Section 1 Collaboration: Secular Groups

Collaboration & Networking, On and Off-Campus

Oftentimes, one city or area will be home to a student group and one or more adult (i.e. off-campus) groups. However, in many cases these groups rarely communicate and sometimes are not even aware of each other. SSA intends to foster collaboration between secular groups in the same geographical area (city, state, region), with a focus on connecting student groups with off-campus groups in the community. These relationships are beneficial to all involved, whether connecting one college group to one off-campus group in a small city, or connect dozens of likeminded organizations state-wide.

The full text of The Student Group's Guide to Collaboration can be found at www.secularstudents.org/node/2326.

Why Collaborate?

There are many ways your group can benefit from collaboration from other organizations. You can host joint events (allowing for shared expenses), increase attendance, and obtain more well-known speakers. You will have more people to implement service projects and political activism, a larger pool from which to draw donations and support, and many potential members. An established off-campus group can provide a source of stability for your student group, aiding in the sometimes rough leadership and membership transitions. An off-campus group often (though not always) has more resources than a student group, and may be able to help alleviate financial burdens. Off-campus groups often have experience planning events and can offer assistance and guidance.

Collaborating with an adult group also creates an environment in the freethought world in which college graduates are comfortable. One of the biggest challenges facing the SSA is the graduation of its students - most simply disappear from the movement. Your participation in this program will make it easier and more comfortable for you to stay involved after you graduate. The central goal of collaborative efforts is to create a freethought movement that spreads outward from a local level.

How to Proceed:

1. Investigate your area to see if there is already a network or collaborative effort in place.

2. Investigate your area to find freethought groups. Check with national organizations to see if they have local chapters. The list of SSA Partner Organizations online may be a good starting point: [www.secularstudents.org/partners].

• Contact the United Coalition of Reason [www.unitedcor.org] to see if there is already a coalition in your area. It is important to email [info@unitedcor.org] or call them {1.866.897.7248} because they often have several local coalitions which they are working on which may not yet be listed on their website.
• Use Google, ask your faculty advisor, and check local newspapers or gathering places (bookstores and libraries are popular) to find local groups.

3. Designate one or two officer(s) or a committee to be in charge of collaborative effort. Remember to delegate!

4. Contact local freethought group leaders and let them know what you are interested in doing:

• Adults may not be as receptive to emails as students - don't be afraid to pick up the phone!
• Be prepared to explain any goals, activities, and methods you have in mind.

5. Ask if you can attend one of their meetings:

• Set up a time to meet with the group leaders before or after the meeting to discuss collaboration.
• If possible show a short presentation about your campus group (or proposed network) at this meeting.

6. Encourage the group to take an active role by inviting the leader(s) to speak at your next campus meeting.

7. Invite the entire off-campus group to attend an event, talk or discussion that your group is hosting.

8. Volunteer your time by helping with an event or participating in a project that the off-campus group is planning.

9. Continue communicating and participating in one another's events until a strong relationship is established.

10. Maintain the relationship!

What now?

After a few events, you should have a good relationship with the other group(s) in your area. With your combined numbers, you have lots of opportunities available. Consider when to hold joint events; breaks aren't the best time for students, and weekdays are difficult for off-campus members with day jobs.

Engage in community service, civic participation, and activism. This type of work can solidify bonds among student members as well as between students and local off-campus participants, and can contribute to a sense of community among freethinkers. It is also fulfilling work that can aid with recruitment and improve the image of both your groups and the movement. Make sure that you choose something that everyone is interested in doing and that both groups have equal say and vocal representatives.

Off-campus groups likely love a party just as much as you do! Social events are great for getting your members to know one another. Socializing with older freethinkers will help students become more comfortable in the adult freethought world, making your members less likely to drop out of the movement after graduation. You may also begin to make the networking connections that can lead to internships, jobs and other opportunities in the freethought movement. Check out the activity packet for a Progressive Organizations Mixer at [www.secularstudents.org/node/2530].

Broader Scale

Students won't be in college forever, but those who are more deeply involved in the movement tend to continue their activities after graduation. Therefore it is a good idea to become members of other freethought organizations as a student. Many of these organizations offer internships and job opportunities that may be appealing after graduation and some offer reduced or free memberships for college students and alumni. Some organizations provide students with grant opportunities, speakers, legal assistance, useful materials, personal assistance, and guidance. Many also hold annual conferences and retreats, and send out newsletters and/or magazines to their affiliate groups. Also consider organizations that may be sympathetic. Groups such as The Society for Humanistic Judaism, Unitarian Universalist churches, and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State can all be valuable groups for students and alumni to become involved in.

Humanist Chaplains / Counselors

A Humanist chaplain is an individual who counsels students from a nontheistic perspective. Chaplaincies are still somewhat rare, but they are a great resource, as well as a possible career path! There are already chaplaincies at:

Adelphi University [students.adelphi.edu/sa/ifc/humanist.php]

Columbia University [www.columbia.edu/cu/ehc]

Harvard University [www.harvardhumanist.org]

Rutgers University [rutgershumanist.org]

These chaplains usually work within universities to counsel students, present speeches, provide programs and activities, and act as resources for humanist students. The Harvard Humanist Chaplaincy held a conference in 2007 which drew humanist students from around the country. If there is a chaplaincy at your school, your chaplain(s) are probably a great resource and would likely be willing to act as an advisor or otherwise help your group.

Students at other universities may find help from chaplaincies by setting one up at their own school. If your university or group is interested in starting a chaplaincy, contact the SSA so that we can point you in the right direction.