Hi everyone,
As state legislatures get underway around the country, we wanted to share a few updates and opportunities that may be helpful to you and your groups in the weeks ahead. We’re also holding space for the tragic events in Minnesota and the harm caused to individuals and communities there. Moments like this can weigh heavily, especially as we continue organizing and advocating at the state and local level. Our goal in sharing the information below is to offer support, resources, and ways to stay connected as you navigate leading your community right now.
Thank you, as always, for the work you do and for staying in touch.
Upcoming Webinars
Building a Winning State Legislative Strategy
Tuesday, Feb 10, 7pm ET
Most state legislatures convene in January, creating a critical window for lawmakers to introduce new legislation. Local and state advocates play a vital role during this time by encouraging lawmakers to advance policies that protect civil rights, church-state separation, and evidence-based governance. Doing so effectively requires planning, coordination, and a clear strategy.
In this webinar, American Atheists’ Policy Team will walk through how to build a state legislative strategy from the ground up. We will share tips for identifying policy priorities, working with lawmakers and coalition partners, and organizing advocates for maximum impact. Participants will also learn about resources American Atheists provides to support state-level advocacy. If you can’t make the live event go ahead and register and we will send you the recording.
Our Presenters:
Sam McGuire has a diverse background in counseling, education, event planning, and volunteer management. As Director of Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy she works to expand the organization’s grassroots network, shapes state-level advocacy initiatives, and builds strong coalitions with allied organizations. In this role, she oversees volunteer organizers, community leaders, and field staff to mobilize supporters, influence policy, promote secular values, and foster thriving communities.
Victoria Anderson joined American Atheists in January 2025. As State Policy Specialist, Victoria manages American Atheists’ state-level advocacy efforts, including tracking legislation, coordinating with local advocates and partner organizations, communicating with state lawmakers, developing advocacy materials, and fostering grassroots engagement.
Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9gZz7x53R-OpdNL76x0-mw
Tabling Supplies
Need a supply refresh for 2026? We have stickers and buttons that we are happy to send to you for tabling — just shoot Ruwaida or I an email and let us know what you need!
Community Grant Program
We are still taking applications for our Community Grant Program to support affiliates engaged in direct action and mutual aid. This year, we’re offering $500 grants to groups running projects that address food insecurity. If you have a direct action or mutual aid project that we can help fund,
please apply here. You can support this effort by sharing and posting our
Community Grant Program fundraiser—100% of the funds raised will go directly back to our affiliate groups. Applications will be taken and funds will be awarded on a rolling basis.
Summer Law Clerks
Partner Announcements:
No Kings Coalition
The next big No Kings events are being scheduled for March 28!
Sign up to get local updates here. You will be able to list your local events in February — stay tuned!
No Kings and ACLU
Eyes on Ice: Document and Record
Thursday, February 5th, 2026 at 8:00 pm ET
https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/892452
Or watch the recording of the last session here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/eDtUBSqrL7o?si=stFzsk3vdjiXjzMt
SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change
Our partners at SIECUS just released their 2026 Legislative Look-Ahead, a comprehensive report that breaks down what happened in 2025 and what advocates should be prepared for in the year ahead. If you care about protecting young people’s right to honest, medically accurate, and inclusive education, this report is a must-read.
Onward,
Sam McGuire she/her
Director of Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy
American Atheists | www.atheists.org | smcguire@atheists.org | 908.279.0683
American Atheists is a 501(c)(3) national civil rights organization dedicated to achieving political equality and social inclusion for atheists and other nonreligious people through advocacy, education, and community building. Please support our work, and sign up for email updates.
