February Public Meeting: AACon Preview

NOTE: Our speaker will appear live, via Zoom on the library screen or you may watch from home.

The American Atheists National Convention is an annual event that brings together atheists from across the United States to celebrate secularism and promote the separation of church and state. The 2025 convention will be held from April 17–20 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center.

American Atheists convention attendees receive a special discounted room rate of just $139 (plus taxes and fees) per night! For more information, and to sign up for email updates, go to https://convention.atheists.org.

This year’s event promises to be a vibrant gathering with a diverse lineup of speakers, including activists, community leaders, politicians, academics, and artists. Attendees can look forward to a variety of presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to foster community and inspire action.

One of the highlights of the convention is the array of educational presentations and training workshops. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, from effective activism strategies to discussions on the latest scientific advancements and their implications for secularism. As in the past, this year’s convention aims to feature voices that offer unique perspectives on critical issues facing the atheist community today.

In addition to the formal sessions, the convention also offers numerous social events, including comedy and game nights, which provide a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to connect and build lasting relationships. The event is family-friendly, with programs like Camp Quest available for children aged 5–15, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience. With its combination of educational content, social activities, and opportunities for personal growth, the American Atheists National Convention is a must-attend event for anyone interested in advancing secular values and building a supportive community.

Our speaker, Sam McGuire, has a diverse background in counseling, education, event planning, and volunteer management. As Director of Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy she works to expand the organization’s grassroots network, shapes state-level advocacy initiatives, and builds strong coalitions with allied organizations. In this role, she oversees volunteer organizers, community leaders, and field staff to mobilize supporters, influence policy, promote secular values, and foster thriving communities.

Sam became involved in secular organizing and activism following the 2012 Reason Rally, first as a founding member of the Southern Maryland Chapter of the Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH) and later as President of the regional organization. She has volunteered with the American Humanist Association, Camp Quest Chesapeake, and the Secular Coalition for America. In 2016, she coordinated logistics and managed over 200 volunteers for the Reason Rally before being elected to the Board of Directors and serving as President of the Reason Rally Coalition. She also previously served as a volunteer regional director for American Atheists, overseeing activism in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland—a role that earned her the Atheist Activist of the Year award in 2019. She joined American Atheists’ staff that same year as National Field Director.

Sam holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuropsychology from the University of Massachusetts and a Master of Science in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She is a National Certified Counselor and a Certified Humanist Celebrant.

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Rondo Community Library
461 Dale St N
St Paul, MN 55104
(There is free underground parking off of University Ave.)

1:00 p.m.: Library and Underground Parking open. Zoom starts.
1:15–1:45 p.m.: Business Meeting plus annual board elections
1:45–2:00 p.m.: Break/Social Time
2:00–3:30 p.m.: Program
3:30 p.m.: Leave for dinner

Dinner:
Los Ocampo
615 University Avenue West
St. Paul, MN 55103
(kitty-corner from the library)
https://www.losocampo.com