I just joined the site, and thought I would check and see if everyone is aware of Lake Hypatia. It's located near Talladega, AL, and is home of the Alabama Freethought Association, which is the local chapter of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. We hold meetings every third Sunday of the month, with a potluck lunch and speakers on various relevant topics. All atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, or whatever are welcome to come join us and meet fellow freethinkers. There is also an "Advance" (as opposed to retreat) on the fourth of July weekend, or closest equivalent. This year it's June 29 through July 1. There'll be camping, fishing, swimming, volleyball, a film festival, notable speakers, and tons of other fun stuff.
On a personal note, I grew up in the backwoods near Talladega, and I'm sure I don't need to describe to most of you the feeling of isolation that's inherent to non-Christians in Alabama. So imagine my surprise, after living here for almost 30 years, at finding a place like Lake Hypatia less than ten miles from where I was born and raised. That was only last August, and since then I've met more godless heathens from my very own neck of the woods than I ever thought possible. Even more eye-opening was the Reason Rally, where I found myself standing shoulder to shoulder with more than 20,000 fellow freethinkers. But the best part is that for every new face I see, I know that's one more person who knows they aren't alone.
Tags:
Permalink Reply by Siryth on May 6, 2012 at 10:09pm Yes, the Advance and the monthly meetings are both family-friendly. There are a couple of kids at the meetings regularly, and we're looking into setting up some games for the kids this summer. I know there were some children last year, but I don't know how many or what they did, since this is my first year going.
Sentient Biped replied to Loren Miller's discussion Morals in Men - Morals in Chimps - Why? (CNN - Kelly Murray)
Luara replied to Ruth Anthony-Gardner's discussion Game-changing solar energy breakthrough claimed in the group Climate Concerns
Kris Leeds posted a status
Idaho Spud replied to Ruth Anthony-Gardner's discussion Game-changing solar energy breakthrough claimed in the group Climate Concerns
Idaho Spud replied to Ruth Anthony-Gardner's discussion Cicadas taste like asparagus in the group THE KNIFE & FORK
Randall Smith commented on GOD'aye's blog post Is there a war on Christianity in Arkansas? Or is it simply protecting the Constitution from Evangelistic Christians?
Randall Smith replied to Ruth Anthony-Gardner's discussion Sweet alyssum to fight aphids in the group Godless in the garden
Randall Smith replied to Steph S.'s discussion 10 Things You Can't Do and Become President in the group Hang With Friends
jay H replied to Loren Miller's discussion Morals in Men - Morals in Chimps - Why? (CNN - Kelly Murray)© 2013 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Brother Richard.