ACTIVITIES OF THOMAS PAINE FRIENDS
Three major activities are proceeding. Each has its separate link in this Thomas Paine Friends Web site:
~ THOMAS PAINE DAY ~ NEWSLETTER ~ PADL (Paine Anti-Defamation League) ~
Other projects that are proposed:
ESSAY/ART PROGRAM FOR YOUTH. [Not yet in progress. Looking for volunteers for a Committee.] Modeled after the Thomas Paine / Moncure Conway essay contests that were held for four years by Friends of Central Rappahannock Regional Library in Fredericksburg VA and nearby communities, an ambitious and worthy plan is to revive the contests and, under Thomas Paine Friends sponsorship, to expand into as many localities as possible. The program will be in the hands of members and volunteers in the various localities, going to the state levels when enough contests in localities have caught on.
Contact person is Sherwood V. Smith, paineiteone@yahoo.com .
LETTER-WRITING TO MEDIA. A coordinated effort is underway to have residents in each state write a letter or opinion piece to a major newspaper in the capital city, for publication just before January 29th, Thomas Paine Day. Each state resident / volunteer is encouraged to write an article, however, Thomas Paine Friends can assist by providing model letters and background material such as a selection of quotations from Paine's writings and testimonials to him. TPF will supply the entire letter to the editor if the resident / volunteer prefers, to be signed and sent by the resident /volunteer.
Contact Robert N. Walsh, tpainein50@bellsouth.net .
CONTACT STATE OFFICES. In conjunction with the Letter-Writing Campaign, state residents / volunteers can also contact state offices in their State Houses, such as the governor's office and legislators' offices. The object is for the volunteers to thank the officials for previous support of Thomas Paine Day Resolutions and to remind them of the approaching Thomas Paine Day, by enclosing a small poster and requesting that it be displayed prominently in the State House to usher in the upcoming Thomas Paine Day on January 29th. Again, sample letters and other supporting materials, plus the poster, are available from TPF. Contact Robert N. Walsh, tpainein50@bellsouth.net .
ANNUAL DINNERS & RECEPTIONS. Each locality has a golden opportunity to hold a festive event for Thomas Paine Day, January 29th, every year, or possibly at another suitable time of the year, for instance, Independence Day. These affairs might be small initially, but would be enjoyable gatherings as well as opportunities to get out press releases and inform local officials, schools, libraries, etc., about Thomas Paine. For information & suggestions on planning events,
contact Martha Spiegelman, spiegelman22@yahoo.com, or any board member; and to list an event in the newsletter, BULLETIN of Thomas Paine Friends, contact Martha Spiegelman.
EXHIBITS FOR LIBRARIES, SCHOOLS, TOWN HALLS, etc. Several communities have arranged exhibits ranging from a single Thomas Paine poster to collections of memorabilia to video showings. Those who have already produced these exhibits are ready to assist others to assemble an exhibit or plan another kind of public event.
Contact Martha Spiegelman, spiegelman22@yahoo.com, or Robert N. Walsh, tpainein50@bellsouth.net .
CIVICS COURSES. [In formation is a TPF committee to develop some teaching materials and encourage the teaching and learning of civics in the schools.] Several members express interest in encouraging understanding of American representative democracy, civic and political responsibility and participation. In many secondary schools, courses in civics are not being required, sometimes not even offered. Courses in American history are sometimes given the job of providing information on citizen role in the civic life.
Contact Irwin Spiegelman, spieg52@yahoo.com, or Sherwood V. Smith, paineiteone@yahoo.com
OUTREACH / PUBLICITY / PUBLIC RELATIONS. TPF needs to contact numerous groups that would have an interest in Thomas Paine, and might lend support in some projects. Some groups to be contacted are historical societites, humanist societies, libraries, cultural and civic associations. So far, only limited attempts have been made in a few localities. Letters to introduce Thomas Paine Friends to such groups are needed. Contact any officer or board member.
MEMBERSHIP and FUNDRAISING. Proposals and volunteers are needed for two drives: to gain and keep members and to solicit funds. Seeking out appropriate funding agencies and making applications for grants is an important immediate task.
Contact Joyce Chumbley, JChum80600@aol.com, or Martha Spiegelman, spiegelman22@yahoo.com
NATIONAL MOMUMENT INITIATIVE. Fourteen years ago Congress approved and the President signed into Law a Thomas Paine National Memorial which would be constructed on the Mall in Washington DC. Unfortunately, the time ran out on the project -- funds were insufficient and the Commissions that would have had to accept the design and plan did not make an acceptance in view of the insufficient funding. A new beginning can be made, and Thomas Paine Friends is conferring with other Paine groups to see whether to start again.
Contact Sherwood V. Smith, paineiteone@yahoo.com, or any board member.
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BECOME A VOLUNTEER ON ANY ACTIVITY.
TPF WELCOMES SUGGESTIONS AND ACTIONS
THAT WILL PROMOTE KNOWLEDGE OF THOMAS PAINE
AND RECOGNITON OF HIS GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS.
CONTACT ANY OFFICER OR BOARD MEMBER.
Irwin Spiegelman, President, spieg52@yahoo.com
Timothy Nelms, Vice President, timothynelms@hotmail.com
Vernon Turner, Treasurer, vern.turner@verizon.net
Martha Spiegelman, Secretary, spiegelman22@yahoo.com
Joyce Chumbley, JChum80600@aol.com
Sherwood N. Smith, paineiteone@yahoo.com
Robert N. Walsh, tpainein50@bellsouth.net
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