Hong Kong Liberal Religious Forum

www.the-brights.net

supported by Daniel Dennett etc

MAY 2008 BULLETIN -- April 30, 2008

THE BRIGHTS: ILLUMINATING AND ELEVATING THE NATURALISTIC WORLDVIEW. (A bright is a person who has a naturalistic worldview, free of supernatural and mystical elements.)

======================
SOME PLEASANT SURPRISES FROM THE POSTCARD PROJECT [USA]

One of the best things at Brights Central is being on the receiving end of the unanticipated remarks that individual Brights email to BC. Even the simple postcard project spurred a lot of spontaneous commentary. Here's one of our favorites:

Received from Ken: "I will start with state of Texas down here behind the fundamentalist curtain and go right up to all candidates in the upcoming election; I'll make it 30 [cards] or die trying."

What if more registered Brights had Ken's enthusiasm and stepped forward with a concrete action of some type on an issue that concerns them? We've learned that it really doesn't take many Brights to spark a response from an American politician. Even just sending out pre-printed postcards in modest numbers will prompt some notice. How do we know? BC had distributed 3,750 cards (to just 212 Brights) when the first ever campaign literature of a current presidential contender arrived in The Brights' Net's post office box.

A handful of Brights added a bit of reimbursement to The Brights' Net to help recoup costs of purchasing the postcards for the Brights' Awareness Project! That action was definitely unexpected, so thanks, folks!

The nonpartisan action project continues. To view the text and to get directions on how to obtain your FREE postal cards, go to: http://tinyurl.com/5swbnd

======================
TIDINGS OF FINANCIAL STABILITY FOR 2008

The March Equinox fund drive again fell sharply below our aspirations as far as donations received from across the broad constituency, but one person has undeniably given a singular vote of confidence to the organization and to the positive direction in which this movement is headed.

An individual who wishes to remain anonymous contributed $52,000 (U.S.) to further the activities of The Brights' Net! The donor's generosity has set the stage for increased activity to elevate the naturalistic worldview.

We cannot expect that major donors such as the one above can fully fund this determined organization. Consequently, if you also value the educational mission to broaden public understanding of the naturalistic worldview and to further constructive civic engagement by brights, consider augmenting the action options that are now under consideration. Here's how you can add your own vote of confidence.

Click here for general information:
http://www.the-brights.net/funding/

Click here to donate:
http://www.the-brights.net/funding/supportbrights/

======================
MOVING FORWARD

The recent substantial injection of funds serves as impetus for our "breaking loose" from some of the severely restrictive constraints at the operational center of the Brights movement. Already the following actions are being implemented in several budget categories. As reference, you may review The Brights' Net's budget at: http://www.the-brights.net/funding/Budget2008.html

1.0 [Organizational Support & Staffing]: This month The Brights' Net welcomes Michael Jones on board as Web Developer. He is busy now learning the ropes. In addition to serving as Co-webmaster with Kevin, Michael will be tackling specific items that have been resting on the back burner. One priority for him is implementing mini-videos on the website. (He projects that Daniel Dennett's speaking on "The Appeal of the Brights movement" will be announced in the next Bulletin.) Michael will then be consulting with both BC and Theo (Web architect of the current site) to plan the site's modernization.

2.0 [Office]: TBN has contracted for a small work space in a business setting (close by, but out of the co-directors' living room!). As soon as the move of operations into the office has been completed, Brights will be welcome to visit.

4.0 [Programmatic]/4.2: The immediate priority is development of a Wiki for assembling online some useful educational resources (lessons and activities). The project was recently initiated in cooperation with three other organizations. It is to be hosted by The Brights' Net and will be dependent for success on contributions by Brights. (See separate item: "Youth Education").

======================
THE "YOUTH EDUCATION" PRIORITY

It is no surprise that youngsters who are growing up in societies inundated with beliefs in supernatural realms absorb the milieu and, along with it, many constraints on their thinking. Insufficient learning experiences exist to address this reality. After considering the problem along with leaders in other organzations, Co-Directors are committing resources of The Brights' Net to a definitive project in "Action Arena 2." For lack of a better label at this point, it is simply called the "youth education" project.

A REMINDER: The Brights' Net wishes Brights to contribute their talents in ways that go beyond merely inviting others who have a naturalistic worldview to learn about the movement. Prior polling of the constituency firmly established three arenas of priority for individual and collective action across the years, and The Brights' Net will coordinate well-aligned projects in these arenas as resources permit. You can see the three action arenas at:
http://www.the-brights.net/action/activ ... ed/arenas/

The project involves creating an online repository of accessible activities. The endeavor will be pursued in conjunction with participants from three other organizations (Camp Quest; Florida Humanist Association; Objectivity, Accuracy and Balance In Teaching About Religion). It will begin with a Wiki to be hosted by The Brights' Net, so that Brights worldwide are able to participate as contributors.

Once adequately established, TBN will provide opportunities for interested and knowledgeable Brights to participate, particularly parents, teachers, and those who work with youth.

The project is focused on four niches of educational concern: CRITICAL THINKING; MAKING MEANING, ETHICS, and OPEN INQUIRY (these categories may evolve). Check Bulletins across the next several months for specifics.

=====================
FEELING DIFFERENT NOW

Sarah (Australia): "I previously identified myself as rationalist but this is a much better way of putting my views without having to be so confrontational about it. Thank you for giving me the language."

Michell (USA): "By signing up at your site, I felt a little like I was "coming out"! An interesting feeling..."

Yvette (UK): "I feel less alone in my world view, knowing that 'Brights' exist."

Jordan (USA): "So glad to see this. I wasn't prepared to wear the large red A but I'm excited to sign up as a bright!"

Jesse (USA): "I feel that associating with the Brights movement helps me in my own self-image as the type of person I am, and strive to be more knowledgeable. Thank you to all of the Brights who have helped me shed the fear of just being myself as an atheist. Hopefully one day ALL those who fit the brights criteria will 'come out' and no longer be afraid to do so. Thank you all again for helping to propel me to a new point in my life."

======================
COMMUNICATING YOUR INDIVIDUALITY

As a registered Bright, you are a member of the Brights' constituency. So, what does "being a Bright" say about you and what you believe? What does it say about what Brights believe?

EASY ANSWER: You believe whatever it is you believe! Whatever that is, only you can state it, no one "speaks for you." Brights can state their multiplicity of beliefs for themselves, as individuals. What we CAN say about you and your fellow Brights is that your overall worldview is naturalistic ("free of supernatural elements").

The Brights' Net offers a static cling window decal that states: "The Brights: No Supernatural Ingredients." To purchase a decal, go to:
http://www.the-brights.net/movement/merchandise.html

======================
SPEAKING FOR YOURSELF

By being open and affirmative regarding your supernaturalism-free worldview, you spread awareness. Fellow citizens grow to recognize the presence of the naturalistic type of outlook.

When you send a letter to an editor and mention the Brights, give some thought to the Brights movement's aims and principles. (The manner by which you convey your opinions becomes a factor in the lessons that others learn about the Brights movement.)

Also, make clear that you are an individual Bright. You are speaking for yourself, and not for others, or for the organization. For example, you can sign a letter to an editor as follows:

YOUR NAME
(a constituent in www.The-Brights.Net)

Occasionally review TBN's communication policies. The link is at:
http://www.the-brights.net/action/activ ... l/writing/

======================
MANY INDIVIDUALS; ONE UNYIELDING DEFINITION

From Mike (USA): "I appreciate your website and your emphasis on one definition with allowance for various interpretations."

In a world where variations abound for most terms (worldview, philosophy, religion, belief, etc.), the original stated definition of "a bright" is fixed. This definition is the basis on which people make their decisions to be counted as Brights in the registry, and so it stays the same, even in the face of ongoing discussions and pressures of other evolving terminology.

The single definition is the common factor for all the members of the constituency. Whereas the first principle for the Brights movement acknowledges the individuality of the Brights in the constituency, the second principle addresses their common denominator: a naturalistic (type of) worldview.

