Dorset Humanists website

Events Programme Update

2012-01-24T22:45:00.001Z

If you've been along to our events recently you’ve probably picked up a copy of the latest Dorset Humanists Events Programme.

If you haven’t managed to get one yet, it’s now online too so click here to download a copy to your PC.

(Please check the website and/or bulletins for any last minute updates to our event schedule).

Click here to view details of forthcoming and recent events posted on the website.

About Humanists and Humanism

2012-01-16T22:20:00.001Z

Are you a humanist?

Roughly speaking, the word humanist has come to mean someone who

trusts to the scientific method when it comes to understanding how the universe works and rejects the idea of the supernatural (and is therefore an atheist or agnostic)
makes their ethical decisions based on reason, empathy, and a concern for human beings and other sentient animals
believes that, in the absence of an afterlife and any discernible purpose to the universe, human beings can act to give their own lives meaning by seeking happiness in this life and helping others to do the same.

Are you a humanist? Check out these statements!

What do Humanists believe?

Humanism is an approach to life based on humanity and reason - humanists recognise that moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone. Our decisions are based on the available evidence and our assessment of the outcomes of our actions, not on any dogma or sacred text.
Humanism encompasses atheism and agnosticism - but is an active and ethical philosophy far greater than these negative responses to religion.
Humanists believe in individual rights and freedoms - but believe that individual responsibility, social cooperation and mutual respect are just as important.
Humanists believe that people can and will continue to find solutions to the world's problems - so that quality of life can be improved for everyone.
Humanists are positive - gaining inspiration from our lives, art and culture, and a rich natural world.
Humanists believe that we have only one life - it is our responsibility to make it a good life, and to live it to the full.

Who are Humanists?

At least 15.5% of the population is non-religious according to the 2001 census, making this the second largest "belief" group in the UK.
Ipsos MORI poll of November 2006 revealed that 36% of the population share humanist beliefs on morality and the nature of the universe. More statistics on religion and belief here & here.

January Bulletin and Newsletter

2012-01-11T18:47:00.001Z

Happy New Year to all of our Members and Supporters!

This coming Saturday (14th January) we are very pleased to welcome Richy Thompson from the British Humanist Association to provide us with an update on the campaign against faith schools.

Also in this month’s Bulletin, an open letter to the Prime Minister, Bournemouth’s first ever Humanist civic funeral, Holocaust Memorial Day, prayers in the Council chamber and more opportunities to hear Humanist comedians.

In my Letter, you’ll find a short appreciation of Christopher Hitchens and women’s rights.

There’s still time to book up for Robin Ince in February but don’t leave it too late - lunch tickets are nearly sold out, and 'entertainment only' tickets are going fast too.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Best wishes,
David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

Click here to view details of our forthcoming and recent events.

The Limits of Morality?

2011-12-21T15:08:00.001Z

Thursday 26^th January 7.30pm

Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth. BH9 1TW

An introduction to the radical ethical philosophy of Peter Singer, led by David Warden and Matt Coussell.

Philosopher Peter Singer helped launch the worldwide animal rights movement, and has also done significant work towards soliciting vastly more aid for the world's poor.

But is he justified in suggesting we are morally obliged to sacrifice many of our modern pleasures to reduce suffering?*

Are there limits to the demands that morality can make on us?

Come and join us for what promises to be a lively evening, as we investigate, debate and discuss Peter Singer’s challenging morality.

Everyone welcome!

Free entry (donations appreciated)

*If you’d like to get acquainted with Peter's views on our moral obligations to those in poverty, prior to this meeting, have a look at his short paper entitled, ‘Famine, Affluence and Morality’: http://homepages.wmich.edu/~bjr7864/Singer_famine.pdf

These ideas are developed more fully in his recent book, 'The Life You Can Save’ which has a corresponding website here: http://www.thelifeyoucansave.com/

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

The Campaign Against Faith Schools

2011-12-16T20:22:00.001Z

Saturday, 14th January 2.00pm

Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth. BH9 1TW

Is it really the job of publicly funded schools to instil their parents’ religious beliefs in children?

In the words of Ariane Sherine, “Children should be free to grow up in a world where they are allowed to question, doubt, think freely, and reach their own conclusions about what they believe”

In this presentation, the British Humanist Association's (BHA) Education Campaigner, Richy Thompson explains why faith schools are ‘unnecessary, discriminatory and divisive’. He will also provide us with a progress update on the BHA's continuing campaign against faith schools.

Everyone welcome!

Free entry (donations appreciated)

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

***Please note: This presentation replaces the previously advertised talk, ‘Religion Explained: Why some people just can’t help believing’ which has been rescheduled to April 14th 2011.

December Bulletin and Newsletter

2011-12-06T14:53:00.001Z

In this month's Bulletin and Letter: As the St Paul’s protest continues we consider how to tackle growing inequality. Come along to find out more at Kathryn Busby's presentation, 'Inequality Harms Everyone' on Saturday 10th December. Also in this issue of the Bulletin, what Humanists think of Christmas, information about how to become a Humanist chaplain, how to book up for our Darwin Day Special with Robin Ince at the BIC (complete booking form), whether veganism is ‘a step too far’, and what to do about prayers in the Council Chamber (with my views in the December letter).

Don’t forget you can also join our lively discussions on Facebook.

We hope to see you soon!

Festive greetings,
David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

Click here to view details of our forthcoming and recent events.

Farewell New Milton Humanists

2011-11-27T17:50:00.001Z

We're sorry to announce that Liliane Apers will be retiring from running New Milton Humanists on 1st December 2011. and the group will be ceasing activities.

David Warden, Chair of Dorset Humanists said, “New Milton Humanists has provided an excellent outlet for talks and discussions for eight years and has been a valued member of our local 'family' of Humanist groups. We offer our thanks to Liliane for all the work she has put in and wish her an enjoyable and fulfilling 'retirement'”.

Inequality Harms Everyone

2011-11-25T19:57:00.001Z

Saturday, 10th December 2.00pm

Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth. BH9 1TW

A presentation by Kathryn Busby of ‘The Equality Trust’.

People in more equal societies live longer, have better mental health and are more socially mobile but income inequality in the UK is among the highest in the developed world. Offering a wealth of supporting evidence, Kathryn will argue it is essential we take action now and reduce the gap between rich and poor to build a better society for all of us.

Everyone welcome!

Free entry (donations appreciated)

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Climate change: are we prepared to meet the challenge sufficiently?

2011-11-25T19:30:00.001Z

Tuesday 29^th November 2011 1.00pm repeated at 6:30pm

Bournemouth Reform Synagogue, 53 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3PA

Dorset Humanists have been invited to the signing ceremony of the Interfaith ‘Big Green Believers’ Agreement’ on Tuesday 29^th November 2011. The ‘Big Green Believers’ Agreement’ commits the signatories and/or their communities to engaging in measurable actions in terms of sustainability. Although Dorset Humanists aren’t directly involved in this agreement, as it is primarily a faith groups’ initiative, we are supportive of the agreement’s environmental aims.

Environmentalist and author, Mayer Hillman, will be guest speaker and his talk is entitled: ‘Climate change: are we prepared to meet the challenge sufficiently?' Mayer is a leading proponent of carbon rationing and Chair of the Global Commons Trust.

There will be one event during the day from 1:00-3:00pm, and a repeat in the evening from 6:30-8:30pm.

We will need to let the Rabbi know who will be attending, so please message David Warden at chairman(at)dorsethumanists.co.uk if you’d like to come along. Attendees are requested to bring identification.

Coffee Morning at the B.I.C.

2011-11-14T09:18:00.001Z

Friday, 18th November 10.00am to 12 noon

Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth. BH2 5BH

Come and enjoy a cuppa and a chat with fellow Dorset Humanists members and supporters at the B.I.C. on Friday morning.

When you arrive, enter the BIC main door, turn left past the Box Office and find us in the first alcove on your left.

Everyone welcome!

Free entry

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Remembrance Sunday 2011

2011-11-10T21:28:00.001Z

A Humanist’s ‘Thought For The Day’

David Brittain, General Secretary of the UK Armed Forces Humanist Association (UKAFHA) has been invited by BBC Three Counties Radio to deliver a ‘Thought for the Day’ (TFTD) on Remembrance Sunday. This is the first time he has been invited by the BBC to make a broadcast on behalf of UKAFHA, and he hopes that a good number of Humanists will be able to listen in.

The programme begins early in the morning, and David expects his TFTD will be broadcast somewhere around 7.50am*. He very much hopes you will find his TFTD both moving and relevant. He will also be taking part in a two-hour debate on current religious/moral issues with a selection of religious representatives between 7.00am* and 9.00am*.

Most Dorset Humanists will be outside the Three Counties broadcast network, but you can tune in by going to BBC Three Counties Programmes online. Near the bottom of the page under ‘Categories, and Genres’, click on ‘Religion and Ethics’, and if you see the name Toby Freidner, you've found the right place.You will be able to listen live if you get up early, or as a recording anytime during the following few days.

Dorset Humanists at Local Remembrance Service

Richard Scutt and Humanist celebrant Maggie Pepin will lay a wreath at the Bournemouth War Memorial on 13th November as part of the Remembrance Service. The wreath will state: “From Dorset Humanists on behalf of the United Kingdom Armed Forces Humanist Association. For those who gave their lives for us. We will remember them.”

*Please note revised broadcast times

Compassionate Eating

2011-11-09T13:29:00.001Z

Thursday 24th November 7.30pm

Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth. BH9 1TW

In this presentation, nutritionist Sandra Hood from local group, 'Compassionate Dorset' explores the ethics of what we eat.

Discover how the food you choose affects animal welfare and global development. Sandra will also outline more ethical meat-based diets, and vegetarian and vegan diets that provide healthy, energy-boosting nutrition while reducing our environmental impact.

