Groundbreaking, Indeed . . .
The timing of the expansion coincides with several milestones for the Center for Inquiry!
25 Years of CSH
The Council for Secular Humanism has traveled an amazing journey, spanning 25 years from 1980 to 2005. The anniversary will be celebrated at a large conference in Amherst, N.Y. from October 27th-30th. Supporters will have an opportunity to interact with world-renowned speakers and Humanist Laureates from the International Academy of Humanism. The conference will once again draw attention to Western New York as a significant site in the worldwide arena of intellectual pursuits and critical thinking.
CSICOP in China Again
For the third time, the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal will be sending a delegation of CFI staff and CSICOP fellows to China in April 2005. During their two-week visit, the delegation will meet with skeptical and secular humanist organizations and lecture at universities. CSICOP will be celebrating its 30th year in 2006!
CFI Expanding Across the Globe
Meanwhile, CFI is nurturing activities at our three branch offices and fostering affiliations with several Centers for Inquiry in other parts of the world. Understanding a growing need, CFI has decided to come to the grass roots level launching CFI Communities.
These communities will promote opportunities for skeptics and humanists to learn and grow while making friends. And of course, our campus work, CFI-On Campus, is expanding. This continues to be one of our most important efforts-after all, without programs for young inquirers, where will the movement be in the future?
Our Goals
Considering the current environment-religion in politics, medical quackery, bad science education in schools, the general public's lack of critical thinking skills, the outrageous media portrayal of the paranormal, often maintaining pseudoscience as fact-the Center for Inquiry has many challenges ahead. CFI has been at the forefront, definitely a groundbreaker, in the most important issues that affect secular humanists and skeptics. Our plan is to continue to break ground in these areas, meeting new challenges as they arise, fearlessly examining controversial topics. We have ambitious goals. If we are to meet these goals, your support is essential!
(printable pledge form: [in txt format] [in pdf format])
The Center for Inquiry's Mission:
To Promote Reason, Science, Freedom of Inquiry, and Ethical Alternatives in All Areas of Human Endeavor
Groundbreaking in More Ways than One!
Overcoming obstacles...planning boards...building permits...design modifications...cutting budget items...raising money in a tight economy...even though only a third of the cash is in hand, we're building now because our expanding programs can't wait. Our plans will go out to bid by the end of January.
Groundbreaking is slated for March 6th, 2005!
The 13,600 square foot addition will enhance the current headquarters of CFI-Transnational by adding 10 new offices, seminar space for 225, a cafe with an outdoor patio, and twice as much library space. The structure is designed to prepare us for the future, expanding our capability to respond whenever science and reason are threatened, setting forth secular humanist alternatives to the onslaught of religious fundamentalism. The building is a tangible symbol of the accelerated growth of the skeptical and humanist movements.
The groundbreaking is only possible because of you. You have helped build this organization and continue to for future generations. You share our vision for the future, participate in our programs, read our publications, volunteer, talk to others about the work of the Center for Inquiry and support us in so many ways. We hope that you will embrace the new Center.
You know that at CFI, we are not shy about advocating for the rights of humanists and skeptics. We are one of the few voices of reason acting as a counterbalance in the current environment of credulousness. Nor are we shy about asking for money-we can't be! We feel a strong sense of urgency. We know that there is much to do if this movement is to have an impact.
We need resources to do more-address scientific illiteracy, combat the major increase in paranormal beliefs, support the separation of church and state, and counter religious extremism and media sensationalism. In order to concentrate on our many projects, we would like to expedite our building fund drive, get this facility built, set up advanced technology, and be ready to meet the future demands. The headquarters is the hub for the activities and programs of the Center for Inquiry.
Here's why now is the time for YOU to get on board. The thermometer to the left shows our fundraising results so far.
CFI is taking a huge leap breaking ground before all the money's committed, just because our mission won't wait...now is when you need to become a supporter!
(printable pledge form: [in txt format] [in pf format])
Special Naming Opportunities
(These are some examples of plaques and bricks that commemorate the generosity of our donors. Please contact the CFI Development Department for your special needs.)
- Center for Inquiry New Research Center, Amherst, NY $1,000,000
- Atrium of New Research Center $500,000
The Atrium is the Central Entry Point for all Center Activities - Library Expansion of the New Research Center $250,000
The Library Expansion will house the continually expanding library holdings as well as study carrels for library patrons' use - Rare Book Room of New Research Center $50,000
The climate-controlled room will preserve the Library's most valuable items. - Offices of the New Research Center (10) $25,000
These offices will house staff, visiting scholars, and occasional faculty - Plaque on Office Desk (10) $5,000
- Plaque on Library Shelf (100) $2,000
- Name on a Brick in the New Research Center Patio Floor $1,000
- Small Brick $500
(printable pledge form: [in txt format] [in pdf format])
The 13,600 square foot addition will enhance the current headquarters of CFI-Transnational by adding 10 new offices, seminar space for 225, a cafe with an outdoor patio, and twice as much library space. 
The structure is designed to prepare us for the future, expanding our capability to respond whenever science and reason are threatened, setting forth secular humanist alternatives to the onslaught of religious fundamentalism. 
The groundbreaking is only possible because of you. You have helped build this organization and continue to for future generations. You share our vision for the future, participate in our programs, read our publications, volunteer, talk to others about the work of the Center for Inquiry and support us in so many ways.