The nine Brights' Net's principles are listed at:
http://www.the-brights.net/vision/principles.html

======================
BRIGHTS AND SUPERS; SUPERS AND BRIGHTS

You are "with it" if you know that:
* the antonym of a bright is a super (for "supernatural")
* the noun: "bright" refers to a worldview, not to the intellect of individuals who hold that worldview
* the word alludes to the Enlightenment, an optimistic time of anticipation that reason and science would move humanity toward a better world
* the zone of demarcation between brights and supers differs from the one that separates religion and nonreligion

You're "way off base" if you think:
* Supers have superior intelligence
* Brights have superior intelligence
* These terms (brights and supers) say anything at all about intelligence

It is important to the movement that Brights use the noun term properly. Check out the "synopsis page" for an overview or a refresher of "brights and supers" language. You will find the page at:
http://www.the-brights.net/movement/synopsis.html

======================
NITTY GRITTY

From DJ (UK): "I think that the natural is super."

======================
"DISCUSS IT" OR "DO IT" -- IT'S UP TO YOU!

This is an Internet constituency and not a typical membership organization; hence, the movement is dependent on constituents themselves to take action and pursue goals to fruition.

Although millions of words have flowed through the discussion forums of the Brights movement, they have not left a hefty set of concrete results in their wake. Discussion of ideas goes only so far. There is a maxim: "Actions speak louder than words." However, words ARE actions, and it is important for Brights to consider carefully what words to use to effect in any situation.

One of the latest items under discussion in the Brights forums is the idea of a "field guide" for activism. This idea, proposed by Australian DannyfromTower, was based on a personal experience of speaking out. Here is an interesting tidbit from the thread, which you can read in full at:
http://www.the-brights.net/forums/forum ... topic=8378

"The field guide needs to contain a chapter about developing courage as opposed to anger. This incident has taught me that to stand up and quietly but firmly speak your piece is important. Another chapter needs to be about listening. Doing that properly allowed me to hear what each individual was about, and identify those that were reasonable and those that were not. Several of the Supers have been quite reasonable and, as it turns out, as upset by the process so far as I have been."

A field guide for courage as opposed to anger would be a worthy contribution to this movement. But, even if a field guide is never produced, the concept alone is worthy of consideration by activist Brights who wish to get some supers on their side to actually work to change unsettling situations.

======================
THE CONSTITUENCY CONNECTION

Do you ever wonder how many Brights are within N miles of you and what changes you might be able to produce if you were able to get together?

For those who want to take a leadership role in connecting a region's individuals to one another, the answer is available. Check out the information on starting a Brights Local Constituency in order to meet and pursue an action project of mutual interest. You will find information at:
http://www.the-brights.net/community/blc/list.html

=====================
WHAT D'YA KNOW!

Brian (USA): "There are more atheists in the Marine Corps than people realize."

======================
EARLY LEARNING FOR CHILDREN OF BRIGHTS?

Doug (USA): My wife and I are searching for a preschool program for our 3-year old. Many pre-K programs are affiliated with some church or other. We were wondering if you had any information on secular preschool programs or where to look for such a thing."

BC'S ANSWER: Some local humanist groups are beginning to consider establishing "voluntary Pre-Kindergarten" programs, but such groups lag far, far behind churches in focusing on youth education. A VPK is a well-formed program for developing core skills and habits for early learning (not a replacement for kindergarten) and can even serve as a "feeder" to an elementary school, but it is a relatively recent idea. While they may eventually prove to be a valuable part of early education for secular parents, such VPKs are as rare as needles in haystacks.

An established Ethical Society or a thriving Unitarian Universalist fellowship in your community may offer a preschool program in conjunction with its activities or refer you to secular programs in your community. (Significant proportions of UU congregants, for example, have a naturalistic worldview. However, even these programs are all too few and widely scattered, and of course you would definitely need to interview whoever was in charge of any program to make sure it fits your needs.

If you have suggestions for Doug, email to the-brights@the-brights.net

======================
U.K. BRIGHTS SENT BULLETIN

Everyone in the UK should have received his/her newsletter from Quentin, UK Brights coordinator. There are 4,124 who received the Bulletin.

========================================
REFERENCE GUIDE TO BRIGHTS INFORMATION

CONTACTING PERSONNEL
http://www.the-brights.net/reference_guide.html

INFORMATION BULLETINS:
All the Bulletins, including this one, may be found via the link in the right column of the home page at : http://www.the-brights.net

SPONSORSHIP ACTION
To advance the civic aims and principles of the movement:
http://the-brights.net/action/support/

Bright Regards from Paul Geisert and Mynga Futrell
Co-Directors of The Brights' Net

The Brights' Net has added to its focused outreach programs. We have formed three new Special Initiative Groups (SIGs).

The new programs are aligned with the stated aims of the Brights movement. Their launch is important enough to warrant a special announcement, and so we hope you will give this email your considered attention.

It is imperative that those who have a naturalistic worldview (the brights) engage in civic affairs as much as those who have a supernaturalistic worldview (the supers). These new SIGs will become a crucial mechanism for facilitating Brights' actions in certain targeted arenas, such as science, education, government, and community.

BRIGHTS ACTION - Special Initiative Groups

Each Brights Action group is focused on a category of action. A Bright (you) can "subscribe to a SIG" in order to join with others to bolster support for an explicit goal statement and pursue action(s) in the category for which the SIG is formed. A SIG group does not represent the Brights' constituency. It represents the group of individuals who subscribe to the given SIG.

In general, there will be two ways that the SIGs will translate into activity. First, at any point - and as occasions arise in the SIG's designated societal arena - Brights Central will be able to take notice of the total tally of SIG members. BC can use this count as the basis for sending press releases or engaging SIG members in specific actions that expand the influence of persons who hold naturalistic worldviews. Also, occasional "opportunity for individual action" notices may be sent out from Brights Central to registrants within a given SIG. (These will be very infrequent, however.)

Immediately below are the titles of the three NEW SIGs. Each one has a discrete statement of a firm position. All are open to any Bright.

------------------------------
Please consider subscribing to the SIGs that merit your endorsement for action.

2 - CATEGORICALLY SOUND SCIENCE
You can subscribe to this SIG to endorse and/or take up a forceful stance with respect to safeguarding scientific enterprise and science education.

3 - SEPARATION OF RELIGION AND GOVERNMENT
You can join this SIG to endorse and/or take up a robust stand in support of governmental neutrality (opposing any privileging of religion).

4 - HERITAGE/COMMUNITY IDENTITY
You can subscribe in this SIG to sanction Brights' pursuing goals of the movement within familiar spheres of influence, including cultural and/or religious groups.

Full introductory information on all the current SIGs is on the website at:
http://www.the-brights.net/action/activ ... index.html

SIG-1 (SECULAR COALITION FOR AMERICA) has been in existence since 2006. Action programs are developed by SCA. This SIG is for U.S. citizens. If you wish to add your name to the current American membership (1475 Brights), you may still do so.
------------------------------

Although many Brights are already active in inviting those who have a naturalistic worldview to visit the website and learn about the Brights (an extremely important action), Special Initiative Groups enable you to move beyond the individual level of involvement and action.

To consider and/or to subscribe to support any SIG, please go to:
http://www.the-brights.net/action/activ ... index.html

If a SIG fits you, please join it!

Mynga Futrell, Ph.D., Executive Director
Paul Geisert, Ph.D., Associate Director for Constituency Services
The Brights' Net: illuminating and elevating the naturalistic worldview

Fellow Bright,

===================

We ask for your support.

Please provide for the activities of the Brights movement.

http://www.the-brights.net/funding/supportbrights/

==================

It is again the Equinox - the "twice-a-year" time when we ask you to financially support The Brights' Network.

And here's why.

The Brights' Net website is the nucleus of communications and action for the Brights movement. Brights across the world are participating with their time and energy, stepping forward to increase the visibility and influence of people who have a naturalistic worldview.

And there's no time like the present for Brights to step forward. Times are unsettling.

It's not the Dark Ages - not yet, but lots of things are in motion that most every Bright would like to counteract, if they were in a position to do so. For example, many Brights are apprehensive about the intermingling of government and religion and the consequent undermining of scientific enterprise and sound science education. Many are concerned about the mounting cultural infusion of fuzzy supernaturalism, where in certain political environments it is so easily transformed into rigid dogma that creates divisiveness between people.

The Brights' Net is one component in a broad strategy to counter such trends. It is not just a website. It is over 41,000 individuals with the understanding that more people must "come out" and do what they can to enbrighten the situation.

Most activist Brights say they do it not just for people who have a naturalistic worldview, but for everyone. There are Brights in this constituency who are bravely demanding to be accepted as fellow citizens and full participants in the cultural and political landscape. They are working along with Brights Central to advance these three core aims:

1. Promote the civic understanding and acknowledgment of the naturalistic worldview, which is free of supernatural and mystical elements.

