Humanity at work: Our BBN teams are keeping busy

Foundation Beyond Belief’s Beyond Belief Network is a network of secular humanist groups interested in volunteering (Volunteers Beyond Belief) and raising money for FBB and our beneficiaries (Foundation Partners Program). Fall is here, and our volunteer groups are sending summer out with a blast and displaying humanity at work.

Flagstaff Freethinkers volunteered at the Flagstaff Family Food Center, a secular food pantry. They helped with food preparation, serving, and clean-up.

Humanists of Rhode Island volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for the needy. The Humanists of Rhode Island have volunteered for Habitat for Humanity for more than two years and have been able to frame, shingle, paint, detail, insulate, and landscape houses. The Humanists of Rhode Island also attended a peace rally in which they collected money for Foundation Beyond Belief beneficiary International Rescue Committee to support Syrian refugee relief.

Fellowship of Freethought Dallas created a pasta bar for youth and volunteers at Youth First Texas. Previously, the group created a taco bar and prepared a Cajun meal for the youth. Youth First Texas provides a safe space for LGBTQ youth and their allied friends. Every Friday night they have a family-style meal that, for many, is the only nourishing meal they get during the week.

The Humanist Community of Ventura County became the first community group to ever volunteer in the California Lutheran University (CLU) Community Garden. They pulled weeds, watered plants, and picked ripe vegetables. The CLU Community Garden provides direct opportunities for students to learn about CLU’s sustainability principles and to participate in the nationwide movement of growing and purchasing local produce.

This summer, Central Ohio United Non-Theists (COUNT) volunteered as house-warmers for their local Ronald McDonald House (RMH). As house-warmers, COUNT worked with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment by greeting families, assisting with family needs, answering phones, giving tours, assisting with check-in and check-out, and preparing guest rooms after check-out. COUNT volunteers also assisted with cleaning facilities, laundry, restocking supplies, and staffing the front desk.

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.