City of Grandville (MI) Council Meeting

28 December 2015 | Steven Belstra | 286 words (1:34)

Thank you Mayor Maas and the Grandville City Council for having me speak today. My name is Steven Belstra and I am not an ordained minister or priest of any faith. I request from the council and our community that we don’t turn towards faith or religion to guide government decisions but rather good will towards all people in our community.

I speak for the minorities in the area who identify as being secular humanists, atheists, and one of the fastest growing groups in America, the non-religious. Grandville contains many different people who have different beliefs, traditions, and cultures all of which we want to see considered when making decisions for our community. I ask that for today and all future meetings that we can approach decisions this way. But it isn’t just in our local city council meetings where this should apply, but in all other aspects of human interaction.

2015 will be remembered as a year that major human rights decisions were made in the Obergefell vs Hodges case which granted state recognition to all same sex couples. This decision by the Supreme Court of the United States is a great example of what I am alluding to.

It is in our best interest as a community to view all of our citizens as equals, regardless of their beliefs of an afterlife or their beliefs about human sexuality. So what I ask of my local city council is that you govern with reason and empathy towards all people, regardless of the church I do or don’t attend, the person that I marry, or the beliefs that you may or may not share with other citizens of the community.

Thank you for your time, council.

City of Longwood (FL) Commission Meeting

21 December 2015 | Jocelyn Williamson | 263 words (1:22)

Thank you Mayor, Commission Members, Staff, and community members for the opportunity to offer opening words for tonight’s meeting.

This is a room in which there are many challenging debates, moments of tension, of frustration, and ideological division. This is also a room where we come to work together and where we have much more in common than we realize or remember during our discourse. And we all share the same potential for care, for compassion, for fear, for joy, for love…

On this eve of the Winter Solstice, the year’s darkest day, let’s take a moment to reflect on a few examples of what we have to be thankful for. We have a safe city thanks to our hardworking police, firefighters, and paramedics looking out for our health and our security. We have children who are learning and growing because of our wonderful teachers who dedicate themselves to a brighter future. And we have a city that thrives because this commission and the city staff are dedicated to working together with the community.

Carl Sagan once wrote, “For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.”

There is, in the political process, much to bear. In this room tonight, let us cherish and celebrate our shared humanness, our common capacity for reason and compassion and our love for Longwood and its place in Central Florida.

No matter why or how you celebrate the change of season may you, your family, and friends be filled with hope for a bright future, and love for your neighbor.

Volusia County (FL) Council

19 November 2015 | David Williamson | 217 words (1:25)

To Be of Use by Marge Piercy

The people I love the best jump into work head first without dallying in the shallows and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.They seem to become natives of that element, the black sleek heads of seals bouncing like half-submerged balls.

I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart, who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience, who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward, who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge in the task, who go into the fields to harvest and work in a row and pass the bags along, who are not parlor generals and field deserters but move in a common rhythm when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is common as mud. Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust. But the thing worth doing well done has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident. Greek amphoras for wine or oil, Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums but you know they were made to be used. The pitcher cries for water to carry and a person for work that is real.

City of Longwood (FL) Commission Meeting

16 November 2015 | Martha Kirby | 344 words (2:40)

Thank you Mayor, Commission Members, Staff, and community members for allowing me this opportunity to offer opening words for tonight’s meeting and for the good work you will do here together on behalf of our beautiful community and its residents.

As I began contemplating what to say this evening I Googled the City of Longwood and found excellent words of inspiration right on your home page. The first phrase of the mission statement of Historic Longwood is “to foster citizen trust by practicing open, accountable, and responsive government.” What an excellent idea! Further searching led me to information on the commission-manager model employed by Longwood: elected commissioners representing the community and its citizen’s needs and wishes; and an appointed manager to carry out policy and ensure that the entire community is being served. In addition, there is a section encouraging citizen activism by promoting open communication.

Reading these words, I was reminded of the term “servant leader” – one who focuses on the growth and well-being of people and communities to which they belong; a way of behaving in leadership that allows shared power and collaboration.

I offer for your consideration and reflection (from the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership several important characteristics of servant leaders that we should embody as we work together through tonight’s agenda and beyond:

Listening – to each other and to all who need to be heard
Empathy – for all stakeholders
Awareness – of the uniqueness of each of us and our shared humanity
Conceptualization – developing clarity in thought and purpose
Foresight – what effect will our decisions have?
Stewardship – careful and responsible management
Commitment – to the growth of people
Building community – through engagement and trust

Practicing these behaviors with intent, having confidence in yourselves and in the citizens of Longwood; working together courteously and respectfully; and making the most of everyone’s unique talents, contributions, and differences will truly make the City of Longwood an outstanding place to work and live.

