October 7, 2023

6:30 PM - Doors Open

Enjoy live ambient music performed by Abraham Mackey

Take photos with friends after visting the appetizers and desserts

Stop by the open bar and grab a drink

View the Silent Auction table and bid on a few treasures

7:30 PM - Program Begins

Welcome and Thanks

Live Music by Abraham Mackey

Explosive Science by Jen Young

Scholarship Winners Recognition

Stand Up Comedy by Maryam Moosavi

9:30 PM - Program Ends

Thanks and recognition

Silent Auction ends

Guests grab their exclusive gift bags

October 8, 2023

The theme of our twenty-second event shines a well-deserved spotlight on the scientific method and those who use it to better humanity.  Living in the Golden State, it seems there is no shortage of inspiring examples:

we've witnessed spectacular advancements in gene editing, developed by researchers in Berkeley, helping us find new ways to feed vast populations or stop the spread of disease,

our friends at Lawrence Livermore National Labs have achieved net-positive fusion energy,

we've seen the successful application of mRNA vaccines, which saved billions of lives, thanks to the research and clinical trials conducted throughout the UC system,

after its assembly in Redondo Beach, we launched the JWST to improve our view of the stars, and

new developments in machine learning by dozens of companies in Silicon Valley are making information more accessible in creative ways.

Of course, these discoveries come with new challenges and ethical questions that are of no surprise to any fan of science-fiction.

But today, we choose to focus on the hope that science brings us and those who have dedicated their lives to its advancement. We'll celebrate the growth of STEM in our schools and a new wave of students inspired to pursue a career in science, right here in California... because science is golden... and there's no better time to acknowledge that than today, and no better place than here at our state capitol.

Schedule:

10:45 AM

Capitol Park Tour
If you've signed up for the free Capitol Park Tour, meet at our stage (West Steps) to gather with the others. At 10:50 AM, we'll walk you to the tour starting point.

11:00 AM

Exhibitor Tables and Early Registration
Arrive early and visit our sponsors, community groups, and other non-profit organizations.
Visit the Registration table to check-in and receive your free color program and any goodies you've paid for like a snack, button, t-shirt, or signed poster.

12:00 Noon

Trace Dominguez
Emcee's Welcome
Host of Star Gazers, Trace will welcome our attendees and introduce everyone to the stage throughout the afternoon.

12:10 PM

David Diskin
Opening Remarks
Our committee president will say a few words about this year's theme.

12:15 PM

Presentation to Sen. Nancy Skinner
CA Senator from District 9
We'll be recognizing Nancy for her history of activism and policy in criminal justice, income equality, environmental preservation, and healthcare access (including gender-affirming care).
The Senator has not yet confirmed whether she will join us in person.

12:30 PM

Dr. Darrel Ray
Author, President of Recovering from Religion
Darrel is the founder and president of Recovering from Religion and a psychologist for over forty years. With a Doctorate in Psychology, he will speak on the science behind religious trauma.

1:00 PM

Break
Vist with our exhibitors or take a stroll around the park. Don't forget to visit our Freethinker Gallery and, if you're a Supporter, grab a snack and drink.

1:10 PM

Authors' and Podcasters' Panel
Moderated by Thomas Smith, our panel is a great way to learn about some new authors and podcasters or have your questions answered.

2:05 PM

Scholarship Winners
Our winning students will be invited to take the stage and read their work.

2:20 PM

Abraham "Steve" Mackey
Musician
Steve does what he loves doing most by entertaining audiences with his singing voice, guitar playing, and sharing of stories and classic hits from the rich history of 1960’s and 70’s rock and roll.

3:00 PM

Break
Say hello to Uncle Sam and try out a little juggling or stop by a few of our sponsor's tables during this extended break.

3:10 PM

Community Panel
Join us as we give the stage to a handful of local, regional, and national non-profit organizations so they can teach tell you about their important work.

3:20 PM

Community Awards
We'll recognize Ryan Bell for his statewide advocacy towards tenant rights, housing justice, and social justice while demonstrating the values of secular humanism.

3:25 PM

Group Photo
Grab your banners and signs and gather up for our annual group photo.

3:35 PM

Break
This is the last break before we draw door prize winners, so complete your survey (found in the program) and turn it in at the registration table.

3:45 PM

Jen Young and Science Alliance
Science Educators
Jen inpsires and educates young minds through hands-on learning that they will never forget after founding Science Alliance in 2020. With a BA in Education and a minor in Chemistry, Jen has worked with the National Institute of Science Education (NISE) to create STEM kits for over 2000 organizations.

4:30 PM

Freethought Day Committee

After introducing those who make the day possible, our committee will:
select our door prize winners
year's inductees to our Freethinker Gallery
recognize those we've lost in memoriam

4:45 PM

Dr. Candace Lawson
Family Physician
Candace, after completing her family medicine residency at UC Davis, devoted her career to teaching medical residents and working with Sacramento's underserved population.

5:15 PM

Nancy Gonzalez
Poet, Activist, and Educator
Nancy is the inaugural poet laureate of Lodi (2023) whose poetry has appeared in Huizache: The Magazine of Latino Literature, Poetry of Resistance, and more. several other literary journals. For over 20 years, Nancy has also been an elementary school teacher.

5:25 PM

Closing Words
Emery and David will return to the stage to close out the event.

Register

Date: October 7-8, 2023

Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm, 11:00am - 5:30pm

Location: Various Venue in Sacramento

Cost: $0 – $485

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