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Dear Friend,
2020 has been filled with many challenges and our community has had to adapt in unprecedented ways. However, it has also presented opportunities and success. We invite you to take a moment to look back at what has been an unforgettable year, and what YOU made possible.
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January 7
The coalition convenes to plan the strategy for Secular America Votes - 2020.
January 13
SCA joins the Program of the Humanist Legal Society at the National Press Club in preparation for SCOTUS arguments in Espinoza v. Montana.
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February 7-10
SCA hosts our annual Members' Meeting with key staff from our 19 member organizations. Attendees lobby their representatives on Capitol Hill and attend a meeting of the Congressional Freethought Caucus (CFC) where they present their priorities.
February 24
Collaboration with the SMART Recovery lobbying team continues. Our mission to expand non-religious, medication-assisted treatment options for those suffering from addiction is ongoing.
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March 16
Pandemic lockdown begins in DC. SCA transitions to virtual lobbying for the duration of the year.
March 31
The coalition sends a letter to SBA requesting they maintain Constitutional protections for religious liberty in implementing the CARES Act.
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June 1
President Trump gasses Black Lives Matter protestors for photo op at St. John's Episcopal Church. SCA staff march in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
June 1
SCA notifies House and Senate leadership of our support for language contained in the HEROES Act that would prevent the creation of private school voucher programs in the bill.
June 30
SCOTUS unfortunately rules that private schools can receive public funding in Espinoza v Montana. SCA pivots to a legislative strategy.
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August 18
For the first time ever, non-theists are recognized and invited to participate at a national party convention.
August 20
Rep. Rashida Tliab (D-MI) publicly confirms her CFC membership.
Ongoing
SCA holds monthly meetings with Lobbyists, Grassroots, and Communications professionals from our coalition to continue our collaboration in developing strategy and policy.
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September 18
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a champion of equal rights and the separation of church and state, dies. She is later memorialized by SCA Executive Director, Debbie Allen, during the Freethought Society's 'Secular Day of the Dead'.
September 9-30
SCA conducts its annual Secular Values Survey to hear from our community regarding what they want SCA to focus on in the year ahead. Overwhelmingly, responders selected; Preventing religious ideology from interfering in scientific advancement as their number one priority
September 21
Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee's STOP FGM (female genital mutilation) Act passes in the House.
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October 11
SCA sponsors the annual California Freethought Day.
October 17
SCA sponsors the 'Centering the Margins' conference, co-hosted by the American Humanist Association, for LGBTQ+ Humanists and nontheists.
October 26
Judge Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed to SCOTUS, pushing the court further towards a Christian Nationalist consensus of the constitution.
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2021: New Year, New Congress, New Administration, Same fight for Secularism
Here is what we have planned...
- Host SCA's Annual Members' Meeting on February 6th
- Promote scientific remedies to combat the spread of COVID-19
- Grow and strengthen the Congressional Freethought Caucus
- Roll back harmful Executive Orders
- Support the nomination and appointment of judges and other government officials who adhere to the separation of religion and government
- Pass legislation like the Do No Harm Act, the Scientific Integrity Act, and the CORE Act
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As you can see, 2021 is going to be another big year for the Secular Coalition for America and we can not do it without you. If you appreciate the work we are doing, and want to be a part of our efforts, we hope you will consider giving today by clicking the âI want to help! Double my donation!â button. Thanks to generous gifts from two of our founders, each dollar you pledge to the Secular Coalition for America between now and December 31st WILL BE DOUBLED up to $50,000!Â
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Wishing you a happy New Year from the team at the Secular Coalition for America!
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