Café Inquiry-The Jefferson Bible (Muskegon)
Thursday, May 17, 2012, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Coffee House, 255 Seminole Rd., Muskegon, MI, View Map
Description
Café Inquiry is a casual event starting with a short 10-15 minute introduction of the day's topic followed by open discussion.
Please contact Tim Hamlin if you have a topic that you would like to discuss at an upcoming Café Inquiry.
Cost: Individuals are responsible for purchasing their own food/beverages.
Contact: Tim Hamlin, , 231-282-0571
Women in Secularism Conference (Washington D.C)
Friday, May 18, 2012, 12:00 pm – 11:59 am
Crystal City Marriott (Reagan National Airport), 1999 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA, View Map
Description
Join us on May 18-20, 2012, for the “Women in Secularism” conference, sponsored by the Center for Inquiry. This historic conference will discuss and celebrate the many contributions women have made to the secular movement, while critically examining both the successes and failures of secularism in addressing women’s concerns.
Additional Details
Childcare
In an effort to encourage more parents to attend the convention, The Richard Dawkins Foundation will be funding daycare services for anyone who needs it. Daycare services are only for registered conference participants.
Please send an email to for more information. Please include your name and the names and ages of your children.
Register for the conference here.
Room reservations for the Marriott can be made at a steep discount by calling 1-800-228-9290 and mentioning the “Women in Secularism” conference, or booking online using Group Code: CFICFIA.
If you are interesting in assisting with or arranging a possible carpool to D.C, please contact Jennifer Beahan at
Cost: Three-day Conference General Admission: $219 CFI Member Discount Admission: $195 Saturday Night Dinner and Entertainment: $75
Contact: Melody Hensley, , (202) 543-0960
Women in Secularism Conference (Washington D.C)
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 12:00 pm – 11:59 am
Crystal City Marriott (Reagan National Airport), 1999 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA, View Map
Description
Join us on May 18-20, 2012, for the “Women in Secularism” conference, sponsored by the Center for Inquiry. This historic conference will discuss and celebrate the many contributions women have made to the secular movement, while critically examining both the successes and failures of secularism in addressing women’s concerns.
Additional Details
Childcare
In an effort to encourage more parents to attend the convention, The Richard Dawkins Foundation will be funding daycare services for anyone who needs it. Daycare services are only for registered conference participants.
Please send an email to for more information. Please include your name and the names and ages of your children.
Register for the conference here.
Room reservations for the Marriott can be made at a steep discount by calling 1-800-228-9290 and mentioning the “Women in Secularism” conference, or booking online using Group Code: CFICFIA.
If you are interesting in assisting with or arranging a possible carpool to D.C, please contact Jennifer Beahan at
Cost: Three-day Conference General Admission: $219 CFI Member Discount Admission: $195 Saturday Night Dinner and Entertainment: $75
Contact: Melody Hensley, , (202) 543-0960
Skeptics In The Pub (Lansing)
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Michigan Brewing Company, 402 S Washington Sq, Lansing, MI, View Map
Description
This is a great opportunity for skeptics to talk, share ideas (and yes, drink) in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. We discuss the issues of the day and whatever else is on our minds. But most of all, we have fun while promoting skepticism, science, and rationality.
Don't drink? Don't let that stop you from joining us! Some of the world's most famous skeptics are teetotalers, and we are happy to have you!
Remember that drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. If there's one thing science has taught us, it's the effects of alcohol on the human body.
To find the group, look for table signs bearing the Center For Inquiry logo.Cost: Individuals are responsible for purchasing their own food/beverages
Contact: Jennifer Beahan, , 616-698-2342
Café Inquiry–A Non-theistic Critique of Modern Democracy Part 1 (Grand Rapids)
Sunday, May 20, 2012, 10:15 am – 12:00 pm
Schuler Books and Music, 3165 Alpine Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, View Map
Description
Café Inquiry is a casual event starting with a short 10-15 minute introduction of the day's topic followed by open discussion. At 11:15 we will break for coffee/brunch and a chance to socialize.
This week we will be discussing: A Nontheistic Critique of Modern Democracy, Part 1: An Overview and The Place of Human Rights, presented by John Doornbos.
This will be the first week of a five week series to span six months covering Human Rights, Freedom, Justice, Equality, and Democracy and Elections and ending the week before the General Elections on 04 November. John will explore the meaning and practice of the philosophy of political democracy within the Republic of the United States. In his unique style, the group will be challenged to think not only outside of "the box" but to imagine there is no box in which to think. Ideas of contextual governance, juris prudence, and freedom will be explored and hypocrisies exposed.
Members are welcome to propose and schedule a topic which would be of interest toward establishing a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. Please contact Geoffrey Saint if you have a topic that you would like to discuss at an upcoming Café Inquiry.
Additional Details
To find the group go to the meeting room located in the back left corner of the bookstore (not the café).
Cost: Free. Snacks & Beverages are available for purchase.
