Forums – Page 59

Mini Law School – Religious Free Exercise In A Secular Society

Leland Chan

May 20, 2018

Religious believers are becoming more convinced that their constitutional rights are being violated – from the barring of public prayers and religious monuments, “gagging” political speech in churches, to “coerced” acceptance of gay marriage. What do the US Constitution and the Supreme Court say about free exercise of religion? Join in this discussion which will focus on the case in which the Court will decide whether a Colorado baker violated the state’s anti-discrimination law when he refused to bake a cake to celebrate a gay couple’s union. Perhaps even more significant than the free exercise issue, the case introduces another argument that splits First Amendment advocates: whether enforcement of the law violates the baker’s free speech rights.

Leland Chan is a lawyer who follows religious free exercise and establishment clause issues.

Religious Free Exercise In A Secular Society – Leland Chan from Humanist Community-SiliconValley on Vimeo.

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The June 5th Calif. Ballot Props – Pros/Cons/Supporters/Opponents/Money

The Social Action Committee

May 13, 2018

This Forum will be presented by the Social Action Committee, as listed below, along with short proposition summaries.

Proposition 68 – Issues $4 billion in bonds for parks, environmental protection, and water infrastructure (Cherie Long)

Proposition 69 – Requires certain tax and fee revenue related to transportation be used for transportation purposes (Helen Athey)

Proposition 70 – Requires a one-time two-thirds vote to use revenue from the cap and trade program for specific projects reducing global warming and air pollution (Jim Naylor)

Proposition 71 – Changes the date for when voter-approved ballot measures take effect (Bernice Onuoha)

Proposition 72 – Excludes rainwater capture systems from property tax assessments (Alex Havasy)

San Jose Evergreen Senior Housing Initiative and other local ballot measures (Kakoli Banerjee)

After the Forum, please join us for a lunch at 12:30pm. The lunch is complimentary for first-time visitors and students.

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Relationship between Addiction and Self-esteem – It’s Not What You Think

Dr. Michael Edelstein

May 6, 2018

Dr. Michael Edelstein is a clinical psychologist, and the author of 4 books, including Three Minute Therapy, a self-help book for overcoming common emotional and behavioral problems. His podcast channel is “The REBT [Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy] Advocates.” He has an in-person practice, as well as remote on Skype and telephone therapy. (See ThreeMinuteTherapy.com)

Relationship between Addiction and Self-esteem – It’s Not What You Think – Dr. Michael Edelstein from Humanist Community-SiliconValley on Vimeo.

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Kanungu, Uganda 1998-2018; From Christian Cult Massacre to Humanist Community

Hank Pellissier

April 29, 2018

Kanungu village in southwest Uganda was the headquarters of a Catholic apocalyptic cult 20 years ago. The group was annihilated in March, 2000 when hundreds of brain-washed devotees were locked in the church and burned alive by the leaders. Today 25-30% of Kanungu has “no faith” – a startling statistic in this extremely religious nation.

Hank Pellissier, director of the non-profit Brighter Brains Institute (BBI, www.brighterbrains.org), will explain how his organization (with the Kanungu Humanist Association, www.kanunguhumanists.org) provides humanist education to the village’s children and adults, via a humanist curriculum and The Freethinker Library. BBI’s humanitarian work will also be described: a Humanist Community Garden, Tilapia Pond, Passion Fruit Farm, and emergency food delivery.

Brighter Brains Institute built BiZoHa: the “world’s first atheist orphanage” in 2015 and it presently supports seven humanist schools in western Uganda.

Kanungu, Uganda 1998-2018; From Christian Cult Massacre to Humanist Community – Hank Pellissier from Humanist Community-SiliconValley on Vimeo.

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NAMI In Our Own Voice (the National Alliance on Mental Health)

April 22, 2018

NAMI In Our Own Voice is a presentation created by NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Health, www.nami.org). It promotes awareness of mental illness, and it is designed to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness AND give voice to the very real possibility of recovery.

In Our Own Voice brings two presenters who speak from their own lived experiences of mental illness, along with accompanying segments on DVD. The presenters describe the reality of living with mental illness as they walk the audience through five chapters of recovery – Dark Days, Acceptance, Treatment, Coping Skills and Successes, Hopes & Dreams. With discussion and ample time for Q & A, In Our Own Voice changes attitudes and assumptions; and fosters recognition, understanding and recovery.