Secular Portal Blogs

Election 2009/2010

Friday, April 23rd, 2010 | Leeds Atheist Society | No Comments

Want to run the most successful non-religious student society in the UK? Then run for a committee position at our AGM this Tuesday.

The posititions up for election are:
President (exc)
Vice President
Secretary (exec)
Treasurer (exec)
Meetings co-ordinator
Interfaith co-ordinator (including courses)
Publicity Officer
AHS Rep

N.B. AHS Rep and exec must be students and it is prefered that Publicity officer will be also.

If you would like to know more about the roles all of the current committee will be in the Reason Week Marquee from 7pm tonight and most of us will be there all day too. Feel free too email us with questions.

Election

Friday, April 23rd, 2010 | Leeds Atheist Society | No Comments

Want to run the most successfull non-religious student society in the UK? Then run for a committee position at our AGM this Tuesday.

The posititions up for election are:
President (exc)
Vice President
Secretary (exec)
Treasurer (exec)
Meetings co-ordinator
Interfaith co-ordinator (including courses)
Publicity Officer
AHS Rep

N.B. AHS Rep and exec must be students and it is prefered that Publicity officer will be also.

If you would like to know more about the roles all of the current committee will be in the Reason Week Marquee from 7pm tonight and most of us will be there all day too. Feel free too email us with questions.

Reason Week 2010 is almost here

Monday, April 5th, 2010 | Leeds Atheist Society | No Comments

I just wanted to tell you all how excited I am about Reason Week 2010. I've finally been truly bitten by the bug. With it so close and so much preparation going on at the moment it's really driving it home that it is happening and it's happening really soon!

Leeds Reason Week, formally known as Rationalist Week is not only our biggest event of the year - it's the biggest event run by any free thinking university society in the UK! Last year it was watched by people across the world and this year shall be no less spectacular.

This year we will he having a slightly different focus than last year. We want to get talking to people therefore we have cut out a lot of the talks - they were almost a distraction from the friendly "pull up a chair and have a chat about science, reason and atheism" approach that we're looking for.

Of course there will still be plenty of fantastic events - several per day and we'll be announcing that they will be shortly. Old favourites such as Make Your Own God and All Night Debate still have a debate in the schedule, make no mistake!

We have two final planning meetings taking place before the week so if you do want to get involved there is still time. If you can't make them because you're at home for Easter simply drop us an email to get the details as well.

Arslan’s Situation

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 | Leeds Atheist Society | No Comments

As most of you know Dr. Shaukat Aman Ulla, known as Arslan to us has been a member of Leeds Atheist Society and friend of many of us for over two years.

He is an out Atheist and ex-Muslim; currently living in the UK in safety. In Pakistan, his home country this is punishable by death!

Unfortunately his visa has run out and he has applied for asylum to stay in the UK.

We strongly feel that by being sent back to Pakistan for Arslan, is like being sent to his death. I urge you to support him.

His appeal is taking place on the 8th April and hopefuly this petition will show that he has support.

Please sign this to support freedom of belief and Arslan's asylum.

http://www.petition.fm/petitions/savearslan/0/4/

Thanks

Fitna: The Big Debate has been postponed

Saturday, February 6th, 2010 | Leeds Atheist Society | No Comments

First off I would like to issue an apology from the society for those who were looking forward to our event "Fitna: The Big Debate" which was going to be taking place next Tuesday - February 9th, as this will no longer be the case.

Despite us announcing the events months ago, the union have decided to step in 5 days before the event and not allow us to run the event because they claim it violates the university's freedom of expression policy.

We are currently in talks with the union as to what steps will be required it in order for us to be able to run the event as it will be rescheduled for a later date. Watch this space for more information.

Calling past members

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 | Leeds Atheist Society | No Comments

Leeds Atheist Society is now entering into its fourth year of existence and its fourth committee are embarking on an exciting and challenging programme of events and campaigns.

