The 32nd annual national FFRF convention, taking place at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Seattle Nov. 6–8, 2009, will be an upbeat gala event. “Unabashed atheist” Ron Reagan, well-known radio host, will headline the convention. Joining Reagan on the roster will be:
- William Lobdell, author of the fascinating new memoir, Losing My Religion, about losing his faith while covering the religion beat for the Los Angeles Times. Lobdell, who will receive the 2009 “Emperor Has No Clothes” Award, will speak on “Free at Last!”
- Jennifer Hecht, poet and author of the impressive book, Doubt–A History: The Great Doubters and Their Legacy of Innovation, as well as other books, will give a speech both humorous and philosophical: “My Atheist Paradise: Leaving Our Bodies to Art.”
- Barry Kosmin, principal researcher of the American Religious Identification Survey, which has found that the nonreligious has grown to 15% of the adult U.S. population. Kosmin directs the Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society and Culture at Trinity College and will speak on “The Rising Tide of Secularity in the U.S.”
- Likewise speaking on the welcome growth of secularism will be sociologist Phil Zuckerman, author of Society Without God. His upbeat speech will be on “The Goodness of Godlessness.”
The Red Lion Hotel ballroom space is limited. So please plan ahead! Hotel rooms may be reserved at the Red Lion Hotel for $159 single or double occupancy, $179 triple occupancy and $199 quadruple occupancy. Phone 1-800-504-3909 or 206-971-8000 identifying yourself with the Freedom From Religion Foundation to receive the group rate no later than Oct. 16, 2009.
The convention opens Friday, Nov. 6 for late afternoon registration with formal program at 7 p.m., continues through Saturday and ends with the annual membership and Board of Directors meetings Sunday morning. Registration is the best deal in the freethought world: only $50 for members, $55 for nonmember accompanying member, and $95 for nonmember (or join at $40, and save $5!). It includes a complimentary dessert reception Friday.
