About Us

The purpose of Center for Inquiry | Michigan is to foster a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values.

Center for Inquiry (CFI) is an international, nonpartisan, nonprofit 501©(3) organization that encourages evidence-based inquiry into science, pseudoscience, medicine and health, religion, ethics, secularism, and society. The Center for Inquiry is not affiliated with, nor does it promote, any political party or political ideology.

Through education, research, publishing, and social services, CFI seeks to present affirmative alternatives based on scientific naturalism. The Center is also interested in providing rational ethical alternatives to the reigning paranormal and religious systems of belief, and in developing communities where like-minded individuals can meet and share experiences.

We host numerous educational and social events throughout Michigan. Our events are open to the public. Visit the Event Calendar to learn about upcoming events.

Event topics include: science, religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, atheism, humanism, agnosticism, skepticism, deism, evolution, morality and ethics, secularism, rationalism, psychology, and others.

History

CFI Michigan was originally formed as the Freethought Association of West Michigan in 1997 by Jeff Seaver, Don Hansen, and Charles Leedy. Originally an informal group of fewer than a dozen members, our membership has since grown to over 400 freethinkers with attendance ranging from 40-550 at our featured lecture events.

Originally, meetings were held at the home of Don Hansen. As we continued to grow, and outgrow locations, we met at Schuler Books, Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, Wyoming Public Library, Grand Rapids Community College, Yankee-Clipper Library, and our present location at the Women’s City Club.

In September of 2007 the Freethought Association merged with the Center for Inquiry to become Center for Inquiry | Michigan.

CFI Michigan now has chapters in West Michigan, Southeast Michigan, Southwest Michigan and on campus at Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Ferris State University.

Our funding comes from Friend of the Center memberships and tax-deductible donations from supporters like you.

Freethinker of the Year Award

The Annual Freethinker of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to freethought.

  • 2008 Recipient — Josh Dunigan
  • 2007 Recipient — Charles LaRue
  • 2006 Recipient — Gregory Forbes
  • 2005 Recipient — Jason Pittman
  • 2003 Recipient — Don Hansen

    Staff


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    , Executive Director


    , Assistant Director

    Michigan Advisory Board

  • , Chair
  • , Vice Chair
  • , Treasurer
  • , Secretary

  • Strategic Plan

  • 2005-2008 Strategic Plan

    The Future of Freethought in West Michigan

  • Download Zipped PowerPoint Presentation File (10 Megs)