Everyone welcome!

Free entry (donations appreciated)

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Thomas Hardy and ‘The Poetry of Unbelief’

2011-11-09T13:18:00.001Z

Thursday 24th November 7.30pm

The Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High Street West, Dorchester DT1 1UP

Hosted by West Dorset Humanists

Bournemouth School’s Head of English, John Hubbard explores a selection of Hardy's verse, with readings and commentary, to discover what Hardy made of the world in which he lived, and how he sustained himself in it.

This presentation will be highly enjoyable for people already familiar with Hardy’s works, as well as providing a great introduction for those coming to them for the first time.

Everyone welcome!

Free Entry (£2 suggested donation)

Email: westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.co.uk Tel:07921 311518

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/West-Dorset-Humanists

Click here to view other forthcoming and recent events.

Events Programme Updated

2011-11-04T20:21:00.001Z

If you've been along to our events recently you’ve probably picked up a copy of the latest Dorset Humanists Events Programme.

If you haven’t managed to get one yet, it’s now online too so click here to download a copy to your PC.

(Please check the website and/or bulletins for any last minute updates).

Click here to view details of forthcoming and recent events posted on the website.

November Bulletin and Newsletter

2011-11-01T22:42:00.001Z

In this month's bulletin and letter: How to live to 1,000 years old, why a Christian professor believes that atheists have no moral basis for condemning rape, how faith organisations may run children’s centres in Poole, the SPUC Campaign against explicit sex education, the new Bournemouth Student Humanists and Atheists Society, Dorset Humanists at the Remembrance Service, and events galore!

Also this month: find out about details of our Darwin Day Lunch in February.

We hope to see you soon!

Best wishes,
David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

Click here to view details of our forthcoming and recent events.

The Shameful Export of British Arms

2011-10-24T09:45:00.001+01:00

Monday 14^th November 7.30pm

The Rydal Arms, 93 Station Road, New Milton, BH25 6JJ

New Milton Humanists present a talk by Sharen Green of ‘Campaign Against Arms Trade’.

Did you know?

Britain is always in the top five of arms exporting nations.
Under European guide lines, we do not sell to countries at war, countries likely to invade their neighbours, or countries with a poor human rights record (Except we do!).
The trade is always justified on the grounds that it is good for our economy (CAAT says it isn't!).

Sharen will explode some of the common myths surrounding this subject - and talk about a gun-running nun whose students imported torture equipment as part of their extra-curricular activities.

Everyone Welcome!
Free Entry (donations appreciated)

(Car-sharing: As this is a little further away for many of us, please consider giving someone a lift to the event from your area).

And finally, please help our non-religious community to thrive by sharing details of our events with like-minded people. If you can display our posters anywhere, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk and I'll forward you an A4 PDF copy.

Click here to view more forthcoming Humanist events in and around Dorset.

The Case for Assisted Dying

2011-10-19T19:57:00.001+01:00

Thursday 27^th October 7.30pm

Hosted by West Dorset Humanists at The Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High Street West, Dorchester DT1 1UP

Dignity in Dying’s National Policy Support Officer, Anna Boehm argues the case for the legalisation of assisted dying, one of the most controversial issues we face today.

Dignity in Dying is a national campaign representing a growing movement of people demanding greater choice and control at the end of life. The organisation lobbies, informs and educates on rights at the end of life. Its main aim is for everyone to have what they consider to be a good death, including the option of an assisted death for adults who are terminally ill, and mentally competent.

Everyone welcome!

Free Entry (£2 suggested donation)

Click here to view other forthcoming and recent events.

Email: westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.co.uk Tel:07921 311518

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

'A Tour Through The Universe in Space and Time' followed by Star Gazing

2011-10-18T09:53:00.001+01:00

Thursday, 20th October 7.00pm* - 9.30pm

Bournemouth University Executive Business Centre (EBC), 89 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8EB

Bournemouth Student Humanist and Atheists Society (BSHAS) have kindly invited Dorset Humanists’ members and supporters to attend their next meeting.

BSHAS have booked Chairman of the Wessex Astronomical Society, Bob Mizon MBE to give a talk entitled, 'A Tour Through The Universe In Space And Time'. Weather permitting, this will be followed by 'a night site tour' where we will walk down to the cliff top, and Bob will point out some interesting features of the night sky.

In his presentation, Bob will take us on a journey from Planet Earth, via the Moon and the Solar System, out to the furthest reaches of space, pausing to investigate some of the marvels of its content and history - and explaining how stars are so relevant to our lives and existence.

BU Business Centre reception will be able to tell you which lecture theatre to go to. The listed end time is approximate and you are welcome to attend Bob's presentation (circa 60 minutes) whether or not you wish to go 'star gazing' afterwards.

Since 1996, Bob has provided a full-time mobile planetarium service to south central England, and has taken the experience of the night sky to nearly 80,000 people, mostly schoolchildren. He is also coordinator of the Campaign for Dark Skies and is the author of 'Light Pollution: Responses and Remedies' which is part of Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series. He is also the author of the annual offering: 'Stargazers' Almanac: A Monthly Guide to the Stars and Planets [Calendar]'. He was awarded an MBE in 2010 for services to astronomy.

Everyone welcome!

Free entry

*Please note this event was originally listed with an earlier starting time but we’ve since heard that it’s been changed to a 7.00pm start. Hopefully, this will make it easier for more people to attend.

Click here to view more forthcoming and recent events.

BHlife misprint: ‘What is Humanism’

2011-10-12T19:52:00.001+01:00

Unfortunately, the Autumn issue of BHlife mistakenly lists our ‘What is Humanism’ presentation and discussion as taking place on 29th October at Moordown Community Centre.

This meeting took place in September, so please don’t go along on 29th October, or you’ll find the centre closed and no sign of any Dorset Humanists! We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Our next scheduled presentations are, ‘Transhumanism: Utopia, or Nightmare?’ at 7.30pm on 27th October, and ‘Monarchy, Republicanism, and the Church of England’ at 2.00pm on 12th November. Both meetings are at Moordown Community Centre.

Click here to view details of our forthcoming and recent events.

Monarchy, Republicanism and The Church of England

2011-10-12T19:45:00.001+01:00

Saturday 12^th November 2.00pm
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW

“Democracy must be progressive or it will soon cease to be a great democracy” - Theodore Roosevelt

A presentation by political author, John Strafford

Is it right to have a monarch as head of state in a modern democracy; or a single privileged state religion in a multi-faith, multi-cultural society?

John Strafford, author of “Our Fight for Democracy”, examines the roles of church and monarchy in government, and argues that our democratic system needs a radical overhaul.

Everyone welcome!

Free entry (donations appreciated)

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view more forthcoming and recent events.

October Bulletin and Newsletter

2011-10-04T20:51:00.001+01:00

In this month’s Bulletin we cover the ethics of war and a conference on peace, we ask whether Jesus should be available on prescription, and whether the technology of the future will eliminate human frailties and turn us into superhuman cyborgs. In my Letter you'll find out how you can alleviate a lifetime's suffering for the price of a stay in a luxury hotel.

Also, please remember to return last month’s Questionnaire, if you haven't done so already, as your responses really will help us tailor Dorset Humanists’ future plans and activities according to the wishes of our members and supporters.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our lively, friendly, and occasionally controversial meetings.

See you soon,

David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

Click here to view our forthcoming and recent events.

The Ethics of War

2011-09-27T19:06:00.001+01:00

Saturday 08^th October 2.00pm
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW

A presentation by Royal Navy veteran and Humanist celebrant, Peter Herridge.

Human beings have been fighting each other since prehistoric times, and people have been discussing the rights and wrongs of it for almost as long. Most people agree that war is terrible and should be avoided if at all possible. But are there situations when war is the lesser evil? If so, how should a ‘just war’ be conducted and should democratic leaders ever be prosecuted for ‘war crimes’?

Everyone welcome!

Free entry (donations appreciated)

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view more forthcoming and recent events.

Transhumanism: Utopia or nightmare?

2011-09-27T18:54:00.001+01:00

Thursday 27^th October 7.30pm
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW

A presentation and discussion led by Chris Street.

'Transhumanism' is the belief that we can fundamentally improve the human condition by developing technologies to eliminate ageing and greatly enhance our intellectual, physical, and psychological capacities.

How would these genetically modified ‘transhumans’ with computer implants in their brains, nanomachines fixing their cells, and cybernetic body parts regard the rest of us; and is it ethical to tamper with nature in this way?

Everyone welcome!

Free entry (donations appreciated)

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view more forthcoming and recent events.

CANCELLED: Thomas Hardy and ‘The Poetry of Unbelief’

2011-09-19T16:33:00.001+01:00

***CANCELLED***

West Dorset Humanists have regrettably had to cancel John Hubbard’s Thomas Hardy readings and commentary on 29th September, as he’s had to pull out due to another commitment.

There will now be no WDH meeting in September and the next one will now be towards the end of October. Keep an eye on the website and Facebook for any updates. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Click here to view other forthcoming and recent events.

***CANCELLED***

Greg Epstein’s ‘Good without God’

2011-09-13T18:15:00.001+01:00

A Book Review by David Warden

This book could have benefited from much better professional editing. Epstein sometimes has difficulty putting across his ideas in a succinct and compelling fashion. Some of his sentences weigh in at 85 or even 100 words and barely make sense. He even includes a lengthy section about how he struggled to continue with the book and nearly gave up.

Despite these technical criticisms I’m sympathetic to what Epstein has to say about Humanism. He writes very much in the American tradition of Humanism and has no problem referring to Humanism as a ‘faith’, as long as that means ‘faith in our ability to live well, based on convictions reached by free, unfettered rational enquiry’.

