Question

[AdamAppleby]

Hi,
I am interested in volunteering towards some cause revolving around freedom from religion (in the United States). However, I cannot find any organization that doesn't involve more than sending your forty dollars a year so you can say "I'm a member". Not that I want to do something every weekend, but I would like to take an active part in the organization I join. Does anyone know of such an organization (preferably near New Jersey)?
Adam

[Demosthenes]

Hmmm, I can't think of any organizations off the top of my head right now. What you might want to do is to look through both Activism Links and Secular Charities sticky threads located at the top of the PA&SA forum for some information and ideas. I won't be surprised if those resources lead you to what you're looking for.

[DMB]

AdamAppleby:As a non-American, I can't, of course, speak for any American organisations, but in my experience the majority of members of any group are not very active. They may prefer to pay their money and help in that way. People who really want to do things are in a minority and are like gold for many organisations!

I would suggest that you have a look at the links posted here and get in touch with organisations that look interesting. Ring their head offices and ask if they have things that you could do.

[lville88]

Here's (http://nyc-atheists.org/) a link to the NYC Atheists. They have meetings fairly often and set up tabling at street fairs. They usually are looking for volunteers at said fairs. I have not attended any events as my schedule doesn't allow but they seem to be pretty active.

[southernhybrid]

Here's a link to a list of NJ Secular Humanist groups. (http://www.secularhumanism.org/Intl/usa/nj/) That might be a good place to start.

I think that joining groups like the ACLU and the AU are also beneficial even if they don't have any volunteer opportunities for you. I'm very proud to support these groups even if it's just by being a member of a strong and progessive organization that works to help protect my civil rights.

[WNCAtheists]

Janice Rael (Everlasting Godstopper) heads up a Jersey Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
You could head up your own chapter if it's too far away.
There are others in the area as well.


Darrell