One of the effects of the society reaching the grand old age of four is that many of our members in the first three years have graduated university, moved away from Leeds or have simply lost touch with the society. This is something the society would like to rectify and to achieve this A-Soc is launchin an alumni programme to help maintain contacts and develop a longer term association with our past members.

As the almuni co-ordinator, I would like to extend an invitation to all our previous members to get in touch via the Contact Us page. The scheme is free and open to all past members.

Benefits of joining the alumni programme include a termly news letter, access to society events and socials, a dedicated section of the website and the opportunity to take part in a discretionary donation sceheme.

I hope to hear from as many of you as possible, if only to let us know how you are getting on since leaving the society.

Not long now…

Sunday, August 16th, 2009 | Leeds Atheist Society | No Comments

The following post is likely to cause some readers a bout a of serious, deep depression but for those like me who are aching to get back into the full, term-time swing of A-Soc it will casue untold joy!

There are only a few weeks left until term starts again and the diary busting level of events we all love to take part in will be upon us again!

I am unable to provide much insight into the events the new committee have in store for us, but having worked closely with most of them for the past year (or years in some cases :P) I am convinced we will see the same high standard and immensevariety of events that A-Soc regulars have come to expect. I am also sure that Sophie's presidency will see some new and fresh ideas bursting on to the scene.

I have high hopes for the coming year as the society is now breaking even financially and has an experienced and dedicated leadership team in place which all bodes well for us normal members.

I would also like to send a message to all our alumni, students and staff that have left the society over the years to get in touch with us and let us know what you are up to now. We are always interested in hearing from our members both old and new.

Summer Sum

Saturday, July 25th, 2009 | Leeds Atheist Society | No Comments

We might not be seeing the perfect summer in terms of weather, but A-Soc's weekly socials are definitely one of the high points of the summer calendar.

Meeting every Tuesday at 7pm at the Library pub on the corner of Hyde Park we enjoy an evening of light hearted revelry, drinking of fine (and by fine I mean cheap :P) beverages and even the odd discussion about the society, religion, swine flu et al.

So if you are in Leeds over the summer feel free to head on down and join us for the evening.

Thank You and Good Night

Monday, May 4th, 2009 | Leeds Atheist Society | No Comments

Following on from the recent AGM, it is with some sadness that I write what is likely to be my final post as President of Leeds Atheist Society.

The past year has been a great experience for me, both as an atheist and as president. I have been a part of one of the strongest years the society has had performance wise - with our membership roster now approaching the hundred mark and our finances looking healthy for the first time in three years.

I have also had the pleasure of meeting some great new friends and future leaders of the society. Many of our new committee are just finishing their first years of study at university. In fact, this is by far the youngest committee we have ever had, yet strangely also one of the most experienced! I look forward with great interest as to the future direction of the society under my successor, Sophie Stringfellow. I wish her and her new executive all the best.

Fortunately for me, I have kept a small finger in the A-Soc pie as I was returned as the new AHS Representative for the society, taking over the reigns from Tom. I hope that I can continue to serve the society's bets interests on the national stage.

Thanks to all the members of Leeds Atheist Society and I hope to see many of you return as members next year. Remember, we are not just a stuident society and are open to all. We have a really good alumni scheme in place for all you graduates out there!

Luckily, my reign is not quote over and we have plenty of great events lined up for the rest of the year (and all summer too!) Check out our events listings for all the latest info!

2008/2009 AGM results

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 | Leeds Atheist Society | No Comments

Last night saw our 2008/2009 AGM. Those who were there will agree that we have really grown as a society over the past year and hopefully we continue this trend next year!

Congratulations to the newly elected committee, who are now as follows:

President: Sophie
Secretary: Tom
Treasurer: Zoltan
Vice President: Chris
Meetings Coordinator: Jonni
Courses Coordinator: John
Campaigns Coordinator: Laura
Interfaith Coordinator: Nicola
Humanist Chaplain: Rosie
AHS Representative: Norm