Committee for Skeptical Inquiry

[Barry Karr <SkeptInq@aol.com>]

 Dear Friend,

 This letter is not a solicitation. It is not a proposal. It is part of a
feasibility study. It is an introduction to some methodical research.
Research is vital to any ongoing organization, especially for people who
pride themselves in truth and accuracy.

 We have devoted much thought and action to the establishment of a Center for
Inquiry in Southern California. After some difficult moments during the early
years, we are now proud to say that the Center for Inquiry-West is operating
smoothly and successfully, with stimulating programs for anyone interested in
rationalism, skepticism, or humanism.

 The Center for Inquiry-West, with a permanent staff of five, however, is
still operating in an old gray warehouse and paying rent, while real estate
prices are escalating. The time to establish a permanent home is at hand. Our
movement needs a Center.

 We are pleased to tell you that we have found such a place! Contractual
restrictions do not allow us to broadcast any details, but we can say that it
is on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. It is a modern building with
parking for at least 70 cars and an auditorium for at least 200 truth-hungry
people and smaller workshop rooms. The surroundings are clean and
wholesome-looking, with an outdoor art museum and an additional meeting place
across the street.

 We are happy to report that we are establishing a national MEDIA CENTER to
counter swiftly and effectively the current, mounting wave of unreason so
damaging to American life. It will eventually have additional full-time staff
of four and new state-of-the-art equipment in a city known for rapid and
effective communication. We intend to get into media monitoring in a big way:
to respond to the spiritual-paranormal media with scientific-rationalist
alternatives.


 The cost will not be especially low. But the impact will be enormous. Here
is the latest breakdown:

 CFIW 2000 CAMPAIGN BUDGET November, 2000
 ITEM                                            COST

 Building purchase                              $1,600,000
 Closing costs                                        $25,000
 Renovations and remodeling                  $500,000
 Total building costs                            $2,125,000


 Equipment for Media Center &
     Production Facility + 3-yr.
     operating budget                                $495,000
 Endowment                                        $2,000,000
 Cost of Capital Campaign                       $300,000
 Sub-sub total                                      $4,920,000
 Raised Thus Far: $1,700,000.
 Operating costs so far: $915,000
 Less Balance retained in building fund     -$406,000
 Less retained trusts and
     Endowment Funds                             -$579,000
                                                            _________
 Total Campaign Goal                            $4,135,000

 I wish there were words adequate to describe our gratitude to our first 300
donors, who gave us nearly $1.7 million at the beginning of the campaign.
Without them, we would not have gotten started at all. But a large portion of
that money ($369,000) was in the form of deferred gifts -- money that won't
convert to cash for 10-25 years. Much of the rest has been for operations
during the complex and demanding startup period. We have retained $405,000 in
the building fund. The balance needed is $4,135,000.

 What about this feasibility study? The sum of $4.135 million is a large one
for us. How will we develop that kind of capital? What will it cost to do so?
How long will it take? These and similar questions can be answered through
this study. The study will be conducted through the auspices and expertise of
Kimberly Development Systems of Santa Barbara, California. This is the same
firm that helped raise the money for the Center for Inquiry headquarters in
Amherst in 1995, raising not just the $2 million originally sought for it,
but almost $5 million. KDS is number one in America in helping rationalism
reach its urgent capital objectives.

 Because of your dedication to rationalist ideals, you have been selected for
postal interview. Please answer the questions seriously. We would be grateful
if you could mail them back within 24 hours, using the return envelope
provided. Or, fax it to us at 805-565-9797. Your answers will be synthesized
for statistical purposes. Your response will be kept completely confidential.
However, you may be contacted for amplification, clarification, or
elaboration.

 We may not be in a position to thank every individual who participates in
this study, as we anticipate a crush of responses. But rest assured, we are
profoundly grateful in advance for any informational help you can provide us.
Many thanks.

 With best wishes,

 Most sincerely,

 Paul Kurtz
 Chairman, Center for Inquiry

 James Underdown
 Executive Director, Center for Inquiry-West

 Barry Karr
 Executive Director, Center for Inquiry-International


 THE CENTER FOR INQUIRY-WEST
 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

 Paul Kurtz, Chairman  *  Jim Underdown, Barry Karr, Executive Directors.

 The Feasibility Study of 2000: POSTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

 PLEASE RETURN to Center for Inquiry 2000 Postal Questionnaire, PO Box 741,
Amherst NY 14226-0741. Or fax to 716-636-1733.
 [Serious answers only, please.]

