admice

Dominus Paradoxum made the suggestion, in response to my question about how to get non-belief to be more acceptable,
for atheist/freethinkers to start (or sponsor, my input) a charity.

I think this is a GREAT idea.

I've done a little research and see where different groups support causes, or established charities (and of course groups which address separation of church and state), but haven't seen a charitable organization KNOWN for it's atheistic base. (Even tho I'm an adamant atheist, I have been turned off by how so many groups are fighting CSS or opposed to this and that, and so angry, but none of them do something really positive for society).

So 2 questions: What do you think about it? And what kind of charity would you support? What subject, interest, etc. examples: a secular Feed the Children, child abuse prevention, illiteracy, poverty.

I'm going to post this many places and with many groups and try to see if theres interest and get a concensus (and maybe get something going), or at least determine one existing secular charity most would support; something for atheists to be KNOWN for that contributes to the world (or some portion thereof).

If you know of any secular charities already, please respond also.

Mods: maybe could post this in more than one forum, hmm? (she begs)

thanks
admice

Philosoft

There are many existing secular charities, inasmuch as they don't mention religious requirements or motivations in their charters and don't require religious activities of their patrons. Anything more is completely gratuituous and unnecessary.

IMO, a charity that trumpets Christianity (or whatever religion) alongside its mission statement is a shameful example of inappropriate politicization of religion. I would be hypocritical not to also condemn an "atheist" charity that did the same thing.

admice

Yes, if that's what you think, then you would be a hypocrit. But I don't agree. I do think we must sincerely care about whatever we chose to support, but I don't see that as a problem as evidenced by the caring on this board and several other groups I've examined.

I think we need a new reputation and that is one way to get it.

Buddrow_Wilson

I like the idea of a foundation that grants scholarships to atheist/non religious students. I suppose that's not exactly a charity per se, but it can certainly lead to recognition of the foundation.

Dominus Paradoxum

I believe that those in the third world are the ones that need the most help. Given that our government has supported so many oppressive dictatorships in that area, helping them with basic necessities and perhaps to start rebuilding their society is the least we can do.

beekay

Yup, it is difficult to narrow down charities based on non-religious ties. Most charities without religious affiliation apparently don't advertise the fact.

I don't know anything about this charity other than what I've read on the web site, but it's definetly non-religous:
http://www.savethechildren.org/home.shtml

http://www.charitygift.com/ Is a website listing thousands of charities. There is a science and research category there ... what are the chances those organizations listed in that section are secular?

There was a site called http://www.atheistcharity.org/ but I just tried to visit it and it is apparently now history. Dang ... it looked interesting at the time.

http://www.freefromhunger.org/
and
http://www.actionaid.org/ Both of these are supposed to be secular.

callmejay

I think it's a great idea. It would have to walk the fine line between proclaiming it's areligiosity and being obnoxious, though. One big selling point for me would be an organization that made clear it would use the charity money without descrimination and without missionaries! A simple "we're an organization with no ties to a religion. Your money will go directly towards helping those who need the help, not to religious instruction" might do wonders.

With enough success and PR, it could do a lot for atheists' reputations as well. I'll be first in line to make a donation. :-)

Rusting Car Bumper

I think it was me actually.

I have a group of people that number about 10 and we are working on starting one. We have preliminary documents written up. What we need is a few dedicatd and capable people.

Anyway, I presume I'll post more ont his int he coming weeks.

We ahven't found any either that are worth the time. I know there is a small one or two but I don't want to name them for fear of insulting them. However, we think our methods and strategies cut right to heart of the issues.

Obviously you know I think its good. WHat would we support? More on that later.

DC

Edited to fix typos

LogicMage

I would not be at all opposed to an atheistic charity. We are generally associate with evil, and immorality because we dont believe in god. An atheism based "feed the starving etheopian children" charity would do wonders

Ab_Normal

I would support a charity that helped gifted students in the public schools, since that's my current grumble. (You wouldn't think having a smart child would be stressful...)

Next week, I'd probably support something completely different. Short attention span, that's me.