Difference between revisions of "Atheist Organizations Descriptions"

Revision as of 16:41, 1 November 2013

In addition to the Longest list of atheist URLs ever created on this page we took Secular Students list and expanded on it. With permission we also have pulled large portions of text from another extensive list of atheist sites. Our goal here is to add descriptions to Atheist organizations.

We can add anything we want to each description, to build it up so it's the size of an article. You can start taking information from their own websites and their history from Wikipedia and start linking them.

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American Atheists
http://www.atheists.org
American Atheists is dedicated to working for the civil rights of Atheists, promoting separation of state and church, and providing information about Atheism. American Atheists has been a premier organization laboring for the civil liberties of Atheists, and the total, absolute separation of government and religion.
On this wiki as American Atheists (currently experimenting with Wikipedia import).

American Ethical Union
http://www.aeu.org
The American Ethical Union works to advance the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is working to create a more humane society.

American Humanist Association
http://www.americanhumanist.org
The American Humanist Association is a national organization founded in 1941 to promote humanism in the United States. The AHA represents both secular and religious naturalistic humanism, and cooperates with other national and international humanist organizations to advance the ideals of humanism.
On this wiki as American Humanist Association.

Americans United for the Separation of Church and State
http://www.au.org
Since 1947, Americans United has worked to protect the constitutional principle of church-state separation, a vital cornerstone of religious liberty. Americans of many faiths and political viewpoints, individuals from all walks of life, have come together to defend freedoms.

Atheist Alliance International
http://www.atheistalliance.org
The goal of this organization is to create more compassionate and better-informed societies. Its members believe that human activities should be based on reason and science rather than religion or superstition. The alliance, which has affiliates in more than 20 countries, publishes the magazine Secular Nation and conducts educational programs throughout the world. It also attempts to fight legal injustices and violations of basic human rights. The U.S. affiliate, Atheist Alliance America, presents the annual Richard Dawkins Award to individuals who make outstanding contributions to freethought.

Atheist Alliance America
http://www.atheistallianceofamerica.org
AAA's vision is to transform society into one that supports and respects a worldview based on the values of reason, empiricism and naturalism, and respects and protects the separation of religion and government.

Atheist Nexus
http://www.atheistnexus.org
This is a major social networking site for non-Christians. Each person who joins is given his or her own profile page for displaying personal information and photos. Members may also express their views in forums, make blog posts, join special groups, announce events, and upload videos.

Atheists for Human Rights
http://atheistsforhumanrights.org/ This organization works to defend the basic human rights of people who are being oppressed and persecuted by religious groups. In addition, it maintains a Moral High Ground Fund which provides financial aid to individuals who have been harmed or displaced by persecution. It also tries to help people who are harmed by wars, terrorism, and other acts of violence.

Beltway Atheists
http://www.beltwayatheists.org
Beltway Atheists was incorporated in 2008 and is now a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization. It is focused on social, charitable, educational, and advocacy activities. Social events are organized through the NOVA Atheists Meetup group. Information on special events and activities are posted on this Meetup site.

The Brights' Net
http://www.the-brights.net
This website of The Brights' Network registers brights into an Internet constituency of Brights and serves as a communications hub for actions that align with the aims and principles of the Brights movement.

Camp Quest
http://www.camp-quest.org
Camp Quest is a network of secular summer camps for the children of atheists, humanists, and other freethinkers. Many college students volunteer as counselors at week-long Camp Quest sessions.

Center for Inquiry
http://www.centerforinquiry.net
The Center for Inquiry International is a nonprofit educational organization working to promote and defend science, reason, and freedom of inquiry in all areas of human endeavor. It is also the parent organization of CFI On Campus, Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), and the Council for Secular Humanism (CSH).

The Clergy Project
http://www.clergyproject.org/
The Clergy Project is a confidential online community for active and former clergy who do not hold the supernatural beliefs of their religious traditions. The Clergy Project launched on March 21st, 2011.

Currently, the community's nearly 100 members use it to network and discuss what it's like being an unbelieving leader in a religious community. The Clergy Project’s goal is to support members as they move beyond faith.

Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain
http://ex-muslim.org.uk/
A branch of the Central Council of Ex-Muslims, the CEMB is a regroupment of non-believers, atheists and ex-Muslims of Britain who stand for reason, universal human rights and secularism, against the cultural relativism which allows regressive Islamic organisations and ‘Muslim community leaders’ to flourish. (Manifesto)

EvolveFISH
http://www.evolvefish.com
FISH is an enterprise based in Colorado, and dedicated to countering the destructive aspects of religious zealotry. FISH creates and gathers enlightened symbols and materials and advertises these products (such as T-shirts, buttons and CDs) throughout the United States; with special focus on areas where zealots are trying to usurp the freedoms of the targets of their bigotry.

