Tolpuddle and its Martyrs: Radicals, Revolutionaries and Religion

Saturday 10^th June 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Government Scientist and Trade Union Rep David Nunn and Eric Austen

How did a small Dorset village come to be internationally recognised as the birthplace of modern British Trade Unionism? And how did six agricultural workers, with nothing more than their labour to offer, come to challenge the might of the British Empire, the aristocracy, and powerful land-owners, causing the Government of the day to back down? Six brave men and their families helped change the balance of power, and their influence continues on into today’s environment of challenging employment relations, as Trade Unionists face up to the current Government radically reducing their rights. Adding further spice to this story, religion was also inextricably entwined with these influential events, with one arm of the Christian Church supporting the six men, while another serviced the will of land-owners and the Government.

“Join us for a fascinating afternoon exploring a true story that inspired, challenged and forever changed our nation”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

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

Why Everyone Should be a Feminist

Wednesday 24^th May 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

Bournemouth University lecturer Frances Hawkhead

Men and women should have equal rights and opportunities, yet women still earn less than men in Britain and are grossly underrepresented in our company boardrooms. Is this because women naturally prefer the roles which attract less pay, or does our social structure still privilege men? Should we support positive discrimination to increase the number of women in key business and civic roles, or is equal opportunity enough? Do existing cultural gender stereotypes harm men as well as women?

Via a brief history of feminism and an exploration of gender in society, Frances Hawkhead will provide some thought-provoking answers to these and other questions, and will invite us all to become feminists.

Frances Hawkhead  is a lecturer in English, Communication & Media at Bournemouth University.

“Join us for a thought-provoking evening as we discover why we should all be feminists”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

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

Human Rights Defenders

Saturday 10^th December 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Marilyn Jarrett from Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a global movement of people who champion and fight for the human rights of other people, often risking their own lives to expose injustice and hold powerful people to account.

Following a general introduction to Amnesty International’s work, including some moving success stories, Marilyn Jarrett will bring us up to date on the disturbing plight of many ‘Individuals at Risk’ and ’Prisoners of Conscience’ such as Raif Badawi and his lawyer Waleed Abu al-Khair whom they are currently working to protect. She will also outline Amnesty’s new global refugee campaign called "I welcome", which aims to ensure that refugees are protected, welcomed and their human rights are respected. We hope Marilyn can also update us on the government’s proposals to replace the Human Rights Act in the UK with a “British Bill of Rights”. 

Marilyn became involved with Amnesty International in the 1980s whilst working in Brussels. Following a year volunteering in Nigeria, she became Secretary of the Guildford Amnesty International group and is also part of the AI Trainers Network, leading workshops in the South-East for local and student AI groups and other focus groups. Marilyn has a degree in Global Politics and Democracy from the Open University which has reinforced her conviction in the fundamental importance of Human Rights.

Join us for a fascinating introduction to the vital work of human rights defender Amnesty International

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

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

EU Referendum Debate: Five Humanist Views

Wednesday 25^th May 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

Humanism shares many values with the European Union (EU) such as liberty, equality, human rights, democracy, the rule of law, economic prosperity, and peace. But are these values best served as a member of, or outside of the EU, and should humanists adopt a view based on national self-interest or a broader set of supranational objectives?

To discuss these issues from a humanist perspective we bring together a diverse range of views from within our own membership and from the wider humanist community. Our panel will include a published philosopher, a member of the British Psychological Society, a Polish lawyer who immigrated to the UK, an ex-UKIP member, and a Labour Party economist.

Some of our panellists will argue to remain in the EU and others will argue to leave, but they will all strive to present a rational and humanistic analysis of one of the biggest decisions facing the British electorate in recent history.

“Join us for this lively debate on Britain’s future relationship with Europe”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

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

Blasphemy by the Backdoor

Saturday 9^th April 2016 - 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Chief Executive Officer of the British Humanist Association Andrew Copson.

Although they still remained on the statute books, Britain’s antiquated blasphemy laws were widely believed to have been abandoned prior to their surprising revival for 1979’s high profile Gay News trial. And in 1991, Muslim efforts to ban Salman Rushdie’s ‘The Satanic Verses’ highlighted that our anachronistic laws only protected Christian beliefs, and consequently had no place in a modern multi-cultural society.