May you bring your best selves to this service and do this work, hand in hand, with each other and with our community.

City of Winter Garden (FL) Commission Meeting

22 October 2015 | Ed Lynch | 286 words (3:08)

Before I begin the invocation, I would like to briefly give thanks. This will be the first non-religious invocation before a government meeting in this city—as far as we know.

For their role in getting us to this point, after countless religious invocations and a few recent moments of silence, I would like to thank Joseph Richardson—for blazing the trail; David Williamson and the Central Florida Freethought Community, along with the Freedom From Religion Foundation, for all their hard work supporting the Constitution; city staff for their work on this issue and this Commission for inviting me to do the invocation today. Thank you all.

(Mayor interrupts: “[Commissioner] Colin Sharman did.”)

'Thank you' to you, double.

Thanks also to everyone here today for taking the time to participate in our democracy. Winter Garden is a great place to live, work, and play. With that, let me begin the invocation:

Let us play.

There is work to be done but let's not forget to play. One of the greatest human accomplishments took a great deal of work but started with a most playful idea, "Let's fly to the moon and back."

Let us play.

From the first time we touched the mobile hanging over our crib, we learned that effort is rewarded. As toddlers we were constantly learning mostly through play. Throughout childhood we learned many lessons through play:
Share, take turns, play fair.
Control your emotions!
The importance of a level playing field.
The importance of teamwork.
Play by the rules. Don't cheat.
Learn from your mistakes.
Make sure everyone is included.
Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
In other words, treat others how you would want to be treated.
All learned through play.

Each of us here won the lottery…to be here, in this moment, each moment of awareness. Focus on each moment and be thankful for it. We won the lottery.

Think about it; we are literally stardust. Only as a result of incredible luck: the unlikely conditions for the beginning and continuation of life, followed by billions of years of evolution. Here we are. Stardust. Capable of playing--Angry Birds, Minecraft, Fallout 4, Orlando City, Solar Bears, right here in Winter Garden.

Capable of learning. Capable of, thereby, learning. Capable of making up our own minds. Capable of kindness. Capable of getting past our differences and creating a better town, a better world, for all of us.

City of Apopka (FL) Commission Meeting

21 October 2015 | Joseph Richardson | 212 words (1:26)

Thank you, Mayor and Commissioners. I’m very happy to be here tonight to represent the Central Florida Freethought Community and to offer this secular invocation.

As humans, we have an unfortunate tendency to separate ourselves into groups. We notice differences between “us” and “them” and then tend to think that the things which make us “us” also make us better than “them”. We emphasize these differences for one reason or another and then band together over these various ideologies or beliefs, skin colors or gender. This probably offered survival advantages at one time but these days, it seems mostly to work to our detriment.

Tonight, as you consider the issues on the agenda, I encourage you to do your best not to exclude and not to divide, but to come together as a board and unite this community. As you deliberate, keep in mind that most inclusive of concepts, the trait we all hold in common, and the identity that excludes no one: our humanity.

It’s hard to go wrong with a quote from Carl Sagan so I’ll close with this: “Each one of us is, in the cosmic perspective, precious. If a human disagrees with you, let him live. In a hundred billion galaxies, you will not find another.”

Thank you.

Seminole County (FL) Commission Meeting

22 September 2015 | Brenda Frei | 376 words (3:08)

Good morning. It’s nice to meet all of you and thank you for having me.

When our family moved to Seminole County a little more than four years ago, our attachment and affection for this area grew quickly. We stood in awe in front of the breathtaking tree “The Senator". And then only a few weeks later we grieved along with you when hearing about the tragic loss.

We appreciated our recent visit to the welcoming Seminole County Historical Museum and to marvel at the beautiful memorial art pieces.

Since living in Seminole County we have seen in our backyard deer, raccoons, armadillos, turtles, and numerous gorgeous birds. We have seen a bear run by and a bald eagle soar overheard. Wow! What a special place that we can call home.

From a multitude of different plants and animals to a multitude of different people with diverse backgrounds, goals, beliefs, constructs, views of reality and motivations all make Seminole County unique.

Yet despite any differences I would hope and expect that our concern for humanity and environment is in each one of us here.

For example, for my husband’s work helping to improve the lives of people with epilepsy to our youngest son, a student at Hagerty High School volunteering for an Alzheimer’s care facility in Casselberry or playing piano for the Sanford Welcome Center. Everyone can play an important role.

