Description:
American Atheists is committed to developing and supporting its thriving network of atheist groups and activists in all 50 states. Since 1963, we have fought to protect the absolute separation of religion from government and raise the profile of atheists and atheism in our nation’s public discourse.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
● Inclusion in a network of more than 200 affiliates nationwide
● Promotion of your group to potential new members and a national audience through social media, print,
email, blog posts, and our affiliate map
● Direct access to staff who are solely dedicated to supporting local activists like you
● Collaboration with a passionate group of volunteers that serve as state/regional directors
● Hands-on leadership, activism, and media training
● Support drafting op-eds, press releases, and all other written communications
● Free activism materials, including protest signs, bumper stickers, and buttons
● Exclusive access to our new ACES Program and to activist toolkits on sex ed, invocations, and Bible
distribution in public schools

What is the ACES Program?

ACES brings together Activism, Community, Education, and Social to ensure the continued growth of your group. By hitting all of these areas, your group will address specific needs and goals for a non-religious community. As an affiliate, you are free to choose what programs and resources best match your group’s needs.

Services for local groups regardless of affiliation:

American Atheists Legal Center, American Atheists Magazine, educational resources, Charles E. Stevens
American Atheist Library and Archives, and speakers’ bureau.

What makes this organization unique:

An emphasis on local activism, heightened visibility for your group, the support of affiliate-dedicated staff and
state/regional directors, hands-on training, exclusive access to activist materials and toolkits

Point of Contact:
Sam McGuire, [email protected]

Description
The American Ethical Union creates, nurtures, and inspires ethical humanist communities to foster a world that is democratic, compassionate, just, and sustainable. Our groups are called Societies and often use “ethical,” “ethical culture,” or “ethical humanism” in their names. They hold Sunday talks (that include music and discussion), social events, children’s programs, activism, and classes.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
Our Societies receive access to our Visiting Leaders Bureau, private Resources Website, special webinars, staff support, network of other groups, and representation on national level.

Services for local groups regardless of affiliation:
Public resources on AEU website include some talk recordings, info sheets on Ethical Action, and monthly newsletters.

What your organization does that is unique:
From our beginnings in 1876, Ethical Societies have organized as nontheistic congregations around three core ideas: people ought to be treated as ends in themselves and not merely as means to ends, what one does is more important than what one believes, and through our relationships with one another we realize the potential for good as we work to encourage a society that is compassionate and just.

More Resources from American Ethical Union

Point of contact:

Anna Orcutt-Jahns, [email protected]

Description
The American Humanist Association advocates progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, freethinkers, and the non-religious across the country. Humanism is a philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms the ability and responsibility of human beings to lead personal lives of ethical fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
There are two options: Chapter or Affiliate. Affiliates of the AHA are fully independent local organizations who agree with the mission of the AHA and are willing to work with the AHA. Affiliates receive benefits from the AHA, with a minimal amount of commitment. Chapters are in substantial agreement with the AHA’s policies, goals and mission. Being a part of the structure of the AHA, Chapters receive preference when it comes to the allocation of resources. The AHA and its Chapters work together, which allows for a clear sense of identification and a chance for unity of action, all toward the goal of advancing Humanism. Chapters are eligible for tax exempt status, annual grants and access to local press contacts.

Services for local groups regardless of affiliation:
Free tabling materials, speakers bureau, quarterly webinars by the Center for Education, website listing, and access to AHA staff for organizing, PR, and fundraising assistance.

What makes this organization unique:
We strive to offer an ethical, inclusive approach to various issues from the secular point of view. Palatable for those unfamiliar with atheism, agnosticism, etc.

More Resources from American Humanist Association

Point of contact:
Emily Newman, Education Coordinator, [email protected]

Description
Atheist Alliance of America (AAA) is a non-profit umbrella organization in support of democratic local Affiliates to project a positive voice for atheism through community activism. The organization began in 1991 as Atheist Alliance and evolved into 2 separate organizations over time—AAA with a U.S. focus, and a global Atheist Alliance International.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
AAA offers two organizational membership opportunities, Affiliate Membership and Associate Membership.