His mentor was the late Rabbi Sherwin Wine, founder of Humanistic Judaism – a kind of secular religion similar in spirit to the Ethical Societies – which belongs to the broad and tolerant family of different Humanisms in America. He is also broadminded and generous in his appraisal of liberal and progressive forms of religion such as Unitarian Universalists, reconstructionist Jews and liberal Muslims whom he calls ‘allies of Humanism’. He is familiar with the positive psychology of Martin Seligman and includes many nuggets of wisdom from one of the greatest twentieth century humanistic psychologists, Erich Fromm. He is proud of the fact that ‘in our Humanist community at Harvard we try to spend less time staging debates between fundamentalists and atheist philosophers and more time on how to empower ourselves to respond to all the problems of life – stress, pain, ageing and death – which make people turn to religion in the first place’.

The character of British Humanism has been shaped to a large extent by our vigorous traditions of rationalism and secularism. We’ve always been suspicious of some American versions of Humanism which cast it as a secular, non-theistic religion with secular ceremonies and Sunday schools for children. We are right to be suspicious of any attempt to turn Humanism into another dogmatic, moralistic ideology. But we should not be too hard on our American cousins. There is much to learn from them in how to make Humanism a fully constructive alternative to religion which might prove attractive to many people who are seeking for something more in life than just individualistic materialism.

Greg Epstein, Humanist rabbi and Humanist Chaplain at Harvard University, spoke at the Eighteenth World Humanist Congress in Oslo, August 12-14. Swami Manavatavadi,who leads our twinned Humanist organisation in India, also attended.
Dr Aubrey Weinberg spoke to us about Humanistic Judaism in February 2003.

Note: BHA’s Amazon Store

When you buy books and other products at Amazon you can ensure that a percentage of the sale price goes to the BHA as a referral fee. You can:

buy any product on the Amazon.co.uk site via this affiliate link
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A Hitchhiker’s Guide To Humanism

2011-09-11T17:12:00.001+01:00

Monday 3^rd October 7.30pm

The Rydal Arms, 93 Station Road, New Milton, BH25 6JJ

New Milton Humanists present an informal discussion hosted by Jane Bannister

“We humans can be kind, loving and moral beings without deluding ourselves that someone made us that way.” – Susan Blackmore

If you agree that reason and evidence provide a better way of understanding the universe than belief in God or gods; and ethics and morality should be based on their consequences for people, society and our planet, rather than on ancient dogma from religious texts, you are probably a Humanist.

In this informal talk and discussion, Jane will discuss Humanist values, the origins of Humanist morals, and the Humanist paradox.

Come along and find out if you are a Humanist too.

Everyone welcome!

Free entry (donations appreciated)

Click here to view more forthcoming and recent events.

(See also David Warden’s similar ‘What is Humanism’ for Dorset Humanists on 29th September at Moordown)

September Bulletin and Newsletter

2011-09-07T17:45:00.001+01:00

This coming Saturday, writer and filmmaker, Mike Freedman launches our Autumn season of unmissable events with a talk on population and sustainability. We hope to see you there!

Also in this month's Bulletin and Letter (PDF downloads), Thomas Hardy and the Poetry of Unbelief, what the Humanist Chaplain at Harvard has to say about being good without God, what Humanists think about cannibalism and torture, where you can march for a Secular Society, and lots more.

We've also included a Questionnaire this month for you to tell us about how you'd like our group to develop in the future and a flyer enumerating five excellent reasons for joining Dorset Humanists if you haven't done so already.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the website, our Facebook page, and our bulletins for further news and updates. To receive our newsletters and bulletins every month, just enter your details in the subscribe box on our home page.

Best wishes,

David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

P.S. If you’re planning to attend any of our New Milton meetings in September and October, please check out these programme updates first:

http://dorset-humanists1.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-milton-humanists-programme-updates.html

Click here to view our forthcoming and recent events.

Tip: Humanist Newsfeeds

2011-09-06T09:47:00.001+01:00

Here’s one way to quickly review and access the latest news stories from the British Humanist Association (BHA), National Secular Society (NSS), and New Humanist Magazine’s (NHM) blog:

Scroll about half way down this page and view the section in the right hand column just below the British Humanist Association’s YouTube thumbnails. Here you’ll find the five latest news stories from each of the BHA, NSS, and New Humanist Magazine blog.

If you’d like to subscribe to Dorset Humanists’ own newsfeed, or to those of the BHA, NSS and NHM follow this link to learn more about newsfeeds: http://dorset-humanists1.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss#

What is Humanism?

2011-09-06T09:10:00.001+01:00

Thursday 29^th September 7.30pm
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW
A discussion led by David Warden, Chair of Dorset Humanists.

Guest speaker: Chris Street of Teaching Secular Worldviews.

“We humans can be kind, loving and moral beings without deluding ourselves that someone made us that way.” – Susan Blackmore
If you agree that reason and evidence provide a better way of understanding the universe than belief in God or gods; and ethics and morality should be based on their consequences for people, society and our planet, rather than on ancient dogma from religious texts, you are probably a humanist.
In this introductory talk and discussion, David will discuss Humanist values, the origins of the modern Humanist movement, and some of the challenges facing Humanists today.

Chris Street will talk about the inclusion of Humanism in the Dorset RE Syllabus.

Come along and find out if you are a Humanist too.
Everyone welcome!

Free entry (donations appreciated)

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.
Click here to view more forthcoming and recent events.

Meetup at Boscombe Beach

2011-08-31T12:26:00.001+01:00

Sunday 4th September 2.00pm at Boscombe beach by the pier

A group of us have planned an unofficial Dorset Humanists meetup next to Boscombe pier from 2pm onwards on Sunday and you are all invited. Bring food and drink if you want to, along with frisbees, balls, cards etc.

This will be a great opportunity for members and supporters to get to know each other better, share other interests and hobbies, and perhaps discuss and debate any issues or stories that have caught their eye recently. Family, friends and newbies welcome too.

See you there!

For further details contact Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk or get in touch via our Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3968543942#!/event.php?eid=167775589963739

(If you’re using SATNAV for directions, BH5 1BN is pretty close)

Click here to view more forthcoming and recent events.

Atheists are not to blame for violence

2011-08-22T22:09:00.001+01:00

Christian Brian Hammond claims there has been an atheist and marxist infiltration of Great Britain. Richard Scutt, Dorset Humanist, replies in the Bournemouth Daily Echo.

BRIAN W HAMMOND, Ringwood Road, Three Legged Cross says

Let's go back to Christian basics

9:00am Wednesday 17th August 2011

IT IS a sad state of affairs when the same old left-wing writers in “Have Your Say” blame politicians for the mindless, mainly young rioters, looters and arsonists.

However, it is warming to see the open community spirit come to the fore. As a Christian, I hope and pray that we see a sweeping Christian revival as a result.

This country needs to find the Christian ethic and family strength that made Britain great.

Unfortunately, over countless years, there has been an atheist and marxist infiltration of our society, threatening the very foundations.

Atheist scientists profess to the universe being billions of years old and resulting from some “big bang” or something similar – what total nonsense! Again, the same people support Darwin’s evolutionary theory and talk of dinosaurs being millions of years old.

The Bible tells you the truth, and for those who seek knowledge and gain wisdom, they should be directed to Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10. God’s word also explains how people should behave.

Richard Scutt, Committee Member of Dorset Humanists replies

Atheists are not to blame for violence

RICHARD SCUTT, Wallace Road, Broadstone

10:00am Saturday 20th August 2011

I WAS sad to see yet another letter blaming, among others, atheists and scientists, for the recent riots. (Brian Hammond – Let’s go back to Christian basics – Echo 17 Aug).

This is unfair and inaccurate since scientists and atheists, who are often also humanists, have reached their views only after much research and careful thought. They have found themselves unable to have blind faith in any God but, in the main, care deeply about humanity.

They recognise the need for people to behave in peaceful and co-operative ways and campaign for fairness and peace in society.

They approach life using reason, evidence (often scientific – such as that for evolution) and common humanity.

I suggest that we should be more concerned with religious extremists, those who live only to feed their materialistic self-interest and those unfortunate young people we have caused to become unable to feel a part of our society.

CANCELLED: Thomas Hardy and ‘The Poetry of Unbelief’

2011-08-22T17:01:00.001+01:00

***CANCELLED***

West Dorset Humanists have regrettably had to cancel this event as John had to pull out due to another commitment. The next WDH meeting will now be in October. WDH hope to be able to reschedule John's Thomas Hardy readings and commentary for November. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will update the website when we have further details.

Thursday 29^th September 7.30pm

Hosted by West Dorset Humanists at The Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High Street West, Dorchester DT1 1UP

This presentation will be highly enjoyable for people already familiar with Hardy’s works, as well as providing a great introduction for those coming to them for the first time.

Everyone welcome!

Free Entry (£2 suggested donation)

Click here to view other forthcoming and recent events.

Email: westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.co.uk Tel:07921 311518

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

***CANCELLED***

New Milton Humanists Programme Updates

2011-08-22T17:00:00.001+01:00

Please note there have been a few changes to the published NMH 2011 programme:

CANCELLED: 2.00 - 4.00 pm Saturday 10 September at Highcliffe Sports & Social Club: ‘Paganism in the New Forest’

CANCELLED: 2.00 - 4.00 pm Monday 03 October at The Housemartin Pub: ‘Pub social’

but replaced by:

NEW EVENING EVENT: 7.30 - 9.30 pm Monday 03 October at The Rydal Arms Station Rd, New Milton: ‘A Hitchhiker's Guide to Humanism’

We apologise for any disappointment caused by the cancellations and hope you are able to attend and enjoy the new alternative event.

‘Population Matters’

2011-08-17T15:04:00.001+01:00

Saturday 10^th September 2.00pm

Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW

A presentation by Mike Freedman of the charity, 'Population Matters'

"All environmental problems become harder, and ultimately impossible to solve, with ever more people.” - David Attenborough

World population is expected to reach more than 9 billion by 2050. Is this sustainable, or are we heading for disaster?

