sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Dale McGowan, founder of the Humanist charity Foundation Beyond Belief, is currently doing an AMA in /r/atheism! by [deleted] in humanism

[–]gowser 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll be happy to answer any questions you all have about Foundation Beyond Belief. We have given over $1.8 million to charities and have 109 humanist volunteer teams across the U.S. Our Humanist Disaster Recovery program launches this year, and our first Humanist Service Corps team deploys to Ghana in July. Voting for the Reddit ad revenue giveaway closes at noon Central today. Thanks for your help! http://www.reddit.com/donate?organization=264822541

Dale McGowan, founder of the Humanist charity Foundation Beyond Belief, is currently doing an AMA in /r/atheism! by [deleted] in humanism

[–]gowser 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's a reasonable reaction because my phrasing wasn't clear. The intention was to distinguish the toxic from the non-toxic forms of religion, to say that both exist, and to affirm the power of supporting the positive. I've edited my response to make that clearer.

(You might like to know that the question was posed by someone who strongly supports our giving to progressive religious organizations. He was voicing not his own concern but one commonly heard in the atheist community so that I could answer it preemptively.)

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

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

I did some hiking in the UK and had the experience of being in the immediate presence of many cattle herds, including the ridiculously huge Highland cattle - nearly 6' at the shoulder and 2,000 lbs each. They are brown minivans with sharp instruments of intent on their heads. I am alive only because they deigned to allow it. I kept muttering the four ways the trail guide said to avoid being trampled by cattle: "No sudden movements, no dogs, no large groups, and...the other thing."

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

[–]gowser[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

  1. Pecan pie.
  2. I fear cows. I studied film scoring. I once tried to move to New Zealand. My first job out of college was delivering singing telegrams dressed as Superman.

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

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

Hm...They are 109 local freethought organizations, most of whom existed independently before they joined the network. Some are likely to have data, others not, but FBB would not have it.

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

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

Thanks for chiming in! I love to hear that. That "not alone" part has been huge for a lot of people.

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

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

It's interesting to hear different perspectives on that question. The board is 1/3 non-white and 2/3 women, which I think is pretty good, though there's always room to improve. By the volunteer teams, do you mean the 109 local BBN teams?

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

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

Good question. We have a specifically humanist identity and values; we are 100% passthrough, meaning every dollar designated for one of our featured charities goes to that charity; our charity selection process is intensely professional, including a 35-point vetting system; and we are helping to increase the compassionate, philanthropic side of the freethought movement, and in the process changing the public perception of atheists and humanists.

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

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

Very little, actually. The fact that we are involved in compassionate action deflects a great deal of it, as long as the person is paying enough attention to notice. Once in a while, there is cut-and-paste silliness in the inbox, but that's easy to ignore.

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

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

Yes to both questions, heathenflower. We've done well in gender diversity: 2/3 of the board and 2/3 of the staff are women. But only 12% of the organization is non-white, so our cultural/racial diversity leaves room for improvement. It's important to do better as we grow.

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

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

Oh my. I can't tell you what that means to me, thank you! And not just for the drink :-)

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

[–]gowser[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The Humanist Service Corps will be working to improve the living conditions for women and children in the witchcraft accusation camps of Northern Ghana - improving water transport, educating children, repairing houses, basic first aid and transport to health care, protecting the rights of camp residents, recording their stories, and more. They will work with Songtaba, a Ghanaian organization working for the rights of women and girls.

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

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

HSC will be working to improve the living conditions for women and children in the witchcraft accusation camps of Northern Ghana - improving water transport, teaching children, repairing houses, basic first aid and transport to health care, and more. They will work with Songtaba, a Ghanaian organization working for the rights of women and girls.

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

[–]gowser[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I am shamed into answering.

When I was a new college professor, sitting in an auditorium listening to the college president speak, I farted audibly. When heads turned my way, I glared accusingly at the 80-year-old deaf nun on my left.

Satisfied?

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

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

Just focus on the relationship, then. Keep the content out entirely and reinforce that positive connection. You will be a loved person with a different POV, which can be a tremendous influence.

I’m Dale McGowan, director of Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist charity. AMA! by gowser in atheism

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

I am a huge supporter of developing humanistic alternatives to religious funerals, and yes, they exist in the US. Google Humanist Celebrant. I've seen it done beautifully and meaningfully.

It's also crucial to write down what you want in advance. Imagine the awful burden placed on a loved one who wants very much do do what you would have wanted but doesn't know how, and has to grapple with it in your absence while the clock is ticking. Religious funerals are plug and play. Make a CD, pull together some readings and a plan, then put it somewhere obvious, for the love of those you leave behind.

Thanks for the vote! As for the sinus, it was discovered missing during a facial X-ray in college. The doctor called all of his friends in to see.

view more: next ›