ASHS Roundup
News from the Alliance of Secular Humanist Societies

by Jo Ann Mooney

Center for Inquiry - West debuted "Forty-one Heroes of Humanism" a 35mm color slide presentation this past winter. The full color production aims to introduce humanism in a positive way, showing that some of the greatest intellectuals in world history saw reason and human effort rather than reliance upon the divine as the principal instrument of human progress.

Way to take action! The Corvallis Secular Society invited several journalists and city officials to their March meeting to discuss city/state endorsement of groups that discriminate against atheists and homosexuals; in particular, the Boy Scouts of America.

The Humanist Association of St. Petersburg has a great idea. They have both a Great Books Series that meets twice a month in the evening and a Books and Bagels Brunch where they discuss humanist literature. The Council for Secular Humanism has many great books for you to explore if you are interested in starting a reading group in your community.

Local groups around the country are adopting the Center for Inquiry's tradition of bashing superstitions on Friday the 13. People gather for fun and food, usually a potluck but the evening can include music and even dancing! Step on the cracks in the sidewalk that leads into your gathering and, as you enter the building, walk under a ladder. Once inside, open an umbrella, spill salt, place shoes on a table, and break a mirror.

If your group hasn't thrown a Friday the 13 bash yet, think about planning one for the next, Friday the 13th, which isn't until November. There is lots of time to gear up for a fantastic party. In fact, why not make it a media event in your local community. For information on running a Superstition Bash contact Jo Ann Mooney.

Please send your local group news to: Jo Ann Mooney, POB 664, Amherst, NY 14226-0664.

Jo Ann Mooney is Director of Humanist Community Development for the Council for Secular Humanism and is Executive Director of the Alliance of Secular Humanist Societies. She may be reached at joannmooney@earthlink.net.