Objectives for 2008

Democracy:

In order to prevent our democracy from becoming a theocracy, we must start engaging people in the court of public opinion.  HFA wants to visit with reporters from all the major papers in Florida to discuss with them not only the need to keep creationism out of our schools, but also to explain the very real threat that theocrats pose to our democracy.  We also are working with several coalitions around the state to promote and protect our democracy, civil rights, and basic freedoms in the upcoming 2008 election.

Science:

We know already that anti-science forces are already gearing up to make Florida a battleground state in the intelligent design wars.  We must raise the resources necessary to fight this battle to ensure that Florida remains creationism free.   HFA is working closely with several coalitions around the state to ensure the pseudo sciences are left out of the state science standards in education and that critical thinking is central to science education.  We need your help if we are to win the public relations battle that will be waged on these important issues. 

Education:

The Humanists of Florida Association is committed to creating excellent educational programs that focus on critical thinking as core curricula.  The Carl Sagan Academy is now in its 2nd year and has brought our organization international recognition, but the needs a permanent facility if we are to properly support our student-scholars with the resources they need to grow and become excited by education. In addition to working with the Carl Sagan Academy to expand opportunities, HFA is beginning to evaluate the merits and process to begin a voluntary pre-kindergarten program.  The VPK program is funded by the state and is a statewide program that gives pre-school opportunities to all children in the state.

Communities:

HFA is working to create an environment where people may actively and openly practice their humanist life stance, by providing support and services to Humanist communities that embodies the key Humanist principles of “reason and compassion in action.” In order to succeed in creating societal change, we need to retain present membership while attracting new membership.  We cannot do this without vibrant local communities for new Humanists to join and get involved with.