Affiliate Member Benefits
Educational Benefits
● Consultation assistance with AAoA officers/board members/affiliates to solve concerns your organization may be having
● Consultation assistance regarding social media/facebook advocacy
● Membership in AAoA Facebook group/pages
● Opportunity to host workshops at AAoA’s national convention at DragonCon
● Opportunity to table at AAoA’s national convention at DragonCon
● Opportunity to nominate speakers to speak at our annual convention at DragonCon

Advocacy / Community Building / Group promotion
● Listing on AAoA’s website
● Listing in Secular Nation magazine
● Free e-zine subscription to Secular Nation magazine
● Promotion of group’s activities through AAoA’s social media / Facebook pages/groups and email lists
● You will be supporting AAoA’s national advocacy efforts
● Access to AAoA speakers, committee members, advisers, key contributors, and affiliates
● Participation in the affiliate meetings
● You/your organization will be eligible to co-brand with the Atheist Alliance of America/ or come directly under the AAoA banner
● Eligibility to serve on AAoA’s Board of Affiliates
● Opportunity to participate in speaker’s bureau and placement program which is still being developed

Departments/Committees
● Eligibility to run a or participate in an AAoA department/committee
● Fundraising opportunities afforded to committees
● Eligibility to serve on Board of Committees

What AAoA Asks of Its Affiliates
● Link to us on affiliate’s website and/or social media
● Cross-share memes and social media/facebook posts
● Have AAoA’s literature available at meetings or tabling opportunities (if requested by AAoA)
● Share/promote AAoA’s events (eg. conference) to group’s members
● Make one annual request for group members to become AAoA members

Requirements to Become an AAoA Affiliate
(1) Be atheistic or secular (Humanist, skeptic or science oriented); and
(2) Operate in a legal and ethical manner; and
(3) Have a purpose consistent with the goals of AAoA; and
(4) Be chartered in and conduct most of your business in the United States of America; and
(5) Operate in a democratic manner; and
(6) Pay An annual fee of $399 (payment is due with the submission of the affiliate member application, renewals are due on the anniversary of your acceptance date).

Associate Member Benefits

Educational Benefits
● Consultation assistance with AAoA officers/board members/affiliates to solve concerns your organization may be having
● Consultation assistance regarding social media/Facebook advocacy
● Membership in AAoA Facebook group / pages

Advocacy / Community Building / Group promotion
● Listing on AAoA’s website
● Listing in Secular Nation magazine
● Free e-zine subscription to Secular Nation magazine
● Promotion of group’s activities through AAoA’s social media / Facebook pages/groups and email lists
● You will be supporting AAoA’s national advocacy efforts
● Access to AAoA speakers, committee members, advisers, key contributors, and affiliates
● Participation in the affiliate meetings
● You/your organization will be eligible to co-brand with the Atheist Alliance of America/or come directly under the AAoA banner

Departments/Committees
● Eligibility to run a or participate in an AAoA department/committee
● Fundraising opportunities afforded to committees
● Eligibility to serve on Board of Committees
● Other
● Discounts for AAoA services and products (where applicable)

What AAoA Asks of Its Associates
● Link to us on affiliate’s website and/or social media
● Cross-share memes and social media/facebook posts
● Have AAoA’s literature available at meetings or tabling opportunities (if requested by AAoA)
● Share/promote AAoA’s events (eg. conference) to group’s members
● Make one annual request for group members to become AAoA members

Requirements to Become an AAoA Associate
(1) Be atheistic or secular (Humanist, skeptic or science oriented); and
(2) Operate in a legal and ethical manner; and
(3) Have a purpose consistent with the goals of AAoA; and
(4) Be chartered in and conduct most of your business in the United States of America; and
(5) Operate in a democratic manner; and
(6) Pay An annual fee of $199 (payment is due with the submission of the affiliate member application, renewals are due on the anniversary of your acceptance date).

Please note: Affiliates are independent non-profit organizations and are not subsidiaries, agents, employees, or legal representatives of AAoA. Affiliates do not have the authority to bind AAoA to any contractual obligations or otherwise act on behalf of AAoA. Affiliation creates no legal relationship. Affiliates are free to associate and engage with other organizations. Affiliates are not required to agree or support every position or action taken by the other.

Affiliation benefits and requirements are subject to change and may change without notice.

What your organization does that is unique:
AAA is an incubator for secular activists. Our committees give talented leaders and developing organizations a platform that helps humanity, maximizes growth and accomplishes objectives.

Point of Contact:
Email us at [email protected] or call us at (678) 321-0212

Description
Black Nonbelievers is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides an informative, caring, festive and friendly environment. We connect with other Blacks and allies who are living free of religion and other beliefs and might otherwise be shunned by family and friends. Instead of accepting dogma, we determine truth and morality through reason and evidence.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
Custom logo with Black Nonbelievers branding, tabling supplies, Meetup fee coverage, access to other BN organizers, assistance with group development, sponsorship/subsidies to trainings and leadership events, connections to other local and national secular groups and resources.

