From fighting harmful policies to ensuring atheists have access to secular resources, American Atheists is working nationwide to advance religious equality for all.
It’s another busy week for our team at American Atheists. Christian Nationalists aren’t taking a summer break, so neither are we.
Look, I know you’re tired of fundraising emails. We are, too. But protecting secular democracy and church-state separation takes resources, and that wall isn’t going to defend itself.
Every Action Alert we send.
Every community event we organize.
Every FOIA request we file.
Every harmful bill we stop.
It all costs money, and it probably won’t surprise you to learn that American Atheists doesn’t receive a dime of government funding. Every victory we achieve is powered by people who read our emails and believe this work matters enough to support it.
Do you value our advocacy in states like yours and in Washington, D.C.?
Do you want stronger atheist communities and mutual aid efforts?
Do you believe church and state should remain separate?
If so, please make a contribution to American Atheists today!
Here’s what we’re up to this week:
>> I’m heading to California, where I’ll join Atheists United for their monthly food distribution event and speak at the Reimagining America Summit alongside elected officials, community leaders, civil rights advocates, and others leading the fight to defend our democratic institutions from the threat of White Christian Nationalism. For you West Coast atheists, it’s not too late to purchase a ticket to the Summit and for Atheists United’s Science Sunday trip to the Mount Wilson Observatory.
>> Meanwhile, Melina will be holding things down in the Midwest. She’ll be meeting with the Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers and The Humanist Society of Iowa at the Iowa Secular Summit. She says, “Gatherings like this are especially meaningful for atheists in rural areas, like me. It can feel pretty lonely around here, so spending a full day with people who share your secular values is really revitalizing.” Community matters. That’s why we’re so committed to supporting our 200+ affiliate groups — and establishing even more.
>> Only seven state legislatures are still in session, but our State Policy Team isn’t relenting. Yesterday, we sent an Action Alert to supporters in Texas, where the State Board of Education is considering forcing Christian Nationalist ideology into the K-12 public school curriculum. We’re mobilizing thousands of members across the state to show up, speak out, and remind lawmakers that history class isn’t Bible study.
>> The administrative side of our work doesn’t get much love, but sometimes it’s where our mission shines. A prison chaplain recently contacted our team after incarcerated individuals requested nonreligious books for their facility’s library. The problem? She isn’t allowed to purchase them. Our solution? We’re donating them ourselves.
Because protecting religious freedom isn’t only about what happens in courtrooms, classrooms, and capitol buildings. It also means making sure atheists have equal access to resources, representation, and community wherever they are — even behind bars.
Whether we’re fighting harmful policies or ensuring atheists have access to secular resources, American Atheists is working from coast to coast to advance religious equality for all. But this work can only happen if supporters like you make it possible.
If you believe every American deserves the freedom to live openly and authentically, regardless of what they do or don’t believe, please make a donation today.
In solidarity,
Nick Fish
President
We oppose the outsourcing of public responsibilities to religious groups that believe some families are more worthy than others — like mine.
The White Christian Nationalist movement’s goal is indoctrination, not free inquiry. Not to understand our history, but to rewrite it.
When the Pentagon decides atheists, humanists, pagans, and more don’t belong, the message is clear: The government values some people more than others.
