Setting up a nontheist event

This document provides some basic ideas and instructions for setting up a nontheists event. Potential organizers should start here but feel free to contact MAAF or a local or national organization to provide backup. There is no value in working along to set up an event. Topics below include management, topics, sponsors, and event ideas. The ideas portion is the main portion, but the other areas are important and should not be overlooked.

Event Management

Event management covers financing, venues, and marketing. These are the business side of the operation. On a military installation, there should be access to post facilities for no charge. This may be through MWR, installation community center, or the chaplain. Off post events may require a charge, but having an event in at a local bar or restaurant are great ways to start out for little or no charge. For certain events, it may be appropriate to hold at a group member’s home. Other concerns such as financing the event or marketing the event are more complicated. These issues should be handled on a case-by-case basis. In general, consulting with a sponsor (see below) is the best way to ensure success.

Event Topics

Although this document relates to nontheists events, it would be inappropriate to have a nontheists group. Before selecting the specific topic of the event, it makes sense to understand what general area the topic of the event should fall into. Nontheists may prefer a variety of different topics, not necessarily limited to those below.

• Science: Science literacy, evolution, stem cells, astronomy, quackery
• Religion: Comparative religion, historicity of scripture, religious economics
• Politics: Military issues, Separation of Church/State, First Amendment
• Philosophy: reason-based ethics, teleology, bioethics, modern trends
• Leadership: event management, grant writing, conventions, tabling

The organizer should first look to his or her preference. If nothing else, the organizer should enjoy the event. The organizer should balance this with the preferences of likely attendees. Obviously the event will not be well attended if the topic is not of interest. Again, this is another area where a sponsoring organization can help (see below). Finally, the marketing value of certain events is higher than others, for example a movie or debate would draw more than a general undifferentiated discussion (see below).

Event Sponsor

Event sponsors are important because they can help with marketing, finance, topics, and general motivation. Reaching out to national organizations allows for a greater likelihood of attracting nearby members of that organization. In addition, others will have a greater likelihood of coming to an event with the backing of a national organization. Potential sponsors include MAAF related organizations and the MAAF Network. Sponsorship is generally related to financial backing, but in this case, the support should be advice and advertisement. Financial support may or may not be warranted, but that should be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Event Formats and Topics

The best way to find ideas for events is just to copy from others. Likely locations to find event ideas are at the MAAF network, meetup.com, or the events at secularseasons.org. Many organizations also post a number of events ideas related to their organizations (find through google). Note that nearly all of these ideas can be combined in some way. For example, a group trip to the movie adaptation of a book club book would combine several ideas. Also consider the general-interest attraction of events, especially movies. This can grow the audience and provide an opportunity to collect an entrance fee to fund the event. Some events, such as debates, seminars, and conferences can require significant planning and are out of the scope of this document. The following list provides a variety of events that can be set up with little effort on the part of an organizer:

• Social events: Social events are often done in conjunction with a meal like brunch or dinner. Meeting before or after at a restaurant provides a convenient meetup location, an opportunity for informal talk for those not going to the regular event, and if afterward they provide an opportunity for discussion.
• Movies at theater: specific science and documentary ideas provide the best opportunity. However, drama, historical fiction, or other movies also provide an opportunity.
• Movies, screening party: Viewing a film at a theater is a common option, but viewing a DVD at home or reserving a theater for a large event is also an attractive option. In particular, independent or special interest films can draw a large crowd for those interested.
• Museums and community centers: Nontheists have a special interest in science museums as well as art museums. Exhibitions are special events and free events can also provide a reason to come together. Museum visits provide a good opportunity for informal interaction among members and are best coupled with an opportunity to discuss the visit at a meeting immediately after the event or later.
• Book/movie club: Although similar to the events above, a book club provides an opportunity for ongoing meetings around a specific book. With a dedicated facilitator to keep up with reading and guide the discussion, these can provide broad interest.
• Group trip: All of the events above could be combined with a group trip to a special event. Event organizers have a special opportunity to seek group discounts for travel or entrance fees. In particular, large conventions can be big attractions and if they are a few hours away, the assistance of a group organizer can be enough to coax people into attending.
• Tabling: Tabling is a relatively simple organized event. There need only be 3 or 4 people to staff the table, but more can help. Tabling is a great opportunity for individuals to reach out to the community to overcome misperceptions as well as find new members. Between visits, members have the opportunity to interact. Hosting a picnic provides the opportunity for community and outdoor events with an associated table to meet passers-by. Tabling requires a minimal amount of reservations and materials, but it is a good introductory event.
• More specific meeting ideas (older file)

last update 1/4/09