The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE)
http://www.thefire.org
The mission of FIRE is to defend and sustain individual rights at America's colleges and universities, including freedom of speech, legal equality, due process, religious liberty, and sanctity of conscience.

Foundation Beyond Belief
http://www.foundationbeyondbelief.org
Foundation Beyond Belief is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational foundation created (1) to focus, encourage and demonstrate the generosity and compassion of atheists and humanists, and (2) to provide support and encouragement for nontheistic parents. This charitable foundation raises money for selected humanitarian relief agencies and organizations. The main goals are to improve education, fight poverty, increase access to healthcare, and defend basic human rights throughout the world. The foundation also sponsors Volunteers Beyond relief, a network of humanist volunteer teams. Another major project is Humanist Crisis Response, which raises funds to assist relief efforts for humanitarian crises as they occur.

Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF)
http://www.ffrf.org
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a membership organization for freethinkers - atheists, agnostics, secularists, humanists, and rationalists. The Foundation acts as an umbrella for those free from religion, and is committed to the treasured principle of separation of state and church. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. is an educational group working for separation of state and church.

Freethought Association of Canada
freethoughtassociation.ca
The Freethought Association of Canada is a non-profit organization promoting education and outreach and the principles of various secular worldviews (humanism, non-theism, skepticism, atheism, etc.).

The Freethought Society
http://www.ftsociety.org/
Founded in 1993 by Margaret Downey, this quickly became one of the most active and influential freethought organizations in the United States. It is especially noteworthy for the militancy of its efforts to bring an end to discrimination against non-theists. Many of its activities, such as organizing protests and putting up billboards, are based on the belief that a strong public voice is necessary to overcome the prejudice against secularists that currently pervades American society. The long-term goal is to help bring about a world in which any freethinker can express his or her beliefs without fear of discrimination or retaliation.

Institute for Humanist Studies
http://www.humaniststudies.org
The Institute for Humanist Studies is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing humanist principles through education and publicity. It researches and distributes comprehensive information about humanist beliefs, organizations, and services. The IHS supports the SSA in a big way. Please let them know you appreciate their support of the student movement.

Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC)
http://www.ifyc.org
The Interfaith Youth Core is an organization working to bring young people of all worldviews together to strengthen social cohesion, build social capital, and address social problems. While the Secular Student Alliance encourages its affiliates to participate in interfaith work, we always stress how important it is for our affiliates to retain their identity as non-theists and be openly skeptical of and critically approach supernatural claims.

International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU)
http://www.iheu.org
IHEU was founded in 1952 in Amsterdam and is the only umbrella organization of Humanist, rationalist, atheist, secularist, ethical culture and agnostic groups around the world. IHEU's member organizations range from large membership groups to publishers, universities and development agencies. The IHEU also supports the International Humanist and Ethical Youth Organization (IHEYO).

Internet Infidels
http://www.infidels.org/index.shtml
The Secular Web is an online community of nonbelievers dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, understanding and tolerance.

James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF)
http://www.randi.org
The James Randi Educational Foundation was founded in 1996 to help people defend themselves from paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. The JREF offers a still-unclaimed million-dollar reward for anyone who can produce evidence of paranormal abilities under controlled conditions. Through scholarships, workshops, and innovative resources for educators, the JREF works to inspire this investigative spirit in a new generation of critical thinkers.

The JREF works to:

• Expose paranormal and pseudoscientific frauds in the media, and hold media organizations accountable for promoting dangerous nonsense
• Provide educators with grants and free teaching modules on critical thinking
• Award scholarships that encourage scientific skepticism among students
• Support grassroots skeptics groups with tools to help them organize and promote skepticism and critical thinking
• Digitally publish the important works of skepticism for distribution on the iPad, Kindle and other e-readers
• Organize major conferences like The Amaz!ng Meeting and other gatherings that bring the entire skeptical community together

Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (MAAF)
http://www.maaf.info
The Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers is an Internet-based grassroots organization that exists to provide a forum for service members to express their views and find a community of like-minded individuals. Where necessary, MAAF tries to identify, examine, and respond to insensitive practices that illegally promote religion over non-religion within the military or unethically discriminate against minority religions or differing beliefs.