2. Gain public recognition that persons who hold such a worldview can bring principled actions to bear on matters of civic importance.

3. Educate society toward accepting the full and equitable civic participation of all such individuals.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE BRIGHTS' NETWORK

The Brights' Net offers consciousness raising and confidence building and motivation for mounting numbers of people. It needs and deserves your financial support!

All funds received are directed to supporting the central hub of communications and to forwarding activities and programs that are well aligned with the movement's goals and principles.

No one is required to pay to register as a Bright, but every Bright needs to give something (money or time), to help do the things we all know need to be done. Everyone's backing is needed for this endeavor, and--need we say it?--now more than ever!

There are no "frills" in The Brights Net - it is all hard work. Brights Central is communicating with Brights in diverse situations across the world. And we are coordinating initiatives to address the very gloomy picture with which we began this letter. We are optimistic about what can be done if more Brights step forward with their support for this endeavor.

The Brights' Net asks only twice a year! Please do your part to back the efforts of so many people. Support this fund drive. Your donation will be well spent in the six months to come! Please be generous.

Donate via PayPal at http://www.the-brights.net/funding/supportbrights/
(Note: We have had zero problems in our four years of using PayPal. Think about subscribing for a 6-month donation of a set amount per month. This method is most helpful to our planning!)

Or -- Donate by clicking GuideStar at http://www.guidestar.org and typing in the search box: The Brights Net

Or -- Donate via "Just Give" at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Brights/6447182402 This method of donation is available to FaceBook members. (The "Donate Now" button is in the right column.)

Or -- Donate with a check (U.S. Dollars only) (The Brights' Net, 163418 Fort Sutter Station, Sacramento, CA., 95816)

Complete information on all the above methods of donating is at:
http://www.the-brights.net/funding/supportbrights/

WANT A QUICK OVERVIEW & NEWS UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER EQUINOX?

A summary of Brights activities, the state of the constituency, growth of the organization, information about Brights Central, and new advances in actions can be found at the website:
http://www.the-brights.net/funding/

Thank you Fellow Bright

Mynga Futrell, Executive Director
Paul Geisert, Associate Director for Constituency Services

OCTOBER 2008 BULLETIN

====================
NEW "BRIGHTS ACTION" GROUPS ANNOUNCED

In September, a special emailing was sent to all constituents in the world who are subscribed to receive Bulletins. The email announced the formation of three new Special Initiative Groups. These SIGs will be developed and receive communications from Brights Central that pertain to particular areas of action.

SIG 2 is a self-designated portion of the Brights constituency that will take up a forceful stance in support of authentic science and science education.

SIG 3 is set up expressly to enable a self-designated portion of the constituency to stand for a robust demarcation between religion and government.

SIG 4 subscribers are those who understand the distinction between worldview and societal activity, many of whom may wish to further ties with the supers who share their cultural and/or religious heritage or community identity.

Learn about ALL the SIGs and register your own action priorities at:
http://www.the-brights.net/action/activ ... index.html

====================
FOLLOWUP ON EQUINOX

Many thanks to all of you who have already participated in the Equinox fund drive by making pledges or donations. As these times are unsettling, we are grateful to you for whatever amounts you can send to sustain the Brights' endeavor and to perpetuate its worthwhile aims of civic justice by way of illuminating the naturalistic worldview.

The Equinox call for support was a plain and simple presentation, kept so in hopes you would recognize that running an organization with over 42,000 people doesn't happen without financial support. The Brights' Network truly depends on donor support. You may add your own fiscal backing for this movement in any of five ways at:
http://www.the-brights.net/funding/supportbrights/

By the way, we at Brights Central especially enjoy receiving the semi-annual remarks of caring constituents that come along with many donations. Most comments reflect recognition of the work being done. Some notes come with directives, such as the recent: "Keep Brightening the World!" that accompanied a particularly noteworthy donation.

====================
TIMING IS FLEXIBLE

Whatever works for you! . . . as long as it works!

One current donor, however, has lodged a mild protest against the timing of our biannual funding requests.

The association of the occurrence with "numerous fables, myths, religious and other superstitious events" gives him "a strange feeling." Resourceful Bright that he is, he has pledged to switch future donations to birthdays in February (Darwin) and in August (Ingersoll).

Actually, the choice of the equinoxes came about both for reasons of astronomy and because we thought it had "a global feeling" befitting an international constituency.

====================
MORALITY PROJECT REPORT

In order to assemble a panel of scientific experts on the topic, the team has identified scientists actively researching the natural bases of morality. A letter of invitation has been drafted and appropriate contact information is now being acquired. You can review both the Project and its Areas A-E at:
http://www.the-brights.net/action/activ ... oject.html

====================
REGISTRATIONS RISING

For the last five months, each month's registrations have slightly exceeded the prior month's signups. To keep up this nice pattern of growth, be sure you tell others about the Brights! Part of the power to influence others rests with the size of the constituency. The other aspect of strength lies in The Brights' Net's message and well-aligned actions.

====================
NEW VIDEOS ONLINE

Six new mini-videos are now up on the website. Thanks go to Liz, David, and Mike for the editing and uploading. The content consists of remarks by Dan Dennett and other Enthusiastic Brights, each commenting on aspects of the Brights movement and/or The Brights' Network.

During October, there will be some further organizational enhancement of context, but if you don't want to wait, then you needn't. The individual items are available for viewing right now, if you wish. (To start or pause any video, you can click the arrow at lower left.) Plan at least fifteen minutes if you want to watch them all.
http://www.the-brights.net/movement/video_brights.html

====================
THE BRIGHTS' SPOT -- A WELCOMING PLACE
(RECENT REGISTRATION COMMENTS)

John (Australia): "It is time for awareness. It is time for a new level of open-mindedness. It is time for this movement."

Frank (Texas, USA): "This is a cool idea. I have struggled often to 'label' myself, since I have a cultural background of Anglicanism, but a personal worldview of naturalism. . . This way, people can continue to keep their 'cultural' identities, while being intellectually honest."

David (Venezuela): "Thank you for having an organization that better helps me describe my worldview."

Lea (Kentucky, USA): "I'm not sure that I like the title, but the shoe fits. I think I'll try it on and walk around in it a bit."

Skylar (Texas, USA): "I really like the positive spin on the traditional humanist/atheist/naturalist perspective. I think we have a valid viewpoint to offer the world of ethics and politics and this reputation encourages our message's adoption."

Joe (North Carolina, USA): "The only requirement I require in joining a group is not being told how to think. The Brights might just be that group."

====================
VOTING IN THE ELECTION (USA)

As a nonprofit organization, The Brights' Net cannot enter into commentary on candidates in any election. However, it is legal to direct you to materials addressing pertinent issues. Americans subscribing in SIG-1 (Secular Coalition for America) and/or SiG-3 (Separation of Religion and Government) are likely to be particularly interested in material available at the SCA website:
http://election08.secular.org/

====================
BRIGHTS REPRESENTED AT FREETHOUGHT CONVENTION

The Brights' Net had an educational exhibit table at the annual conference of Atheist Alliance International in Los Angeles. All events took place aboard the ship (hotel), the Queen Mary. Frish ("Fearless Leader of the L.A. Brights") met and talked with many attendees, as did Paul Geisert, Brights' Net Associate Director. Both met many Brights.

Frish was especially skilled at enticing those walking by in the aisles to come over and talk ? he was just great. Nearby Brights can contact him (and his Los Angeles area group) at frishberg@gmail.com

Each registering Bright got a Brights' button (which they promised to wear at the convention) and a static cling. Such merchandise is available for purchase online via the Brights merchandise page at
http://www.the-brights.net/movement/mer ... #CafePress

---------------------
One "game" attracted involvement of passersby who noticed the Brights' "Win $1" poster with its challenge to name a country that did NOT have a resident Bright. The first $1 went quickly to the person who guessed the Vatican. The odds were far on the side of "the house," however, since Brights are in almost all nations easily named. (Some without a Bright are Belarus, Kiribati, Lesotho, North Korea, and Seychelles.) We ended up giving away only 5$ and had alerted a great many "players" and observers that there are Brights in most every major nation.

