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Schedule

Friday

October 4, 2024

The Dover Panda Trial 𝑓. John de Lancie

Sacramento Memorial Auditorium
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A one of-a-kind event featuring John de Lancie, performing his radio play about the famous Dover trial. This is a separate event with advance registration required.
Doors open at 6:30 PM and the program starts at 7PM.

Saturday

October 5, 2024

Fundraising Reception

Reason Center
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Our Fundraising Reception (a separate, ticketed event) is your first chance to meet our speakers and special guests up close, in a small setting with an open bar, and a unique program.
Doors open at 6:30 PM and the program starts at 7 PM.

Sunday

October 6, 2024

Main Event

California State Capitol Building, West Steps
The program for our annual event, free to attend, starts at 12:00 noon (see below), but arrive early so you have time to check out the Interactive Art exhibit, Freethinker Gallery, community groups, winning scholarship entries, and more. The livestream of the event will start a few minutes before 12:00 noon. Links to the livestream will be sent to all registered guests prior to the event. All times are subject to change.
Free Registration
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

Community 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

Ricky "CaptainDadPool" Brock

Emcee's Welcome
Ricky, better known online as "CaptainDadPool" is an Army vet, father, and former evangelical Christian who is now the State Director (PA) for American Atheists.
12:10 PM

David Diskin

Opening Remarks
Our committee president will say a few words about this year's theme.
12:15 PM

Julia B. Levine

Poet Laureate of Davis, CA
This year's guest poet has been recognized for her work in building resiliency in teenagers related to climate change through poetry, science, and technology.
12:25 PM

Presentation to Sen. Susan Eggman

CA Senator from District 5
We'll be recognizing Susan for her history of activism on LGBT+ issues and policy in healthcare, particularly her authoring the End of Life Option Act. The Senator regrets that she will not be able to join us.
12:30 PM

Dr. Anthony Pinn

Professor and Author
Anthony teaches humanities and religion at Rice University and Director of Research for the Institute for Humanist Studies – a Washington, DC-based think tank. He has authored more than 35 books on topics spanning Humanism, race, religion, and more.
12:55 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. Learn more.
1:50 PM

Scholarship Winners

Our winning students will be invited to take the stage and read their work. Learn more.
2:05 PM

Sean O'Brien

As Robert Ingersoll
Sean has for many years been performing, directing and teaching the art of acting in professional, community and educational theaters across the country. Today he'll perform as Robert Ingersoll, a lawyer, Civil War veteran, politician, and a very well known public speaker... often advertised as "The Great Agnostic."
2:20 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.
2:40 PM

eggcorn

Live Entertainment
This indie musician from the Bay Area launched an introspective, intergalactic soundscape with indie rock, folktronica, and art pop influences.
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 Don Knutson, Laura Heywood, and James Underdown and for their incredible work building our secular community and helping others.
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.
3:50 PM

Group Photo

Grab your banners and signs and gather up for our annual group photo.
3:55 PM

Rob Boston

Writer, Advocate, Activist
Rob is the Senior Adviser at Americans United for Separation of Church and State. He is also the chief writer for AU’s “Wall of Separation” blog. Rob has appeared in three documentaries: “We Believe in Dinosaurs,” (2019), “American Heretics” (2019) and “God & Country” (2024).
4:20 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
4:35 PM

Jason Torpy

Former Army Captain, President MAAF
Since enlisting in 1994, Jason has addressed secular issues in Army basic training, Army parachutist training, military academy programs, and while deployed to Iraq. Jason has served on the boards of the Secular Coalition for America, the American Humanist Association, and the Humanist Society.
4:55 PM

Fish Stark

Executive Director, American Humanist Association
Fish is an organizer, educator, social entrepreneur, and recently joined the American Humanist Association as its Executive Director. Previously, Fish served as the Director of Programs at Peace First, a global nonprofit that provides training and funding to youth social justice activists.
5:15 PM

Closing Words

Our emcee and David will return to the stage to close out the event.