Services for local groups regardless of affiliation:
Black Nonbelievers tabling materials upon request, speaker and organizer recommendations.

What your organization does that is unique:
An emphasis on organizing in-person meetings.

More resources from Black Nonbelievers

Point of contact:
Mandisa Thomas, [email protected]

Description
Camp Quest, Inc. is an educational non-profit association that supports a growing network of Camp Quest affiliates. Our vision is that all Camp Quest campers come as unique individuals, learn and share in educational and inquisitive adventures, and leave as enriched individuals, confident in making an impact and passing on their humanist values in their own home communities.

Camp Quest programs are the synergy of our commitment to helping campers develop critical thinking skills, growing empathy in our relationships and communities, and offering a one-of-a kind learning experience grounded in science, ethics, philosophy, and nature. Our secular, co-ed summer camps offer week-long residential and day programs for children aged 5-17.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
Groups are invited to support their local Camp Quest by volunteering, fundraising, and promoting the camp.

Services for local groups regardless of affiliation:
Camp Quest staff and volunteers are available to speak to your group about our camps, with both in-person and remote presentations. We provide year-round volunteer opportunities for adults to contribute in a positive way to sharing secular values with the next generation. Groups can gain additional exposure to families and support Camp Quest through sponsorships, grants, and direct financial assistance for low-income children through camperships. Brochures are available by request.

What makes this organization unique:
Camp Quest is the largest association of secular humanist camps in the US, with locations in 13 states. Since our founding in 1996, we have provided exceptional summer programs focused on building community for children from atheist, agnostic, humanist, and other freethinking families - although everyone is welcome, regardless of beliefs. We advocate for secular and humanist values in all areas of youth development and education.

Point of Contact:

Sarah Miller, [email protected]

Description
CFI On Campus promotes and defends reason, science, and freedom of inquiry in education. We are committed to the enhancement of freethought, skepticism, secularism, humanism, philosophical naturalism, rationalism, and atheism on college and high school campuses throughout North America and around the world.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
1. Access to the speakers bureau and help with booking speakers.
2. Promotional materials including Skeptical Inquirer and Free Inquiry magazine, stickers, bookmarks, books, brochures, and other periodicals.
3. Exposure on our website and in featured articles on the CFI On Campus blog and in other publications.
4. We can send your event and group information out in emails to the CFI groups and contacts near your campus in order to attract more guests/members.
5. Groups can apply for grants to help cover the cost of events.
6. Downloadables on the website to help with specific campaigns, awareness projects, activism, and organizing.
7. Subscription to Skeptical Inquirer or Free Inquiry at a special student rate of $19.96
8. Discounted admission to Center for Inquiry conferences.
9. Invitation to apply for CFI internships.
10. Plus, we have staff here that can help you with all areas of campus organizing. We know that it can be hard to establish a structure, to plan successful events, to attract new members, and to keep your group alive over the summer. Just send us an email if you ever have questions.
11. You will be listed on our map of local groups (https://centerforinquiry.org/groups/)

Point of contact:

Melissa Myers, [email protected]

Description
CSJO stresses the historic, cultural, and ethical aspects of Jewishness. We focus on community building that instills an identity relevant to contemporary life and devoted to justice, peace and community responsibility. We are an international umbrella organization made up of local groups and individual members.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
We will assist with the creation and development of new groups, support existing groups and include individuals that have no group within a reasonable proximity. We offer direct support and speakers, connection to other like minded groups and individuals, materials to develop holiday and life cycle events. We make available, to members, financial assistance for publicity, education and attendance at events.

Services for local groups regardless of affiliation:
Our services are targeted to our members. However, we will consider nonmember requests on an individual basis.

What makes this organization unique:
Our uniqueness is our ability to provide a sense of meaningful, nontheistic community to Jews and those who wish to identify with the Jewish people. We are able to incorporate Jewishness in all aspects of life without god.

Point of Contact:
Terry Waslow, Executive Director, 267-625-CSJO (2756), [email protected]

Description
The Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and helping those who used to follow Islam or identify as Muslim, and who no longer do so. EXMNA advocates for acceptance of religious dissent, promotes secular values, and aims to reduce discrimination faced by those who leave Islam.

Information on starting your own ex-Muslim support group:
Please contact Ex-Muslims of North America at [email protected], to get information and resources on how to build and grow your own thriving community of disbelievers.

How your group can become affiliated with Ex-Muslims of North America
Please contact us at [email protected] with details about your organization and work.