We thank you for your role and your service, for your pledge and commitment to care about each of us.

Like many others we were drawn to Seminole County for its pride and excellence in education. Where skilled teachers require that students have factual support for their assignments and assertions. Perhaps above all is the importance of students learning to create a community of cooperation and inclusiveness with no bullying, name-calling, prejudice and unfair negative stereotyping.

May we as adults also choose to practice these values and principles. May we lead our young people by positive example. May we also learn from our children as well.

Today and going forward we ask that you use evidence-based knowledge as well as compassion, inclusiveness, and kindness in guiding your civil discussion and decision making over issues that affect us all.

Thank you very much.

Osceola County (FL) Commission Meeting

21 September 2015 | Jason Grooms | 366 words (2:08)

Good evening. First I would like to thank the county commission for offering me this opportunity. As a proud central Florida resident for over 40 years, it is my honor to stand here before you this evening to offer words of encouragement and inspiration to begin this meeting.

It is also my honor as a Humanist Celebrant to represent the atheist, agnostic, and Humanist citizens.

Instead of bowing our heads tonight, please lift them up and look around you. Take a moment to look at your fellow citizens in the room tonight. Look each of them directly in the eyes. Look past their politics. Look past their beliefs or religion. Look past their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other label that we artificially assign.

Look into their eyes and realize that every single person in this room has inherent, unequivocal, and unquestionable value as a human being. Realize that they have the same hopes and dreams that we do. They want to love and be loved. The people around you are neighbors we know and neighbors we have yet to meet.

As a species we have survived and even thrived because of our ability to come together as a community and recognize our similarities, to bond with our fellow human beings. It is our similarities that move us forward and our ability to recognize the value and worth of our entire community that makes us great.

During the meeting and even after you leave here tonight, it is my hope that you will remember what you saw in your neighbors’ eyes. That you remember what we have in common and focus on what we all can do to aspire to the greater good of humanity.

I would like to close with a quote from Charles Darwin’s.

As man advances in civilization, and small tribes are united into larger communities, the simplest reason would tell each individual that he ought to extend his social instincts and sympathies to all the members of the same nation, though personally unknown to him. This point once reached, there is only an artificial barrier to prevent his sympathies extending to the men of all nations and races.

Thank you!

Lake County (FL) Commission Meeting

15 September 2015 | Cynthia Lodyga | 261 words (2:00)

Members of the County Commission, staff, citizens and guests of Lake County, thank you for including me today.

This invocation is not a prayer, so no need for bowed heads or closed eyes. I join you today in the spirit of inclusion. Inclusion is about ALL of us. It’s about living full lives together in our shared community.

The original motto of the United States of America was one of inclusion. “E Pluribus Unum”, which translates, “from many, one”. It’s a motto that unites us as Americans, ALL Americans in ONE nation, indivisible. It reflects the values upon which our country was founded, and it doesn’t seek to exclude or extol any citizen for any reason.

Our country’s Founders were critical thinkers, regardless of religious beliefs or lack thereof and, in addition to an inclusive motto, they set the groundwork for a way to ensure ALL Americans could participate in society and in their government.

It has taken a while to provide a long-deserved equal footing to all and we continue to progress—even today. This includes women, African Americans, and as recently as this year, the right for all to have their loving relationships recognized as equal by the State. More and more people are being included in the process of self-governance. And this is as it should be.

So today, let us consider our shared history as a nation, our successes as a community and the continuing process of embracing more and more citizens and new perspectives —especially at the seat of government closest to our lives.

Thank you.

City of Sanford (FL) Commission Meeting

14 September 2015 | David Williamson | 410 words (2:30)

Mr. Mayor, Commissioners, [FL] Representative [Jason] Brodeur. Members of the community. Welcome to one and all.

First I want to express my gratitude to the Commission for including the Central Florida Freethought Community in tonight’s meeting. We look forward to continued support and participation. While we cannot offer the legislative prayer the agenda calls for; atheists, humanists, freethinkers, religious skeptics, and other non-believers can provide something special—which no prayer could ever accomplish.

As we do in every other public setting—we live, work, play, learn, and we govern more effectively and harmoniously when we find amazing ways to unite instead of divide. Only those remarks that regard the common interests of all in attendance—and not just to the beliefs of some—can embrace the entire room, can speak on behalf of the community as a whole, and will be shared by all those who visit and who know Sanford as The Friendly City.

