Sorry for the lateness. This afternoon found me writing a long letter to a friend of a friend of a girlfriend about getting more involved in skepticism (Sorry the email is so long, if you’re reading this!). I think I gave some good advice, but I’m curious what you all think.
What would you recommend to skeptics who want to get involved in skepticism?
The ART Inquisition (or AI) is a question posed to you, the Mad Art Lab community. Look for it to appear Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 3pm ET. Photo courtesy of Shamey Jo, because I couldn’t find any other images to use.
“No idea or effort is too small”. I think many people do not participate because they “feel” or act as if everything has been done and said. Do not discourage, but much less by yourself!
Perhaps the best advice IMHO is to associate – to “come out” and find other like-minded and start reuniting for idea exchange and plain fun gathering.
Finally, but most important, keep it fun and respectful. Skeptics are often confused with cynics. Do not hurt your own cause
Also: first!!!uno!
Here’s a thing.
Most skeptical organizations (a.k.a Cat Herding Conglomerates) are all-volunteer.
It’s one of those things that everyone knows, but sometimes doesn’t sink in: all-volunteer means that anything which needs to be done has to be done by someone.
I say this because for a while I was (mildly) complaining about how my local group of skeptics wasn’t doing what I thought should be done. And I was politely reminded what “all-volunteer” means…
And, of course, if you don’t have a local skeptic group, start one! Then you get to be prez, vice-prez, and top rockstar!
Don’t be shy, but don’t go all gung-ho either. You’re going to encounter trolls, be prepared. I suggest a +3 mace vs trolls.