facebook

The True Enemies of Christianity Identified

Charisma News recently published a piece authored by Liberty Institute calling out 5 Dangerous Enemies Against Your Christian Faith. You might thing it would include evolution, the Big Bang, critical thinking, secular explanations for morality, or even a thorough reading of the Bible. Actually it just identifies the five biggest non-prophet non-profits fighting for equal rights for non-believers: ACLU, FFRF, AA, AU, and the AHA. Two of these organizations aren't even non-theistic! It's a painful read so be careful. After you read, visit the websites of these organizations and renew your memberships!

Keep up with all these news stories and stay tuned for big announcement in the next few days on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Something To Do
More Coalition events here
A few events from the Orlando CoR


Sat, Mar 7 at 12 Noon - Orlando
 

Tue, Mar 10 at 7 PM - Winter Park

 

Pi Day Dinner

Sat, Mar 14 at 6 PM - Winter Park

 

Second Harvest Food Bank Sorting

Sat, Mar 21 at 8:15 AM - Orlando

 

 

Secular Quotable
Activist Assignment
Simple ways you can help with our shared goals

Know the Law!

This isn't easy, but there are resources. The best we've found is the FFRF's State/Church FAQ page. Here's a recent addition to our growing knowledge of issues affecting students in public school:

School employees may not run or participate in religious clubs in public schools, nor can they promote religious clubs or invite students to attend. Even though federal law dictates that public secondary schools cannot discriminate against student organizations, faculty monitors/facilitators/advisors may not participate in any religious meetings, and non-school persons may not direct, control or regularly attend activities of student groups. 

If you find something that appears to be a violation, be sure to let us know using our Contact Us page at the CFFC website.
Friends of Ours. Friends of Yours.
Allied organizations which deserve your attention 

While we don't have a chapter of Americans United in the Orlando area, AU is a close ally that works with us on many issues--including an upcoming case you'll hear about very soon. 

Show them your support by joining or donating today!

Help Wanted!
Want to help with our work? Here's how.

Are you interested in helping guide CFFC into the future? Whether you have a specific skill or simply want to help out however it is needed, please let us know. There is much work already being done with more to do! Some tasks include:
  • Online research
  • Special events tabling
  • Website administration
  • Social media management
  • Complaint intake and data entry

Some projects under way include incorporating in Florida, becoming a 501(c)(3), assembling a Board of Directors as well as standing and ad hoc committees to do the work of the organization. Use our Contact Us page to learn more or to offer your help!


CFFC
PO Box 621123
Oviedo, Florida 32762
cflfreethought.org