A secular invocation—not unlike a moment of silence—is welcoming to everyone. Otherwise the speech not only falls short—it may even alienate some of those who seek an audience with the Commission. Best of all, anyone can do it. Let’s give it a shot tonight:

As the community gathers this evening, let us briefly reflect on the things you, as a Commission, bring with you to do the business of improving the City of Sanford for residents, the many businesses, and cherished visitors.

Wisdom is often called for during an invocation, however all the knowledge needed is already right here in this chamber. Your fellow commissioners, the hard-working city staff, as well as citizens and business owners come to serve along with you and to be a resource to call upon.

Compassion is essential for effective public service and it is cultivated through a lifetime of learning about the needs of everyone in the community and the harm that follows when those needs are neglected.

Your integrity and honesty are earned through life lessons you take from family, friends, and your own personal experiences of these principles in everyone around you.

As we unite with the common goal of improving the lives of all stakeholders and even those who will be affected by this evening’s decisions for generations to come, take solace in the fact that on our own we can do this, because of who we are, because we have one another, and simply because it must be done.

So let’s get to work!

City of Longwood (FL) Commission Meeting

10 September 2015 | Loren Kahle | 239 words (2:20)

Hello, thank you to the Commission for having me today. My name is Loren Kahle. I am a US Army veteran. I’ve been a Central Florida resident since 1980 and have lived in Sweetwater Oaks the past 12 years.

Tonight is the eve of one of the most important dates in American History. 9/11 will forever remind us how important it is to set aside differences and unify under a common purpose. We were unified then with a common vision and by our unique American spirit. That spirit continues to bring all people together and continues to make our country great.

Being unified is an essential element of a strong nation, a strong local community, and it is a requirement for effective government. We must always adhere to these principles which unify and include one another, especially in government; because in reality we are all so very different. We are all complex and have our own beliefs.

By adhering to principles of inclusion, we ensure respect for everyone, even those from our community who are not present this evening, regardless of differences and especially regardless of beliefs.

Because of that diversity, it is not possible for one person to speak in a manner appropriate for all. I would like to remember those who we lost on 9/11, fourteen years ago, in my own way and I encourage you to do so in yours during this moment of silence.

[pause]

Thank you.

City of DeLand (FL) Commission Meeting

20 July 2015 | Jake Lee Smith | 409 words (2:17)

As a council whose mission statement advocates the importance of representing a city with “diverse citizens” that “demonstrate a strong sense of community,” myself and others here in attendance appreciate your open-mindedness here tonight.

The DeLand city mission statement also goes on to say that we will “remain dedicated to preserving and enhancing those assets which make DeLand distinctive,” and that “We, as citizens of DeLand, will continue to strive to maintain DeLand’s heritage as the ‘Athens of Florida.’” It is my personal belief that the primary assets which make DeLand distinctive lie within the hearts of each and every one of us here in this great little town. This distinct community maintains great historic roots, and a rich heritage.

I, myself, benefit from this city’s rich heritage, as I currently attend Stetson University here in DeLand -- one of the oldest institutions of higher-education in the country. We always must, of course, seek to preserve our history, and never forget to look back at where we came from. However, it is equally important to look forward to the future, learn from the past, and keep our eyes open to progress. A great example of progress here in DeLand sits before us all, Ms. Jessica Davis, the first African American woman to be a city commissioner in this council’s 133-year history.

This shows that within all communities is the potential for improvement, and one of the greatest improvements a community can make, is that which comes from within. It’s not all about infrastructure, budgets, building codes, and taxes. No, at the core of any great town, are its great people. And as the mission statement claims, we seek to always remain a city that values the diversity of its citizens – regardless of what we look like, who we love, or what life philosophies we pledge ourselves to.

In closing, I would like to leave you all with a few important words from one of the most revered speeches in cinematic history.

“We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness - not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful…More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness.”

Thank you.

Orange County (FL) Commission Meeting

16 July 2015 | Warren Geltch | 362 words

As you know, one of the great things about Orange County is its vast diversity. Every individual in our community is important, and deserves to be treated equally...no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, or non-religion. Morally, no one can justify inequality, discrimination, or intolerance.

The record shows that through great leadership...and often difficult struggles...our sense of morality has changed and progressed over the course of our nation's history.
But positive changes usually don't come easily...or quickly. Slavery wasn't abolished until 90 years after our country's inception. Women couldn't vote until 1920...144 years after our nation's inception. Since then, we've expanded civil rights, women's rights, and gay rights. However, significant hurdles remain. There is still inequality, discrimination and intolerance.
So, how do we continue positive trends pertaining to morality?

Well, to have a good moral compass, we must possess two (2) core values.

