SHIFT - Secular Humanism, Inquiry and Freethought

New SHIFT Website

2011-11-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

This blog is no longer regularly active. Please visit our new website or our page on facebook to keep up-to-date with the latest from SHIFT! We also now have a YouTube channel with most of our guest speaker presentations since February 2010, including Dr. Victor Stenger and Nobel Prize winning geneticist Dr. Mario Capecchi.

Send an Atheist to Church Fundraiser!!!

2011-04-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

Everyday, from April 4th through the 8th, during the lunch hours, SHIFT will be putting on a Send an Atheist to Church charity fundraiser. All proceeds will go to the Salt Lake City Homeless Youth Resource Center.

There will be several jars, each representing a different local church of a different religion and one that represents humanism/nontheism/freethought. The jar containing the highest amount of money at the end of the fundraiser will represent the church where a group of SHIFT members will attend a church service. If the humanism jar contains the most money at the end, then a group of SHIFT members will volunteer several hours at the Homeless Youth Resource Center, rather than spending that time attending a church service.

Given the disproportionate representation of religion in this area, the donations will be weighted based on publicly available statewide percentages of various religions, so as to be fair. The event will be held on the first floor of the Union near the pool tables, in the event of inclement weather. Please contact SHIFT with any questions, at shiftuofu@gmail.com. For information about the Homeless Youth Resource Center, go to
http://www.voaut.org/Default.aspx?tabid=2373.

Where: University of Utah, Union Building, by the pool tables

When: April 4th to the 8th

Time: Lunch Hours (11am-2pm)

Darwin Week!

2011-01-24T19:25:00.000-08:00

SHIFT has been busy working on a lecture series for the week of Feb. 7th through the 11th. The lecture series is titled The Importance of Evolutionary Theory in Modern Science, where the main focus is to show how evolutionary theory applies to various fields.

Feb. 7
Dr. Henry Harpending

Dr. Harpending will be talking about rapid human evolution and the effects it has had on humanity. Dr. Harpending is a distinguished Professor of Anthropology and Thomas Chair at the University of Utah. He has also co-authored a book on human evolution called " the 10,000 year explosion"

Feb. 8
Dr. Mario R. Capecchi

We are honored to have Dr. Mario R. Capecchi, the 2007 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, to come present his research and how evolutionary science plays an important role in it.

Feb. 9
Dr. Matt Haber

Dr. Haber's talk will focus on how evolutionary theory has shaped our history.

Feb. 10
Dr. Mark A. Loewen

Dr. Mark Loewen will talk about talk about how evolution (natural, sexual and possibly clade selection) played an important role in the diversification of horned dinosaurs and tyrannosaurs over the last 30 million years of the Cretaceous, in honor of Charles Darwin.

Feb. 11
Dr. Anya Plutynski

Dr. Anya Plutynski is a philosopher of science at the University of Utah. She will be talking about evolutionary modeling and whether Intelligent Design is a legitimate challenge to evolution, in honor of Charles Darwin.

All lectures will be held at the University of Utah, in the Aline Wilmot Skaggs Biology Building, from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Seats are limited so please make sure you are there on time.
Parking is free after 6pm in the Stadium parking lot.

First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City

2010-08-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

The third Summer Church Visit of SHIFT took place at the First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City, located at 777 South 1300 East. We chose the location as our first foray into theism because it's website claimed open open open arms and love love love for all. I figured, hey, if your Jesus tells you to love EVERYONE and JUST LOVE THEM, I can probably handle your kind of Christianity. You know, sans judgment and condemnation here on earth.

Five people attended this church visit, in comparison to six at the Zen Center and five at First Unitarian, so while not many of our members were coming to the visits thus far, enough of us were able to wake up and venture out for the educational experiences that made it worth it to continue!

First Baptist Church looks large and old and daunting, up on the hill kitty corner from East High School. But it sure beat us where to enter the building! When we finally decided to head down a path toward what looked like some back doors, we did eventually find the sanctuary. We were welcomed by an elderly lady who asked us each our names, was very happy we had come, gave us free bottled water and a program, and informed us excitedly that there was a community potluck dinner immediately following the service and she really hoped we would come!

We entered a dimly-lit and expansive room with wooden pews. They weren't filled to the brim with people, either. Those who came sat pretty spaced apart, were predominantly if not all white, with I would guess a median age of 40. Probably 5-10 different individuals approached us to say welcome, shake our hands, and insist that we come to eat food with them following the meeting! They were certainly friendly and inviting.

