NB: The Chester County Commissioners’ Sunshine Meeting has been cancelled by the borough. We announced via this discussion group, Meet Up and the newsletter that we wanted readers to deliver testimony in support of The Tree of Knowledge that day at 10:00 AM.
Since the Sunshine Meeting has been cancelled, FS is trying to notify everyone who had planned to attend — not to arrive in West Chester on Tuesday, October 7, 2014. Please spread the word.
We instead encourage supporters of The Tree of Knowledge to send an email, make a telephone call, or write a letter to the Commissioners. You can use the information in the announcement article below to help prepare your letter or call. All contact information is listed below:
Commissioner Ryan Costello
rcostello@chesco.orgCommissioner Kathi Cozzone
kcozzone@chesco.orgCommissioner Terence Farrell
tfarrell@chesco.orgAll letters and phone calls go to the same address and phone:
313 West Market Street
Suite 6202
West Chester, PA 19380
610.344.6100
610.344.5995 (fax)We apologize for any inconvenience. We did not anticipate any changes in the schedule of the Commissioner’s Meeting.
Call or email the Freethought Society if you have any questions.
610 793-2737
Margaret@FtSociety.org
BY MARGARET DOWNEY:
• The Freethought Society (FS) has decided that FS must make another appeal to the Chester County Commissioners to allow the display and inclusion of the nontheist symbol — The Tree of Knowledge.
Please see the FS website (www.FtSociety.org/menu/tree-of-knowledge) for complete details and history of The Tree of Knowledge efforts. We must not give way to the bigotry and prejudices that the Commissioners have against the nontheist community. FS board members will attempt to convince the Commissioner that nontheists are indeed an integral part of the community and that our symbol must be included in the 2014 Winter Holiday Display. We need your help. The more voices we get, the more convincing we can be.
The Commissioner ignored a petition with over 350 signatures in 2010. A Chester County attorney figured out a free speech loop hole and rendered the ACLU efforts on our behalf useless in 2011. They dismissed us again in 2013. Get this folks, the Chester County Commissioner take ownership of the Free speech zone for two full months in the winter — displaying things that theydeem Important — nothing more!
The Commissioners did not listen when representatives from the Secular Jewish, Hispanic Freethinkers and Nontheist Indian community spoke on our behalf in 2012.
Now we want to try again, but this time, we want a crowd of speakers to overwhelm the Chester County Commissioners’ Sunshine Meeting.
Meeting details are printed below. If you plan to attend —PLEASE DO NOT REMAIN SILENT. Every voice is precious in this fight. Speak for one minute or five. Just please show that you are there for a reason and the reason is to support The Tree of Knowledge.
Here is a brief outline of what you need to say, should you attend:
My name is…
I am a resident of… (county and state)
The Tree of Knowledge is important to me because …
I will visit West Chester to see it (bring family/friends, shop and eat in West
Chester, celebrate the season, etc.)Make a personal appeal if possible.
Say thanks for listening/considering, etc.
Have at least six copies of what you say (one for each Commissioner, one for FS, one for reporters)
It’s easy and can be very quick. You do not need to be eloquent or forceful. Just add your voice to the subject matter. If you would like assistance in formulating your statement, contact me ASAP. Your attendance is vital.
Location, date and time is as follows:
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
10:00 AM 6th Floor
313 West Market Street
West Chester, PA. 19380
— Margaret DowneyFounder and PresidentFreethought Society
P.O. Box 242Pocopson, PA 19366
Phones:610-793-2737
Office610-793-2569
Fax610-357-9432
Email: Margaret@FtSociety.org
Websites: https://www.ftsociety.org
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