The first core value is empathy. We must be able to place ourselves in the other person's shoes to understand them and see their point of view. We must really get to know them. When we don't know them, it's easy to demonize them. When we do get to know them, we may find that we all primarily want the same things out of life.

The second core value is conscience. We must feel good when we do the right thing and feel bad when we do the wrong thing. We must be accountable and responsible for our own actions. That includes treating others how we ourselves, want to be treated...and making this one life the best we can, not just for ourselves, but for everyone, because every life is precious.
Without empathy and without good conscience, we will not progress.

Mayor and Commissioners, you are about to approve a new budget today. Undoubtedly, you will consider many issues during the next fiscal year. The public trust requires that every issue be considered on it's own merit...be analyzed thoroughly...and decided through rational problem solving...guided by ethics and integrity.

In conclusion, on behalf of the Central Florida Freethought Community, I want to thank you Mayor and Commissioners for allowing us to present this secular invocation this morning.

Thank you.

Sparks (NV) City Council Meeting

8 June 2015 | Ryan Davis | 409 words (2:40)

I would like to thank the council for inviting me to speak here today. Let us bow our heads in prayer.

“We give thanks and praise to you, whom in all your teachings, guide us in our lives and give meaning to our existence and endow these fine people here today to perform their duties to serve all of us. Thank you, Satan.”

Now, I am not a Satanist, but ladies and gentlemen, I imagine that these words are making some of you rather uncomfortable. You probably feel that they don't represent you or further the cause of the citizens of Sparks.

I would now like you to realize that this is exactly how the secular citizens of Sparks, statistically 20% of your constituents, feel when an invocation of any kind is given in this room.

I stand before you today with the daunting task of representing these numerous atheists, agnostics and secular individuals. And while it may not be possible to speak for them all, I ask you to meditate on the following thoughts:

While the desire to be inclusive and respectful to others is something to be condoned, the reality is that we cannot represent all religions, all of the time, and thus the only truly fair way to represent everyone is to not represent religion at all.

The constitution of the United States, which all members here swore an oath to uphold, was founded on secular principles and was the first of its kind. One of the cornerstones of being American is the freedom of religion and the freedom from religion. The only way to ensure that this freedom to express our beliefs is maintained is to ensure that the government does not participate in any action that would endorse any religion or even the concept of religion itself.

When religious invocations are given in a government capacity, those of us who do not subscribe to such beliefs are alienated and not represented.

For people like me who are atheist, and others who are agnostic or simply secular, we invoke you to not use religious invocations in your meetings, which only deepens the divisions between us. But rather, focus on what all of your constituents, including the secular ones share. And that is the common humanistic desire to increase the happiness of all human beings. People like me can do this without religion, and likewise, those in government can do good without religion, too.

Thank you.

Clark County (WA) Board of County Councilors Meeting

3 June 2015 | Robert Ray | 225 words (1:13)

Thank you, councilors, for the opportunity to provide what I hope to be an inspirational message to start your day.

This is time when the invocator generally makes pleas to the supernatural for permission to act or to grant some special wisdom to the councilors. I am not here to do that.

I am here as a secular citizen to ask that as they consider the agenda today, they do so with the objective of representing all of their citizens concerns.

I am here as a Humanist to ask that as they consider the agenda today, they do so with the empathy and compassion that reside in each of us.

But above all I am here to ask that the councilors, in the spirit of Humanism, to reach within themselves and find the strength to be the best elected officials they can be. I ask that they use their own faculties of reason and wisdom to make their decision today.

I would also like to ask the citizens of Clark County to remain vigilant and be cognizant of the actions of their elected officials. They are, in fact, your public servants.

In closing I would like to quote the last line from the 3rd Humanist Manifesto: “The responsibility for our lives and the kind of world in which we live is ours and ours alone.”

Town of Lady Lake (FL) City Commission

1 June 2015 | Robert Ridgard | 295 words (2:29)

Good Evening. This moment of reflection is to remind us that we are here to work in harmony for the good of, and in service to, our community.

We gather together this evening to share our collective wisdom in response to the needs of our citizenry. We are here to consider many issues and find the optimum solutions. As this body convenes to do the business of the Town of Lady Lake, we must look ahead, with anticipation and enthusiasm, to the concerns set before us, and in consideration of the consequences of our decisions.

Humanists, by our very nature, believe that we all have the power to solve problems within our own capabilities, through logic and reason. Applying reason with the strength found in empathy and compassion for our fellow humans, we can overcome most any challenge.

