A new generation is reshaping the future of secular activism — and they’re doing it loudly, creatively and unapologetically.
According to the Pew Research Center, 44 percent of U.S. adults under 30 identify as religiously unaffiliated, the highest of any age group. That’s nearly one in two young adults.
Often called “Nones,” these young adults are atheists, agnostics, humanists or simply people who reject organized religion. And they’re not sitting on the sidelines. Many are actively challenging religious privilege, advocating for state/church separation, and organizing around issues like reproductive rights, LGBTQ-plus equality, climate justice and science education.
To put it in perspective:
- This is almost double the national average of religious “Nones” across all ages.
- It marks a dramatic generational shift — just a few decades ago, this number was under 10 percent.
This surge in secular identity isn’t just a trend — it’s a transformative moment for our movement. And it means there is a growing base of young adults hungry for opportunities to take action.
But even the most passionate secular activists need support — mentorship, resources and community — to sustain their work and grow their impact.
If you’re a longtime freethought advocate or just someone who wants to help this movement thrive, here’s how to identify and mentor young adult secular activists who are ready to lead.
1. Recognize activism in all forms
Not every activist holds a megaphone. Some build community through art, campus panels, op-eds, secular clubs or through challenging religious privilege in their workplace or local government. Keep an eye out for:
- College students and recent grads involved in secular or social justice movements.
- Creators and thinkers on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube or Substack who promote reason, skepticism and inclusivity.
- Young professionals pushing for equity and ethics in their fields.
They may not lead with a secular label, but if they champion reason, science and equality, they’re part of the movement.
2. Offer connection, not control
Mentorship for young adults is about opening doors, not prescribing paths. Invite them to FFRF chapter events or networking opportunities. Connect them to other freethinkers. And most importantly, ask what support they want and need. You might offer:
- Help navigating challenges (e.g., religious pressure at work or school).
- A sounding board for campaign or project ideas.
- A letter of recommendation or intro to an ally or org.
- A platform to publish or speak.
3. Share tools, not just opinions
Equip them with the tools to make change. That could mean sending a link to FFRF’s student resources, sharing legal know-your-rights info, or pointing them to our essay contests, student scholarships or other volunteer opportunities.
Encourage curiosity over certainty and offer your experience as context..
4. Celebrate what they’re already doing
Mentorship isn’t just guidance — it’s validation. If someone starts a secular podcast, organizes a panel on religious freedom or speaks out online, amplify their work. Share their posts. Nominate them for awards. Invite them to speak. Support them with donations or supplies. A little recognition goes a long way.
5. Empower them to lead
One of the most powerful things you can do? Step back. Help them lead projects or campaigns on their terms — with your mentorship as scaffolding, not a script. Ask, don’t assume. And always treat young adults as collaborators, not sidekicks.
6. Mentor up: Learn from them, too
Mentorship isn’t a one-way street. Today’s young secular advocates are often digital natives who bring creativity, inclusivity and strategic savvy to their activism. They’re intersectional, community-minded and more likely than older generations to approach secularism through a lens of social justice. The same Pew data shows that young “Nones” are also more politically engaged and more likely to support secular government policies.
Ask what issues matter to them, how they build movements and what inspires them. In the process, you might expand your own understanding of freethought, activism and where this movement is headed. Mentoring up is about mutual learning — and building a secular future together.
Mentorship builds bridges. It multiplies impact. And it ensures that the fight for reason, science, and state/church separation doesn’t just continue — it evolves, strengthens and thrives.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is here to amplify your efforts, defend your rights and help you connect with a growing community of like-minded activists. Whether you’re mentoring or being mentored, you have a role to play in shaping the future of secular activism. Let’s build it — together.
🔗 Explore FFRF’s student and young adult resources
🔗 Support our youth essay contests
🔗 Become a member of FFRF