====================
ILLUMINATING AND EDUCATING

The Brights' Net is developing some single-page educational materials that explain major aspects of the Brights' movement. The exhibit table at the AAI convention displayed a couple of the recently developed fliers, although the intended use is different. They are to serve as discussion items for Brights Community Clusters, particularly the Brights in-person MeetUps. Besides being periodically sent to leaders of BCCs, the material will be made available online for downloading by activist Brights or any interested Brights.

======================
BRIGHTS' CALENDAR COVER ENTICES

Several Brights calendars were on display at the Los Angeles convention. The starfish wearing sunglasses ("Basking in the Naturalistic Worldview") drew notice, and attendees who thumbed through the display were impressed with the calendar's messages and quality. The December photo (contributed by a Bright from the Isle of Man) with its "If you want a better tomorrow, spread a little happiness today" message was a favorite, as was the September (child investigating) with "Science is the best toolbox for understanding."

Thanks again go to the folks at the Brights' Forum who developed this refreshingly upbeat calendar, with its international flair (no domestic holidays, but some fascinating dates of human progress). The calendar is produced as a service to the constituency. To purchase one for $14.78 USD plus shipping, go to: http://www.lulu.com/content/3754932

====================
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECEIVES AAI AWARD

At its conference, the Atheist Alliance International presented Mynga Futrell with its second annual "World of Thanks" award. Former AAI president Bobbie Kirkhart, who was the recipient in 2007, presented the award. In doing so, she cited Mynga's pressing AAI to be "a positive voice for atheism," as well as her involvement in worldview education (Objectivity, Accuracy and Balance In Teaching About Religion) and civic justice (The Brights' Network).

In her acceptance talk, Mynga gave a searing challenge to the atheist audience to redirect energies from longstanding futile actions to pragmatic strategies to gain influence in civic institutions. The award, a lovely crystal globe, etched with the continents of the world and resting on a glass stand, is now in The Brights' Net office. Drop by and give the world a spin sometime!

====================
LOCAL BRIGHTS MEET ABOARD THE QUEEN MARY

Responding to an invitation email sent from Brights Central, nine individuals ventured onto the ship after the AAI conference for a social gathering and a chance to meet other Long Beach area Brights. An acquaintance of Mynga's attending the conference had obtained the "Duke of Edinburgh suite" for his hotel stay. Thanks to some quick action with the hotel, he extended that stay so that those Brights who came aboard were able to enjoy their informal "Meet and Greet" in his lovely stateroom. Snacks and beverages were supplied, and much discussion ensued. Co-founders answered questions about the movement, and a really good time was had.

====================
NEWS, NOTES & NOTIONS

Stuart (UK) reports an advance: "I thought you may be interested to know that the British government has repealed the laws on blasphemy."

Pew Research Center (USA) reveals that religious conservatives are changing views, reconsidering the desirability of religious involvement in politic and coming much more in line with the views of moderates and liberals than was previously the case. Similarly, the sharp divisions between Republicans and Democrats that previously existed on this issue have disappeared. More:
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/930/religion-politics

Jane (Arizona, USA) is reflective: "I often think about why belief in the supernatural is so popular and think other naturalistic movements need to provide people with the same benefits they get from religion(community, assistance, answers, etc.) to take hold in our society."

New registrant/(Saudi Arabia)/name omitted: (the first registered Saudi Bright)

Kyle (Illinois, USA): "Thank you for supporting the rights of a child as a human, not hereditary property."

====================
A METALLIC TAKE ON THE BRIGHTS' LOGO

http://the-brights.net/people/expressions.html

Thanks go to Jason

======================
PUT A SIGNATURE LINE IN YOUR EMAIL

A signature line is one way to painlessly acquaint others with the website. To make one for yourself, see:
http://the-brights.net/movement/downloads/icons.html

========================================
REFERENCE GUIDE TO BRIGHTS INFORMATION

CONTACTING PERSONNEL
http://www.the-brights.net/reference_guide.html

INFORMATION BULLETINS:
All the Bulletins, including this one, may be found via the link in the right column of the home page at http://www.the-brights.net

SPONSORSHIP ACTION
To advance the civic aims and principles of the movement:
http://the-brights.net/action/support/

Bright Regards from Mynga Futrell and Paul Geisert at Brights Central

THE BRIGHTS' NET: Illuminating and Elevating the Naturalistic Worldview
With your help! - http://www.the-brights.net/funding/supportbrights/

NOVEMBER 2008 BULLETIN

THE BRIGHTS' NET - illuminating and elevating the naturalistic worldview

====================
THE BRIGHTS' NET IS A CONSTITUENCY

By Lawrence, newly registered Bright (California, USA)

"I have always considered my naturalistic worldview to be private, and have had no desire to become part of any 'group' as a result. What appeals to me here is the assertion that The Brights is not a group, but a constituency of individuals. It may be important to be counted, but I am certainly not interested in being included in any group of people whose purpose is to express unity of thought. I am new here, but so far I like what I see."

====================
CAL POLY BRIGHTS - DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

By: Breehan Yohe-Mellor (California Polytechnic University)

"Two new clubs on campus will offer students an alternative way to think about religion and spirituality with the Secular Society and the Cal Poly Brights coincidentally popping up at the same time. 'There needs to be a campus-wide discussion because there are so many religious groups,' said Nick Sagan, the Brights' treasurer and computer engineering senior."

http://tiny.cc/vlc6T

====================
BUS ADVERT CAMPAIGN (UK)

"There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."

Bendy-buses with that slogan will soon be running on the streets of London. The bus posters campaign was boosted by the British Humanist Association, which had planned to raise £5,500 for the project (that amount to be matched by Richard Dawkins), but BHA has already raised more than £140,000 of its own accord, meaning now that lots of buses can bear the signs for several weeks.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7681914.stm

====================
WORDWISE, GOD CONTINUES WINNING STREAK

The substantial unexpected support given to the bendy bus poster project reveals wide interest in moving regular people to really think seriously (and perhaps more comfortably?) about their lives and beliefs. Still yet, there is perhaps a downside, however refreshing the campaign and enthusiastic the donors.

By depending on an assertion to draw attention and prompt public interest, the campaign is simultaneously gifting "God" with another advert. The Methodist Church has thanked Professor Dawkins for encouraging a "continued interest in God". And why not? Think memetics. The "G-word" will be getting around town on all those buses.

====================
DIFFERENT ANGLES ON "BRIGHTDOM" (FREE TO BE -- YOU AND ME)

>LIVING WITHOUT THE ANSWERS (Matthew): "Finally a place for those of us who can withhold a mystery and be content to simply say 'I don't understand it...yet' and not fill the gap with an even bigger mystery."

>SATISFIED BY GETTING THEM (Adam): "I'm so glad to finally have answers to hard questions."

>HUNGERING & QUESTIONING: (Ben): "I recently came to grips with the fact that I was, in fact, a "Bright"...[M]y hunger for literature on the subject of religion as a 'natural phenomenon' has become insatiable. And I am just overwhelmingly happy that there are others out there who share my views and who will stand up in support of them. Thank you."

====================
NEW ENTHUSIASTIC BRIGHT

Meet Sue Blackmore. After extraordinary experiences as a student, Sue devoted her life to research in parapsychology, only to discover no evidence for the paranormal. She then worked with sceptical organisations in the UK and USA and became a vociferous critic of paranormal claims in the media. Formerly a Reader in Psychology at the University of the West of England, Bristol, she is now a freelance writer and lecturer.

Her books include several on the paranormal, as well as "The Meme Machine" and a textbook "Consciousness: An Introduction".

http://the-brights.net/people/enthusiastic/index4.html

====================
THE BRIGHTS' SPOT -- A WELCOMING PLACE
(RECENT REGISTRATION COMMENTS)

Shannon (Nebraska, USA): "Internet plus free-thinking equals time to change the world..."

Derek (UK) "Delighted to have found so many like-minded, yet totally individual people in one place!"

Daniel (US Armed Forces, Europe): "I am a soldier currently serving in Iraq, and it is comforting to know that not everyone out there is a religious fanatic."

Elise (Australia): "Thank you for helping and leading in the campaign for free, intelligent, logical and beautiful thinking."

====================
SOME REVEALING STATISTICS (USA)

The Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society & Culture has released a 2008 report that adds some striking information to a previous 2001 study of all Americans. The new study, led by director and research professor Barry Kosmin (as was the 2001 American Religious Identification Study, or ARIS) is concentrating on the 15% of U.S. adults who are the "No Religion" population (32 million adults).