It isn't needed that we agree with each other’s views. But we are required to respect each other’s right to hold those views and practice their beliefs without fear of persecution, so long as no one infringes upon the civil rights of others. Truly we each have come here from different backgrounds, and for our survival and progress we must learn to live well with each other, respecting and honoring our differences.

Morality holds us all together by the promises we make and keep with each other. We rely upon and trust those promises and depend on each other to do that which is right, just and necessary for us to live together in a community.

The success of any government stems from the commitment of all to serving the entire community, not just a favored few. It isn't through strength in numbers, but strength in our fidelity to each other that we find success.

Thank you

Orlando (FL) City Commission

4 May 2015 | Chris Allen | 249 words (1:25)

Good afternoon, Mayor and City Council Members. As our Central Florida economy continues to improve, a rising tide may lift all boats, but some people don't have boats. I urge everyone to do their fair share to assist people, especially those who strive to improve their lives but who still need our help.

A key to changing our community for the better is for all of us to take it upon ourselves as individuals to engage clubs, groups and companies that we are part of to matter more and mean more to the weakest among us.

It is true that a lot of people in our community volunteer their time and talents and still others give part of their treasure to help those in need but too many people do absolutely nothing. They are self-absorbed meeting their own wants. These people are truly missing out on a good thing and they have not felt the good feeling that comes with committing yourself to a selfless act of kindness. It is truly something that money cannot buy.

If I am describing someone you know, set them straight. that good feeling is deeper and more enriching when it is done anonymously without seeking attention or reward. Doing good deeds should be a common expectation in a civil society. As another plane landing safely at the airport it's really important but it's not news. It is time for people who need our help to matter more to each and everyone of us.

Osceola County (FL) Commission

4 May 2015 | Michael Mello | 329 words (1:55)

The definition of invocation is the act of asking for help or support especially from a higher power. While this may satisfy some here today, I tend to believe that instead of invoking we should be reflecting - reflecting on the purpose of government, the value that each of us brings to these proceedings and how we can work together with all the differences we have. Bearing in mind these things, especially before these meetings begin, can unify everyone in attendance.

So I will begin with a quote by Thomas Jefferson. "Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he then be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the forms of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question."

I believe that history has shown this to be true - that we can govern ourselves and be trusted to govern others far better than any king. You, ladies and gentlemen, and we the people, demonstrate this in every way as you lead the people of this county and as we participate along with you.

Today will surely be no different. As you discuss and debate issues today, and consider the right decisions for people we govern, are we treating all with fairness and equality regardless of our personal beliefs? Many documents guide us in our mission and the preamble to the civil rights program for the county can be a good reminder. It reads in part...

"The Osceola County Board of County Commissions is committed to protecting the rights of all people in Osceola County, to ensure their ability to live, work and enjoy equal access to facilities open to the public in an environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and retaliation regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or family status."

Let these words, along with your good conscience, guide you as you work on behalf of the citizens today.

http://www.osceola.org/events/2030530-bcc-regular-meeting.stml

Leon County (FL) Board of County Commissioners

28 April 2015 | Peter Wood | 238 words (1 :34)

Words matter. As we gather here today, like many Tuesdays, we stand ready and eager to unite and conduct business as usual. Most meetings use this time to begin procedure with prayer. To some, prayer is a staple of public works. To others, it is a deviation from what our government is constructed to do. Whatever side you may fall on, what we say and how we say it can have implications that extend beyond our immediate surroundings.

Thoughts matter. We all have our convictions, some of which are identical, others which conflict and contradict. That secularism, atheism, and even non-Christian belief systems are overwhelmingly underrepresented in Leon County should worry all of us. That today this history changes is cause for optimism.

Actions matter. Rather than bow, fall prostrate, or look inward to connect ourselves to the heavens, let us focus on the one tangible reality we all know and share: each other. Whether we agree with one another or not, it is through cooperation and sacrifice that this county churns, burns, and thrives. Ask yourselves: why are you here, and how do you care to express this motive? Through what you say? How you think? What you do? Today I open our County Commission meeting suggesting we reassess what unity is so that our community can truly grow strong together. E pluribus unum. For it is out of many that a unified voice comes into being.

Yamhill County (OR) Board of Commissioners Meeting

16 April 2015 | Cheryl Kolbe | 237 words

I invite you to take your seats and join me as I invoke reason. Reason: the basis or motive for an action, decision, or conviction, good judgment, sound sense.

R — Review the facts. Facts are verifiable. Facts provide crucial support for the assertion of an argument. Let's keep in our awareness that omission of some facts may foster misconceptions.

