The Secular Student Alliance at Idaho State University is a fairly new chapter of a national organization of secular students available to students on campus.
The club, which is in its second year, tries to host speakers and activities while promoting a sense of community for secular students.
“We aim to be that community for those students who don’t belong to a church or affiliate with a religion,” explained club president Chelsea Wegrzyniak. “I think it’s hard for atheists to really be involved in a sort of community. If you’re catholic, you have your parish to affiliate with but if you’re atheist you don’t have that.”
Most members are atheist and some are agnostics, with a few members who may call themselves spiritual but aren’t religiously affiliated, according to Wegrzyniak.
“We tend to be a very critical thinking and practical bunch,” said Wegrzyniak.
On Thursday, March 14, the club held their annual Pi Day fundraiser centered around Pi, the numerical constant, and pie, where they raised money and awareness of the group in a laid back atmosphere.
The club is looking to start working on a fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders. According to Wegrzyniak, a bake sale and a speaker will likely be involved. The club hopes to bring a doctor who has worked with Doctors Without Borders for a speaking event.
Wegrzyniak added that the club has been getting involved in Service Saturdays on campus and also tries to do fun things as well as community-oriented events to “cover their bases” in terms of keeping member interest and involvement.
“I guess a lot of people who are atheists have a sort of ambivalence toward any sort of organization because they think, ‘I’m an atheist; there’s a reason why I’m an atheist,’ and I guess I really urge those students don’t see a value in having some sort of community,” said Wegrzyniak. “We’re not a church; we’re not going to try to control your beliefs. We’re a place for open dialogue and discussion and experience. We’re just sort of a fun atmosphere. I encourage any students who might be ambivalent toward that idea to try it out because I think they’ll enjoy it if they do.”
More Club Information
President: Chelsea Wegrzyniak
Vice President: Erica Dombrowski
Treasurer: Ben Croft
Adviser: Michael Thomas
Members: Approximately 15 active members
Category: Special
Meetings: Every other Thursday at the CoHo coffee house on Fourth Avenue, times announced on Facebook page – next meeting on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m.
Mission: To promote skeptical inquiry, provide a community for atheists, agnostics, humanists, skeptics, naturalists and other freethinkers; organize activities, such as forums for discussions, guest speakers and debates that educate Idaho State University and surrounding community and foster acceptance of freethinkers.
Contact Info: Find the group on Facebook as Secular Student Alliance at Idaho State University at www.facebook.com/groups/ssaisu or email the club at ude.usinull@ass.
