Lakeside Freethinkers Executive Committee Meeting March 5, 2026

[Lakeside Freethinkers]

Hello Fellow Freethinkers,,

On March 5, 2026, the Executive Committee of the Lakeside Freethinkers met to discuss what the most appropriate focus of our monthly meetings should be.   Below is an AI generated summary of the meeting (with a few minor edits) and an addendum at the bottom of that summary printed in a different typeset.  The Executive Committee members are: Lloyd Kumley, Donna Steadman and Chad Olsen.  

-Dab

Based on the meeting discussion, here are the key takeaways:

Group Direction & Topics:

• The Freethinkers group should maintain focus on "Freethinkers" (capital F) - defined as atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, rationalists, and skeptics who reject supernatural beliefs
• Topics must relate to freethinking principles: critical thinking, science, church-state issues, paranormal beliefs, and similar subjects
• The group voted previously to remain a Freethinker group rather than becoming purely philosophical or political

Meeting Format:

• Continue with member participation format rather than formal presentations, as getting presenters has been difficult
• Book topics for the next meeting should align with freethinking themes
• Consider opening each meeting with a brief statement defining freethinkers as a reminder

Social Elements:

• Dab  suggested 1-2 social events per year (like potlucks) was well-received to build stronger member relationships
• Winter solstice was mentioned as a potential time for a social gathering

Challenges Noted:

• Current membership is less academic-oriented than in the past
• Getting members to commit and RSVP remains difficult
• There's tension between members' interest in discussing politics/current events versus staying on-topic with freethinking themes
• The group needs to balance being welcoming while maintaining its core identity

Addendum:

Lloyd mentioned his understanding is that Freethinkers generally believe all topics are appropriate, provided they can be discussed rationally, without infringing on the safety or rights of others, and generally do not have restricted "proper" topics, but typically explore any subject that challenges dogma, promotes human welfare, or advances understanding.

However, when he heard Chad's history of the group, Lloyd agreed that no changes should be made.  

Dab's thinking closely aligns with Lloyd's,  but she agreed with Chad about the importance of adhering to the organization's "mission" as stated in Lakeside Freethinkers' Bylaws.