Yo Sibil

[basilosaurus]

Heh. You know we're a couple of outcasts. Atheists, liberal, activist pro-choicers.

I love being an organizing part of MASH (military atheists and secular humanists... agnostics are welcome, if you have a chapter in your area). I especially love that it gave me the opportunity to meet with and take a picture with Richard Dawkins last week. (brag!)

But, almost as awesome, at last year's PP annual gala, we were seated with 2 other military members, higher ranking than H, who were such strong supporters. One guy was even in uniform.

[basilosaurus]

MASH (IME) is actually pretty open to religious spouses. We have a few who have come just to support their partners. And there are a few religious members who oppose the religiosity of the military, so join us in support of a secular workplace.

In our chapter, we're officially recognized, so we can meet at the chapel, and if a non-theist comes in, they're given our name (like, if you're PCSing and have to get the chaplain to sign off on something). But, mostly, we do a few service projects, and then we go drink beers together. It's really just a social group to help people find a community quickly, especially in an environment that uses churches for social support.

[kpol]

Sibil- do you know if there is a chapter in my area? It sounds like something M and I would be interested in!

ETA: The site wasn't loading, but I got it to work. Looks like there is one south, but nothing here. Rats!

[basilosaurus]

I looked at MAAF, the umbrella org for MASH, and apparently there's (edit)*only* representation in Kunsan.

However, if you're intersted, create your own group. I didn't found ours, but I was a founding member. After the first week, I was an official organizer. We're less than a year old, just brought in Dawkins (with a couple other local groups) and apparently are one of the model chapters.

It doesn't take much work, and you'd be surprised how many closeted nontheists there are who will come out in support. We have people of all ranks and ages (plus retirees). What has impressed me most is that people will seek us out after seeing a mere bumper sticker. These are people who have a need for a group but not the knowledge to know how/where to look for one.

[basilosaurus]

Oh, one more thing about Kunsan (you know that's where I was, right?). Those people are always always trying to get out of town. They likely will be going to Osan, at minimum, and Seoul regularly. It's worth reaching out to them to meet up if they're in your area. Which they will be.

MASH isn't just local. We've even had foreign military on the island for assignments who will come for a beer with us. It's pretty cool.

[kpol]

Oct 11, 2012 22:43:59 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

Oh, one more thing about Kunsan (you know that's where I was, right?). Those people are always always trying to get out of town. They likely will be going to Osan, at minimum, and Seoul regularly. It's worth reaching out to them to meet up if they're in your area. Which they will be.

MASH isn't just local. We've even had foreign military on the island for assignments who will come for a beer with us. It's pretty cool.

I thought that's where you were! I'll probably contact them at some point to see if/when they will be up here or Osan. Thanks!

[basilosaurus]

Stan, we're not all liberals. Atheists do come in different political stripes. I'd say we're mostly liberal friendly, but there are definitely strong libertarians. Not many neo-cons, though. We've had some raging political debates. What I enjoy, though, is that they're debates that get taken seriously. I think I may have even convinced a die hard libertarian that marriage actually is a federal issue, and we need protections.