However we joined First Baptist on a rather out-of-the-ordinary Sunday ~ their long-time pastor was leaving for a different church, and a new one would be joining their congregation (or rather coming to lead their congregation) in a couple of weeks. What we sat through during this meeting was basically a farewell service, with many religious and scriptural readings on various topics related to parting or taking leave.

The strangest part to me was near the end, when all the congregants turned to face each other for a few minutes ~ either singing or reciting, I forget which. But it was awkward to be making eye contact with people we had never met, who were saying words we were not joining in saying because they were quite religious and held no meaning for us.

We did not stay afterward for the "dinner." I would say that this was the most "Jesus-y" service I have attended yet!

Big Mind Zen Buddhist Center of Salt Lake City

2010-07-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

SHIFT's second Summer Church Visit was to the Big Mind Western Zen Center in Salt Lake City. This was an eye-opening and very educational introduction to Western Zen Practice for all who came. We were asked to sign in a guest book outside the door, then, keeping our voices down because there were people "sitting" upstairs, we took off our shoes and placed our bags in cubbyholes just inside. Then were were told to go up the stairs, put our hands together and bow as we reached the top, and then sit, either on a mat on the floor or in one of the chairs lining the walls.

As we reached the top of the stairs (I forgot to bow) and found a seat, we saw around us a room full of people from all walks of Salt Lake City life, sitting in meditative thought. Many had their eyes closed, some were looking calmly about the room and smiling or nodding at newcomers, and all seemed to be practiced in yoga and steady breathing. It seemed to be a time of repose, to enjoy the summer sun pouring in through the windows. After about 10 or 15 minutes my body grew restless, and to keep focused I began silently repeating a mantra while we sat, something like, "I will take only what is healthful and good in to my body and mind."

After I believe half an hour, Genpo Roshi, who was sitting at the front of the room raised slightly above the people sitting cross-legged on the mats in front of him, rang a gong of sorts and called our attention to what came to be an introduction to, or lesson on, Western Zen thought and/or practice. I can best describe what he spoke on as guiding us through three ways of thinking . . . if any who were in attendance can explain these three ways, please do comment!

It was a calming, non-theistic discussion, where the Roshi listened to and repeated back what people in the room had to say, engaging everyone who felt they wanted to speak. And most impressionable to me, there was no use of "you" language, only "I" language ... in that, there was no sense coming from the leader of the discussion that "you should" do or think or see this this way, but rather, "I think," "I have experienced," I believe," etc. Then the people who responded or engaged in the discussion also used phrases like "I feel" or "I think." It was so personalized and yet example-setting. You wanted to be like them, or think like them, or feel what they felt, because they were just stating the way they were thinking or feeling, rather than saying, "This is how it is for everyone." Quite an amazing approach to teaching about peace and living a calm life.

The other positive things I noticed about the experience was the inclusion of people of color and people, as I mentioned "from all walks of life," some I recognized from the LGBTQ community as well, and the use of inclusive feminist language ~ Roshi would say "she" or "her" equally as often as he would say "he" or "him," even though he was speaking from a male perspective!

First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City

2010-06-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City was the location of the first Summer Church Visit for SHIFT - Secular Humanism, Inquiry and Freethought. Led by our Interfaith Liaison, SHIFT members have expressed interest in visiting various local churches and religious organizations around Salt Lake City, Utah this summer.

Our group regularly meets between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. at the University of Utah's A. Ray Olpin University Union building. And this Summer of 2010, SHIFT members are congregating upon local churches with a fervor for learning! What do religious people actually believe? Why do people go to churches? What human needs or wants are filled by being a part of a congregation? If you are curious about these or any other questions regarding local religious sects, we invite you to learn with us!

First Unitarian is a bastion of liberal religion in Salt Lake City ~ over half of the congregation identify as Atheist or Agnostic. Many come from LDS backgrounds, and weren't finding the openness and acceptance in their congregations that they were seeking. Many come from Unitarian Universalist backgrounds and, whatever brought them to Salt Lake City, they have been grateful to find here an affirming congregation of like-minded citizens, concerned with social justice and free inquiry. So what makes them a "church," if many of them don't believe in a God? Their "faith" is predominantly in humanity, and in the power of humans to come together in congregations to make a positive difference in the world.

