~Update: We had a rather small meeting since several members were galavanting about the globe. It was an interesting discussion, though, and the Lavender Cafe was delicious as usual.

~

Topic of the evening is honoring and remembering great leaders in our country – our Founding Fathers – and in science. Bring along someone you admire from science, history, politics, skepticism or any other field to share with us.

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A full schedule of events:

Saturday, April 24th:

- Social Gathering at the CFI DC Center with Pizza and Salad in the evening; Welcome to DC by Matt Separa, OPP Policy Analyst

Sunday, April 25th:

- AM: Policy briefings on legislative issues and lobby training

- PM: Two Exhibits at the Smithsonian: One on Charles Darwin and one on Human Evolution; Coffee and Dessert with Doug Crandall

Monday, April 26th:

- AM: A walking tour of Robert G. Ingersoll’s life in Washington DC led by Steve Lowe; lobby training; briefing by an invited member of Congress on current legislative priorities

- PM: Tour of Capitol Visitor Center including a visit to the House of Representatives’ Gallery

Tuesday, April 27th:

- All Day: Lobbying visits on Capitol Hill, debriefing, and departures.

Cost: $100.00 per Person, $ 25.00 per Student, $90 for Friends of the Center.

We are holding a block of rooms at the Donovan House Hotel for $119 single or double per night. For reservations, contact The Donovan House at 800-383-6900, Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm Eastern Time. Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. An email confirmation will be provided.

The rate is only guaranteed until the cut-off date, March 31, 2010 under the code “Center for Inquiry,” so hurry!

Participants are encouraged to book before the cut-off date because April is a busy month. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy in order to avoid cancellation fees for the hotel reservation. The Donovan House is located at 1155 14th Street NW in downtown Washington—just blocks from the White House—and has easy access to the Metro system.

To register for Civic Days, please visit CFI’s online registration page. For more information, contact Matt Separa at 202-546-2330 or msepara@centerforinquiry.net.

New Info for Students: Hostelling International Washington DC!

For our student participants, we are pleased to offer the option of staying at a hostel that is close to both the Donovan House and the Metro – Hostelling International Washington DC. Room prices range based on selections and reservation timing, but will generally be less than $40 per night. Students wishing to book accommodations are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. To make a reservation, contact the Hostel at 202-737-2333, or reserve online.

Not included: transportation to or from Washington or accommodations, meals, or transportation while in the city. Everything, including all times, agenda, and pricing are subject to change.

Cancellation Policy: All funds are non-refundable for any reason. Cancellation policy is strictly enforced.

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Perhaps you might enjoy this 1/2 hour podcast:  Dr. Moira Gunn interviews Chris Mooney, author of the book Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens our Future.  Some things I found interesting in the podcast were their discussions about how to determine what is a good baseline for science literacy in a rapidly-changing science environment (ie. stem cell research didn’t even exist when many of us were in school), where do you go to get good science info, why is science literacy important in politics and citizenship and policy, how has the science community dropped the ball in public science literacy.

Link to Podcast (you can stream or download the episode)

Bias disclaimer:  I am a website editor for the provider ITConversations.

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This also came to my attention through the West Virginia Atheists group, which copied a press release from American Atheists. Apparently, according to American Atheists, A House committee has already approved the religious slogans!

Govtrack has the status of the resolution, along with lots of information as well.

Back at Heaving Dead Cats, there is a link to Take Action Now that you can follow, which is from the Secular Coalition for America. There you can edit and send a letter to your Representatives telling them to vote No on this inappropriate promotion of religion.

Please either follow the link above to take action, or go to Heaving Dead Cats to read the full article then take action through there.

You can also Google the resolution:   H. Con. Res. 131

I’ve sent my letter through the SCA. Feel free to comment below with your thoughts.

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Register NOW for four days of immersion in the excitement of Washington D.C.

* Hear what’s on Congress’s agenda right now
* Learn how lobbying works
* Meet and hear from Congressional staffers
* Learn about The Credibility Project, an analysis of the 650 global warming denier “experts”
* Visit the National Archives and other historical sites
* Go on a walking tour of Robert Green Ingersoll’s life in Washington

Lobby your own members of Congress (with a little help from your friends)

Schedule: (Tentative-Congress sets the agenda in Washington)

Saturday, July 18

* Arrivals and Welcome at the Center for Inquiry

Sunday, July 19

* What’s moving through the Congress?  Briefing by Toni Van Pelt and Ruth Mitchell
* The Credibility Project, a presentation by Thomas O’Brien and Stu Jordan
* Private visit to the National Archives
* Ingersoll’s Life in DC, 1.5 mile, 2 hour walking tour
* Private briefing with Friends of the Center and congressional staff members

Monday, July 20

* Briefing about current issues by a member of Congress (TBA)
* Tour of Capitol Visitors Center and Sewall-Belmont House and Museum
* Teaming up, role playing, and coordinating our lobbying appointments

Tuesday, July 21

* Day in Congress, beginning with breakfast in the Rayburn House Office Building cafeteria
* Meetings with your legislators, optional attendance at congressional briefings or hearings
* Fly home this afternoon

To register, please visit http://ga1.org/center_for_inquiry/events/civic_days/details.tcl
Hotel Information:

Washington DC Accommodations is holding a block of rooms at the Donovan House Hotel for CFI Civic Days for $119 single or double occupancy.  Rooms must be guaranteed with a credit card and an email confirmation will be provided.  For reservations, contact Marilyn Matthews at 1-800-554-2220, ext. 101, Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Donovan House is a Thompson Hotel, one of Washington’s newest boutique hotels located near the White House district in the heart of downtown DC.  The hotel is a high-fashion, multi-million dollar renovation located on the corner of Thomas Circle and 14th Street, NW.  The lobby is sleek and modern with cozy seating and dramatic lighting, making it a great meeting place.

Parking for the Donovan House is conveniently available on site. The McPherson Square Metro stop is only four blocks from the hotel.

Questions? Contact Toni Van Pelt  tvanpelt@centerforinquiry.net or 202 546-2330.
Location : CFI Office of Public Policy, 621 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington DC 20003, near Eastern Market Metro on the Orange and
Contact : Toni Van Pelt tvanpelt@centerforinquiry.net or 202 546-2330

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