Coalition of Secular Voters

This is a planning and organization thread for the Coalition of Secular Voters activities for the upcoming DNC in Denver.

The DNC will be held in Denver, Colorado on August 25-28, 2008.

I already have some things in mind for the DNC, but there is always a need for more ideas and feedback. Firstly, visit the links below to learn more about the DNC.

http://www.demconvention.com/

http://www.denverconvention2008.com/

I'd like to at least have a presence at the DNC and do some demonstrations in support of separation of church and state and in opposition to the continuance of the Faith Based Initiative. I also want to do a voter registration drive, but I'm not sure if doing this during the DNC time will be useful or not. I figure it may be an opportunity with all of the press here, but then again they will have plenty of other things to cover.

Another issue is delegates. Does anyone already plan to be a delegate for the convention? If not, would you like to be a delegate? Does anyone plan to volunteer? Would anyone with CSV like to volunteer at the convention?

I do want to be able to hand out flyers at the convention and demonstrate with signs for one thing, but there are many other opportunities that CSV should explore as well, and a big part of determining how CSV will be involved depends on the participation of members.

I have been in contact with leadership from the Secular Coalition for America and they are also planning on coming to Denver for the DNC and would like to coordinate with us. I'd like to get a planning commitee together some time in February or early March to start solidifying some plans. I'll probably bring this up at some of the local Colorado meetings.

One thing I noticed on the DNC website is a photo gallery area. This is perhaps something that we should participate in. Something to think about is what types of photos we could take that would be both in line with their guidelines and also showcase the secular community in Colorado. Of course, taking pictures of our group at the DNC, with signs or t-shirts, etc., or even wearing thigns liek Darwin fish t-shirts, etc., is also an opportunity.

Here is the info on the photo gallery:

http://www.demconvention.com/a/2007/10/calling_all_roc.html

http://www.flickr.com/groups/democraticconvention/pool/

I wonder what organized activities the anti-secular groups are planning?  What have they done in the past, if anything, and what opposition was mounted? 

I just talked to Abel, and he seemed to have some information. I think that he is going to attend with a different (and more rowdy) group, but he is interested in helping us organize prior to that. We talked about putting together a regularly planning committee meeting for once a month between now and then. I'm going to talk with him and we'll come up with something and then we'll announce a planning committee meeting and take it from there.

I was specifically curious about the groups opposed to the secularization of society, as their presence not only provides some entertainment, but also a contrasting foil to the secularists that attracts cameras and reporters eager for a story. 

For example, will the Reverend Fred Phelps grace us with his presence? 

Given the proximity of Colorado Springs, I'm sure they will be there. At this point, though, the question is whether the fight between Clinton and Obama is going to totally overshadow everything else.

I sent in our permit request for the DNC, and today I received a letter back notifying us that they have received the application and that we are properly entered for the lottery to select applicants. So, I have no idea if our group will actually receive a permit or not, but the good news is that there are several other groups, such as COCORE, that are also applying and will let us accompany them if they receive a permit.

CSV:

At this point, though, the question is whether the fight between Clinton and Obama is going to totally overshadow everything else.

All indicators point towards such a fight and a major media circus.

See the DNC Parade Planning thread for more informaion on our currect DNC plans.

http://secularvoters.org/forums/t/106.aspx