Upcoming Training Workshops

CFI SECULAR CELEBRANT TRAINING
December 5, 2009
ALL-DAY WORKSHOP
Center for Inquiry Indiana
350 Canal Walk, Suite A
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

Registration:  $75
Click here to sign up.

Conference Schedule

Friday, December 4:  Travel and hotel check-in

5:00 PM — Meet, Greet, and Dinner at CFI Indiana (Dinner included in conference fee)

Saturday, December 5

8:00-9:00 AM — Breakfast at CFI Indiana (Included in conference fee)

9:00 AM — Welcome: "The Future of the Center for Inquiry Movement" — D.J. Grothe

9:30 AM — "Why Celebrate? Should secular people engage in rites and ceremonies that sometimes resemble those of religious traditions?" — Jim Underdown

10:00 AM — Getting Acquainted with the Notebook — Reba Boyd Wooden

10:30 AM — State Laws on Solemnizing Marriages — Reba Boyd Wooden

11:00 AM — Structure of a Marriage Ceremony — Jim Underdown

11:30 AM — Demonstration of a Marriage Ceremony — Reba Boyd Wooden

12:00-1:00 PM — Lunch at CFI Indiana (Included in conference fee)

1:00-4:30 PM — Afternoon Workshop: Hands on participation, work in groups to develop and share ceremonies, role play, etc. 
It is recommended (but not required) that participants research and write (at least in rough form) a marriage ceremony, same-sex commitment ceremony, memorial, and baby welcoming ceremony prior to the conference.  We will then work in groups to share and perfect these.  We will have demonstrations and role playing by different individuals/groups.  Participants will submit copies of their ceremonies.  These will be compiled and sent to participants at a later date to use as reference materials.

6:00 PM — Dinner at a local restaurant (Everyone will order from the menu and pay their own check.)

7:30 PM — Entertainment at CFI Indiana.  Jim Underdown, “An Unusual Look at the 10 Commandments: Are They Relevant to Us Today? (Featuring The 11 Strong Suggestions)”  Also, music by Indiana Friend of the Center, David Brokaw.  This will be open to local Indiana CFI members as well as conference participants.  We will have drinks and light refreshments.

Sunday, December 6

For those who do not have early morning flights, please join CFI Indiana for our weekly coffee and conversation 10:00 AM to noon.

Lodging

A block of rooms has been reserved for Celebrant Training Workshop participants for Friday, December 4, and Saturday, December 5, at the Marriott Courtyard Indianapolis at the Capitol, 320 North Senate, Indianapolis, IN, 46204.  These rooms are available at a special conference rate of $99 per night, but you must book by November 4 to receive this rate.  (It is possible that additional rooms will be available after the 4th — please call the hotel to check availability.)

Hotel reservations may be made by calling 1-800-321-2211 or 317-684-7733.  Please mention CFI Indiana to receive the special $99 rate.  To book rooms online, click here, and use these online booking codes: "ciiciia" for King Bed; "ciiciib" for Double Beds.

The Marriott is located directly across the canal from CFI Indiana where the celebrant training will be held.  It's just a short walk across the bridge and to the Center, no more than a couple blocks.  CFI Indiana volunteers will provide transportation to and from this hotel and the airport.  Participants are welcome to stay elsewhere, however individuals not staying at the Marriott will be responsible for their own transportation to and from CFI Indiana and the airport.

Instructors

CFI Secular Celebrant Training in Indianapolis will be led by Reba Boyd Wooden, Executive Director of CFI Indiana, and Jim Underdown, Executive Director of CFI Los Angeles.  Both have performed many dozens of ceremonies and have taught the art of secular celebrations to many others.  They will be joined by D.J. Grothe, CFI Vice President and Director of Outreach Programs.

Additional Information