E — Evaluate the facts. Facts are only useful when we put them in context and draw conclusions. Albert Einstein is reported to have said, "It is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think something that cannot be learned in textbooks."
A ­— Apply rational thinking. Poor decisions are often the result of flawed or incomplete thinking, not the absence of thinking.

S — Sometimes the best solution isn't our personal first choice. What are the consequences of the proposed solution? Will there be a negative impact on some of the members of this community?

O — Only by looking for better ways to solve our problems will we find the best solution. Another quote widely attributed to Einstein: "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."

N — Never start with an assumption. An assumption is a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.

I invite residents and board members to use reason as you work together for the benefit of the community.

Pennsylvania State Senate

15 April 2015 | Deana Weaver | 305 words (1:40)

Good morning. Thank you for welcoming something different to your day. It is an honor to be given a voice in this governing body.

In recent months, religious beliefs have been at the forefront of national debate. We are fortunate to live in a country founded and formed to recognize the importance of the individual, where no one shall be made to hide nor justify his personal beliefs, and where no government shall impose a singular religion on its citizenry. Where there is misunderstanding, we may engage in conscientious and respectful dialogue to assuage fear.

I am humbled to represent a portion of your diverse constituency, and that may raise the question, do atheists pray? A prayer is meditative, seeking inner strength to face difficulty and challenge. A prayer is solicitous, seeking to bring a benefit or relief to ones self, a loved one, or even to strangers. A prayer can be a direct appeal to a higher power.

So, let us pray that we may use our power to lead with compassion and understanding, that we remain tolerant of others regardless of differences in religious belief, gender, race, sexual, or political orientation, and that we treat one another as we wish to be treated. Let us pray for open minds and for the strength to overcome preconceived judgment. Let us learn daily and consider wisely. Let us be mindful of our one diverse human family with common values and needs. Let us work toward clean air, clear water, safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and a viable economy with sustained employment opportunity for all. Let us provide for well-trained and equipped firefighters, emergency responders, police, and military, and may we never forget their sacrifice. As we forge ahead toward the common good of community, may we all benefit from the enduring power of diversity.

Thank you.

Washington State House of Representatives

13 April 2015 | Robert Ray | 288 words (1:40)

I would like to open this invocation by asking everyone, look around you. Beside you, in front of you, and behind you, is a person that is, in so many ways, the same as you. We may have different backgrounds and beliefs. We may come from different ethnicities and religions. But when it comes down to it, we are all sharing the same speck of dust floating through this vast and wondrous universe.

Many have come before this chamber to speak of their faith. But I would, instead, like to speak of trust. Of trust in humanity, trust in the fundamental good will within people. Trust that we all yearn to make the world a better place. Trust that some can answer a higher calling. A calling many of us have in common. That is: to serve our fellow humans to the best of our ability. I trust that everyone in this chamber has felt this or you would not be here.

With that being said, I also ask that you use your trust in the same way I have described. Reach out to one another. Try to understand and have empathy with those you may disagree with. Make an honest attempt at compromise, for that is what our secular government is based on.

With today being the 272nd birthday of Thomas Jefferson, I felt I should honor his memory with a quote:

“He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.”

So thank you for this opportunity to bring my message of trust, humanity, and Humanism into this chamber.

And I will end with this simple phrase:

E Pluribus Unum.

Lake County (FL) Commission Meeting

7 April 2015 | Choice Edwards | 219 words (2:08)

We are gathered here to support the proper conduct of the business of the people of Lake County.

We are fortunate that we have intelligent commissioners who are passionate about the people they serve and strive to execute their responsibilities to the very best of their abilities.

We know they are immune to undue and improper influence and carry their awesome responsibilities as fervently as they do their dedication and love of their families, friends and compatriots.

As they, singularly and collectively, debate and deliberate the issues before them, we know our governance is in their very capable hands

We know they love, respect and honor this community and all of its citizens of which they are amongst our most passionate and responsible leaders.

We are diverse in religious beliefs and non-religious beliefs in Lake County. We welcome Christians, Muslims, Jews Sikhs, Buddhist Agnostics, Atheist and those of us who are skeptics because we think for ourselves.

Therefore, I invite you, of your own volition, and irrespective of your religious persuasion or non-religious persuasion, to join with me in a time of personal introspection and reflection:

[SILENCE]

Finally, I wish for each of you wisdom, light, life, love, peace, power, prosperity, passion, poise, beauty, joy, health, wealth, r-o-m-a-n-c-e, and all the fun and excitement you can handle.