Reported: Most people, when asked in an anonymous telephone survey "What is your religious preference, if any?" identify simply by a broad response (No Religion/None). Those in the "no religion population" who will self-identify by the A-word (as atheists) are no more than 0.6% of the
overall American population. (Agnostics are reported at 0.9% and Humanist/secular/ethical culture at 0.15%.)

To access the report and other work by Kosmin, including "Worldviews and Opinions of Scientists: India," go to:
http://ga1.org/ct/sp_dvg11cmMo

====================
GOT ANYTHING POSITIVE TO SAY?

The ISSSC research group (prior item) is academically respected but clearly reliant on referencing religion when considering people's worldviews.

As an academic body studying secularism, that framework is understandable. Still, it is worth noting that the "religion lens" means a scarcity of terms on hand for describing in any half-way elevating way the actual people and their worldviews.

Here's how the 2008 study categorizes the overall targeted "No Religion Population" of Americans. They are the "Areligious, Irreligious and Anti-religious Americans".

Let's see now. We have "non" and "a-" and "ir" and "anti-". All that combined together surely doesn't sum to a desirable characterization of those folks.

====================
MORALITY PROJECT REPORT

The project team has identified scientists actively researching the natural bases of morality. Contact information has now been acquired and this month a letter of invitation and accompanying information packet is being sent to the researchers.

The Project and its Areas A-E are described at:
http://www.the-brights.net/action/activ ... oject.html

====================
EMPOWERING WITH POSITIVE

Erin (USA): "I just want a place in society for myself and my children as well. I like your mission of bright and super cooperation and mutual respect. I really want to educate myself enough to be a Bright instead of the bright that I think that I am."

Al (Surrey, UK) "I like the flexibility of attitude and the focus on positive life espoused here."

Lisa (Wisconsin, USA): "This 'movement' feels like a breath of fresh air. I'm a positive person with a naturalistic worldview and like the idea of being able to connect with other like-minded people and achieve positive action in the world (while escaping the negativistic framework the overtly religious seem to thrust the non-religious into)."

James (Nevada, USA): "My wife pointed out yesterday that political action is hard to accomplish under the banner of a negative (i.e. "a-anything").

Purely an unfair grammatical problem, but the Brights' banner is an elegant solution."

======================
LISTEN UP! - BRIGHTS THEMSELVES SPEAK IN 2009 CALENDAR

Prior Brights' annual calendars featured quotes from well-known people (poets, philosophers, etc.). This year's is different! Those who collaborated to produce the 2009 version selected inspiring pictures and issued personal viewpoints to match.

Can you envision the pictures for these months?
>JUNE: "Above us only sky; Lennon had the right idea."
>SEPTEMBER: "Science is the best toolbox for understanding."
>DECEMBER: "If you want a better tomorrow, spread a little happiness today."
(You may be surprised, but we bet you'll be delighted!)

The calendar is produced as a service to the constituency. Brights' calendars are for supers, too! To purchase (US$ 14.78 plus shipping) go to:
http://www.lulu.com/content/3754932

====================
THE BRIGHTS AND THE BELIEVERS

Joany (California, USA): "This evening, we attended a lecture at the University of California San Diego by Dr. Donald Kennedy, President Emeritus of Stanford University, in a discussion of Science and Religion, separation of Government and Religion, and related ideas, who mentioned, 'the Brights and the believers.'"

====================
FOLLOWUP ON EQUINOX

Brights Central extends thanks to all of you who donated to the Equinox Fund Drive. We did receive sufficient funds to carry through to the March Equinox and to initiate some SIG actions!

We were especially pleased that a number of you used the subscription option available on PayPal. Giving via the monthly donation plan means that BC can plan much better for use of the funds.

======================
FOLLOWUP TO SPECIAL INITIATIVE GROUPS (SIGS)

If you have already subscribed to one of the new Brights Action groups, you can expect to receive an emailing from Brights Central later this month. If you wish to be active in SIG 2, be sure to subscribe soon so as not to miss the initial emailing.

SIG 2: taking up a forceful stance in support of authentic science and science education.

SIG 3: standing for a robust demarcation between religion and government.

SIG 4: furthering ties with supers who share a cultural and/or religious heritage or community identity.

Learn about ALL the SIGs and register your own action priorities at:
http://www.the-brights.net/action/activ ... index.html

====================
REGISTRATIONS CONTINUE STRONG

Let's bump those registrations to a thousand per month. Don't forget to tell someone else about the Brights' movement. It is the way we grow!!! A signature line is another way to painlessly acquaint others with the website. To make one for yourself, see:
http://the-brights.net/movement/downloads/icons.html

====================
INCARCERATED BRIGHTS PROGRAM

Report from Joel: "My August newsletter (attached) went to 18 prisoners (17 regulars and one new one). I wrote to the one of my regulars who was recently released, and 6 others, so I'm close to being caught up on my letters. Some of the letters I've received are challenging to answer, so it sometimes takes a while to get a good reply written and mailed."

========================================
REFERENCE GUIDE TO CONTACTING PERSONNEL AND LOCATING INFORMATION

All contact and general information at: http://www.the-brights.net/reference_guide.html

All the Bulletins, including this one, may be found via the link in the right column of the home page at http://www.the-brights.net

To financially support the civic aims and principles of the movement:
http://the-brights.net/action/support/

Bright Regards from Mynga Futrell and Paul Geisert at Brights Central

BRIGHTS' BULLETIN -- DECEMBER 2008

THE BRIGHTS' NETWORK: illuminating and elevating the naturalistic worldview



IT'S A JOLLY SEASON FOR REASON

The Brights' Net is sending a bearded chap to disseminate "Reason's Greetings" to the Brights in this growing constituency.

Despite his flying above the rooftops of 43,000 Brights across the world, this friendly fellow is better grounded in reality than his familiar fantasy counterpart. You'll see.

The whimsical trip, artistically rendered by Sylvain in a gracious gesture, is a fine presentation of Professor Dennett.

View the chipper seasonal message from Brights Central!

SHARING - FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE IN 2009

"DO-IT-YOURSELF" GREETING CARDS (FREE)
If you enjoy both the image and message of the flying "Santa" you may want to share it with some family and friends. It's a nifty way to convey your good wishes for 2009.

To print this New Year's card, you do need to have a color printer and 8 1/2 x 11 papers. Download the PDF by clicking here (780 kB), print and fold. Have fun!

A BRIGHTS-EYE VIEW OF 2009
Compassion, reason, wonder at the universe, and good old-fashioned FUN all blend together in an item that's appropriate for gifting - to supers and brights alike. You (or recipients) can bask in the benefits of a positive, friendly worldview all year 'round.

Like its predecessors before, the Brights' calendar is the excellent work of an international online team of volunteers on the Brights' Forum. This year's professional quality version is a bit quirky and original! Go to LuLu.com to view or purchase. (US$ 14.73)

MORALITY PROJECT

Dr. Oliver Curry, Institute of Cognitive & Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Oxford, when asked to look over the project team's compilation of scientific studies researching the natural bases of morality, passed along some useful input to the endeavor, saying: "This sounds like a great project, and I'm very happy to help with it." In addition to suggesting additional empirical studies, he suggested rewording one of the four assertions. As he explained about the statement that morality is acquired "during the evolutionary development of the human species":

"'Evolution' and 'development' have quite distinct meanings in evolutionary biology. And evolutionists tend to avoid anything that implies that human evolution proceeded in an upward direction (developed). So it might be better to say: 'acquired during the evolution of the human species' or 'acquired during the course of human evolution'".

KAZAKHSTAN IS #181

David: Brights Central has this message for you: "By registering, you have just added the 181st nation to the listing of Brights."

A MATTER OF CIVIC JUSTICE

From new registrant, Jason (Illinois, USA): "I nearly cried when I found this site. I thought I was the only person in the U.S. who felt like a minority without a voice. I knew others held naturalistic views, but none had expressed the fact that the issue is one of civic justice. Thanks."

BC: Thank you, Jason, for catching on so quickly to the "main idea" of the Brights movement. As the "Vision Statement" for the website states: "Persons who have a naturalistic worldview must be accepted as fellow citizens and full participants in the cultural and political landscape and not be culturally stifled or civically marginalized due to society's extensive supernaturalism." This endeavor depends on more people being open about their worldview and educated about how to be constructive change agents to move society (not just the U.S., by the way) pragmatically in this direction.

