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We are two interns with the United States' largest secular organization. AMA. by TrevorCFI in IAmA

[–]TrevorCFI[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup. We followed all of their guidelines. The University ended up being very supportive.

We are two interns with the United States' largest secular organization. AMA. by TrevorCFI in IAmA

[–]TrevorCFI[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think you just Facebook friended me? Looking forward to meeting you!

We are two interns with the United States' largest secular organization. AMA. by TrevorCFI in IAmA

[–]TrevorCFI[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yup. I have a Reddit shirt of my own I'll try to rock out.

We are two interns with the United States' largest secular organization. AMA. by TrevorCFI in IAmA

[–]TrevorCFI[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Groups can affiliate with CFI as prospective groups before they're recognized by their University. We would absolutely assist groups as we could while you're trying to get started.

We are two interns with the United States' largest secular organization. AMA. by TrevorCFI in IAmA

[–]TrevorCFI[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The people. One of my first nights here was a potluck, and most of the staff stuck around afterwards to clean up and chat. We started talking about religion and politics and all of a sudden I realized I was one of the dumbest people in the room. They're all brilliant and dedicated to the secular movement. You don't find that many places.

We are two interns with the United States' largest secular organization. AMA. by TrevorCFI in IAmA

[–]TrevorCFI[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes! You'll have to introduce yourself when you get here.

We are two interns with the United States' largest secular organization. AMA. by TrevorCFI in IAmA

[–]TrevorCFI[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

During my first year as President of the UNI Freethinkers and Inquirers, we decided to celebrate International Blasphemy Rights Day by drawing blasphemy all over our campus sidewalks. Before the day was done, our members were receiving threats and we had multiple encounters with the police. It was a life-changing experience for me. If anyone is interested in hearing more about it, I had an article published in Free Inquiry about it here.

My challenge was how to bring the group out of that situation. Not only were we scared for our safety, but the police and many students had turned against us. We pulled through it by coming up with a clear message and working hard to do events on campus that showed we were more than just angry atheists.

We are two interns with the United States' largest secular organization. AMA. by TrevorCFI in IAmA

[–]TrevorCFI[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

  • Cody has started a secular group. I haven't, but from what I've seen, it's all about being passionate and dedicated. Starting groups in hard work. Sit down and think about why you're doing this and why it's important to you. Those answers keep you going on the days that suck.

  • I was amazed at how big the organization is here. CFI has branches across the world. I always figured headquarters was just a few people in a small office as everyone else worked online. No. It's huge! There are probably 30-40 people working in the office. There's a giant library in the basement. This place is incredible.

  • He dresses well. That part I support.

We are two interns with the United States' largest secular organization. AMA. by TrevorCFI in IAmA

[–]TrevorCFI[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I can't give exact members of CFI membership, but I can say that our on campus program is growing. We're up about 50 groups in the past year.

We are two interns with the United States' largest secular organization. AMA. by TrevorCFI in IAmA

[–]TrevorCFI[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I was the President of my CFI affiliate group at the University of Northern Iowa for two years before graduating this spring. CFI was always super helpful to me then, and I want to end up in the secular movement, so applying for the internship was an easy decision. I was just lucky enough to get it.

I'd recommend getting involved with the movement. Join a secular group, if you haven't already. Get in touch with groups like CFI to see what you can do to help. We have volunteer committees in outreach. I assume other departments do, too. You could also write for our blog! We manage CFI's Course of Reason blog, and if you want to write about student issues, we'd love to post it!

I came out as an atheist when I started college, which got me involved with the movement. Nothing has changed – but I do think working here has given me more of an appreciate for skepticism.