Our visit fell on the day of the last sermon given by Reverend Tom Goldsmith before First Unitarians would take a Summer Vacation ~ that's right, this church takes a Summer Vacation! During the Summer, they bring in speakers on various informational topics, every Sunday at 10:00 a.m., and their regular 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services recommence in the fall. Reverend Goldsmith spoke with us two weeks ago about the BP oil spill and it's ramifications on our lives and our upcoming Summer. Following the hour service, comprised of quite a few musical interludes and thought-provoking readings, we enjoyed some coffee (or tea or hot chocolate) and took a look at their book table where they sold many educational titles, including "The Secular Conscience" by Austin Dacey, a speaker SHIFT welcomed to Salt Lake City this past year!

This congregation is the home of SHIFT's Interfaith Liaison ~ Elaine recently "signed the book" and officially joined this church, and looks forward to teaching in the Religious Education program offered there to children and teens, beginning this fall!

Miguel Santana and The Marien Revelation

2010-05-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

SHIFT - be aware - an AWESOME opportunity has come our way! International author, Miguel Santana, is planning to come and speak with our group about his newest book, The Marien Revelation, on Wednesday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Union Theatre on campus. This discussion will be unlike any you've likely ever experienced - the book itself will blow you out of the water, and bring up SUCH fascinating discussion topics.

Please get a hold of this book, if you haven't already, and read it so that you can participate when the author comes June 2! Check out his website here.

Good Without God?

2010-04-13T22:06:00.001-07:00

You're Not Alone!

And, you may have noticed this greeting being posted on boards around campus, welcoming you to find out more about SHIFT ~ Secular Humanism, Inquiry and Freethought.

Thanks for checking us out!

We hope you will consider making a donation to keep this group going here at the University of Utah, but regardless of your financial situation, we encourage you to come to our General Sunday meetings at 1:00 p.m. in the Student Union, near the Ballroom. Ours is a diverse and growing community of Secular Humanists, Atheists, Agnostics and Freethinkers! Regardless of how you identify, all are welcome to join in our conversations in a rational and respectful forum.

FUNdraiser April 11

2010-03-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

SHIFT is close to celebrating ONE FULL YEAR in existence! A special binder is currently being prepared to show off all that our group has accomplished in this time, including bringing you nationally-renowned speakers, engaging peer and community discussions and events, and being recognized by the University as "an important and valuable student group," as Student Group of the Month for January 2010!

This group has an amazing foundation and we encourage you to take this month of April to consider all that it has been and will be for you, and for the University of Utah campus for years to come ~ what an asset to our diverse community it is!

To commence the month of April as our 1st Annual Donation Drive, we are offering you the most delicious Baked Goods you can imagine! Please come on Sunday, April 11 at noon (before our regular general Sunday Meeting) in the Student Union near the Ballroom, to donate what you feel you are able to keep this group running smoothly, and to enjoy a lunch of champions!

Please RSVP on the Facebook Page if you would like to pre-order! There will be plenty for everyone, so, bring your family, your friends, everyone you know! See you Sunday!

March Madness

2010-03-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

After ending February on the right note with our very successful Austin Dacey event, SHIFT has had several social events this month, with more to come. First, we had a bowling social on 3/7, during which we had great conversation and ate cookies and donuts, while bowling in the bowling alley of the Union Building. Next, on 3/14, at the suggestion of group member Jeff Jenkins, we celebrated Pi Day (seeing as mathematics are one of the few things in the universe that can be proven true) by going to The Pie for pizza. We gathered first at the Union for our usual Sunday meeting and left as a group at 1:59 (pi = 3.14159) for The Pie, where we ate delicious pizza and cheese pull-aparts, and enjoyed interesting conversation. Finally, in order to start Spring Break off right, we gathered on 3/20 in the Union Building theater for a screening of the movie Religulous, which incited much laughter and some enlightening conversation afterward. Many brought snacks to share with everyone, including some atheist cookies (square soft cookies with white icing and the scarlet atheist 'A' on them), provided by group member Zach Stevenson's aunt from her in-home bakery called Just Sweets Bakery, and they were great! This Saturday (3/27), some of us will be meeting at a local restaurant for a social lunch (exact time and location TBD), seeing as we will not be having our usual Sunday meetings until after Spring Break. I hope you can join us for lunch this Saturday (keep an eye on our facebook page for details) and for the great events that will take place during the month of April, including a combined social event SHIFT will be having with SHAFT, our sibling group from Utah State University, for which we will be having a picnic and enjoy other outdoor activities (specific date and location TBD, so keep an eye on our facebook page for details).

