We’ve all heard the same tired, lazy, and outright bigoted tropes about atheists:
“So you don’t believe in anything?”
“How can you possibly be a good person?”
“I could never be arrogant enough to call myself an atheist.”
Too many of us have had to experience the real-world effects of this bigotry in our classrooms, in our workplaces, or when we’re trying to get medical care. Even more of us have experienced it within our families.
Despite the progress our community has made in the 60 years since the founding of American Atheists — and the legal protections we have — the fact remains that atheists experience stigma, discrimination, and exclusion every single day, all across this nation.
That’s why we’re committed to breaking down the barriers that still prevent atheists and other nonreligious people from claiming our rightful place as full, equal members of our civic, political, social, and cultural institutions.
It’s difficult to overstate the profound harm caused when atheists are forced to hide who we are for fear our family will reject us or because we’re worried how our bosses and coworkers will react. We shouldn’t have to go into a doctor’s appointment or counseling session concerned we’ll be denied care or told that prayer is the solution to our problems.
There are problems that no law can fix and injuries that no lawsuit can undo. Instead, it’s up to us to live boldly and unapologetically as atheists to break down the barriers our community still faces, normalizing our inclusion in every corner of society.
Building a more just, inclusive society where atheists and other nonreligious people can live our lives free from all forms of discrimination means combating bias and bigotry wherever it is, using every tool in our toolbox.
That’s why, as part of our new strategic plan you’ve been hearing about these past few weeks, we’re investing in resources to improve the lives of atheists and nonreligious people across all areas of our lives. Whether it’s best practices for employers, training and resources for doctors and mental health providers, or even programming for retirement communities, we’re committed to ending the discrimination and exclusion atheists face everywhere, for good.
This approach requires each of us — every single member of American Atheists — to do our part to oppose the harmful stereotypes many still believe about our community. Breaking down these long-standing barriers is hard work. But it will make the path just a bit easier for those who come after us, and it’s work that’s worth doing right now.
Together,
Nick Fish
President
PS: Thank you for already being a generous supporter of our work! We have set up a campaign specifically for the implementation of the strategic plan. If you agree that reducing stigma and normalizing atheism will help break down barriers our community faces across the nation, please make a tax-deductible gift today using this link!
American Atheists is a 501(c)(3) non-partisan, nonprofit educational organization that relies on the support of members like you. Contributions are tax-deductible. Our Federal Tax ID Number is 74-2466507 and our Combined Federal Campaign number is 52217.
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