Dear Friend,
For some of us, the holiday season is rife with challenges. People who have left their religion may miss the community that their houses of worship provided. Others are concerned about family gatherings that could bring arguments or awkwardness. And some may just try to ignore the whole thing and wait for the new year to arrive.
Our Secular Survey found that close to a third of participants conceal their beliefs around immediate family. Nearly half of respondents said they hide their atheism from people at work or in school.
We can change that. By building community within our 230+ affiliate groups around the country — and beyond — we are making sure that nonbelievers of all stripes have a welcoming place to go and, maybe more importantly, a group of likeminded folks to join in doing important community work.
Incredible acts of kindness are happening everywhere — for atheists and by atheists. Whether a group cleans up a park, distributes food and toiletries to families in need, or simply holds a get-together where people can be themselves; those kinds of everyday acts of support tear down walls of misunderstanding and stigma. And they deserve our support, especially in today’s environment of division and exclusion, with Christian Nationalists fanning fears of “the other.”
As Evan Clark, Executive Director of Atheists United (our affiliate in Los Angeles and a past recipient of our Community Grant Program) put it: “When atheist communities engage in mutual aid, we aren’t simply challenging stereotypes but a system of privilege that claims only religious institutions can help people thrive.”
Another affiliate and grantee — the Southeast Virginia Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists — organizes free community pantries in underserved neighborhoods. Chapter Coordinator Aiden Barnes said: “This work provides immediate, tangible relief to families who are choosing between groceries and rent. It’s the most meaningful project I’ve ever been part of, but I’d be lying if I said it was only uplifting. Every time I see these pantries emptied within hours, it reminds me how grotesque it is that in a wealthy society, people are left desperate and hungry at all.”
So, if you haven’t already, find a community group near you, and consider a monthly donation of just $5, $10, or $20 that makes this crucial work possible.
Some of us find the holidays difficult. But there is hope, and we know we can count on you joining us in that spirit of unity and community.
In solidarity.
Nick Fish
President
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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