Austin Dacey Lecture & Debate Saturday, February 27

2010-02-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

Austin Dacey, author of The Secular Conscience: Why Belief Belongs in Public Life, and former Center for Inquiry representative to the United Nations, is coming this Saturday!

His lecture, called "Blasphemy: Hate Speech or Human Right? Inside the struggle for freedom of expression at the United Nations" will be held in the University of Utah Fine Arts Auditorium (375 South 1530 East) on Saturday, February 27, beginning at 4:00pm ~ the doors will open at 3:00, and seating is first-come-first-served, so come early to grab your good seats!

Following Dr. Dacey's lecture, he will be joined by local Salt Lake Community College Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Mark Hausam, for a debate entitled, "Is Morality Possible Without God?"

Don't miss this amazing opportunity! This lecture is being hosted by SHIFT ~ Secular Humanism, Inquiry and Freethought. It has been generously made possible by the exhaustive efforts of Co-Founder Jason Cooperrider, The Secular Student Alliance (one of our national affiliates), and The Humanists of Utah, as well of course by our participants Dr.s Austin Dacey (and Angie McQuaig) and Mark Hausam.

Donations are gratefully being accepted via cash or checks made out to SHIFT.

Secular Student Alliance Leadership Conference

2010-01-31T21:25:00.000-08:00

I will be attending this conference to represent SHIFT. If anyone is interested in accompanying me, then please contact me for details.

Baha'i Interfaith Devotional

2010-01-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Plaza Fest, as the Interfaith Liason of SHIFT, I stopped by various tables and spoke with representatives of many Faith Groups on campus. I was so pleased to learn what they are doing to coordinate efforts with each other and engage the community in service for good!

I hope that many in our group can find the time to join them in their discussions and activities - in a respectful and engaging manner - so that we, as Secular Humanists, can become better represented among faith groups as community members focused on bettering humanity as well! We of non-faith have no good reason to disengage from our communities because of others' professions of faith in higher beings. I hope you agree!

This Thursday, January 28, 2010 I hope you will join the Baha'i Campus Association in their first Interfaith Campus Devotional of the Spring 2010 semester - the topic is "Economic Prosperity of Humanity," a discussion in which we very well can engage! This will be held from 7:30 - 9:00 pm in Room 319 of the Student Union Building.

Plaza Fest This Tuesday!

2010-01-23T13:13:00.001-08:00

Are you interested in learning more about SHIFT - Secular Humanism, Inquiry and Freethought? Please stop by our table between 10am and 2pm this Tuesday, January 26, 2010! There will be snacks and handouts and plenty of good company to chat with about Secular matters. This event will occur in the ballroom of the Union Building on campus. Please help by manning the table for any amount of time or by just hanging out to chat with those who are and/or with interested passers-by.

SHIFT Happens

2010-01-11T18:37:00.001-08:00

Every Sunday at 1:00pm! By the Pool Tables in the Student Union. And as this is the first Sunday Meeting of Spring Semester, there will be pizza and awesome company! Please join us, and bring everyone you know.

Event Report

2010-01-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to report that "The Many Faces of Charles Darwin" lecture was a great success. Held on Friday, December 11, 2009 and hosted by SHIFT, The College of Science, and The Department of Biology of The University of Utah, Daniel Fairbanks' lecture was engaging and informative.

This event brought in the highest number of attendees to a SHIFT event held during the Fall 2009 semester - 22 persons total - and also brought in $45, donated by those who attended, to contribute toward our first Lecture Event of 2010! We are working on bringing in Austin Dacey, former Center for Inquiry Representative to the United Nations, on Febuary 27 at 4:00.

If you are able to contribute to the Austin Dacey event, please contact Elaine Ball at elaineballfr@gmail.com. If you would like more information about Austin Dacey or how you might be able to help with this event, please contact Jason Cooperrider at jason.cooperrider@hsc.utah.edu.