EDITING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

The Brights' site has made the task of changing your profile much easier. You now have the power to:
1) Change your email address,
2) Stop/start the Bulletin or the BrightenOps,
3) View or modify your personal information, and/or
4) For USA: Information and links to contact your legislator(s).

For all/any of the above (and a bit more) go to the home page, right-hand column and click on "Edit Registration" to display all the information you have provided to The Brights' Net.
http://www.the-brights.net

"BRIGHTS OF ALL STRIPES" SURVEY

This month's short survey went out to Brights who are active as Bulletin subscribers. Thank you to everyone who opened the email and took the five-question survey! Responses topped 6,000.

A later bulletin will convey key findings. In the meantime, the survey is already revealing one item of particular interest to Brights Central: Having no supernatural elements in one's worldview doesn't mean a person is free of association with religion. As BC expected (based on spontaneous registration comments), the boundary between brights and supers is distinct from the more familiar religion/no-religion demarcation.

TELL A FRIEND


Telling others about the Brights is one of the most important ways to grow this constituency. Here is a simple way to accomplish that: Tell A Friend!

GOT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE?

To help spread word of the movement, it was Brights Central's initial intent that the Brights' icon and logo be made widely available to Brights. And, for a while, one could view the standard logo version in Wikipedia along with the description of the movement (a very valuable thing).

Recently, Wikipedia raised an issue that the logo is not copyrighted / trademarked and consequently removed it from the display.

Now we need some professional advice regarding how best to proceed to get the Brights' logo appropriately registered and securely placed in our hands. If you are versed in branding and can help, please contact Paul at the-brights@the-brights.net

THE BRIGHTS' SPOT -- A WELCOMING PLACE
(RECENT REGISTRATION COMMENTS)

Michael (Maryland, USA): "I'm excited to be part of an ethos by choice for the first time in my life."

Emmanuel (France): "I discovered I was a Bright a few days ago. I found a cause to fight for and I have the will to contribute to the extension of the ideology."

Stan (Chicago, USA): "I think the label of 'super' is brilliant. Rather than using a term that would be seen as derisive you have chosen one that is beyond reproach. Great idea."

Andrea (California, USA): "I am excited to become a part of a community founded on and maintained by top intellectuals who fearlessly advocate reason. Thank you."

Hali (Pasadana, USA.): "I was born and raised in a 'cult' church, and the teachings never made sense to me. Even as a child. I am very glad my friend informed me about this website. My search for a definition I actually relate to is finally over."

BOOKS BY BRIGHTS

MEDITATIONS OF JOHN BURROUGHS: NATURE IS HOME
Author Chris Highland offers a companion volume to his other five books drawing from the wisdom of John Muir, Henry Thoreau, Ralph Emerson, Walt Whitman and Margaret Fuller. This volume is on Burroughs (1837-1921), a popular naturalistic writer and thinker in America.


GENERAL BEHAVIOROLOGY: THE NATURAL SCIENCE OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR by Author Lawrence E. Fraley (a retired university professor and longtime participant in the Brights) states: "I have worked most of my career on a comprehensive science book that accounts for all extrinsic aspects of human behavior from a strictly naturalistic perspective."


COMPUTING THE MIND: HOW THE MIND REALLY WORKS
Author Shimon Edelman states: "In a culmination of humanity's millennia-long quest for self knowledge, the sciences of the mind are now in a position to offer concrete, empirically validated answers to the most fundamental questions about human nature."


View other books by Brights

BILLBOARD AND POSTER CAMPAIGNS DRAW ATTENTION

Last month's bulletin reported on a highly successful bus posters campaign of the National Secular Society. Starting in January, London's bendy-buses would be carrying the slogan: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." Money poured in to put posters on more bendy-buses.

Last year FreeThoughtAction.org started a successful campaign to put "Don't believe in God? You are not alone" on billboards in American cities. FTA is an adjunct of the American Humanist Association, which has for some time smiled on the billboard campaign.

Enthused by the successful bus poster endeavor in the UK, AHA added its own edgy message in time for the current holiday season. "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness sake" will soon be seen on the Metro buses in Washington, DC. AHA's press release ["Humanists launch godless holiday campaign"] proclaims use of the bus ads to "raise public awareness of humanism as well as controversy over humanist ideas."

GOD GETS PRESS FROM AD CAMPAIGNS

Here's one controversial aspect. None of these campaigns is actually godless. God stars in all. He is there in "There's probably no God" and in "Don't believe in God?" and in "Why believe in a god?" God is even in the "godless holiday" campaign.

A Christian on a blog puts it this way:

"Personally, I am very grateful to the atheist organizations behind the billboard campaigns. THANK YOU. THANK YOU for raising the public awareness about God and opening up multiple, multiple opportunities to talk about Him and answer questions, many times to strangers on the street! I couldn't have come up with a better plan myself! Thank you Atheists, and God bless you!"

GOT ODDS ON GOD?

According to one religion correspondent, the bendy-bus effort led to a spate of betting on the existence of God. Odds shortened from 33-1 to a mere 4-1 since news emerged of the forthcoming advertising campaign.

NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE?

No - I don't believe in a god.
No - I believe there is no god.
No - I am/live without any god-belief.

It's been hard to step out of religion, to stop using the term, even if one thinks there (probably or definitely) isn't one. But it's not impossible.

Yes - I have a naturalistic worldview.

BRIGHTS LINKED IN

LinkedIn is a social network of experienced professionals that aims to connect people that share common interests around the world. Each LinkedIn member has a profile that summarizes one's professional accomplishments. More info at the LinkedIn Network is at http://www.linkedin.com

Tiago [tiagopregueiro@gmail.com] invites Brights to visit the Brights LinkedIn Group he has established!

IT'S A DOWNER ECONOMY

STILL, IF YOU ARE SHOPPING FOR STUFF -- You can review all the Brights merchandise at:
http://www.the-brights.net/movement/merchandise.html


BRIGHTS HAVE AMAZON IN UK -- UK Brights get a cut (6% or so) of everything purchased - not just books. Support UK Brights' actions with your purchases through Amazon, at no additional cost to you. Use the UK searchbox at:
http://www.the-brights.net/people/books/index.html.


US Brights -- $154.85 is the amount that Brights' purchases through Amazon brought to The Brights' Net during November. Buy ANYTHING through the website link and you send 6% of the sale to The Brights - at no additional cost to you! This is an important source of funds for this organization. For the Brights to get credit click here:
http://www.the-brights.net/action/support/#amazon

Or, you can copy the following URL and put it on your website or in an email and send it to others. http://www.amazon.com/?tag=thebrinet-21

PROTEST ACTIONS AND REMINDERS

The National Secular Society in the UK is among those protesting the reported September banning in Turkey of the website of Richard Dawkins (evolutionary biologist and Enthusiastic Bright). See:
http://www.secularism.org.uk/104010.html

Those who see relevance to the matter of Turkey joining the European Union are writing letters and urging that others do so, applying the UN's 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which includes these statements relevant to matters of religion or belief:

Article 18 -- Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19 -- Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS

A Bright can quite independently play a valuable role in sustaining and developing the Brights' endeavor to educate constructively about the naturalistic worldview and promote greater societal acceptance and civic participation for persons having worldviews free of supernatural.

AS A CONSTITUENT
Check out the listing of some example ways to contribute as a constituent almost entirely on one's own accord.
http://www.the-brights.net/action/activ ... ndividual/

AS A DONOR (USA)
Those 70 1/2 years of age or older can make gifts directly from an IRA to The Brights' Net that count toward the minimum annual distribution for 2008 and are not subject to income tax. Contact your tax consultant for details. If under 70 1/2, December gifts are tax deductible from 2008 taxes (per usual).
http://www.the-brights.net/action/support/

A BRIGHT'S POEM

Ian Mason

Sisyphus Victorious

The man proved tougher than the stone.
A million and more uphill battles
built muscle, sinew and rage.
The rock, worn down to a missile,
forced skywards by triceps, deltoids
and adrenaline, struck,
and skittled indolent Olympians
from their hill.
The man remained.