The National Federation of Atheist, Humanist and Secular Student Societies (AHS)
http://www.ahsstudents.org.uk/
The AHS is an umbrella organization which represents atheist, Humanist and secular student societies in the United Kingdom. It provides support and resources for established and newly-forming societies as well as a national voice.

Rational Response Squad
http://www.RationalResponders.com
An atheist activist group dedicated to promoting critical thinking and obliterating dogma. Features forums, videos, articles and live chat. The Rational Response Squad is a group of atheist activists who impact society by changing the way we view god belief. A haven for those who are pushing back against the norm, and a place for believers of gods to have their beliefs exposed as false should they want to try their hand at confronting us.

Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science / OUT Campaign
http://www.richarddawkins.net
RichardDawkins.net is The Official Richard Dawkins website, and is maintained by an international team of like-minded volunteers. The site hosts exclusive content and articles from Professor Dawkins, as well as other content, videos, audio and popular forums for fans of Dawkins and his work.

SECULAR Center
http://www.secularcenterusa.org
The mission of the Secular Center is mobilize secular volunteers to contribute toward improving our communities, to coordinate non-theist charitable efforts, and to increase awareness and acceptance of our worldview, contributions, and values.

Secular Coalition for America
http://www.secular.org
The mission of the Secular Coalition for America is to increase the visibility of and respect for nontheistic viewpoints in the United States, and to protect and strengthen the secular character of our government as the best guarantee of freedom for all.

Society for Humanistic Judaism
http://www.shj.org
Humanistic Judaism embraces a human-centered philosophy that combines the celebration of Jewish culture and identity with an adherence to humanistic values and ideas.

United Coalition of Reason
http://www.unitedcor.org
The United Coalition of Reason is a national organization that works to raise the visibility of local groups in the community of reason. The organization promotes informal cooperation among local groups by hosting a local coalition website, providing group leaders with free public relations training, and funding a publicity campaign in local areas.

Massachusetts Groups that had description placed in the url list

http://www.meetup.com/Secular-Massachusetts/ Secular Massachusetts: The purpose of this group is to bring together the many kinds of Massachusetts freethinkers -- Atheists, Humanists, Ethical Culturists, Brights, agnostics, and so on -- for common social, educational, and civic purposes. Any person interested in participating in the message board and mailing list discussions, networking with other Massachusetts freethinkers, attending one of the large regional events, or just adding their name to the roster to show that there is a large and growing secular community in Massachusetts -- don't wait, join now.

http://www.meetup.com/bostonatheists/ The Boston Atheists: We provide fellowship, activism, and education for the atheists in the Greater Boston metro area. As a local affiliate of American Atheists, we advocate at every opportunity for the advancement of a reality-based worldview.

http://www.meetup.com/Ethical-Society-of-Boston Ethical Society of Boston: A non-theistic religious and educational fellowship inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is working to create a more humane society. Together we develop our ethical ideals, celebrate life's joys, and support one another through life's crises. We work for the improvement of our world and for the future of our children. Membership is open to those who agree with our principles regardless of race, religion, or national origin.</p>

http://www.centerfornaturalism.org/ The Center for Naturalism: promotes science-based naturalism as a comprehensive worldview - a rational and fulfilling alternative to faith-based religions and other varieties of supernaturalism. The understanding that we are fully natural beings is the foundation for an effective approach to personal and social concerns, and highlights our intimate connection to the awe-inspiring universe described by science. Through its educational activities and initiatives, the Center develops constructive applications of naturalism, supports progressive social policy, and in collaboration with other secular groups, helps to build a community of naturalists.

http://www.meetup.com/concordareahumanists-org-cms/ Concord Area Humanists: A relatively new, very casual and inclusive collection of Humanists, agnostics, atheists, freethinkers and other non-theists from the Concord-area towns. We have a mailing list for announcements of events, but no formal membership, all are welcome to participate. We hope to provide stimulating opportunities for like-minded folks to meet at social events and to raise public awareness and acceptance of Humanism. In Fall '09, we offered an Introduction to Humanism course at the Wright Tavern and may repeat in Spring '10. We coordinate potluck dinner gatherings - on no set schedule - and have a Small Evening Discussion Group that meets on the third Tuesday of each month for socializing and discussion on diverse topics.

http://www.meetup.com/GreaterBostonHumanists/ Greater Boston Humanists: We engage in a variety of activities such as holding meetings and lectures on topics of interest to Humanists, skeptics and freethinkers, each month or so during the academic year. These meetings are open to the public, and are stimulating and informative and include guest speakers. These events also usually include snacks and time to socialize with others, as well as time for further discussion. We also provide opportunities for connection and group celebration.