The Many Faces of Charles Darwin

2009-12-06T17:28:00.000-08:00

SHIFT - Secular Humanism, Inquiry and Freethought - is pleased to Co-Sponsor this Lecture with The College of Science and The Department of Biology at the University of Utah:

Daniel J. Fairbanks, Associate Dean of Science and Health at Utah Valley University, will be presenting his lecture, "The Many Faces of Charles Darwin" in Room 161 of the University of Utah A. Ray Olpin Student Union at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 11, 2009.

Please come early, at 10:30 a.m. for light refreshments, and to make sure everyone is seated in time for the lecture to begin!

This event is completely free and open to the public.

Donations will gratefully be accepted at the door to help bring in our first lecturer of Spring Semester, Dr. Austin Dacey, former Center For Inquiry Representative to the United Nations.

The God Who Wasn't There

2009-12-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

The God Who Wasn't There is a documentary that sounds spectacular - this Thursday, December 3, let's all join the Atheists of Utah to see what it's all about! 7:00pm at the Downtown Salt Lake Public Library - 210 E. 400 S.

Ray Comfort

2009-11-18T16:02:00.000-08:00

If you see people on campus handing out copies of Ray Comfort's version of On The Origin of Species, PLEASE TAKE ONE. Take multiple copies, if they will give you more than one, telling them you'd like to give some copies to friends. Please bring them to the next SHIFT meeting. The more copies we can get out of their hands, preventing them (peacefully) from being further distributed on campus, the better.

Whatever Happened to Civility in Politics?

2009-11-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

This Thursday, November 12, at 7:30pm join the Humanists of Utah in Eliot Hall of First Unitarian Church (600 S. 1300 E.) for a lecture by Alan Coombs entitled "Whatever Happened to Civility in Politics?" The lecture will be followed by a question-and-answer session and light refreshments. This lecture is free of charge and open to the public - please encourage fellow free-thinkers or interested parties to attend!

Carl Sagan Day

2009-11-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

When you make the finding yourself - even if you're the last person on Earth to see the light - you'll never forget it. - Carl Sagan

This Saturday, November 7, 2009 we will be joining other Center For Inquiry affiliates in celebrating the 1st annual Carl Sagan Day - commemorating the time of his birth (Nov. 9) 75 years ago.

Carl Sagan (1934-1996) was a renowned Astronomer and Secular Humanist.

Please join us this Saturday in the Union Theatre at 12:00pm to begin our celebration!

12:00pm - Lunch Buffet

12:15pm - Contact

2:45pm - Research Assistant Professor John Belz

First Secular Monday (FSM) in November

2009-10-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

Have YOU Been Touched By His Noodly Appendage?

Whether you answer "Yes!" or "No?" join us for the first-ever F S M - First Secular Monday - This November 2, 2009 in the Union Theatre.

You will be enlightened on many fascinating topics such as Pastafarianism, The Church of The Flying Spaghetti Monster, and Talk Like a Pirate Day.

If you would like to do a bit of Homework before the event, read this:

http://www.venganza.org/about/open-letter/

Or, just come curious! Delectable refreshments will be provided.

The purpose of First Secular Monday is to come together as a group for entertaining discussions and planning. We hope to hold these in Coffee Shops next semester, possibly with proceeds benefiting our group or other worthy local causes.

In addition to our discussion honoring First Secular Monday's acronym's namesake, The Flying Spaghetti Monster, we will be beginning preparations for Festivus, The Holiday For The Rest Of Us!

Check out this website to come ready with your preferences on how to celebrate Festivus:

http://www.festivusbook.com/

Or, again, just come curious!

Third-Thursday Discussion Group

2009-10-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

Please join us THIS THURSDAY at 7:00pm in the Student Union, Room 319 for a week-day discussion group for those for whom Sundays aren't so convenient ... I know this is our Fall Break, but please take the opportunity to come to campus this Thursday evening for some great snacks and discussion with like-minded peers!

Humanists of Utah Thomas Paine Day Celebration

2009-10-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 8th marks the second annual Thomas Paine Day celebration, as held by the Humanists of Utah. In addition to free food, the event will feature Professor Bruce Dain from the University of Utah History Department, in his address of the issue of how historians see Paine's place in the intellectual history of the Age of Revolution and of American political thought. Also, the winner of the Humanists of Utah essay contest will read the winning essay (The Importance of Secularism in a Truly Democratic Society) and be awarded the first prize of $250. The event will occur in Elliot Hall (southwest door) of the First Unitarian Church at 7:30p. All of the public is invited to attend for free.