In 2002, veteran human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell stated “The blasphemy law gives the Christian religion privileged protection against criticism and dissent. No other institution enjoys such sweeping powers to suppress the expression of opinions and ideas”.

In the ensuing years, it became increasingly clear that freedom of speech was a more important principle than protecting religious beliefs, and our blasphemy laws were finally repealed in 2008, but are we truly free to criticise religious sensibilities?

In this lively talk, Chief Executive of the British Humanist Association (BHA) Andrew Copson will be considering how various rules and regulations still privilege religions in the public space and lead to opposing voices being silenced. Beginning with a number of banned adverts, Andrew will provide examples of the often arbitrary ways in which the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) carries out its duty to take down any adverts "likely to cause serious and widespread offense". Among the many other relevant examples of ‘blasphemy by the backdoor’ he will be discussing, we expect the various hurdles that were placed in the way of the BHA’s efforts to get the Atheist Bus Campaign underway will also get a special mention.

“Join us for an entertaining and alarming exploration of Britain’s de facto blasphemy laws!”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

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

Effectively Advancing Equality and Human Rights

Wednesday 28^th October 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

With Pavan Dhaliwal of the British Humanist Association

Humanists have always been at the forefront of promoting a rational, secular approach to ethical issues in public policy, and the British Humanist AssociationBritish Humanist Association (BHA) devotes much of its resources towards campaigning for equality and human rights. Pavan Dhaliwal will outline the BHA’s current campaigns on issues such as assisted dying, religious education, and pastoral care in hospitals, and explain how we can most effectively use our limited resources for maximum effect. One such method currently being explored is the use of ‘strategic litigation’ which can bring about significant changes in the law, legal practice and/or public awareness by taking carefully-selected test cases to court.

Pavan Dhaliwal is Director of Public Affairs and Campaigns at the British Humanist Association and is responsible for campaigns covering a wide range of issues including public services, equality law, ethical issues, religion and schools, and social cohesion. She has worked in high level advisory and Head of Policy and Public Affairs roles for the past seven years. She is an equalities and human rights expert with a special interest in youth, criminal justice and education policy

“Join us to discover how the British Humanist Association is working to advance equality and human rights”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

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

Humanists for a Better World: Global Problems – Why Bother?

Wednesday 22^nd July 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

With ‘Humanists for a Better World’ co-founder Marilyn Mason

Humanists have always been concerned about global problems such as human rights abuses, poverty, wars, hunger, and exploitation of the poor, yet globally there remains much to be done, and despite public statements to the contrary, issues such as climate change and environmental sustainability remain low priorities for most UK politicians. Humanism is a worldview which inspires considered action, and Marilyn Mason will explain why she thinks humanists should get involved in changing things for the better, and how she co-founded Humanists for a Better World to encourage not just more discussion and information-sharing, but more collective humanist action too. Marilyn will be focussing on the positive actions we can take communally, politically and as individuals.

Marilyn Mason was the British Humanist Association’s first ever Education Officer. She co-founded Humanists for a Better World, represents the British Humanist Association in the Stop Climate Chaos coalition, and is on the steering group of Transition Town Kingston.

“Join us as we explore a range of ways in which we can individually and collectively help improve our world”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

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

New Forest Nightstop

Wednesday 24^th September 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

With New Forest Nightstop Coordinator, Jude Todd

At the age of sixteen, Jude Todd was sleeping on the streets or in derelict buildings. She suffered considerable personal abuse, was exposed to drink and drugs, and rummaged in bins or begged to get food. In this talk, she will be sharing her personal story of surviving two years of homelessness, and explain how this led her to create New Forest Nightstop which offers safe, free emergency accommodation to homeless young people. One of the most surprising aspects of this inspirational charity’s service is that volunteer families allow the homeless to stay with them in their own homes. Welcoming families, along with suitable advice and support, help ensure vulnerable young people in difficulty are able to recapture their potential and avoid falling into the downward spiral of long term homelessness. The support given by Nightstop not only raises young people's self-esteem but their chances for employment, training, health and housing are also much improved. Join us for an informative introduction to this charity’s vital work, interspersed with a selection of uplifting stories about those who’ve been helped by the charity.