In this presentation, Mike will provide us with a wealth of information on the crucial issues of the 21st century including overpopulation, overconsumption, food production and water distribution, and explain how he believes a truly sustainable society can be achieved.

Everyone welcome!

Free Entry (donations appreciated)

Further information at Populations Matters’ website.

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view more forthcoming and recent events.

August Bulletin and Newsletter

2011-08-09T12:20:00.001+01:00

This month's Bulletin and the August letter (PDF downloads) include; contrasting views on 'spirituality for skeptics', concerns about a new megachurch in Bournemouth, your 'slogans' for Dorset Humanists, Humanists in Norway, and much more.

In response to requests from members and supporters, we’re breaking with tradition and trialling an August meeting this year, which is entitled ‘Filmosophy’. If you’d like us to continue our meetings through August in future years, please come along and support what promises to be a great opportunity to meet, and share your views with, other local humanists.

We hope you are enjoying the Summer and we look forward to seeing you at one of our meetings soon.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the website, our Facebook page, and our bulletins for further news and updates.

To receive our newsletters and bulletins every month, just enter your details in the subscribe box on our home page.

David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

Click here to view our forthcoming and recent events.

‘Filmosophy’

2011-08-04T20:19:00.001+01:00

Wednesday 24^th August 7.30pm

Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW

‘An evening of short discussions inspired by ethical dilemmas from the movies’

e.g. A previously patriotic citizen has hidden nuclear bombs in major cities. Would you torture him to foil his plans and save millions of lives?

Ever wondered how you’d react to such an ethical dilemma? Find out in our ‘Filmosophy’ evening when we debate this and many other dilemmas inspired by big ideas from the big screen.

Come along, join the discussions and meet new friends.

Everyone welcome!

Free Entry (donations appreciated)

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view our other forthcoming and recent events.

Dorset Humanists’ Charity Book Sale Raises £220 for East African Famine Relief

2011-08-03T22:10:00.001+01:00

Early on Monday morning, a team of volunteers from Dorset Humanists set off for Christchurch Market with our collection of donated books and CDs to set up a stall to raise money for UNICEF’s and Oxfam’s famine relief funds.

We are pleased to report that sales from books and CDs, along with some cash donations, raised a total of £220 which will be split equally between UNICEF and OXFAM.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us by donating cash, books and CDs, and all those who bought items from us. We’d also like to thank everyone who gave up their time to help organise the event and run the stall.

If you weren’t able to support the charity book sale, you can still help by donating directly to one of the many famine relief appeals.

The easiest way is by text message: To donate £5 by mobile, TEXT 70000 with the word HELP in your message.

Otherwise, to donate via the Disasters Emergency Committee, call 0370 60 60 900, or visit any bank or building society and ask to pay into the DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal account.

And here’s the link to the DEC’s secure donations page which allows you to gift aid your donation and increase its value by 25%:

https://www.donate.bt.com/DEC/dec_form_eaca.html?p_form_id=DEC01

John Rowles - The Matter With Us

2011-08-03T13:12:00.003+01:00

John Rowles is a Humanist from Cornwall who contacted Dorset Humanists about his new book 'The Matter With Us'. See the Press Release and the review by Prof. Richard Norman, BHA Vice President.

click for larger image

East African Crisis Appeal Book Sale

2011-07-29T11:11:00.001+01:00

Monday 1st August 8.30am to 4.00pm Christchurch Market

Dorset Humanists will be holding a Charity Book Sale at Christchurch Market to raise money for the East Africa Disaster Fund.

Please come along and buy a book or two to help raise urgently needed disaster relief funding.

You can also donate good condition 'ready to sell' books at the stall to further assist the fundraising.

Also, if you are able to spare an hour or two to help run the stall, please send me an email at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk, or contact Jane to discuss details.

A Humanist View Of Sex & Sexuality

2011-07-15T12:31:00.001+01:00

(Hosted by West Dorset Humanists) THURSDAY 28^TH JULY 7.30PM THE WESSEX ROYALE HOTEL, 32 HIGH ST. WEST, DORCHESTER DT1 1UP

Almost all world religions have rigid rules about what is acceptable in terms of our experience and expression of our sexuality. This talk by Jo Adams will explore what a more person-centred model of sex and sexuality might look like.

Jo Adams is a former chair of the National Sex Education Forum, and developed the non-abstinence based “Let’s Leave it Till Later” programme of national training supporting young people delaying early sex – now used throughout the UK and in Ireland. She worked as a consultant for the Department of Health on strategies to reduce teenage pregnancy, to prevent HIV and STIs, and to promote positive sexual health. She is also the author of a number of books relating to self-esteem and the promotion of positive sexual health.

Everyone welcome! Free entry (£2 suggested donation)

Email: westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.co.uk

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

Click here to view our other forthcoming and recent events.

URGENT: East Africa Crisis Appeal

2011-07-13T13:29:00.001+01:00

Why we need to help:

• In some areas the drought is the worst in 60 years according to an analysis by FEWSNET.

• More than 10 million people have been affected across a wide area of East Africa.

• Acute malnutrition (GAM) has reached 37% in some parts of north east Kenya, double the 15 % emergency threshold.

• Child refugees from Somalia are dying of causes related to malnutrition either during the journey or very shortly after arrival.

• Prices of essential food items have skyrocketed, in some cases more than doubling as the price of the cattle that people are selling to buy grain falls sharply.

• The number of refugees fleeing from Somalia has increased significantly with 1,700 a day arriving in Ethiopia and 1,400 a day arriving in Dadaab in Kenya.

How we can help:

The easiest way is by text message: To donate £5 by mobile, TEXT 70000 with the word HELP in your message.

Otherwise, to donate via the Disasters Emergency Committee, call 0370 60 60 900, or visit any bank or building society and ask to pay into the DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal account.

And here’s the link to the DEC’s secure donations page which allows you to gift aid your donation and increase its value by 25%:

https://www.donate.bt.com/DEC/dec_form_eaca.html?p_form_id=DEC01

Thank you for helping!

West Dorset Humanists’ New Website

2011-07-13T09:47:00.001+01:00

West Dorset Humanists have been working hard to raise their online profile, lately.

Only a couple of days ago, we reported on their new Facebook Page, and we’re pleased to announce that they now have their own website too!

Check it out at:

http://westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com/

We hope these latest developments at WDH will help them reach a much bigger audience, and help humanism to gain many more supporters across our region.

Meet the Humanists at Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival and Rally

2011-07-12T22:05:00.001+01:00

West Dorset Humanists will be representing Dorset’s Humanists at the 2011 Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival, this coming weekend.

They plan to be setting up their stall from around 10.00am on Saturday 16th July and are also planning to be there on Sunday too.

More volunteers to help cover their stall will be much appreciated, so if you will be attending Tolpuddle and can help out on the stall for an hour or two, please contact WDH and let them know.

If we hear any more details from WDH, we’ll add them to this page.

For more information about the Tolpuddle Festival, check out their website:

http://www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/

Click here to visit West Dorset Humanists' Facebook page.

West Dorset Humanists on Facebook

2011-07-11T23:14:00.001+01:00

Dorset Humanists are pleased to hear that our friends at West Dorset Humanists now have their own Facebook page.

Do keep an eye on their page for future updates, as they have some great events planned for the rest of the year, including Jo Adams’ talk, ‘A Humanist View Of Sex & Sexuality’ at their next meeting on 28th July.

Click here to take a look at the West Dorset Humanists’ Facebook page now.

Spirituality for Skeptics

2011-07-07T15:01:00.001+01:00

Wednesday 27^th July 7.30pm

Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW

Are we sometimes too rational for our own good?

Many people identify themselves as ‘spiritual but not religious’ but can atheists and rationalists really be ‘spiritual’?

David Warden, Chair of Dorset Humanists will lead a discussion on this elusive topic.

Come along and hear David's thoughts on the subject and share your own views and experiences in this interactive discussion.

Everyone welcome!

Free Entry (donations appreciated)

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view our other forthcoming and recent events.

July Bulletin and Newsletter

2011-07-06T22:36:00.001+01:00

It was Voltaire who said ‘As long as people believe in absurdities they will continue to commit atrocities’.

In this month’s bulletin and my July letter (PDF downloads) we report on Christians who torture children in the belief that they are witches.
Also this month: godless morality, spirituality for sceptics, a humanist view of sex and sexuality, humanism and positive psychology, a surprising development in secularist thinking, and why Richard Dawkins appears to believe in pre-existence. We look forward to seeing you at our debate and cream tea on 9th July, and at our other great events coming up this Summer.

Chris has posted a new updated event programme (to the right of this post under ‘Dorset Humanists Info’) for you to download and don’t forget to keep an eye on the website, our Facebook page and our bulletins for further news and updates.

To receive our newsletters and bulletins every month, just enter your details in the subscribe box on our home page.

Do come and join us at our meetings. We’re a friendly bunch and we have a wide range of stimulating events and activities planned.

See you soon!

David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists
Click here to view our forthcoming and recent events.

Dorset SACRE Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2011

2011-07-06T22:36:00.000+01:00

Download

Dorset SACRE Agreed Religious Education Syllabus 2011-2016 (pdf)
for Secular Worldviews see especially

The Breadth of Study: page 8
Primary phase Secular Worldviews syllabus: pages 37-38
KS3 Secondary phase Secular Worldviews syllabus: pages 43-45

If you are a RE Teacher who finds the syllabus useful for Teaching Secular Worldviews or if Dorset Humanists can assist you with further resource suggestions, please contact the Dorset Humanists committee.

click images below to enlarge

or preferably

download the Dorset SACRE Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2011.

