Kate is a junior studying psychology and human development at Northwestern University. She is the president of Northwestern's Secular Student Alliance and a writer at Teen Skepchick, Heresy Club, and various other places around the internet. Sometimes she sleeps.
If you’ve been anywhere on blogs today, you may have noticed an increase in nice comments. That’s because today is Anti-Trolling Day, the creation of Mike Mei. According to him, anti-trolling is counter-acting the effects of trolling (or similar behaviors) by commenting or tweeting positive things in response to good work, or to bloggers or activists you appreciate. Mike also took some time to answer some questions about the reasoning behind this event. Why are you doing Anti-Trolling Day (ATD)? I am… Read more
Twenty years ago, Mary Johnson was a nun. In fact, until 1997, Johnson was serving as a nun under Mother Teresa in the Missionaries of Charity. In her time with the woman excoriated by Christopher Hitchens in The Missionary Position, she travelled Europe, trained other sisters, and studied theology. Since leaving the order, Johnson has married, written a book (An Unquenchable Thirst: Following Mother Teresa in Search of Love, Service, and an Authentic Life), and become a non-believer. As a… Read more
A few weeks ago, I talked about burnout over at Teen Skepchick, where I also contribute. It got reposted a few times, I saw some discussion on Facebook and Twitter about the toll activism can take on people. But, you know? I don’t think I’ve been having it so hard. Natalie Reed, a contributor to Freethought Blogs, uses a pseudonym but is in danger of losing her anonymity, with potentially life-and-livelihood-threatening consequences. Around midnight last night, she published this (and… Read more
Two months ago, two young atheists filed a lawsuit in Tennessee. They wanted the Hamilton County Commissioners to stop praying — in Jesus’ name, no less — at meetings. They wanted the commission to replace the prayer to with a moment of silence because, in the words of one of the plaintiffs Tommy Coleman: We are doing this for everyone of every faith [and] people of none. It is only through a moment of silence that everyone is heard. Also… Read more
Remember Secular Woman? An organization dedicated to supporting the interests and work of women in the secular movement, they made a splash right out of the gate, appearing in Glenn Beck’s The Blaze, listing a Speakers Bureau, offering memberships, and advertising the wares of their members. Now, just two weeks after launching, Secular Woman has announced a partnership with Skepticon 5 to offer travel grants to women who would be otherwise unable to attend. At least ten women will recieve the money… Read more