“Join us to hear Jude’s personal story of life on the streets, and learn how an inspirational local charity is tackling youth homelessness”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

[Dorset Humanists’ Winter Appeal 2013/2014 raised £1727 which was split equally between the charities Refuge and New Forest Nightstop. Refuge provides a range of support services for women and children escaping domestic violence, and New Forest Nightstop offers emergency overnight accommodation for homeless 16-24 year olds].

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

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

Organised Religion: The Biggest Global Threat to Human Rights

with special guest Peter Tatchell
Saturday 12^th July 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW
Described as ‘a national hero’ by the Sunday Times, and ‘a modern-day prophet’ by former bishop Richard Holloway, Peter Tatchell has been campaigning for human rights, democracy, LGBT freedom and global justice for nearly half a century. He believes that ‘all human beings everywhere have human rights and that no political system or faith should be allowed to undermine them’.
Organised religion almost invariably promotes sexist and homophobic discrimination in law, and religious fundamentalism seeks to thwart equality and human rights around the world. Our own Anglican, Catholic and Muslim leaders tried to block same-sex marriage, and most faiths exclude women from senior leadership roles, with some also seeking to deny them contraception, abortion and fertility treatment. While acknowledging that some religious groups make positive contributions to social justice, Peter will be presenting the case that organised religion is currently ‘the greatest global threat to human rights; especially to the human rights of women and gay people’. He will also highlight the sectarian violence many religions have caused by provoking religious hatred and persecuting minority faiths, such as we have seen in the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Pakistan, Burma, Somalia, and for many years in Northern Ireland.
Join us for a thought-provoking examination of the religious threat to global human rights with respected veteran human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Peter Tatchell has campaigned for human rights, democracy, global justice, environmental protection and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) freedom for 47 years. He pioneered ideas for uniform, comprehensive equality legislation from the late 1970s onwards, and spearheaded the campaign for civil marriage and civil partnership equality. He recently helped secure parliamentary amendments to remove two legislative threats to freedom of expression. His human rights activism resulted in him being badly beaten by President Mugabe's bodyguards in 1999 and by Russian neo-Nazis in 2007. As well as campaigning to complete the unfinished battle for LGBT equality and to defend human rights in Britain, Peter also works in solidarity with democracy and human rights activists in many countries, including Iran, Uganda, Somaliland, Iraq, Russia, Balaochistan / Pakistan, Bahrain, Zimbabwe, Palestine and West Papua. He is Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation.
Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.
Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Update: 12th December 2018 via Emma Olson: An LGBTQ+ online safety guide. Did you know that 73% of LGBTQ+  have been personally attacked or harassed online? The guide aims to empower them and give them the tools to protect themselves online. https://www.vpnmentor.com/blog/lgbtq-guide-online-safety/ 

The New Slavery: Human Trafficking

Wednesday 28^th May 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

A presentation by sociologist Dr Mel Semple 

In 1807 parliament abolished the slave trade across the British Empire, but slavery in the UK is far from dead! The modern exploitation of human beings takes many forms, including prostitution, forced labour, child trafficking and domestic servitude. In Britain, the sexual exploitation of trafficked women is most visible but we also have labour exploitation including children working in cannabis farms or domestic slavery. Recently the most prevalent countries of origin were Romania, Poland, Nigeria, Vietnam and Hungary.

In this presentation, Mel Semple will be highlighting the scale of human trafficking, and outlining how we can help end this continuing abuse of human rights. Mel has undertaken academic research into this appalling crime and is well-placed to give us an authoritative account of the current situation in the UK and discuss whether the Draft Modern Slavery Bill (2013) will address the problems of trafficking.  Mel has taught sociology and social policy at Southampton University and previously worked with physically disabled young people.  She has written on Marxism, feminism, and human trafficking and is writing a book ‘The Foot Soldiers of Suffrage’, about the unsung heroes of ‘First Wave Feminism’.

“Join us to discover the disturbing truth about this continuing abuse of human rights, and learn how we can help bring it to an end”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed from Gervis Road, which is well lit and has roadside parking).

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

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