Primary Phase Secular World Wiews

Secondary phase, KS3 Secular World Views

If you are an RE Teacher who find the syllabus useful for Teaching Secular World Views, leave a comment below. Thanks.

Teaching Secular Worldviews in RE

2011-07-04T23:57:00.001+01:00

I've created this new resource for RE teachers in Dorset & elsewhere - 'Teaching Secular Worldviews'.

Our strapline is 'Supporting the teaching of Secular Worldviews such as Humanism, Atheism & Scientific Method in RE'.

http://teaching-secular-worldviews.blogspot.com/

Morality Debate & Cream Tea

2011-06-30T16:22:00.001+01:00

Saturday 9^th July 2.00pm

Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth, BH9 1TW.

If God does not exist, what basis is there for morality and ethics?

Should we base our lives on doing good for others, or on pursuing our own self-interest? In this combined debate and summer social event, four members of Dorset Humanists will debate the motion “Self-interest is the best basis for morality.”

The debate will be followed by a delicious home-baked cream tea.

Come along and join us for a thought provoking afternoon and a tasty cream tea (£2.50 charge for cream tea).

Everyone welcome!

Free Entry (donations appreciated)

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view our other forthcoming and recent events.

Humanist Funerals talk, 5th July, Sturminster Newton, Dorset

2011-06-30T04:23:00.002+01:00

David Pack, Ceremonies Training Officer of British Humanist Association (BHA) will talk at the Martinsey Isle Trust Resource Centre at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton, Dorset at 2pm Tuesday July 5^th2011. Types of celebrants available and funeral options, will be discussed. Everyone welcome.

David Pack

Further information - Martinsey Isle http://www.martinsey.org.uk/ and BHA Humanist Funerals and Memorials.

The Myth of Jesus

2011-06-20T19:20:00.002+01:00

Saturday 2nd July 2.00pm

Forest Arts Centre, Old Milton Road, New Milton BH25 6DS

New Milton Humanists present an illustrated talk by Geoff Jones

Most people believe that Jesus was, if not the Son of God, at the very least an inspiring moral teacher.

It has become clear, however to an increasing number of scholars that the original Jesus was an imaginary figure who only later acquired a human biography as a result of political pressures to turn him into a tangible and marketable Saviour.

Come along and hear Geoff Jones unravel this most amazing transformation.

Everyone welcome!

Free Entry (donations appreciated)

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)@hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view our other forthcoming and recent events.

British Humanist Association launches new interactive site: ‘The Really Simple Guide to Humanism’

2011-06-18T22:31:00.002+01:00

The really simple guide to Humanism is a new online learning resource that has been created to help the wider public understand Humanism. The website offers simple answers to the most frequently asked questions about Humanism, and the opportunity for users to think about them in detail and learn more.

An online quiz helps users find out if they are humanists themselves, and the ‘Spot the Humanist’ game features a range of prominent humanists from past and present.

This site has sections covering ‘What about God?’, ‘What's it all for?‘, and ‘What is the good life?’. It features videos of humanists including writers Sue Blackmore, Zoe Margolis, David Nobbs, neurobiologist Colin Blakemore, comedians Ed Byrne and Lucy Porter, philosopher A C Grayling, and journalist and BHA President Polly Toynbee.

Take a look and let us know what you think on our Facebook page.

Click here to view our forthcoming and recent events.

The Science of Happiness

2011-06-12T17:18:00.002+01:00

On Saturday, David Warden, Chair of Dorset Humanists shared the results of his reading around the science of happiness, and personal pursuit of the same, in an enjoyable and well-attended meeting. While there isn’t room to do justice to his presentation here, we present a brief summary of his key points and a list of books that David recommended during the afternoon.

If you’d like to discuss this topic, please post comments on our Facebook page or join the discussion on the 'HASSNERS' Humanist Meetup page.

Summary

1. Evolution doesn’t give a fig for your happiness. It just wants you alive and making babies.

2. Your brain is a contraption, part of which we share with lizards and other reptiles. The ancient limbic system generates troublesome emotions.

3. The happiest people are Swiss, in social class I, extrovert and married.

4. Your happiness ‘set point’ is partly determined by your genes and other unalterable factors.

5. You can take control of about 40% of your potential for happiness.

12 top tips

1. Spend more time with the people who make you feel good

2. You can take control of your brain chemistry (to some extent, by thinking of your emotions, chemical events in your body and as information, alarm signals)

3. Active activities (TV, a passive activity, induces mild depression)

4. Life is a package deal – unhappiness is part of the grainy ‘texture’ of life. Don’t be unhappy about unhappiness itself – it’s normal and it will pass.

5. Practise gratitude (over the space of a few days write a list with 100 items on it – things you have been grateful for in your life)

6. Honour your own life (no regrets…)

7. Practise compassion (to everyone around you, even the unlovely)

8. Take action to reduce stress (plan your time better)

9. Do more enjoyable things (and have some idleness time)

10. Engage your senses more fully (enjoy ordinary things, trees, birdsong, sunshine)

11. Join a community organisation (such as Dorset Humanists)

12. Start a happiness project (keep a happiness journal for a year and make it your goal to increase your happiness and those around you)

Further reading (And DW’s comments)

· Daniel Nettle The Science of Happiness – compact and readable

· Cecilia D’Felice Dare to be You – a beautiful self-help book

· Paul Gilbert Overcoming Depression – a chunky self-help manual

· Don Cupitt The Way to Happiness – Don Cupitt is keen on ‘ordinary ecstasy’

· Martin Seligman Authentic Happiness – Positive Psychology

· Robert Holden Be Happy – a bit religious but in-depth and useful

· Andre Jordan Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now – a great book for wallowing in misery

(Note: If you do decide to buy any books from Amazon to further your investigation of the science of happiness, please use the following link which provides a small cash percentage to the British Humanist Association without increasing the price you pay: http://www.amazon.co.uk/?%5Fencoding=UTF8&tag=britishhumani-21&linkCode=sb1&camp=2378&creative=8438 ).

June Bulletin & Newsletter

2011-06-11T11:25:00.002+01:00

Secular, non-religious worldviews such as Humanism are about to go mainstream in education in Dorset. Find out more in this month’s bulletin and my June letter (PDF downloads). Also inside, how the human mind arose from inanimate matter, how to live a happier life, a Stephen Hawking quote on heaven, members’ comments, and stacks of great events coming up this Summer.

To receive our newsletters and bulletins every month, just enter your details in the subscribe box on our home page. Do come and join us at our meetings. We’re a friendly crowd and we have a wide range of stimulating events and activities planned. We’ll be posting a new updated event programme here very shortly. In the meantime, keep an eye on the website, our Facebook page and our bulletins for updates.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

Click here to view our forthcoming and recent events.

GLOBAL POVERTY PROJECT

2011-06-08T20:50:00.002+01:00

Wednesday 29^th June 7.30pm Moordown Community Centre Coronation Avenue Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

Around the world today, an estimated 1.4 billion people live in extreme poverty. Together, we can end it!

You are invited to a special screening of ‘1.4 Billion Reasons’, a thought provoking journey that explores how we can end extreme poverty within a generation.

In this moving and inspiring film, the Global Poverty Project explains the challenges of extreme poverty and shows how we can be part of the solution by making simple lifestyle changes.

Come along to watch our screening of the DVD and discuss how to make a difference.

Everyone welcome!

Free Entry (donations appreciated)

Some Internet Resources:

Global Poverty Project's YouTube Channel

GPP's 'Infobank' containing a wealth of information relating to global world poverty including Health, Education, Women, Infrastructure, Climate Change, Conflict, Sanitation, Children, and related news.

If you can help us promote this event by displaying an A4 poster, please email Dave at DHcensus(at)@hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy.

Click here to view our other forthcoming and recent events.

South Somerset Humanists walk with Dorset Humanists, Thursday 9th June

2011-06-01T11:06:00.001+01:00

Edward Gwinnell of South Somerset Humanists has invited our group members to join them at The Sun Inn, Burton, (on the outskirts of Dorchester) for a pub lunch on Thursday 9th June around 12.30 and then afterwards, for a stroll into Dorchester. Some of you have met the SSH group before at this venue and it has been a very pleasant occasion.

The Sun Inn

Lower Burton,
Dorchester, DT2 7RZ

http://www.sun-inn-dorchester.co.uk/

2011-05-26T11:31:00.007+01:00

The Science of Happiness

Saturday 11th June 2.00pm Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth, BH9 1TW

Update 12th June: Discuss this talk over at HASSNERS forum. What makes some people happier than others?

Is it possible to attain greater happiness in life, and sustain it, without dramatically changing our personal circumstances?

Studies by experimental psychologists show around half of your happiness level is genetically fixed and a surprisingly small 10% reflects your life circumstances. The great news is that 40% of your happiness level can be directly affected by simple daily activities and the conscious choices you make. In this interactive presentation, David Warden explores many of these scientifically tested ideas and techniques. Come along and find out how you can live a happier life!

Everyone welcome – Free entry

{If you can help promote Dorset Humanists by displaying an A4 poster for this event, please email Dave at: DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy}

2011-05-24T12:51:00.007+01:00

Keeping creationism out of science, and your MP's voting record

(Please note I've realised that the EDMs mentioned in the original version of this post have already passed, so it is too late to act. I apologise for any inconvenience caused by my earlier call to action).

Only Annette Brooke and Robert Walter of Dorset's eight MPs signed EDMs endorsing the view that creationism should be kept out of science education, and Tobias Ellwood said he is unable to sign EDMs because he is a Parliamentary Private Secretary.