Contact Email: [email protected]

Description
The purposes of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. are to promote the constitutional principle of separation of state and church, and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism. Incorporated in 1978 in Wisconsin, the Foundation is a national membership association of approximately 35,000 freethinkers: atheists, agnostics and skeptics of any pedigree.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
FFRF provides annual rebates for each national member on the chapter membership roster. FFRF also provides expedited access to legal assistance with Establishment Clause violations, use of FFRF logos, annual grants for charitable work in their area, and partnership on local or regional advertising and billboards. Though chapters are not required to be registered as a 501(c)(3), FFRF will pay the IRS filing fee if the chapter pursues charitable organization status. As resources allow, FFRF will conduct outreach to members in the chapter’s area, provide publicity for events, offer staff as speakers, and may partner on other projects proposed by chapters. Chapters must sign an affiliation agreement that provides details on requirements.

Services for local groups regardless of affiliation:
Legal assistance and providing swag for any small group so long as the request is reasonable and comes from an individual FFRF member.

What makes this organization unique:
FFRF and its ever-growing legal department act on countless state/church entanglements on behalf of its members and the public, ending hundreds of violations each year through education and persuasion, such as: Prayers and proselytizing in public schools and events, public funding for religious purposes and religious symbols on public property.

Point of Contact:
For more information please go to our website FFRF.org or email us at [email protected].

Description
The Freethought Society is an educational, non-profit, national forum where Freethinkers can meet, socialize and exchange ideas. They advocate the complete separation of religion and government and seek to educate the public about freedom of thought, science, critical thinking skills, secular celebrations and the nontheist life stance.

Links
Freethought Society website, Meetup, Facebook.

Contact
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone Number: 610 793-2737
Margaret Downey, 610-357-9432

Description

Founded in 2010, the Hispanic American Freethinkers (HAFree) is a non-profit organization that works to provide a voice for many Hispanic voices both in the U.S. and beyond and provide them with the tools and resources to further explore freethought and secular ideas. HAFree has chapters all over the nation, releases podcasts, and works to promote science education and the separation of church and state.

The mission of the non-profit educational organization known as Hispanic American Freethinkers, Inc. (HAFree) is to serve as a resource and support to all Hispanic freethinkers in promoting the search for truth through science, rational thought, skepticism, humanism, logic, and the scientific criticism of all un-natural (i.e. supernatural) claims and dogmas. It encourages the rational evaluation of faith-based myths, the support of the Constitutional idea of state and church separation, secular values, promotion of critical thinking in general as well as absolute freedom of conscience.

Contact Email: [email protected]

Contact Phone Number: 202-656-5060

Description
MAAF provides support today to atheists, humanists, and other nontheists serving in all branches of the military and throughout the world. MAAF also provides support to veterans especially as they interact with the VA medical and cemetery systems.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
MAAF provides options for reimbursement for volunteers and organizations for military themed events and outreach to the community to support the troops.

Services for local groups regardless of affiliation:
Our community program is the MAAF Network at the MAAF website under the section ‘Get Involved Locally’ (http://militaryatheists.org/network/) and has options for civilian and student groups as well as military groups.

What makes this organization unique:
We are by and for military personnel and veterans. We provide that unique service within the secular/ humanist/atheist movement.

Point of Contact:
For more information, go to www.militaryatheists.org, email [email protected], or call 202-656-MAAF (6223)

Description
Recovering from Religion is a nonprofit dedicated to providing hope, healing, and support for those struggling with issues of doubt and nonbelief. We have a 24-hour telephone hotline and internet chat, with trained, compassionate agents standing by. We also have local support groups and an online community. We have cultivated an extensive collection of Resources, and our Secular Therapy Project is a vast database of professionally-vetted therapists.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
Our network of local support groups are staffed by an interested and trained leader, and serve as peer support and encouragement in their local community. RfR underwrites the cost of the Meetup established to promote the group. We have a leaders’ channel in our communication format, where we offer continual training and support.

Services for local groups regardless of affiliation:
Our telephone hotline and internet chat are available on the individual level 24/7. Pursuant to a phone call, an individual is invited to join our online Community, where they self-select the channels they wish to join. To date we have channels for: Baptist, Black Nonbelievers, Catholic, Christian, Coming Out, Finding Community, LGBTQ+, Jehovah’s Witness, Military, Mormon, Muslim, 7th Day Adventist, Seeking Answers, and Spanish language.

What makes this organization unique:
We are the only organization that has such an outward facing mission, meeting people anywhere on the spectrum of doubt and nonbelief. Our organization is 100% volunteer.

