A quick guide to being an atheist volunteer

A quick guide to get you started

It is an incredible feeling to be able to provide skills and abilities for the greater good of an atheist community. If you've ever wondered how you can volunteer with an atheist organization, here's a quick guide that will open your eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. If you have free time there's an opportunity for you to help, all you have to do is reach out and grab it. This guide is not inclusive of all opportunities out there, but a mere few to get you started.

Locate your local organization
You should already be part of your local organization, there is no reason you should be “homeless”. All big cities have an organization and/or groups. When it comes to smaller cities and towns, you would have to dig deeper. Being part of any local organization or a group is a good way of socializing with like-minded people. They won't judge your beliefs, they won't laugh at you, they won't ask you a million times why humans stopped evolving, and they won't tell you to accept late JC as your personal savior. On the contrary, they will extend their hand and welcome you. Local groups usually provide support, help when you need it, they hold meetings, invite speakers, and even travel. Depending on how big and involved your organization is they even might do activism in your city. For example, NYC Atheists does tabling all summer long where people can ask questions and sometimes come to a realization that they are not alone.

There are many sources that you can use to locate an atheist organization or a group in your area. Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science compiled and maintains a very comprehensive list of local organizations all over the world. American Atheists have an affiliate program with many affiliate organizations all over the US. Atheist Alliance International maintains Freethought Directory, which has many groups listed all over the world as well as their member organizations built on democratic principles. If you can't find, or even if you did, local organization or a group don't forget to visit Meetup.com. It is an incredible resource that you can use to network and socialize on any given topic. Lastly, a new social networking site exclusively for non-believers can help you locate local atheists. Atheist Nexus, almost one year old, is enjoyed by over 8, 000 members – all non-believers!

If, with God's help, you were unable to find any local organizations or groups why not make one? Do you really think you're the only one in your town? Think again! If you have some money to spare, consider starting Meetup group. Usually there are people waiting on a group to be started, and once someone takes initiative to do so – they join. Let's say you're tight on the money in this turbulent economy, then start Atheist Nexus group and use your local Craigslist to attract atheists. There are many ways you can do it, but someone needs to make that first step.

National atheist organizations
You've found your local organization, but you have more time on your hands and you want to find some more volunteer opportunities. National atheist organizations are an excellent source of volunteer opportunities. This guide will cover only several national organizations that do offer volunteer opportunities, all organizations mentioned are non-profit unless otherwise mentioned.

Atheist Alliance International
AAI has a bold vision,

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.

What is even more fascinating AAI is run by volunteer staff. Headquartered on the world wide web, the world is its playground. AAI offers, probably, the most comprehensive list of opportunities for volunteers. From web design to marketing, from press releases to strategic planning, from convention planning to writing for Secular Nation magazine. The experience you get being part of AAI transcends that of mere volunteering. It is an experience that you can apply directly to your job and career. Employers are always looking for volunteer work on the resume. Why not make yours stand out with job related volunteering with a non-profit international organization? If you're a student this is a great experience, just like an internship. Anyone can be part of AAI and help out - be it an hour per day or an hour per week. Visit AAI website to learn more about awesome opportunities they offer.

Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science
You already know who Richard Dawkins is, and you should be familiar with his website and forum. The foundation is always looking for volunteers. It releases many videos and DVDs of Richard Dawkins and other prominent scientists. Well, if you ever saw any of them with subtitles in other languages it was done by volunteers. They are always looking for bilingual individuals who would be able to translate transcripts. But don't be discouraged, if you don't speak anything but English there's still an opportunity for you with RDFRS. Stop by their website and check out what you can do to help.

Reason Project
You might not be familiar with Reason Project. It is a new non-profit foundation that is “devoted to spreading scientific knowledge and secular values in society,” according to the Project's website. It was founded by Sam and Annaka Harris. You can fill out volunteer application and as the foundation grows it will call on you when the need arises. Stop by their website and check it out, you will find it very interesting and informative.

American Atheists
American Atheists are always on the look out for violations of church and state (SOCAS) in your state. If you ever feel that your state violated any principals of SOCAS, contact American Atheists and they will help you evaluate the situation.

Secular Coalition for America
You should already know what SCA does, they're the ones who lobby for your rights in DC. Due to the work they do, SCA is not a non-profit organization but an advocacy organization. If you are interested in volunteering in anyway with SCA drop them an email and they will let you know if they need your help.

AP Photo/Dusan Vranic

Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers
Are you in the military or a veteran? Well, don't forget to visit MAAF website and find out how you can help them protect nontheists who face inequality and violation of their rights while serving in the military. MAAF is always looking for volunteers to help, especially if you're still serving and can be a point of contact on your base and in your region.

Secular Student Alliance
If you're still in school, you should definitely find out if your school has any atheist or freethought groups on campus. SSA is an umbrella organization for many student organizations all over the world. If you don't have anything on your campus, contact SSA and they will help you set one up. It is very important to make sure that your campus has some sort of secular or atheist presence. Especially if you noticed that you get many preachers on campus. Becoming active while in school helps you shape your values and ethics, that eventually shape you as an individual.

Online social networking
If you don't really feel like volunteering with national atheist organizations than check out Atheist Nexus, premier social network exclusively for non-believers. It is not non-profit, yet. It is moderated and directed by Brother Richard, who has a strong vision for A|N to become the social hub for all non-believers around the world. Almost one year old, A|N was able to attract over 8, 000 members. It's free and they're always looking for volunteers. It doesn't matter what your skills are, you can definitely volunteer here. Be it marketing, promotion, graphic design, web design, moderators, and much more. The best part, it's all done online so you don't have to leave your home (unless it's something that does require it), and pretty much you can do it in your pajamas.

These are just a few pointers to get you started in the right direction. The best part - a lot of volunteering is done online these days, so it's very easy to be part of atheist movement and help leave your mark in the history.

If you are way too busy to volunteer, consider donating to one of these organizations or even joining. Many of them offer great services and products that come along with your membership.

Just remember what Terry Pratchett, English writer, said,

It's not worth doing something unless you were doing something that someone, somewhere, would much rather you weren't doing.

You know volunteering with an atheist organization is worth it, many believers would rather you not do it.

You will meet a lot of awesome people while volunteering, attend excellent events, and live knowing that you took part in creating history for your kids to enjoy. Children make future worth fighting for.