Richy Thompson
director of Public Affairs and Policy for “Humanists UK”
Richy Thompson came to give a talk to Cornwall Humanists at their monthly meeting on 18th September.
Richy described six areas of “Humanists UK” activity, to a well-attended meeting.
- Government Contacts – Speaking with central government in London, through contacts with civil servants and MPs. The all-party Humanist group of 100 MPs, led by Crispin Blunt, is very important.
- Research – publicising relevant research and undertaking new research when necessary.
- Campaigns – Encouraging members and supporters to advance campaigns for change, by writing to MPs, writing letters to newspapers, and organising protests.
- Media – Promoting the inclusion of a Humanist perspective in newspapers, television, and other public media.
- Legal – Challenging illegal practices, and supporting individuals who are going to court to fight injustice, such as the refusal of assisted dying.
- Advice – Helping people who are suffering from unfair discrimination in a faith school, or who are struggling with the imposition of Collective Worship.
What can we do in Cornwall?
Richy gave examples of what we could do locally, to advance Humanism.
We could attend the constituency surgery of our local MP to learn about their standpoint, and ask for their support in advancing Humanist ideals.
We can try to influence local decision making through our membership of SACRE, the body advising Cornwall Council on Religious Education.
We can make sure that our views are publicised in local newspapers, and heard on local radio and television.