By hearing a variety of views on a topic, a better informed, more balanced opinion results.

The formula is simple, and has no hidden agenda.

How the Freethinking Movement Affects Society
It transforms cultures; promotes goodwill and encourages people to think independently, without the need for faith in a particular religion. People form their own opinions on topics through a free and open discussion with others, reducing the power of influential individuals/organizations/media. It thus improves the quality of governments, the laws they enact and the well being of society as a whole.

There is no underlying religious/political agenda - the aim is not to come to an agreed position on the topics in particular, but to encourage the interaction amongst members.

There is a theme of freedom of thought, honesty, democracy, and equality.

It's a great feeling to have people actively listen to what you have to say. People with strongly held, unchallenged views, will find it thought provoking.

After the meeting, some may like socialize at a local coffee shop or member's home.

So why not start-up a group yourself, and be part of the new millennium in thinking.

How to Start Up a Group
The most effective way of recruiting new members is through the friends and associates of people who already attend. But first you need to get a group of members, and have a friendly atmosphere established, which takes time. So at the start you'll most probably need to advertise in the newspaper etc.

• Re-advertise your club with any extra cash you gain as proceeds from the group (newspaper ads, flyers, posters etc.). Try and get a newspaper to write an editorial on your group. Remember to keep all receipts and write down how you have spent the money, for all to see at the next meeting. This will reduce negative thinking; negative thinking can destroy your group. Encourage people to express positive views on things.

• The group may like to rotate the person used as a contact in your ads.

• Try and get everyone to be involved in writing questions and facilitating groups. Spread the duties around, don't load yourself up with all the responsibilities; try and move people from thinking it's 'your' group, it's owned by the members that attend; it's owned by everyone (although you are the founder, and you'll need to focus on keeping the group on track for a while). If people think you 'own' the group, they may stop coming should they not like your personality. Also, by getting everyone involved in writing questions etc. they become more loyal and have a vested interest in it's success. So rather than play politics, avoid the spotlight of attention unless you need to clear up issues etc..

  Some of the benefits people (including yourself) will gain by getting actively involved include an more open-minded disposition, friendship, personal development, confidence, improved conversation and public speaking skills. The more benefits a person gets from attending, the more likely they'll keep coming (although you might need to encourage shy people to gradually get actively involved). Over a month or so you'll realize that people are changing, they'll be growing, and getting more comfortable with the idea of questioning people's opinions - an friendly, non-dogmatic, open-minded sub-culture is developing, which, over time, you might realize is very different from the outside world. It can get quite addictive, after a few months you'll hopefully get a core of members who will be anxious not to miss a week.

• Since the person who volunteered to write the questions the previous week has already thought through the topic, it's ideal for him/her to lead one of the groups. The question sheet is useful as it helps people stay focused, especially in the groups that aren't lead by the author of the questions.

• Train a few of the regular members on how to run the group, in case you are sick or can't make it one week.

  At first there will no doubt be some power struggles, as people who attend that have a variety of histories and beliefs. Its important to keep the group focused on the four objectives (communication, freethinking, goodwill and increased membership). Here are some issues that you and your facilitators should watch out for and sensitively address, to ensure a genuine, friendly culture grows;

• Statements, e.g. "I believe..." or "I think...". These make it uncomfortable for others to debate their views and stifle conversation.
• Personal attacks, e.g. "don't be so naive".
• Dismissive comments, e.g. "your not qualified to make such comments".
• Statements who’s aim is to attack the credibility of another, e.g. "Only an idiot would consider the earth to be round".
• Judgmental attitudes, e.g. "how could you do such a thing!".
• Dictators: The group needs to be as 'flat' as possible. No-one is to be considered as a guru, everyone's opinions should be open to questioning (it can be a humbling experience for some). Your role is to cultivate a freethinking, friendly culture, not to dictate what the 'right' thing is that people should think. Everyone should be encouraged to ask "why?". With this in mind I'd like to mention a few things to watch for;
  • People quoting texts or authors (don't take the quote as truth, encourage people to draw on personal experience where possible); wisdom comes from understanding concepts, not memorizing texts.
  • People who speak with a dominating, hostile tone. Ensure someone questions them, so their belief of unquestioned superiority is challenged.
  • People who try an intimidate or patronize others; they can push positive thinkers out of the group. Challenge them, defend the person under attack, if they aren't confident enough to defend themselves. You might like to speak with both the bully and the victim separately after the meeting. The bully must be pulled into line!
  • People who hold fast to their beliefs, despite their flawed/superficial foundation; they aren't freethinkers.