Earlier this month, I wrote about the Skepchick Challenge we’re holding to raise money for science education and outreach at this year’s SkepchickCON. This post is both a reminder of that challenge and an FAQ for those of you still deciding whether to throw some virtual loose change to the cause.
What is SkepchickCON?
SkepchickCON is the science and skepticism track at CONvergence, a sci-fi/fantasy conference held in Minneapolis every summer. We host panels, interactive workshops, live science demonstrations, and nightly parties where you can have a drink and a chat with the Skepchicks, Freethought Bloggers, and other scientists and skeptics who are participating in the panels and workshops by day.
Why do you need donations?
We do not get a cut of the conference ticket sales, and we do not charge extra for any of the panels, workshops, etc., that we host. But we do pay all travel and hotel costs for the guests we invite, which is why we need your help. Every dollar you donate today determines the level of science education and outreach we can provide at this conference, not only to skeptics but also to a much larger community of people interested in science but not necessarily aware of skepticism and the many ways in which they can use science and critical thinking to improve their lives and the world.
If the con is this summer, why the urgency for donations now?
We have to finalize our guest list now for the conference and make travel arrangements soon for the scientists and skeptics we invite. That’s why your donations this month in particular are crucial in determining who will be at the con.
I can’t make it to the conference, so why should I donate?
Aside from contributing to education and outreach, which benefits all of us, you will increase the quality and variety of the materials we produce for the public (including you), such as the writings about and recordings of the panels and other events. PLUS, if you help us reach our goal of $1,000 by March 11, Surly Amy will provide FREE psychic readings on camera, answering YOUR burning questions using her vivid imagination psychic gifts and statistical probability special connection to the dead.
How do I submit a question or special request for Psychic Surly Amy?
Submit your questions and requests for Amy in the comments below or by email.
How do I donate?
You can PayPal your donation to skepchick [at] skepchick.org or by using the widget below.
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The ball tells me that you shall soon have a case of boogie fever. I think it’s going around.