Contact: Geoffrey Saint, , 269-365-0846
Women in Secularism Conference (Washington D.C)
Sunday, May 20, 2012, 12:00 pm – 11:59 am
Crystal City Marriott (Reagan National Airport), 1999 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA, View Map
Description
Join us on May 18-20, 2012, for the “Women in Secularism” conference, sponsored by the Center for Inquiry. This historic conference will discuss and celebrate the many contributions women have made to the secular movement, while critically examining both the successes and failures of secularism in addressing women’s concerns.
Additional Details
Childcare
In an effort to encourage more parents to attend the convention, The Richard Dawkins Foundation will be funding daycare services for anyone who needs it. Daycare services are only for registered conference participants.
Please send an email to for more information. Please include your name and the names and ages of your children.
Register for the conference here.
Room reservations for the Marriott can be made at a steep discount by calling 1-800-228-9290 and mentioning the “Women in Secularism” conference, or booking online using Group Code: CFICFIA.
If you are interesting in assisting with or arranging a possible carpool to D.C, please contact Jennifer Beahan at
Cost: Three-day Conference General Admission: $219 CFI Member Discount Admission: $195 Saturday Night Dinner and Entertainment: $75
Contact: Melody Hensley, , (202) 543-0960
Advisory Board Meeting
Sunday, May 20, 2012, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
CFI Michigan Office, 3777 44th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, View Map
Description
Join us for the next CFI Michigan Advisory Board Meeting. Get involved, hear about new program developments, and give your input. We will have lunch time to talk from 1 to 1:30. The board meeting will be 1:30 to 3:30PM. CFI Members and the public are welcome to attend. Please let us know if you plan to attend so we know how many non-board members to expect.
Cost: NA
Contact: Jennifer Beahan, , (616) 698-2342
Skeptics In The Pub (Holland)
Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
New Holland Brewing Company, 66 E. 8th Street, Holland, MI, View Map
Description
This is a great opportunity for skeptics to talk, share ideas (and yes, drink) in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. We discuss the issues of the day and whatever else is on our minds. But most of all, we have fun while promoting skepticism, science, and rationality.
Don't drink? Don't let that stop you from joining us! Some of the world's most famous skeptics are teetotalers, and we are happy to have you!
Additional Details
To find the group, please look for the table signs bearing the Center For Inquiry logo. The group will be seated in the dining area, not the bar.
Cost: Individuals are responsible for purchasing their own food/beverages
Contact: Tim Van Haitsma, Jeff Wolfgang, , 616-990-4082 (Tim), 616-836-0612 (Jeff)
America’s Criminal Injustice System - Ed Brayton (Grand Rapids)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Women's City Club, 254 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI, View Map
Presented by Ed Brayton, Co-founder, Michigan Citizens for Science
Description
Join us for a lecture with Ed Brayton on "America's Criminal Injustice System". Details to be announced shortly.
About the Speaker
Ed Brayton is a journalist, commentator and speaker. He is the co-founder and president of Michigan Citizens for Science and co-founder of The Panda’s Thumb. He has written for such publications as The Bard, Skeptic and Reports of the National Center for Science Education, spoken in front of many organizations and conferences, and appeared on nationally syndicated radio shows and on C-SPAN.
Ed is also a Fellow with the Center for Independent Media and the host of Declaring Independence, a one hour weekly political talk show on WPRR in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His blog Dispatches from the Culture Wars is featured on Scienceblogs.com.
Additional Details
Meetings are open to the Public
After the meeting, join us at McFadden's Jameson Lounge (2nd floor), 58 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids, MI to socialize and be a part of our Light The Night Fundraising Kickoff!.
View Map
Learn about Parking, Accessibility, and more.
Cost: $6.00 general admission. Free for Friends of the Center.
Contact: Jennifer Beahan, , 616-698-2342
Light The Night-Fundraising Kickoff! (Grand Rapids)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
McFadden's Restaurant, 58 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids, MI, View Map
Description
Center For Inquiry Michigan has teamed up with the Foundation Beyond Belief and hundreds of other secular and humanist groups across the country to be part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Light The Night Walks.
Our fundraising kickoff is directly following the lecture in support of our local team's efforts.
All the money raised will go directly to supporting our Center For Inquiry- Michigan Light The Night team.
Light appetizers will be available for free. Full menu service and full bar (cash or credit) is available for your convenience.
Wednesday Night Specials include:
$2 Miller Lite Drafts
$3 Call Liquor Mixed Drink
$4 House Wines
Additionally, McFadden's creative mixologists will be creating specially themed cocktails for LLS. A dollar of each cocktail purchased will go towards our fundraising efforts.
Socialize with fellow CFI members, get more information about the Light The Night events, additional incentives to support CFI-Michigan, and have a good time!
Cost: $5.00 suggested donation, food and beverages available for purchase.
Contact: Tiffany Ewigleben, , 571-431-8364