The skeptical voter site provides further information on how individual MPs have voted on various issues relevant to a humanist worldview, including climate change, abortion, gay rights, faith schools etc.

http://skeptical-voter.org/wiki/index.php?title=David_Cameron

(Simply enter your own MPs name in the search box to retrieve their details)

Other useful pages for finding out how your MP has voted on key policies are:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/
http://www.publicwhip.com

Building An Eco-home From Scratch

2011-05-16T20:02:00.007+01:00

Tuesday 24th May 2011

Bournemouth Natural Science Society

39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. BH1 3NS

In 2004 Dorset Humanist Geoff Jones and his wife embarked on their lifetime ambition to build their own home. Although they had previously undertaken house renovations, they had no experience of building from scratch. With the help of friendly builders they set about designing and building their own eco-friendly house. Two years later the project was finished and included the use of geo-thermal energy for under-floor heating, water harvesting, central vacuuming, air vacuuming, a heat exchange ventilation system, and photovoltaic cells to produce free electricity.

In this illustrated presentation, Geoff explains how to build an eco-home from scratch, and how you can help the environment and reduce your bills – saving yourself money on water, using less electricity and living in a house that’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter, while drastically reducing your environmental impact.

Free Event – Everyone Welcome!

The Big Green Fortnight: 20th May to 5th June 2011
The aim of the Bournemouth and Poole Big Green Fortnight is to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage businesses, community groups and individuals to adopt more sustainable ways of living.
More info at www.bournemouth2026.org.uk/bgf

Hosted by Bournemouth Natural Science Society and Dorset Humanists

Recommended Books by Dorset Humanists

2011-05-07T06:47:00.000+01:00

What books about Humanism (or related to Humanism) do you recommend? I want to hear YOUR suggestions by replying below. For example, South West London Humanists book list. I'll pull together a list and will add your name against your recommended book (if you DON'T want your name included in the list let me know WHEN you make your recommendation). The book list will be updated regularly on this website: I'll link the books to Amazon.co.uk - Dorset Humanists will receive a small commission on each book sold.

2011-04-29T21:38:00.006+01:00

Apes, Angels and Ancestors

Saturday 14th May 2.00pm

Moordown Community Centre Coronation AvenueMoordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

Even people who accept the evolution of lower animals often struggle to believe our human ancestors also evolved from lower creatures, and turn instead to stories of divine creation. Most scientists find it equally difficult to believe we are not related to the rest of the natural world by descent because we are so similar in all our systems, including our brains.

In this fascinating presentation, distinguished biologist and author Jack Cohen explains how ‘the ape with the curious mind’ arose from creatures that were “just animals”.

Everyone welcome – Free entry

Dr Jack Cohen is an internationally known reproductive biologist who writes, lectures and campaigns to promote public awareness of science. He has written popular biology textbooks, more than 100 research papers, and books exploring complexity, chaos and simplicity with co-author, mathematician Ian Stewart. He is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on hypothetical alien biology and has designed alien creatures and ecologies for top science fiction writers including Terry Pratchett, Harry Harrison and Larry Niven. He is frequently heard on radio and has participated in several TV programmes including for the BBC’s flagship science series, Horizon.

2011-04-12T14:21:00.009+01:00

Fairer Votes

For All?

Referendum Debate

Wednesday 27th April 7.30pm Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue Moordown, Bournemouth. BH9 1TW

In May we’ll have the opportunity to change our electoral voting system in the first national referendum since 1975. If you’re wondering how the proposed ‘Alternative Vote’ (AV) works and whether it really is more democratic, come along to hear the case for and against AV, and have your chance to question leading referendum campaigners.

Leading the debate in this Referendum Special will be our guest speakers; John Strafford, Chairman of the Conservative ‘Yes to AV’ Campaign, and Cllr Don Collier, leader of the local ‘NO to AV’ Campaign.

Everyone welcome – Free entry

John Strafford joined the Conservative Party in 1964, is Chairman of the Campaign for Conservative Democracy, and the author of ‘Our Fight for Democracy - A History of Democracy in the United Kingdom’.

Don Collier is a Poole Conservative Councillor, Computer Consultant, and passionate environmentalist. In 2009 he stood for election as an MEP and campaigned across the South West of England.

2011-04-05T15:12:00.008+01:00

Humanism and the European Humanist Federation
Saturday 9th April 2.00pm Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 1TW
In this fascinating talk, David Pollock will expose the worrying amount of religious influence in Europe and how non-believers often struggle to get a fair hearing in the corridors of power. David also reveals that, while the EU has standardised many laws across Europe, member-state government support for religion exhibits a bewildering amount of variation.

David Pollock

For example:
· In many European countries, the church is paid for by taxpayers
· The European Court of Human Rights has just upheld the Italian Government’s right to insist on the display of crucifixes in all state schools ·
In Hungary, 190 different religions are officially recognised
Everyone welcome – Free entry
David Pollock is President of the European Humanist Federation.
The EHF, based in Brussels, promotes the principles of humanism and of a secular society, supporting human rights, opposing discrimination against non-believers and fighting for equal rights for all citizens.

America's Most Hated Family in Crisis.

2011-04-05T04:06:00.013+01:00

source: via David Warden http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0107zhy/Louis_Theroux_Americas_Most_Hated_Family_in_Crisis/

Humanist (well I assume he is from his comments) Louis Theroux meets again the 'most hated family in America' who welcome people dying in car accidents and soldiers dying for their country, because its 'gods will'.

Watched all of it. Gobsmacked! It’s not right that people should try to own other people’s minds, let alone their childrens’ minds.

Without testing, reason is akin to superstition says Stephen Fry.

2011-04-04T02:04:00.010+01:00

BHA Distinguished
Supporter - Stephen Fry

BHA Distinguished supporter Stephen Fry put it well in February 2011 at Harvard @ 7’30” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HiaePLocUw&feature=player_embedded

when he said that ‘humanism is not interested in convincing anybody else how to live, it can show, not tell”.. and “humanists, as citizens of the world, have no interest in owning the minds of others.. you can tickle the minds of others or play with the minds of others or be graceful with the minds of others, but don’t try to own the minds of others’.

The whole of his talk is worth listening to especially this comment (with my Chair of Humanists4Science hat on)…

'Reason is almost akin to superstition ... reason must be tested" @ 8'35”

http://humanists4science.blogspot.com/2011/04/stephen-fry-why-reason-is-almost-akin.html

This is empiricism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empiricism

BHA Distinguished
Supporter - Peter Atkins

BHA Distinguished
Supporter - Stephen Law

Peter Atkins tried to persuade Stephen Law to think always both philosophically AND empirically at a debate I attended in Oxford in February:-

http://humanists4science.blogspot.com/2011/04/peter-atkins-debates-stephen-law.html.

All fascinating stuff, to me at least! ... but then I'm not trying to own your mind, just tickle it!

We are Humanists worldwide

2011-03-30T08:07:00.002+01:00

via Mike Werner via Jane Bannister.

Annual Dorset Humanists Membership

2011-03-28T09:53:00.000+01:00

Census: Don't answer 'Humanist' to 'What is your Religion'! You'll be counted as 'Other Religion"!!

2011-03-12T04:59:00.001Z

Oh My Darwin! (OMD!)

Dave E reports yesterday that

" I've found out from someone's 'Freedom of Information' request that 'Humanist' was classified as 'Other religion' in the 2001 Census, so please do tick the 'No religion' box when completing your own Census form, or you could become a pro-faith statistic for the government..."

BHA Census Campaign update

2011-03-07T03:03:00.003Z

source: http://census-campaign.org.uk/2011/03/read-and-listen-again/

The launch of the bus posters and the banning of ‘For God’s sake’ has caused a major stir in local and national press.

Here we provide a round-up, so you can read and listen again. We will update this page as more go online, so keep checking back.

With respect to reading materials, John McManus, on the BBC website did a great article about the launch of the Census Campaign buses. The New Statesman has written an article about our run-ins with the Committee of Advertising Practices, entitled ‘For God’s sake … this isn’t offensive’: see also the Guardian and the New Humanistarticles on our banned ads.

Lots of local and national news media have also published our press release and related articles:

The Independent

The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The Significance Magazine

The Christian Institute

And there was a lot of action on the radio:

BHA Chief Exec Andrew Copson on BBC Wales: from 00.54 mins.

Head of Public Affairs Naomi Phillips on BBC Radio Five Live: from 00.54 mins.

Andrew on BBC Radio 3 Counties: from 1.07 mins.

Andrew on BBC Radio London: from 1.14 mins.

Andrew on BBC Radio Manchester: from 2.08 mins.

BHA supporter Dr. Donald Cameron on BBC Radio Bristol: from 1.19 mins.

Richard Dawkins on BBC Radio Oxford: from 2.06 mins.

Naomi on BBC Radio London: from 0.02 and 0.16 mins.

It seems that everyone’s talking about the campaign! Don’t forget to do your bit: keep spreading the message of the campaign to see the non-religious population standing up to be counted in March.

Census Campaign Media

2011-03-05T07:39:00.000Z

HumanistLife - 5/3/11 - latest news from the campaign

Dorset Humanists 'Tick No Religion' Facebook Census Campaign Launches!

2011-03-05T05:21:00.006Z

Today Dorset Humanists launch our Census Facebook Campaign!

We will target adults who live within 16km of Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth and Dorchester with non-religious interests (who like atheist, humanist, sceptic, secularism, Richard Dawkins etc etc) and who are not members of Dorset Humanists Facebook group. All the ads link to our Donate page.

Update 7th March: After one day our ads have been shown over 6,000 times to our target audience.

More about Dorset Humanists Census Campaign.

The "No Religion" Pledge

2011-02-22T22:40:00.001Z

Census Campaign 2011

Did the 2001 Census overstate the number of Christians and understate the number of non-religious?