http://www.meetup.com/worcesterhumanists/ Greater Worcester Humanists: An active chapter of the American Humanist Association. We provide a welcoming environment and a range of activities for area humanists and those interested in learning more about humanism. We have regular meetings, guest speakers, movie screenings, discussions of timely topics, and social activities, etc. We also celebrate humanist holidays such as Darwin Day, Freethought Day, Human Light, and the National Day of Reason. Most of our meetings are free and open to the public. http://www.facebook.com/worcesterhumanists http://twitter.com/gwhumanists

http://www.meetup.com/Pioneer-Valley-Free-Thinkers/ Pioneer Valley Freethinkers

http://www.meetup.com/HarvardHumanist Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard University: Dedicated to building, educating, and nurturing a diverse community of Humanists, agnostics, atheists, and the non-religious at Harvard and beyond.</p>

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5518349731 Harvard Humanist Alumni (HHA): A Shared Interest Group of the Harvard Alumni Association. HHA is primarily for Harvard affiliates, i.e., alumni of all Harvard schools, current and former faculty, staff, and students, as well as close relatives of alumni.  People without Harvard affiliations are welcome to participate in our programs.  Our purpose is to create a community for. Humanists and other non-theists, addressing our needs through various life stages. Thus far HHA has developed the Humanist Small Group, as described below.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9608773857 Humanist Small Group (HSG): A discussion group for Humanists and like-minded individuals that meets on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Topics range from the abstract religion, philosophy, ethics, epistemology, history, ancient culture, politics, the relationship between science and culture, geopolitics, to the personal--marriage, romantic relationships, parenting, friendship, social associations, compassion, and communication.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=207307035531 Humanist Contemplative Group (HCG): A meditation and conversation group for Humanists and like-minded individuals that meets on the first and third Saturday of each month. Meetings generally include 30 minutes of meditation in varying formats, including unprogrammed silence, followed by discussion. The aim is to provide a supportive community for Humanists in which the psychological and physical benefits of meditation can be explored.

UNIVERSITY STUDENT GROUPS
http://my.brandeis.edu/clubs/bh Brandeis Humanists

http://www.facebook.com/ClarkFreethought Clark Freethought Society

http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~secular/ Harvard Secular Society: Founded to create and continue a dialogue about faith, morality, God and religion, while providing a community for Humanist, agnostic, atheist and non-religious students. The Secular Society seeks to encourage consciousness of the various political, scientific, social and cultural issues surrounding secularism and Humanism. Accordingly, HSS sponsors speaker events, panel discussions, debates, social functions and other educational and cultural programs. The Secular Society welcomes members of every gender, ethnicity, religious background and sexuality. We seek to maintain a positive and communicative relationship with other religious and political groups on campus, and welcome our responsibility to give back to the community, lending support to community service and political campaigns affecting secularism or Humanism.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6123995822 Harvard Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists (HASH): Originated several years ago with a group of non-religious students seeking a community of open-minded, intellectually curious nontheistic/nonreligious students. Its members come from all of the graduate schools at Harvard and have a wide range of backgrounds and concerns. Discussions at gatherings range from the political (e.g., church-state separation) to the personal (e.g., living with a religious partner), and even to the spiritual (after all, one can be a spiritual humanist). This year HASH will be holding monthly pub nights the first Thursday of each month.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=26029364910 Humanists of Boston University

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4936029708 The Tufts Freethought Society: Promotes independent, open minded and rational thinking in the realms of philosophy, religion, and controversy. Our mission is to provide a welcoming place for Tufts students willing to question their own beliefs. Our aim is to increase dialogue among all members of the student body and to provide a network of guidance and support for non-religious members of the Tufts community. Above all, we aim to have good-ol' cortex ticklin' fun. The Tufts Freethought Society is open to anyone and everyone who seeks to expand their mind through debate, dialog and intellectual debauchery.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wellesley-MA/Secular-Wellesley/146423741218 Secular Wellesley: Wellesley College's community for the exploration of atheism, humanism, agnosticism, and other secular worldviews. We attempt to foster an encouraging social and intellectual community for secular students on campus, and hope to lend support and cohesion to Wellesley's secular population. Our goal is to establish ourselves as a valuable and beneficial part of the Wellesley College community, and we hope to create an enduring tradition of secular discourse. Our page can be found on Facebook under "Secular Wellesley", and we can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected]