Viking

What do you folks think would be the single best action I could take to promote freethought/skepticism/atheism/humanism. Visiting these boards is an oasis and pleasure, but I don't need to "preach to the choir." I am interested in tangible, effective acts that further the spread of, in my case, atheism (my family is already with me on this.) Suggestions, please!

Toto

Become a film director and create a memorable film that portrays atheists in a positive light.

Failing that, find some area where you can make a lot of money, and spend it on modern communications.

Richard1366

Read my reply in the thread "An Atheist Call to Arms"

Richard1366

Shake

Richard's reply is good, but read my last one as well. I provide a link that can help you do things.

Viking

Shake: I think those are good suggestions (supporting the ACLU, AU etc.) Any opinions on which organizations are most effective in terms of public policy? Besides that, I get very concerned that young people, in particular, are not getting the information they need. I think the Christian right wing their ilk have done a much better job of promoting their points of view with young people and presenting atheism and humanism as essentially unpatriotic. Of course, the fact that no major popular political candidate (that I know of) has been able to succeed as an "out" atheist doesn't help.

Thanks again.
Gary

Shake

As far as I know, the now-outgoing Gov. Ventura was the closest we've had as a champion for the rights of nontheists. He refused, year after year, to sign proclamations for a day or prayer in his state. Otherwise, I'm not sure about any others.

Keep checking that other thread as well.

admice

I thank you too, for the info. Am getting a lot of info about supporting the ACLU. Sounds good. Another suggestion is to join or form a local chapter of AA, AU or in my case Humanists. We do quite a bit to publicize our organization and beliefs.

d'naturalist

Realistically, it depends on your talents and interests.

If you're interested in politics, you can join one of the emerging lobbying groups SCA or GAPAC (sorry, I don't have a link for GAPAC). People have already mentioned joining or forming a local chapter of AA, AU, FFRF, AHA, or the ACLU. Another thought would be to join the Democratic Party, while they're in this period of confusion following the midterm elections, and help them develop a more progressive, secular agenda.

I'm not sure if Toto was being facetious, but he's got a point. If you're artisitically or creatively inclined, you could create art, music, poetry, literary works (poetry, prose, fiction, or maybe a newspaper or magazine column), theater, or some other form that gives people a positive view of the secular community. Don't just bash religion like too many folks already do, give people some insight into who we are, how we feel, why we think the way we do. Works that promote our ideals: self-reliance, courage & curiosity in the face of the unknown, people joining & working together to overcome obstacles in life. The possibilities are endless.

If you're more of a craftsman or entrepeneur, you could create a product or start a company and use a portion of your profits to set up and/or fund (in association with other like-minded people) a scholarship fund, charitable group (see next paragraph), or become a co-sponsor of one of the groups mentions in my first (okay, technically second) paragraph above.

Lastly (at least, in this list), if you're more of a blue-collar tradesman, you could put your skills to use by joining with other secular tradespeople in your area, getting sponsorship from local businesses & donors, and putting your skills to use. There are low-income folks all over the place who would welcome even atheists into their homes to get their heating or plumbing or electricity working (especially in the dead of Winter). When it get's warmer, you and this hypothetical group could go into these same low-income neighborhoods and clean-up/fix-up a few neighborhood parks (maybe even get some of the locals to volunteer to help out -- build some bridges, eliminate some stereotypes). Maybe you could organize an environmental clean-up campaign. Or, if you're more white-collar, put your education to work tutoring.

Hey, even something simple like checking your local public library and if they don't carry "The Humanist" or some other secular periodical or book, you can always give a gift subscription or donate books.

Keep in mind, if the objective is to promote the secular community or atheism specifically, you'll most likely have to form or join some group. Ideally, as you open & change people's minds, you want them to join your group and continue the process (just don't make that a condition of your kindness).

Best of luck to you.