2011-02-22T21:38:00.005Z

The 2001 Census asked the question 'What is your religion?":-

2001 Census Question on Religion

Office of National Statistics results of What is your religion question:

As the BHA says:-

'What is your religion?', the question in the 2001 census used in England and Wales gave a far higher figure for ‘Christian’ than all other surveys. The 'Christian' box was selected by 71.74% of respondents in England and 71.90% in Wales.

The Scottish figure, where respondents were asked about the religion they were brought up in, as well as their current religion, showed significantly fewer respondents ticking 'Christian': 65.08%, in spite of far higher figures for Church attendance in Scotland.

The corresponding figures for ‘None’ were: England 14.6%, Wales 18.63% and Scotland 27.55%. A closed question which assumed that respondents would have a religion undoubtedly inflated the number of respondents ticking a religious box and reduced the number of those ticking 'none'.

The figures were probably also distorted by the fact that the question appeared immediately after a series of questions on ethnicity, which may well have encouraged people to respond more on the basis of culture than actual beliefs or religious affiliation.

Ethnicity question before Religion question in 2001 Census

Other surveys tend to give around 30 – 40% non-religious, rising to 60 – 65% for young people. See BHA selection of statistics on religion and belief in the UK.

The BHA also says "Apart from the inaccuracy of the data collected on religious affiliation, there are real, practical problems with the use of such data. The Census data on religion says nothing about the actual religious practice, involvement, belief or belonging of the population. However, both central and local government use such data in resource allocation and for targeting equality initiatives. And the figure stating that 72% of the population are ‘Christian’ has been used in a variety of ways, such as to justify the continuing presence of Bishops in the House of Lords, to justify the state-funding of faith schools (and their expansion), to justify and increase religious broadcasting and to exclude the voices of humanists in Parliament and elsewhere.

The question is not fit for the purposes for which it was included, for the first time, in 2001."

So what does the Religion question really measure? See the BHA Census Campaign.

Why is the religion question in the Census 2011 misleading?

2011-02-22T20:48:00.000Z

As the Census Campaign says:-
Ask a silly question…

In the 2001 Census, a highly leading question “What is your religion?” was included.

By assuming that all participants held a religious belief, the question captured some kind of loose cultural affiliation, and as a result over 70% responded ‘Christian’, a far higher percentage than nearly every other significant survey or poll on religious belief in the past decade.

Unfortunately, the Office of National Statistics has decided to reuse this same flawed question in the 2011 census:-

The Religion question in the 2011 Census

More about the Dorset Humanists Census Campaign.

Donate to Dorset Humanists Census Campaign

2011-02-21T07:32:00.019Z

The Census asks "What is your religion?"

Dorset Humanists Census Campaign says that if you are not religious and live in Dorset, tick the 'No Religion' box.

Donate today
Please help to fund Dorset Humanists Census Campaign ads in the Daily Echo, Dorset Echo and Facebook.

Dorset Humanists Census Campaign Ads - Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, March 2011

Dorset Humanists Census Campaign Ad - Facebook, March 2011

Fund the Ads Donate Today.

British Humanist Assocation - 61,000 Census Campaign leaflets - 10,000 for Dorset

2011-02-20T10:01:00.005Z

Andrew Copson, CEO of BHA with 61,000 Census Campaign leaflets

Dorset Humanists will distribute 10,000 Census Campaign leaflets in Bournemouth Square and to Dorset homes. If you can spare an hour or two to help in March 2011 do contact us.

Our recommendation

If you’re not religious we recommend ticking ‘No religion’ for the Census 2011 question on religion.

Ticking ‘No religion’ is better than leaving the question unanswered because this way you count. And it’s better than answering with the religion you were brought up in if you don’t believe in it anymore and don’t think organised religion speaks for you.

Dorset Humanists aim is to increase the 18% of the Dorset population who said they had 'No Religion' in 2001 Census to well over 20% in the 2011 census. Read more: Census Campaign.http://census-campaign.org.uk/ or visit Facebook campaign.

Just over a third (36%) of the British population has a Humanist outlook on life.

2011-02-16T05:21:00.001Z

Dorset Humanists have been discussing efforts to promote the Census Campaign. I've revisited the 2007 Ipsos Mori Poll to see who has a Humanist outlook. Most effective targeting of leaflets would be to younger and middle-aged people (up to 54) and those with children.

The poll is reproduced below largely unedited:

Humanist Beliefs

Published:8 January 2007

Fieldwork:26 - 30 October 2006
Ipsos MORI recently conducted a survey on behalf of the British Humanist Association. The objective of the research was to gauge the levels of Humanist related opinion that exist amongst the British population.

Just over a third (36%) of the British population has a Humanist outlook on life.

The 36% who show a Humanist outlook on life is calculated as those choosing the following three statements:

Scientific and other evidence provides the best way to understand the universe
Human nature by itself gives us an understanding of what is right and wrong
What is right and wrong depends on the effects on people and the consequences for society and the world

44% say the government pays too much attention to the leaders of other countries and 42% to religious groups and leaders

Asked to select from a list of groups that people might think the government pays too much attention to, 44% chose 'Leaders of Other Countries' and 42% chose 'Religious Groups and Leaders'. The list also included 'Newspaper Headlines' (35%), 'Big Business' (34%), 'The Royal Family' (20%), 'Trade Unions' (17%) and 'Ordinary People' (3%).

What happens after death? Opinion is split

Another question found that 41% endorsed the statement 'This life is the only life we have and death is the end of our personal existence'. Fractionally more — 45% — held the view that 'When we die we go on and still exist in another way'. Of those choosing all three of the 'Humanist' answers, more said this was our only life (54%) than believed in some sort of continued existence (38%). And of those seeing this as our only life, 79% chose two or all three of the 'Humanist' answers to the other questions. Just over a fifth of those who endorsed the need for religion in answers to other questions nevertheless also said this was our only life (22%).

Topline Results

Ipsos MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 975 adults aged 15+ across Great Britain.
Interviews were carried out face-to-face, in home, using laptops, as part of the Ipsos MORI Omnibus.
Fieldwork was conducted on one wave between 26-30 October 2006.
Results are based on all respondents (975) unless otherwise stated.
Results are weighted to the known population profile of Great Britain.
An asterisk (*) denotes a finding of less than 0.5%, but greater than zero.
Where figures do not add up to 100, this is due to multiple coding or computer rounding.
For each set of statements the Humanist standpoint is shown in italics on the corresponding table.

Q1 I am going to read out some pairs of statements to you. I'd like you to tell me on balance which one in each pair most closely matches your view. You might find that the statements overlap a little, however please tell me which one you feel most closely matches your view. (If you had to choose just one of the statements which one best matches your view?)

	%
Scientific and other evidence provides the best way to understand the universe	62
Religious beliefs are needed for a complete understanding of the universe	22
Neither of these	10
Don't Know	6

Q2 Which of these statements best matches your view? Again, just tell me the letter that best fits your view. (If you had to choose just one of the statements which one best matches your view?)

	%
Human nature by itself gives us an understanding of what is right and wrong	62
People need religious teachings in order to understand what is right and wrong	27
Neither of these	7
Don't Know	4

Q3 Which of these statements best matches your view? Again, just tell me the letter that best fits your view. (If you had to choose just one of the statements which one best matches your view?)

	%
This life is the only life we have and death is the end of our personal existence	41
When we die we go on and still exist in another way	45
Neither of these	5
Don't Know	8

Q4 Now a set of three statements, which one of these best matches your view? Again, just tell me the letter that best fits your view. (If you had to choose just one of the statements which one best matches your view?)

	%
What is right and wrong is unchanging and should never be challenged	13
What is right and wrong depends on the effects on people and the consequences for society and the world	65
What is right and wrong is basically just a matter of personal preference	15
None of these	2
Don't Know	5

Q5 People often comment on the level of attention the Government pays to certain groups in society. Which, if any, of the following groups of people do you think the Government pays too much attention to?

	%
Religious groups and leaders	42
Trade Unions	17
Newspaper headlines	35
Big business	34
Leaders of other countries	44
The Royal Family	20
Ordinary people	3
None of these	9

Further Analysis

Humanist Tendencies	%
Express no Humanist Tendencies at Q1, Q2 and Q4	13
Express at some Humanist Tendency at Q1, Q2 and Q4 (one or two out of the three)	51
Express only Humanist Tendencies at Q1, Q2 and Q4	36

Those who choose only Humanist statements (at Q1, Q2 and Q4) — 'Humanists' by this survey's definition — are more prevalent among:

Younger and middle-aged people (aged 15-54) (41%) compared to those aged 55 and over (26%)
Those in social classes ABC1 (43%) compared to those in C2DE (28%)
Those with children in their household (43%) compared to those without (33%)
Those that live in the South (41%) compared to those that live in the Midlands (30%), with those in the North in between (37%)
Those working full- or part-time (42%) compared to those not working (29%)
Those who read 'broadsheets' (51%) compared to those that read tabloids (33%)
Those with qualifications of GCSE equivalent and above (42%) compared to those with no formal qualifications (20%).

Ancestor's Trail walk over Quantock Hills, Somerset celebrates Darwin & Evolution

2011-02-16T00:47:00.000Z

This pilgrimage to the darwin (sic) /dawn of time is run with the help of the 'Taunton Humanist Group' and 'British Humanist Association'

Chris Street says

Jane & Dennis, Chris & Sharon from Dorset Humanists went to 2010 Ancestor's Trail walk in Somerset. It was both a fun ... and educational pilgrimage! A great way to meet Humanists & Sympathisers from all parts of Britain.

The Ancestor's Trail is an annual celebration of the simple and ingenious truth that all life on Earth is related. This secular 'pilgrimage’ traces the course of evolution by following converging footpaths representing the branches of Charles Darwin's Tree of Life. We warmly extend an open invitation to join us. The Trail is inspired by Richard Dawkins' book “The Ancestor's Tale”, subtitled “A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Life”. The book traces the evolutionary history of our species, and many others, back to our origins 3.7 billion years ago.