 TITLE_____ NAME [Please print throughout]_________________________
 MAIN ADDRESS__________________________________________________
 TOWN_______________________STATE________ 9-DIGIT ZIP___________
 PHONE______________________FAX________________E-MAIL__________
 OCCUPATION________________ WHERE_____________________________
 MARITAL STATUS____________ SPOUSE'S NAME____________________
 FIRST DIGIT IN AGE 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9? HIGHEST EDUCATION LEVEL_______
 TODAY'S DATE: _______________. FAVORITE HOBBY__________________

 1. Have you been a rationalist since teen-hood? Y____N____

 2. Is your spouse a rationalist? Y____N____

 3. Are you a skeptic [science] or secular humanist [ethics, morality and
faith] or agnostic [uncertain about religion]? S____
SH____A____Other____________

 4. Do you endorse the concept of a God who answers prayer? Y____ N_____

 5. A. Do you read the SKEPTICAL INQUIRER Magazine? Y_______N______

 5. B. How would you rate the overall quality of SKEPTICAL INQUIRER Magazine
on a scale of 10, with 10 being the best?________________________

 6. A. Do you read FREE INQUIRY Magazine? Y_____ N_____

 6. B. How would you rate the overall quality of FREE INQUIRY Magazine on a
scale of 10?_____

 7. How would you rate the programs of the Committee for the Scientific
Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal and the Council for Secular
Humanism at the Center for Inquiry-West on a scale of 10, if you have
attended one or more?______

 8. If you answered #7,which one do you remember most favorably?

 9. Are you now a dues-paying member of the Center for Inquiry-West? Y____
N___. If asked, would you be inclined to join at $45 a year? Y____ N___.

 10.    The Center for Inquiry has at last purchased a fine building for its
headquarters on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. The idea is to have an
attractive home for the movement in the West and, instead of rent, pay money
into a permanent asset. This would be a splendid West Coast and National
Center for Skepticism and humanism. Do you favor such a strategy? Y____ N____
?____

 11.    Do you sense that the CFIW should create and run more programs for
youngsters? Y____ N____ ?____    What types?

 12.    The new CFIW plans to have a Media Center, with professional public
relations executives and support personnel, who will respond to irresponsible
claims in the news media and spread the word about skepticism and humanism.
Do you favor this concept? Y____ N____ ?____

 13.    The new CFIW may have additional endowment in the amount of
$2,000,000 -- capital intended to supply dividends, interest and capital
gains to provide permanent supplementary income. Do you favor this concept?
Y_____ N_____ ?_____

 14.    During Phase I of the CFIW funding program, 1996-99, $1.7 million was
raised, but a good part of it was in wills and trusts and other agreements
that may not pay off for 10-25 years. The hard money was used mainly for
overhead and other costs of operation, while the search for real estate
continued. Approximately $314,000 has been retained. The new building, the
endowment and the Media Center will need a new supplementary fundraising goal
of $4.1 million. Is the LA Rationalist/Humanist Community ready for this kind
of goal, in your opinion? Y____ N____ ?____

 15.    The Phase II Fund Campaign will feature bronze plaques dedicated to
anyone donating any seven-figure sum, payable over 3-5 years. There will be
one for the donor in his/her home or office and one for the CFIW. Would you
seriously consider making such a gift yourself? Y____ N____ ?____

 16.    Phase II will also feature walnut plaques with brass fittings
dedicated to those making six-figure gifts payable over 3-5 years. There will
be one for the donor and one for CFIW to be on permanent display. Would you
seriously consider making such a gift yourself? Y_____ N____ ?____

 17.    Phase II will also feature oaken plaques dedicated to those making
five-figure gifts, payable over 3-5 years. There will be one for the donor
and one for CFIW display. Would you seriously consider making such a gift
yourself? Y____ N____?_____

 18.    Phase II will also feature maple plaques dedicated to those making
four-figure gifts, payable over 3-5 years. There will be one for the donor
and one for CFIW display. Would you seriously consider making such a gift?
Y____ N____ ?____

 19.    Phase II will also feature an etched crystal display board listing
all those who have pledged in writing to make charitable trusts or bequests
in their wills. Such gifts -- big or small -- will be used to capitalize
further the permanent endowment. Would you be interested in considering
making such a commitment? Y____ N____ ?____

 20.    Do you favor the idea of an unrestricted endowment in the millions
for the benefit of the growth and development of the CFIW? Y____ N ____ ?____

 21.    Have you ever donated to charity? Y____ N ____ ?____

 22.    Have you ever made a three- to five-year pledge to charity? Y ____
N____ ?_____

 23.    If Phase II is launched, could CFIW count on you for help through...

                     Time?      Y____ N____ ?____
                     Talent?        Y____ N____ ?____
                     Treasure?      Y____ N____ ?____

 Thank you for your participation. Your answers will be kept confidential.