Freethought in Action isn’t just about celebrating the freedoms we enjoy — it’s about ensuring those freedoms include everyone. And that includes the nearly 30 percent of Americans who identify as religiously unaffiliated. Reach out to a local leader — whether in government, education or a civic organization — and ask how they include nonreligious voices in their work.
Why nonreligious representation matters
Too often, secular voices are left out of public policy, local planning committees, school boards, and community initiatives — not because we don’t care, but because people forget that we’re here.
And we are here.
- We vote.
- We pay taxes.
- We send our kids to public schools.
- We care deeply about justice, science, ethics and human rights.
Asking your local representatives to ensure nonreligious individuals are included in public decision-making is not confrontational — it’s civic engagement. And it’s absolutely necessary.
What you can say about nonreligous representation
Not sure how to start? Here’s a simple message you can tailor to your city council member, school board or neighborhood association:
“As a secular community member, I care deeply about the issues our city faces — especially those that affect equity, science education and inclusive policies. I’d love to know how you’re working to ensure nonreligious voices are represented in your planning and decisions. Freethinkers, humanists and atheists are part of this community too — and we want to help.”
You can deliver this message by email, at a public meeting or even through a comment on social media. What matters most is that they hear from you.
Who to contact
Here are some places to start:
- Your city council or mayor’s office
- Your school board or superintendent
- Your state representative and state senator
- Your public library board
- Your local environmental or civic committees
- Community health, mental health, or youth advisory boards
- Local event or festival planning committees
- Nonprofit or charity boards in your area
Representation isn’t just symbolic — it’s strategic
When we ask for inclusion, we aren’t asking for favors. We’re calling for fairness.
Nonreligious people bring valuable perspectives — grounded in reason, compassion and evidence-based thinking. Representation means our voices are heard when policies are written, resources are distributed and traditions are reimagined to reflect everyone, not just the religious majority.
How to keep going
- Bookmark your city or school board’s meeting calendar and attend when you can.
- Volunteer for local committees that shape your community.
- Ask candidates about their stance on church-state separation during elections.
- Encourage other freethinkers to engage and be visible.
- Coalition-building. Start or join a local FFRF chapter.
- Participate in peaceful protests.
Let them know we’re here — and we care
The more secular Americans speak up, the harder we are to ignore. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to show up and ask the right questions.
Today’s action is about planting a seed. The next time your community makes a decision, let’s make sure freethought has a seat at the table.
Looking for more ways to turn your values into action? Explore the full list of ways to express Freethought in Action at https://ffrf.org/freethought-in-action/.
📣 Share your outreach experience on social using #FreethoughtInAction.
One Response
I support the separation of church and state because it protects everyone’s freedom of belief—religious or not—and ensures our laws reflect the rights and needs of all constituents, not just those of a particular faith. As a nonreligious American, I believe representation matters. Our voices deserve to be heard in public policy to ensure government remains inclusive, secular, and fair for all.
As a secular community member, I’m actively engaged in the issues our city faces—especially those impacting equity, science education, and inclusive policies. I urge you to make sure nonreligious voices are not just heard but included in your planning and decisions. Freethinkers, humanists, and atheists are part of this community, and we’re ready to step up, contribute, and be part of the solution.