This Wednesday!

2009-09-28T19:36:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, September 30 at 6:00pm, SHIFT will welcome Brian S. King, Representative, Utah House District 28, to speak with our group about his experiences with the American Health Care system. Please join us in the Union Theatre for a discussion led by Representative King, followed by a free showing of the Michael Moore documentary, Sicko.

Humanists of Utah Discussion Group

2009-09-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

Vice-president, Jason Cooperrider, and treasurer, Shawn Thomas, attended the Humanists of Utah (HoU) discussion group last night (9/24). The group of 10 people met at the First Unitarian Church (600 S. 1300 E.) to discuss the recent article "Profiles of the Godless," which analyzes some of the shared and differing characteristics among the different types of nonreligious people (several copies of the article will be available at the next SHIFT meeting for those who are interested). The discussion was very entertaining and enlightening, lasting from 7:30 until around 9:00. While much of the discussion did focus on various interesting aspects of the article, there was also a great deal of banter about personal stories and opinions, ranging from the existence of other intelligent life in the universe, to the reasons why those present had abandoned religion and how that has affected their lives. The discussion group meets once a month on Thursday at 7:00 (check the HoU website for specific dates) in room RE 201 of the First Unitarian Church. The HoU members were excited to see participation from younger people at the discussion group and were very accommodating.

Health Care Discussion at First Unitarian Church

2009-09-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

After the 11:00am service on Sunday, September 27, there will be a Health Care Discussion held at First Unitarian Church (569 S. 1300 E.) If you're interested, come to the 11:00am service and enjoy some Coffee for a few minutes before the discussion, or just come at 12:20 to join in the Health Care Discussion!

This will be a great introduction to our Brian King event next Wednesday!

Movie & Discussion Event

2009-09-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

First General Meeting

2009-08-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, September 13, please meet us on the West Side Patio of the Student Union building for our first general meeting of the school year.

Come meet our group's officers and other like-minded U of U students, and learn about available officer positions/ways you can get involved, as well as upcoming events.

PIZZA and soda at 1:00pm, then we'll be carpooling to Big Cottonwood Canyon at 2:30pm to hike up to Donut Falls - I would call it an easy-medium hike. So be sure to bring a water bottle, and be ready to walk under the waterfall as well! Well, you don't actually have to walk under it if you don't want to ... you can just look at it if you would prefer.

Bring friends who would like to meet us and get to know what our group is all about!

Movie & BBQ Party Saturday

2009-08-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to remind everyone about the party in two days! I hope you all have it on your calendars, and can bring friends as well. I want lots of people at the U and Utah State to have the chance as the school year is starting, to just socialize and make some friends who are similarly dogma-free!

Just as a reminder, the meat (grass-fed and vegetarian) will be provided, so please bring one item to share - either a side or a beverage of your choice. If you have any questions or suggestions, please comment here! Let others know what you're bringing, or ask me what you can bring if you're unsure.

Also, if you own a movie in any way related to Skepticism, Secularism, Humanism, Atheism, etc, please bring it around 3:00pm and we'll all choose from what movies people bring.

And of course if you don't have the time to come at 3, join the party between 6 and 7 for food and drinks! See you all there,

Elaine

Humanists of Utah Picnic

2009-08-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

The Humanists of Utah have invited our Student Group to join them for a Picnic this Thursday, August 13 at 6:00pm. It will be held in the backyard of John Young, at 2127 S. 1900 E. in Salt Lake City.

The Humanists of Utah are providing all food and beverages, they just want us students to come and have a good time, so we can all meet more secular freethinkers in Utah!

SHIFT Into Gear

2009-08-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome Secular Humanists, Inquirers, Freethinkers - Welcome Atheists, Agnostics, and Dogma-Free Students at the University of Utah!

Are you ready to SHIFT Into Gear for the 2009-2010 School Year? I am thrilled to welcome you to this diverse, growing student population, organizing to socialize without dogma, in the name of Science and Freethought.

Get ready for a spectacular year!

On the Saturday before school starts, August 22, join us for a movie at 3pm and/or BBQ at 6 in Sandy - meet fellow SHIFTers for spirited discussion, food and drink. See the Facebook Group and the Facebook Event Page for more information. I look forward to meeting you all,

Elaine Ball
President