First let me start off by giving you some background into myself. I find it always helps to understand the author, (and I use that term very loosely when describing myself), of an article or text as it sets a frame of reference to better understand and judge the contents.

I'm new to organized humanism, atheism, agnosticism, etc... hell, some days I'm new to organizing my sock drawer. I'm an only child so of course the world does in fact revolve around me, just another item disproving so many of those nutty religious doctrines. My father went to seminary school and was turned against the catholic church during his stay. He has never explained the details, and I never bothered him over it as it makes him irritable, which is never a fun thing. My mother took me to church, got me confirmed and they sent me to catholic high school for the better education it would supposedly provide.

I never under went any hardships with telling people from the age of about 13 that I was agnostic, (although at that point I didn't know the term), and never really found it necessary to support my belief. I would openly say it is very unlikely that there is any "atypical" god in a white robe floating around messing with us just for gits and shiggles. If people gave me any grief over it, I just walked away and didn't think to highly of their ability to be objective. I carry no chip on my shoulder based upon bad experiences from the non-pagan populace.

I haven't read a Dawkins book. I just haven't had the urge. They appear to be books which would support what I already believe. I know there are a lot of very bright people out there who have all that rational/factual knowledge and are putting it to good use on my behalf. Someday I might read one - but I feel no impending desire to. I do read! But I tend to read books like "Lamb, the gospel according to Biff Jesus's best buddy" by Christopher Moore and watch Bill Maher and Jon Stewart. I'm just the humble Joe the plumber of humanism, looking for a good chuckle, conversation, and to make a little difference here and there.

Where do we go from here? That phrase sums up my, albeit naive, feelings after skimming the top of the organized sector of humanism. There are a great many things going on in a great many places. But where do we, in our small little New England area, go forward and be part of the bigger movement and grasp the advantages in society that seem to be happening. From what I have read, seen, and been to, there is a strong and resilient back bone of factual knowledge sharing which comes in useful if trying to defend your position on a personal, ethical, morale and/or legal level. There are podcasts, debates, books and more to rely upon to brace your soul in 'coming out' as a humanist if you require it.

With all that already rooted as our foundation, we have the opportunity to stand upon that foundation and work towards elevating Humanism to an equal footing with all other belief structures. I've heard many bring up the need to remove the stigma that people have misguidedly applied to atheism. And how it follows that Humanism is the ideal term as it adds the morale and ethical layer on top of atheism. I believe ethics and morales were already present, yet hidden by false perceptions, fear, and I would even believe intentional propaganda.

With the advent of social networking bringing more humanists together, we now have the chance to under take more group orientated tasks and put the public face onto humanism that will attract all those still in hiding. I believe that one tremendous way to do this is with simply charity. Adopting a piece of road and cleaning up while wearing Humanist shirts could be a simple way that comes to mind off the top of my head.

I write this with head in hand as I am sure that all groups have already done a lot that I am not aware of. This is not a critique of any group. I have no leg to stand on in that vein even if that was my attempt as I am a neophyte amongst a group of battle hardened veterans.

I write this as an attempt to show my enthusiasm for what I have found in the groups I have met. To show how I am chomping at the bit to do more and make a little bit of a difference with something I believe in.

I write this in thanks to all those who go to court on my behalf, who have stood in a crowd and stood up for rationalism, for those who risked their livelihood for what is right.

Thanks
Ed