More at: http://sites.google.com/site/skepticalpoetry/


REFERENCE GUIDE TO CONTACTING PERSONNEL AND LOCATING INFORMATION
All contact and general information at: http://www.the-brights.net/reference_guide.html

All the Bulletins, including this one, may be found via the link in the right column of the home page at http://www.the-brights.net

To financially support the civic aims and principles of the movement:
http://the-brights.net/action/support/

Bright Regards from Mynga Futrell and Paul Geisert at Brights Central

FEBRUARY BULLETIN


COUNTING CONSTITUENTS
Suggestion from Jonathon:
"I think you should put the number of registered brights up on the front page. Maybe update it every month, so people can see growth."
As it stands now, Brights Central is reporting the constituency size in the Bulletins. (Each time the head count tops another thousand registrants, BC reports that fact to subscribers.) The count recently surpassed 44,000 and is presently growing at just over 600 a month. It is hoped that new visitors to the site will base any decision to register (or not) wholly on the nature of the endeavor, not the size.
We are all pioneers in this emerging movement. More vital than the number of registrants is the (unknown) number of constituents who decide to participate in a constructive way, acting within their available circles of influence. Question to Bulletin subscribers: "Can you count yourself among them?"


STEPPING OUT, AND UP AS WELL
The thrust of the Brights movement is civic fairness: People who have a naturalistic worldview should be accepted as fellow citizens and full participants in the cultural and political landscape, and not be culturally stifled or civically marginalized due to society's extensive supernaturalism. Brights of varied stripes can participate and invite others to do likewise.
You need not accept how you are defined by a predominant view. You can go beyond silence, or complaint. If society's religiosity has you feeling cornered, step out of that box. For self-identity, you may favor the noun or its definition ("I am a bright" or "I hold a naturalistic worldview"). Whichever your preference, claiming this identity means that you are characterizing yourself, and not so narrowly.

The Brights' Net is established as a constituency. Consequently, it is individuals who make the decisions to act - not the Brights' board of directors. Accept that others differ, and start simply. Adopt civics, not beliefs, as your framework. Stick to it. Be conversant. Listen. Then you can get involved and start showing that you have a stake in the community. You belong. Demonstrate that your ethics and life stance are part of the mainstream. Participate in community service. Run for the school board or other local office. It's about time. You can take it at your own pace, but you can start. Take a hint from Donna:
Donna (Missouri, USA): "I'm a bright, having many super friends, and never know how to bridge the gap clearly yet respectfully, share my views, and respond or behave when faith-based behaviors and traditions cross over into public life. I will absorb your information on how to be honest, cooperative, and inclusive like a dry sponge. You've hit the nail on the head with this well thought out concept, and today I officially come out as a Bright. Thank you."


BASIC BENEFITS
From Quentin (UK Brights Coordinator) - "The Brights provide two major things:
1) an identity that may be adopted by anyone who thinks they conform to the definition (it's an umbrella term that will embrace individuals who may have many other identities and allegiances), and
2) a movement that seeks civic parity between brights and others in society (a movement in which any Bright may or may not choose to participate).
The Brights is not a membership organisation but a constituency of individuals."


AUDACIOUS OPTIMISTS & A WARNING
(NEW REGISTRANTS)
Tarik (France): "The world need more brights persons to enlighten the future. Even if we are few and they are many, the truth will rise someday."
Michael (South Carolina, USA): "My hope is that, one day, naturalists will be able to express their views openly in the state of South Carolina without being subject to prejudice and exclusion in the community. I want my children to have the right to believe as they see fit, free from the constraints of any superstition. Thank you for providing hope,"
PJ (Tennessee, USA): "I am excited to have found a group under a new (for me) and positive name with which to identify!"
Chris (Australia): "Excellent! What great 21st Century thinking to finally eliminate the 'God Gap'"
-------
Brad (Vietnam): "I loathe organizations and I loathe joining them. Don't screw this up."


U.S. TAX STATEMENTS
The Brights' Net is a United States 501c3 nonprofit organization. If you donated during 2008, your contribution is tax deductable. We have emailed all donors their statement (to the email address in the database). Some few notices were returned as undeliverables. If you donated to TBN but did not receive a statement, please contact the-brights@the-brights.net, and do update your email address! (The link to your profile in the right column on the home page).


CNN TURNS TO BRIGHTS' BLOG FOR DAVOS SUMMIT MATERIAL
In its preparation for the world economic summit in Switzerland, CNN (an international news organization) asked the German BrightsBlog and its readers for action. This blog ("Die Natur des Zweifels") has become notably influential, and CNN requested that the blog team formulate "the most important question" to be asked at Davos.
If CNN selected that question, it would go to the representatives of the summit (2500 participants from 96 countries, including 41 heads of state, leading powerbrokers and moneymakers), and CNN would report. Even if the Brights' question were not selected, CNN would supply a link to the BrightsBlog.
Blog leader Klaus issued a tight deadline (January 21, 2009) for the international Brights' Forum to generate questions in English for consideration. After several proposals, this question by Lunzie (member since 2005) went forward:
"Since only three of the thousands of edible crops provide 60% of the world food intake, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, and constitute a contributing factor to worldwide food shortage, what measures are required for expanding the diversification and processing of staple food crops and how are they to be implemented?"


GERMAN BRIGHTS ORGANIZING
With the number of Brights growing in Germany, Dieter Kaiser plans a national organization. He reports: "I received about 120 [editor: now above 140] positive emails. Many people encourage me with my project; others gave me useful addresses, some others are ready to hold conferences themselves. A Stuttgart round will be formed since some are interested in it and live in this area. … Thank you for all. I will keep you informed."


"JUST SAY NO" TO BOY SCOUT HONOR? (USA)
Blogger (and Enthusiastic Bright) Hemant Mehta titled a recent item: "Barack Obama Should Not Become Honorary President of the Boy Scouts of America."
It's a tradition that the BSA invite the American president to accept a role and title as Honorary President of the scouting organization. Every modern-day president has done so, even though in recent years it has become widely known that the Boy Scouts actively discriminates against gays and atheists. Acknowledge either identity and you can't be a scout or scout leader.
A group of 19 non-theistic organizations is now asking Obama to reject the title. As many Brights already know, The Brights' Net is a constituency and the board of directors doesn't speak for you. If you are interested in this situation, though, visit Hemant's blog and act as you may wish.


A CHANCE TO GET SOME BRIGHTS' STUFF AT A BARGAIN
Shopkeeper Diane reports:
"SPECIAL FEBRUARY SALE
Save 10% on all Brights Cafepress merchandise now through Feb. 28.
Now's the time to stock up on all that Brights merchandise you've been meaning to buy from our Cafepress shop."


NEW ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY CLUSTER (BCC)
Reported by Stephanie:
"I just wanted to let you know how this is going so far! I opened my email after returning from R&R to find already seven emails from people that were interested, which included a 15-year veteran of the Marine Corps, a first LT of the US Army, two Captains in the Marines, a Retired Air Force member, a retired military member and one with an undisclosed rank. I was very happy at this small turnout and think that it is indeed a good start.


THOSE NAUGHTY RECRUITERS?
The Brights registration form inquires into how each registrant heard about the Brights. Here was a rather unique one:
Liam (Ireland): "Oddly enough, on a forum where Christians were insulting the movement. In a way it was theists that recruited me."


OBAMA'S INCLUSIVENESS - PROS & CONSEQUENCES
The new American president got specific: "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers." That one sentence in the inaugural speech signaled a rather profound shift of presidential vision. By including the "non-believers," President Obama made the point clearly that he looks out on a nation of citizens.

Prior occupants of the presidential office have increasingly showed narrow (and narrower) focus. They spoke of Americans as a "people of faith" and the country as a "nation of believers." Even their more ecumenical or multi-cultural-sounding "we are of many faiths" terminology quite clearly excluded a definitive segment of the citizenry, producing that "second class citizen feeling" so rampant in the post-September 11 high-religiosity USA.

Obama's use of the term "non-believer" showed a full civic embrace that is a revolution of sorts (hey, non-believers are citizens, too!). The post-inaugural period also shows how far the U.S. has to go before reaching genuine equity and acceptance for people who refrain from god-belief. Click here for a sampling.



MILWAUKEE BRIGHT CITES BRIGHTS LINK
The Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel published a letter to the editor from Ed Werstein. In the letter, printed under the title, "An Inclusive Address," Ed laid out his personal view of the new president's inaugural address, including this important point: "Many Americans lead moral, ethical, meaningful lives based on a worldview that is naturalistic and free from religion." The full letter is is online and can be found here.
Getting a letter published in a metropolitan paper is generally worth a nod. But for spreading the idea of the Brights movement to the broader pubic, Ed had another accomplishment worthy of mention in the Bulletin. His letter included a link to the Brights' website that was printed by the newspaper. That happens less often, but BCl urges all letter writers to give it a try!