Baba Brinkman performs his
‘Rap Guide to Evolution’
at Kilve Beach in 2010.

The Human line is the longest (13.5 miles), but you can choose from any one of the shorter routes you will find on the Google map. Each branch will rendezvous with the main trail at specific times (see map) such that the ever-increasing band of 'pilgrims' arrives together at the Dawn of Life ~ Kilve beach, appropriately famous for its fossils. This year, along the trail, rendezvous points will be marked by appropriate words of wisdom, music and performance.
The pilgrims on the human trail start walking at 11am and everyone arrives back at Kilve at around 5.30pm.

This will be our second biological pilgrimage ~ a secular celebration of our shared origins with all life on earth. To achieve this we draped Darwin's tree of life over the Quantock Hills in Somerset, lining it up with its many footpaths. Symbolically, participants walk back 3.7 billion years along Darwin’s tree of life re-uniting with our ancestors as they go. At the finish we throw a party for what has to be the most spectacularly belated birthday celebration on earth! Walkers start journeys from the ends of the trail branches so that our ever increasing band of 'pilgrims' arrive together at a place presenting biogenesis. http://www.ancestorstrail.net/.

Along the trail you’ll come across a range of scientific, philosophical and musical contributions, including at the trail end, a well deserved cup of 'primordial' soup!

Chris Jenord the Ancestors' Trail organiser writes:-

Dear All,

This year's Ancestor's Trail (Sun 29th May) http://www.ancestorstrail.net/ is planned to be bigger and better. However, we remain a small event in its early stages, with all our funding being raised via ticket sales/public investment. To this end, we have a adopted a Crowdfunder pitch because it allows folks to secure tickets/invest online. As organisers, we need access to this funding early to book coaches, acts and facilities. Hopefully this will also help us avoid the personal loss we incurred last year.

This is currently the only way for participants to book/invest in the event. However, these pitches only run for a fixed term, and ours is approaching its end date.

Our pitch finishes on: 30th March 2011. http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/investment/ancestor-s-trail-72.

Interested, but can't make it? Many people have really been really enthusiastic about the event, but can't make it on the day. Our Crowdfunder pitch now provides a way that you can support us without attending. Simply follow the pitch link above and invest as if you were coming. As you'll see from the rewards column, if you don't turn up on the day, we'll automatically send you a video of the event and/or merchandise as a thank you.

Crowdfunder pitches are designed so that if the target sum is not reached, everyone gets their money back, so you really have got NOTHING TO LOSE by investing. However, as you will see on our pitch, we currently have a long way to go.

Chris Street says:

If they don't raise £1800 Ancestor's Trail will give the money you've donated back to you. Here's how it works.

Thank you.

Hope to see you in May,

Chris Jenord.

Stop press: Ancestor's Trail will be advertising at the Colston Hall when Brian Cox and Robin Ince (and others) perform their Uncaged Monkeys show. We are also thrilled to accept a donation from A.C Grayling.

Ed Byrne discusses the Census

2011-02-15T23:21:00.000Z

Comedian Ed Byrne discusses the Census, the religion question, and why if you're not religious you should tick "No religion"

The Power of Social Networks - Census Campaign

2011-02-07T09:57:00.000Z

From the BHA Newsletter 7/2/11

The power of online social networks is endlessly discussed and sometimes exaggerated... The buzz generated by interactive websites is responsible for a big proportion of British Humanist Association (BHA) traffic. In the last month Facebook and Reddit alone were responsible for 40% of all incoming traffic to the Census Campaign site. That's four out of ten users - signing the pledge, making a donation - who might not have found us if it weren't for those two sites.

On the main BHA website, too, the top four sites bringing visitors are Facebook (the social network), Stumbleupon (content sharing), Twitter (microblogging), and Wikipedia (the socially-edited encyclopaedia). None of these sites emulates a traditional publishing model. Instead, these sites all exist in their entirety because web users themselves make and share content.

To spread the news about the Census Campaign:-

- talk to us directly on Twitter (@BHANews) including the Census Campaign team (@CensusCampaign) and re-tweet our messages to your followers

- share our links via facebook.com/humanism and facebook.com/censuscampaign so that - without being particularly pushy - your interested friends might be prompted to take part as well.

- get a virtual sticker for your accounts via Twibbon

Even if you're not a big social networker you definitely use email. At the bottom of every page of the Census Campaign website there is an email button through which you can quickly and easily send an email to anyone in your address book (we can even fetch your contacts for you).

Dorset Humanists, please give it a go and help spread the word today!

Liberty & Equality: Getting the Balance Right - BHA Viewpoint

2011-01-26T00:03:00.000Z

reposted from: BHA Bulletin 24th January 2011:-

There exists a narrative that, in this country, religious groups and especially Christians are somehow being marginalised, discriminated against or even persecuted because of their 'faith'. This false and misleading narrative has largely come from political Christian groups (anti-choice, anti-gay rights, anti-secularist etc etc) who are supporting a relatively small number of court cases, tribunals and disciplinary hearings of Christians who allege religious discrimination when they are prevented from behaving as they wish, even in the workplace, according to their beliefs. In almost every case taken so far, rather than finding religious discrimination against them, they have been found to have acted unlawfully or in breach of contract when they refuse to provide a service or discriminate against others, often on grounds of sexual orientation (see below for two news articles just this week for example!)

This fallacious narrative of religious marginalisation or persecution is not only replicated in the press, but will be discussed at the Church of England's General Synod. A number of Bishops, including the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, are backing a paper and plan to combat the 'increasing secularisation of society' and to fight the 'new atheism'.

Perhaps even more concerning is that some at the highest levels of government seem to be buying in to it as well. This week, the Conservative Party chairman Baroness Warsi said that this government doesn't just 'do God' but that it 'gets God' as well - and at the same time condemned the 'sloppy religious illiteracy' of the rest of us! This statement is an addition to others from the Baroness, such as last year's proclamations that this government will 'defend people of faith' and her public criticism the year before, describing the secularist position as 'intolerant' and 'illiberal'.

Secularists, whether humanist or religious, need to stand firm against this narrative. We need to fight for the right to people to hold beliefs, even those we profoundly disagree with, and at the same time recognising that there have to be limits to acting on those beliefs so that all people can live their lives free from irrelevant discrimination by others. This means that we need to expose the narrative for what it is. We all of us need to be clear and say that it is not acceptable for registered therapists to try to 'convert' gay people to heterosexuality; that hotel owners cannot refuse board to gay couples just as they cannot refuse people on grounds of race; that governments should stop making a fetish of faith.

In order to create the good society where we can all live together and celebrate our diversity, we do not need more religious privilege. We need less.

Hans Rosling's 200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes - The Joy of Stats - BBC Four

2011-01-21T03:22:00.007Z

via http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wgq0l and Science Doll

More from Hans Rosling at TED.

Visit his website.

Dorset Humanists website

Events Programme Update

About Humanists and Humanism

January Bulletin and Newsletter

The Limits of Morality?

The Campaign Against Faith Schools

Free entry (donations appreciated)

December Bulletin and Newsletter

Farewell New Milton Humanists

Inequality Harms Everyone

Free entry (donations appreciated)

Climate change: are we prepared to meet the challenge sufficiently?

Coffee Morning at the B.I.C.

Free entry

Remembrance Sunday 2011

Compassionate Eating

Free entry (donations appreciated)

Thomas Hardy and ‘The Poetry of Unbelief’

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

Events Programme Updated

November Bulletin and Newsletter

The Shameful Export of British Arms

The Case for Assisted Dying

Email: westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.co.uk Tel:07921 311518

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

'A Tour Through The Universe in Space and Time' followed by Star Gazing

Free entry

***BHlife misprint: ‘What is Humanism’***

Monarchy, Republicanism and The Church of England

Free entry (donations appreciated)

October Bulletin and Newsletter

The Ethics of War

Free entry (donations appreciated)

Transhumanism: Utopia or nightmare?

Free entry (donations appreciated)

CANCELLED: Thomas Hardy and ‘The Poetry of Unbelief’

Greg Epstein’s ‘Good without God’

Note: BHA’s Amazon Store

A Hitchhiker’s Guide To Humanism

Free entry (donations appreciated)

September Bulletin and Newsletter

Tip: Humanist Newsfeeds

What is Humanism?

Free entry (donations appreciated)

Meetup at Boscombe Beach

Atheists are not to blame for violence

Let's go back to Christian basics

Atheists are not to blame for violence

CANCELLED: Thomas Hardy and ‘The Poetry of Unbelief’

Email: westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.co.uk Tel:07921 311518

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

New Milton Humanists Programme Updates

‘Population Matters’

Everyone welcome!

August Bulletin and Newsletter

‘Filmosophy’

Everyone welcome!

Dorset Humanists’ Charity Book Sale Raises £220 for East African Famine Relief

John Rowles - The Matter With Us

East African Crisis Appeal Book Sale

A Humanist View Of Sex & Sexuality

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

URGENT: East Africa Crisis Appeal

Why we need to help:

How we can help:

The easiest way is by text message: To donate £5 by mobile, TEXT 70000 with the word HELP in your message.

Thank you for helping!

West Dorset Humanists’ New Website

Meet the Humanists at Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival and Rally

West Dorset Humanists on Facebook

Spirituality for Skeptics

Everyone welcome!

July Bulletin and Newsletter

Dorset SACRE Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2011

Teaching Secular Worldviews in RE

Morality Debate & Cream Tea

Everyone welcome!

Humanist Funerals talk, 5th July, Sturminster Newton, Dorset

The Myth of Jesus

British Humanist Association launches new interactive site: ‘The Really Simple Guide to Humanism’

BHlife misprint: ‘What is Humanism’