More Resources from Recovering From Religion

Point of contact:
Gayle Jordan, gayle@recoveringfromreligion, 615.556.6224

Description
The Secular Student Alliance empowers secular students to proudly express their identity, build welcoming communities, promote secular values, and set a course for lifelong activism. We have over 300 student-led chapters on high school, college, and university campuses across the country, including Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
High school and college students can organize an SSA chapter on their campus by recruiting at least two leaders, a staff or faculty advisor, and becoming recognized as an official club on their campus, and agreeing to our statement of values. We provide direct one-on-one coaching and support through our team of campus organizers and our free resources include a wide range of tabling supplies, regular leadership training events, funding to do projects with your chapter or bring speakers to your campus, resource guides for a diversity of activities from service projects, educational events, social justice advocacy and separation of church and state activism.

Services for local groups regardless of affiliation:
We will provide promotional brochures and other tabling supplies to organizations who would like to encourage students to join an SSA chapter or start a new one on their campus. We will meet with your organization to help you understand the needs and trends among younger millennials in the United States, help you connect with young atheists and humanists, and help you understand how you can partner with the SSA chapters in your community to increase your impact.

What makes this organization unique:
We are the only secular organization in the United States dedicated to supporting secular high school and college students on campus.

Point of Contact:

Jeremy Arnold, National Organizing Manager, [email protected]

Description
Secular Woman is an organization working to amplify the voice, presence, and influence of non-religious women. We envision a future in which women without supernatural beliefs have the opportunities and resources they need to participate openly and confidently as respected voices of leadership in the secular community and every aspect of American society.

Strategic Partnerships
Secular Woman advocates for non-religious women by partnering with other organizations that are already working on issues related to our Mission, Vision, and Values. We are interested in education, research, and legislative advocacy on topics such as equal pay for equal work, gender diversity in corporations and non-profits, reproductive rights, and religious bias in public policy affecting women.

Contact
Email
Contact Phone Number: (404) 669-6727

Description
The Society for Humanistic Judaism is the congregational arm of the Humanistic Jewish movement in North America. The SHJ offers a meaningful opportunity for the celebration of cultural Judaism. It provides a pathway into the Jewish community for many unaffiliated Jews. Jews for a Secular Democracy (JFASD) was created to counter the influence of religion on government policy. The initiative will galvanize the Jewish community to defend the separation of church and state.

Affiliation options for local groups and corresponding benefits:
SHJ: Communities can affiliate as well as independent members.
JFASD: Any individuals can support the efforts by signing up for the newsletter, liking and following the page on FB and donating.

Services for local groups regardless of affiliation:
SHJ: Access to materials and assistance from rabbinical leadership, educational materials, etc.
JFASD: Information on issues, talking points

What makes this organization unique:
SHJ: Humanists who identify with Jewish history and culture, who prize their Jewish roots and want to participate in Jewish holidays and programs without reference to God or the supernatural.
JFASD: While there are excellent secular organizations fighting for the separation of church and state, and great Jewish organizations fighting for social justice, Jews for a Secular Democracy is uniquely focused on issues of religion-state separation from a Jewish perspective.

More Resources from Secular Student Alliance

Point of Contact:
Sheila Sebor, Volunteer Chair, Jews for a Secular Democracy, [email protected]
Richard Logan, President, Society for Humanistic Judaism, [email protected]
Paul Golin, Executive Director, Society for Humanistic Judaism, [email protected]

Description
The Clergy Project was launched in March 2011 to create a safe and secure Online Community of Forums composed entirely of religious leaders who no longer hold supernatural beliefs. Many of our project participants have deep privacy concerns, and for that reason, we place their security among our top tier of priorities. The Clergy Project’s Mission is to provide support, community, and hope to current and former religious professionals who no longer hold supernatural beliefs.

The organization’s mission extends to the wider TCP community by furthering this same spirit of support and hope to closeted post-faith religious professionals who yet remain outside The Project and therefore without access to our Online Community of Forums. This extension takes place through avenues such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, ClergyProject.org’s Our Stories blog, and ClergyProject.org’s Secular Resource Center.

Contact Email: [email protected]

Description

The Unitarian Universalist (UU) Humanists strives to promote and extend the use of rational inquiry without supernatural considerations, followed by compassionate action in all human interactions. For over fifty years, UU Humanists and its precursor organizations have celebrated the Humanist Manifesto‘s vision of a religion without gods through scholarship, teaching, promotion and advocacy – both within Unitarian Universalism and in the wider world.

Contact Email