Aimed at encouraging and nurturing critical thinking skills “in an effort to eradicate suffering and intolerance in the world,” the ISU Freethinkers Alliance for Tolerance and Ethics plans to hold activities that foster conversation and debate, said Anastasia Bodnar, graduate student in agronomy and one of the founders of the organization.

“Our main goal for FATE is to provide a relaxed, laid back atmosphere where people can discuss controversial topics with no worries,” Bodnar said.

Andrew Severin, graduate student in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology-Liberal Arts and Sciences, is working with Bodnar to create the new club.

The group plans to hold its first official meeting in January.

Bodnar said she thinks ISUFATE will offer a unique opportunity for students, faculty and community members and they invite anyone from other groups to join in.

Bodnar and Severin said they believe that through activities and actions they will provide a community of freethinkers.

“We want to spread understanding throughout all different kinds of groups,” Bodnar said.

The new organization will also encourage a positive attitude.

“I feel that everybody’s connected to everyone else, this connectivity has huge implications,” Severin said. “If one person has a bad day, they could affect the moods of everyone they’re connected with that day. The same is true about a positive person.”

Severin said he believes ISUFATE and its wide range of activities will bring together its members and the community.

Some of the activities planned for the near future are a Pastafarian pasta party and an open mic night.

“We just hang out, do something and talk about whatever we want,” Bodnar said.

Severin plans on performing community service — most likely during the summer — such as becoming involved in local clean up efforts.

“We will do activities together and keep changing the world in a positive way,” Severin said.

Bodnar talked about having an event called “Grab A Brew — Share Your View,” which she picked up from a similar group at the University of Northern Iowa, called “Unify.”

“At this event, people can buy a coffee, beer or whatever they want and usually it starts off with a ‘compelling question,’ such as ‘Does Jesus matter?’ Then the group has discussion,” Bodnar said. “It’s just talking and expressing understanding.”

In accordance with the club’s open attitude, the leaders welcome any suggestions.

“If someone needs something in their life that they’re not getting right now, let us know,” Bodnar said.

Getting involved in ISUFATE

ISUFATE wants you to join their online community at www.isufate.wordpress.com, where people can get involved, make comments and become a member.