[DISCLOSURE: Richard Leis, Jr. is an adviser of a transhumanist club at the University of Arizona and has donated US$150 to the World Transhumanist Association for this fundraising campaign.]

The World Transhumanist Association (WTA) announced yesterday the launch of a fundraising campaign to raise $25,000 by January 31, 2008.  All funds donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar by sponsors Bill Faloon, co-founder of the Life Extension Foundation and editor of the Life Extension magazine, and Brian Cartmell, serial internet entrepreneur and founder of Cartmell Holdings, LLC.  The WTA hopes to raise up to US$50,000 to support their identity and website redesign, an upcoming digital magazine entitled “H+”, student outreach programs, and their next Transvision Conference.

Transhumanism is the global social movement and philosophy that embraces the ethical use of current and expected technology advances to enhance human capabilities and mitigate human suffering.  Rapid technological progress suggests individuals will soon enjoy “longer, healthier, smarter, and happier lives” as described in the WTA’s press release for the campaign.

As of this evening the campaign has raised over $2000.