Central Valley Alliance of Atheists and Skeptics

Comment

Comment by Calladus on July 29, 2009 at 6:12pm

heh.. I just realized I might not be clear. I mean that you seem eager to get involved in the skeptical / secular community, and joining our podcast via skype is a way you could do so without having to drive several hours to Fresno.

Comment by Calladus on July 29, 2009 at 6:10pm

(nodding) I saw the construction on Google maps. Of course I didn't think that it might be halted.

Instead of an atheist group, you might consider a "skepticism / science" group. Maybe buy a couple Galileoscopes and start an astronomy club? You're up fairly high compared to Fresno, and have less light pollution. Start with an activity like this, and you'll probably find like-minded people who will be willing to get involved with other things.

Speaking of getting involved... it sounds like that is something you're interested in. Would you be interested in being a guest in the Rational Horizon podcast? If it works out, you could help us host it. All via Skype of course.

Comment by Calladus on July 29, 2009 at 4:25pm

I use Google Maps driving directions in order to find likely locations for new groups. Once you have the directions from point "A" to point "B", you can drag the markers around. Do this, and watch the commute time.

Commute time of 30 minutes or less indicates that people will probably be willing to drive to a meeting. 40 minutes or more is out of range for anything other than major events.

Using this tool, you may be able to find an acceptable "hub" that is within a 30 minute drive of you, and that within its 30 minute boundary is populated enough to guarantee several people at each meeting.

The city of Mojave is 28 minutes away from Lancaster - you may not be able to get members from there. The center of Bakersfield is 43 minutes away from Tehachapi, also not good.

Statistically speaking there should be more than 800 like minded people in the Tehachapi area, and new construction is going up to the SW of Mojave - some people will rather go to your group than to another.

Advertise, hold and go to a weekly meeting. Bring a book. Be consistent. Make a web presence, get interviewed in the local paper. You should get something.

Comment by Calladus on July 29, 2009 at 1:19pm

Oy. It sounds like you're doing things right. Where is the Antelope Valley group located exactly?

Comment by Calladus on July 29, 2009 at 12:26pm

Start advertising. use Meetup.com. Set a date, and then show up. Bring a book - just in case you don't get anyone.

I think you'll be surprised.

Comment by Calladus on July 29, 2009 at 12:00pm

Hi Dave! So do you guys have a group down there in Tehachapi yet? If not, do you need help in setting one up?

Comment by Wendy Hesse on April 19, 2009 at 11:28am

Wow, looks like you have some good activities. Sorry I joined after the Amboy fossil hunt. I'll try to make future outings. Check out my Facebook group, Tuolumne County Trailhead, for hikes in the Sierra Foothills & environs.

Comment by Calladus on February 24, 2009 at 2:32pm

Got the new info feed up and going now.