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OR CONDESCENSION?
Even though President Obama's inaugural was bookended by religious ritual, his "welcome into the ranks" wording in a single sentence produced a full-scale gushing of gratitude from Americans who count themselves in the "non-theistic" community. Several organizations issued letters of congratulations and thanks to the president. (As one leader stated, I find myself thankful for the crumbs.) Not everyone is happy with the characterization, though. Even atheists express discomfort with the negative label employed to sum up their status as citizens. Here are a couple of different views:
"I always take the term 'non-believer' to be somewhat condescending, as in 'those that just don't get it.' Why not couch it in such a way that you can just say 'atheist' in a non-negative tone; or better still: just address the populace in non-religious contexts."
"Non-believer = lack of belief?? Nonsense! I believe in many things, just not in any creation myth. Many morals are shared across religions, and many atheists also accept those morals, because they are wise and born of human experience and wisdom. I've lost count, though, of the number of times I have seen folks imply that atheists are without morals."
Brights Central: 'Non-believer' (when added to a listing of full-bodied religious worldviews, like Christian or Buddhist) packs a double problem as an identity label for citizens who have a naturalistic outlook. First, it basically narrows their characterization down just to the single conclusion they have reached about the existence of God (or gods). Second, it casts their conclusion against that of the predominant majority and in a negative (non) and inferior way (-less). Not the best positioning for civic involvement.


GRATITUDE, BUT LOOKING FOR CHANGE
One Bright's letter to the president is below. You may wish to write your own, but feel free to copy or adapt this one if its basic message suits you. Mail to: President Obama, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC 20500
President Obama
I would like to heartily thank you for including as Americans the millions of citizens whom you identified as the "non-believers." After so long in the wilderness, I can actually feel included.
Surely you recognize that, in this culture, the labels Christian, Muslims, Jews, and Hindus are affirmative terms, while that final term in your listing is not. Although deeply imbedded in our language, the term non-believer is clearly a negation - we are not (as we supposedly should be?) part of the society of "believers."
But of course we are believers. All humans have beliefs. We have a full spectrum of convictions and values. We believe in a host of things, just as the religious believers do. We differ simply because our worldview is naturalistic, which excludes the supernatural.
I am one of 44,000 individuals who participate in The Brights' Net. It is a civic action group, and our current civic action is to contact you and ask that we be accorded the same affirmative characterization and voice as religious Americans have at the ready. We would ask that you refer to us as "citizens who have a naturalistic worldview." Having a worldview free of supernatural is what sets us apart.
We know this phrasing may seem rather long and cumbersome, but it does cover the bases. In fact, it represents a very broad range of citizens, not only the atheists, agnostics, freethinkers and rationalists, but also the many thousands who self-identify by heritage or community as Jews, Christians, or other faith groups for their own reasons. It does not produce a pithy label, but it is a very accurate and encompassing statement -- we are individuals who have a naturalistic worldview, and like those who embrace a faith, our ethics and actions derive from our life stance.
It's time for this change, so that we may be accurately and positively represented for who we are.
[name], a participant in The Brights' Net
(a nonprofit educational organization)
http://the-brights.net


A BUSY 2009 AHEAD (BRIGHTS IN PRISON)
From Joel's January report (some text omitted for length):
"I celebrate holidays mainly by spending special time with my family and friends, but I'm not a big celebrator of special days. I give my wife Valentine cards, but I don't make New Year's resolutions. Instead, I try to make changes in my habits whenever I decide I really want to. So I'm not going to resolve to send you a newsletter on a strict schedule in 2009, but I'm always trying to find ways to make the process more efficient (I am a software developer after all), and I hope to do better in 2009 than I did in 2008. With a deep sigh, I'll have to confess that I may not answer all your letters in the future. I'm now sending out over 20 copies of the newsletter a month, and I receive several letters a month."



YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED TOO
Many new registrants send a comment about their being or feeling rather alone in the region where they live, but then Brights Central will usually reply:
"Thanks for the comment. We are pleased you found The Brights' Net. Actually, the following data might surprise you. We have checked, and there are 172 Brights living within 25 miles of you. You Brights should get together sometime."
The data sometimes astonish the recipient. Said one: "I am surprised by that number of Brights right in my METRO AREA--who would have thought!?!?"
You too might be amazed by the number of Brights that live near to you.


PAUL GEISERT DOES WHAT?
Is it okay for the "inventor" of the noun neologism "bright" to go to church? Well, he was seen seated in the pews of Grace Church four times in the last week alone. Actually, while staying in New York, his accommodations were adjacent the church, which has an organ recital six days a week at 12 o'clock. He couldn't resist, stating: "One of the things I most miss in the freethought community is such inspirational music. Any comments on "the music of those who have a naturalistic worldview"? Send your remarks to the-brights@the-brights.net and put MUSIC in your subject line.


SOMETHING IN COMMON
Brights' Net director, Mynga Futrell, recently went to Washington, DC to attend an annual gathering of leaders of nationally-focused atheist, freethought, Jewish, humanist and other secularist groups. This year, 26 "non-theistic" organizations were represented by 38 leaders, and the day was spent in information sharing and exploring common challenges and interests. As happens each year, discussion turned once more to just what it was that the different groups, with their separate agendas, actually had in common.
At one point Mynga issued this challenge: "Would all who are present who have any belief in supernatural or mystical forces, please just stand up?" Not one person rose (one person even dropped to the floor - really!). She then expounded: "You have just seen the one thing that joins all of us together, what we have in common. It is a naturalistic worldview, free of supernatural and mystical elements." It was a visible demonstration that all leaders present were brights (by definition) whether or not they had registered into the constituency as Brights.


BRIGHTS COMMUNITY CLUSTERS
If you would like to start a local, state, or national Brights group please contact Will Morris, the BCC Coordinator.
A listing of all national and local groups can be found here.
Information on how to start a Brights Community Cluster.


JEWISH BRIGHTS SIG UNDERWAY
An announcement was recently conveyed by Brights Central to all Brights who had subscribed to a special initiative group focused on heritage/community identity The volunteer leader, Marvin Rosenblum, said in a portion of his letter of introduction:
"Our 'Brights Action' group is for Jewish Brights who wish to further the aims of the Brights movement within secular and humanistic Judaism. We would be able to create camaraderie, organize ourselves into a cohesive group to heighten personal Jewish awareness and imbue the concepts of secular and humanistic Judaism to those who are adherents, but who are unaware of, as support, that there are so many global groups of like thinking. Further, pluralistic ideals will be aggressively marketed and contribute to Judaism's amalgamation into the world's countless population of advocates for individual self determination without divine interference.
The Brights' Net SIG 4 encourages further ties with the supers (those who embrace supernatural elements in their understanding/worldview) who share your cultural and/or religious heritage or community identity."
If this SIG is of interest to you and you have not yet enrolled, you may do so at this page.


SUPPORT BRIGHTS VIA AMAZON
Amazon.uk has sent to the UK Brights organization 27 GBP, thanks to purchases there during December. Amazon.com has returned $149 commission to The Brights' Net for that month.
If you are shopping at Amazon and buying a book (or almost anything else), be sure you are starting from the Brights' website.

The Brights' Bulletin
Issue #68
February 27, 2009

http://the-brights.net/movement/bulleti ... .html?b=68

The constituency of Brights is hugely diverse. Besides those who self-identify as atheist, humanist, secular humanist, freethinker, rationalist, naturalist, agnostic, or skeptic, there are individuals who go by their preferred affiliations, such as Ethical Culturalist, Pantheist, Buddhist, Yogi, Wiccan, Transhumanist, or Unitarian. Also part of the gamut of constituents are Jews, Catholics, Quakers, Episcopalians, and others who may personally maintain their religion’s cultural or aesthetic aspects, but not its supernaturalism. There are professors of religious studies and clergy in and out of practice who are Brights (e.g., Unitarian-Universalist ministers, Protestant pastors, even one ex-Benedictine monk). Not all constituents associate themselves with familiar groupings or labels. The movement’s goals attract all sorts of people who “have a naturalistic worldview” and favor thinking of themselves broadly and in a civic sense, as Brights.

http://the-brights.net/people/

The Brights' Net Videos

www.the-brights.net/movement/videos