Volunteer activities kept Beyond Belief Network teams busy in August

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Foundation Beyond Belief’s Beyond Belief Network is a network of secular humanist groups interested in volunteering in their communities (Volunteers Beyond Belief) and raising money for FBB and its beneficiaries (FBB Partners Program). September has arrived, so it’s time to take a look back at the amazing service projects our BBN teams carried out during August.

The St. Louis-based group Ethics in Action repacked and sorted food at the St. Louis Food Bank (pictured below). Over the three hours they spent volunteering, Ethics in Action was able to pack 816 boxes, 26,928 pounds of food, and provide 21,982 meals for St. Louis residents. Children of Ethics in Action members were also able to be involved in this event by collapsing used cardboard materials.

Ethics in Action

Pennsylvania Nonbelievers spent their summer staffing the snack bar at York Revolution Minor League home baseball games. Instead of accepting payment for their work, the Pennsylvania Nonbelievers decided to instead donate the proceeds to the Margaret Moul Home for cerebral palsy patients. Along with other volunteers, they donated more than $3,000. Next Friday, they’ll finish up the season with their eighth home game.

Flagstaff Freethinkers participated in the American Cancer Society’s Climb to Conquer Cancer. Seventeen freethinkers hiked through beautiful mountain scenery, and their hike ended in a festival to celebrate cancer survivors. The Flagstaff Freethinkers team raised $2,200.

Flagstaff Freethinkers

The Humanist Community of Ventura County was extremely busy this summer. They cleaned up a classroom for Nature and Nurture, a secular preschool program (pictured below). After two hours, the windows were cleaned, spiders evicted, main door fixed, books organized, and furniture cleaned. In early August, The Humanist Community of Ventura also hosted their fifth blood drive to fill the inventory of their local blood bank, United Blood Services. They also picked up litter and cleared trails near the Ventura River. The Ventura Hillside Conservancy recently purchased the land, and HCVC is assisting the Conservancy to create trails and a wildlife restoration project.

Humanist Community of Ventura County

North Florida Atheists (pictured below) sorted and folded clothes for Dignity U Wear. Dignity U Wear distributes dignity in the form of brand-new clothing. In order to maximize impact, the clothing is given in preparation for important events such as the first day of school or a job interview.

North Florida Atheists

Humanists of Houston packed a total of 455 boxes for the Houston Food Bank. Despite working in a room with only partial air conditioning, the Humanists of Houston were able to provide 11, 375 meals as a result of this volunteer opportunity.

Are you a member of a secular humanist group and want to help your community, raise awareness of nonbelievers doing good deeds, and connect with other service-oriented groups? Ask your team to join Beyond Belief Network! BBN staff can help you achieve your service goals and, as you submit event reports, your team will qualify for free t-shirts and the opportunity to apply for grants.