The suggested resolutions are of value. 1.I do not go about shouting my beliefs or values, but when the situation is appropriate I do not flinch about them.
2.I would like to join a local group. However, this city I am in seems overly religious in nature. The nearest person that I know certainly is an atheist is over 20 miles away. Not saying there are not others, but they are invisible.
3.I have worn clothing expressing my belief in evolution. To wear anything more provocative here might lead to me becoming a walking torch, instead of billboard.
4.Help build the secular constituency in my own political party. Wow, again, am I alone here in this burg?
5. Keep up with issues that affect me.
Yes. I am doing this.
6.Become a super e activist. I try to do this.
7.Become a citizen lobbyist. Gee, I don’t know. I had trouble with presentations in front of class.
8.write letters to the editor and call radio shows. I can write, I’ll do that. Local radio is dead.
9.Give my time or money to groups that share my secular views. I gladly do that already.

I hope I am not too tepid in my committment.

DW, I ASSURE you, you are not along in your burb.  Everyone else is closeted.

I can start with these great blogs: The Friendly Atheist, Rant & Reason and The Wall of Separation. I will also check out FFRF’s Church/State FAQ’s for a handy legal primer.

Bummer…

A “well informed electorate” is the greatest thing that can happen for America…

Whatever, meaningless.

Dave, we already talked about this, that it’s two different things, keeping religion out of politics and elections, and keeping it out of legislation. It’s okay to keep on doing what you do, if you’ve found your niche. I think no one should pressure to do more unless those who know you better than I do think you can play an important part in a bigger role. Make Jesus proud, earn your berth in heaven!! That was a joke, put down your pitchforks!!

NeoWolfe

During Bush’s big inaguration demonstration, some of our picketers managed to get on TV news. I believe AA received a copy of that too.

I think it’s also important to show the world that Atheist and separationist groups are more interested in accomplishing our separation goals, rather than siding with one president or another. Bill Clinton comes to mind, when he began to display more religiosity than most presidents ever had before. AA complained, and I’m glad, even though I still like Bill.

I think Christians in the Democratic Party vs. Christians in the Republican Party are kind of like Hertz vs. Avis. The second most powerful party has to try harder, to look like the better Christian political party.

I’m just glad OJ Simpson isn’t running through airports for either party now, so to speak.

By the way, if you think Obama isn’t picket-worthy, just wait. I thought I could never disagree with Bill Clinton that much, but it happened, though I didn’t actually get to a Clinton picket. I wasn’t aware at the time. It’s good to become aware.

Joe Zamecki
Austin, Texas

dw, Where do you live? AA has helped create and worked with lots of Atheist groups inside the very center of the eye of the conservative Christian hurricane, if we can think of conservative Bible Belt cities like that. There are also a lot of news Atheist groups that just aren’t on the radar yet enough to be found right now.

We have found that no matter where an Atheist lives, there is at least one other Atheist near them. The first step is just so scary, and that’s very understandable.

I think a step that’s more scary would be to come out to one’s own family, so if you’re beyond that point, and if there really isn’t an Atheist group near you, I say make your own group. There is an Atheist Grapevine online to help you get Atheists out of the shadows there and into a coffee shop with you. Something like that. That’s how most Atheist groups got started.

Plus there may be an AA state director near you, or other AA activist. Some of our most active people are in small towns in the most conservative states. And loving it! )

Joe Zamecki
Austin, Texas