Community of Reason

CHARTER
for the
The Coalition for the Community of Reason

The Coalition for the Community of Reason (CCR) is a forum of national organizations representing and representative of the reason-based people in the United States who do not accept supernatural views of reality.

POSITION:

The CCR is committed to the application of reason, science and experience to better understand the universe and to solve human problems. We believe people can pursue knowledge, find meaning, and derive responsible ethical codes without reference to supernatural forces. We believe our highest obligations are to our families and communities, that morality is based on how our actions affect others, that deeds are more important than creeds, and that compassion takes precedence over dogma.

MISSION:

The mission of the CCR is to encourage and support that part of the U.S. population with no theistic beliefs to openly and proudly proclaim their stance. We pledge our best efforts to increase public awareness and acceptance of the respectability of our position, and to protect that position in our society.

MEMBERSHIP:

In admitting other organizations to membership, current members shall take into consideration whether the organization is:

National in scope

Non-theistically oriented

Institutionally and financially independent

Democratically structured

REPRESENTATION:

Each member organization shall be entitled to two votes cast by one or two representatives. The chair with the consent of the members present may invite others to attend.

PROCEDURE:

A chair selected by the member organizations shall draw up agendas and preside over meetings. The chair shall make every effort to facilitate agreement by consensus. Items fully discussed at a regular meeting and other time-sensitive items may be voted upon by email.

GOVERNANCE:

The CCR shall be democratically self-governed. The business of the CCR, including the eventual adoption of bylaws, shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order (current revised edition), except where otherwise prescribed in this Charter.

Accepted by the following CHARTER MEMBERS:

Summary of Meeting Minutes