Thanks for your time and my blessings upon you.

Now, let us get on with the business of Lake County, Florida!

Clark County (WA) Board of County Councilors Meeting

7 April 2015 | Cheryl Kolbe | 237 words

I invite you to take your seats and join me as I invoke reason. Reason: the basis or motive for an action, decision, or conviction, good judgment, sound sense.

R — Review the facts. Facts are verifiable. Facts provide crucial support for the assertion of an argument. Let's keep in our awareness that omission of some facts may foster misconceptions.

E — Evaluate the facts. Facts are only useful when we put them in context and draw conclusions. Albert Einstein is reported to have said, "It is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think something that cannot be learned in textbooks."
A ­— Apply rational thinking. Poor decisions are often the result of flawed or incomplete thinking, not the absence of thinking.

S — Sometimes the best solution isn't our personal first choice. What are the consequences of the proposed solution? Will there be a negative impact on some of the members of this community?

O — Only by looking for better ways to solve our problems will we find the best solution. Another quote widely attributed to Einstein: "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."

N — Never start with an assumption. An assumption is a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.

I invite residents and board members to use reason as you work together for the benefit of the community.

Volusia (FL) County Council

2 April 2015 | Robert Wilson | 164 words (1:30)

Foremost, I would like to recognize the difficult task before you with a half a million citizens in the County we are all well aware of the vast amount of differences that exist between us. So to work with this we should summon all of the best human traits that time and time again have helped us move forward: reason, wisdom, patience, compassion, logic, understanding, and critical thinking.

Look around and soak in the amazing accomplishments of where we are and remember the human effort that has gotten us here.

We all have our differences, but we do share a common trait. We are all part of this Earth and we are here wanting to do what is best. Let’s work to make the positive change that is declared in the County’s mission statement.

And I leave you with a quote from Albert Einstein, “Nothing truly valuable can be achieved except by the unselfish cooperation of many individuals.” That is how we got here.

City of Chico (CA) City Council

6 January 2015 | George Gold | 589 words (4:00)

Rather than bowing our heads and closing our eyes in deference, we want to encourage you to open your eyes wide to face the reality that confronts us. We should do so without losing sight of our ideals and what we might achieve.

When this body comes together to govern, you do so with the consent of the citizens of Chico. Chico is a diverse community with many different views and opinions. This eclectic community, according to the Pew Research Center includes 20 per cent of our population living secular lives.

In the city of Chico that means for the first time ever, I’m here representing over 17,000 secular Chico citizens with this invocation.

Humanists, non-believers, agnostics and atheists by their very nature, believe that we have the power to solve all problems within ourselves, amongst ourselves, through science and reason and that by applying this science and reason with the strength found in sympathy and compassion we can overcome any hurdle we encounter.

It is incumbent upon this council to make the best decisions for the entire community. In this regard, I ask that you use wisdom, common sense, and empathy in your deliberations.

In your work here, take into account the implications your decisions will have now and in the future. Be reminded of the joyous laughter of children playing in the comfort of the shade of our trees. You are planting seeds for the benefit of future generations.

When there are problems, when there is debate, let us be accountable for our own actions. Let’s not point to the shortcomings of others. Let us behave morally and judiciously. Let’s treat each other with respect.

When we need to find wisdom, let’s look to the documents of government, the Constitution of the United States, the Bill of Rights, and yes, the first amendment which in one sentence providesfor the separation between church and state, and we might even consult our city charter for direction.

Let us open our hearts to the inherent dignity and worth of each person in our community. I hope we can appreciate and realize our differences of race and religion, and or lack of religion.

In the end we are all human beings. When we bleed, we bleed one of the four basic blood groups. Regardless of race, regardless of where we live, regardless of our political affiliations, whether we are rich or poor, and yes, whether we are religious or decidedly not religious, for in every single one of us, the color of our blood is the same.

In the face of adversity, we need not look above for answers, but instead we should recognize the proven potential within ourselves and in each other to overcome the many challenges that we will face in this coming year.

Our commonalities unite us, and I hope we and you can recognize our humanity as we get ready for the challenges of this new year.

We, the secular community, want to participate in our communities with a life full of inspiration, imagination, and beauty.

Each of us wants to live an honorable and ethical life. We hope each of you feels the same.

Some people say, I’m just a child of the 60’s, just look at my long hair, (lift hat) oh gone, my big black beard, oh gone, but I suppose that it might be true. Nevertheless, my mantra has always been, make love not war. Today, I guess if nothing else, I still believe… in that.

Thank you and Happy New Year.