January Team of the Month: Omaha Atheists

Congratulations to Beyond Belief Network’s January Team of the Month: Omaha Atheists! Based in Omaha, NE, the team was chosen for this honor because of their strong spirit of volunteerism and progressive service events in their community. Omaha Atheists ended 2015 as a Level 1 team and was previously honored as December 2015’s Picture of the Month.

Members of Omaha Atheists prepare a monthly meal for Youth Emergency Service of Omaha, which provides support and resources to homeless and at-risk youth. Team members shop for ingredients, prepare a meal and deliver it to the organization. Omaha Atheists also participate in Adopt-a-Highway and remove trash along their adopted stretch of highway. Their last cleanup was in November.

Omaha Atheists also support local organizations and minority communities. In October, a large protest was planned at a branch of Planned Parenthood. Omaha Atheists counter-protested by sharing facts and information about Planned Parenthood’s services and work. Team members also brought breakfast and treats for the employees. The following month, in response to the vandalization of The Islamic Center of Omaha, Omaha Atheists put together a piece of art for the center, wrote a letter of support, and meet with a leader. They even offered to watch the building in an effort to deter future vandalism. Although this offer was declined, The Islamic Center of Omaha was appreciative of the team’s support.

The team also hosts collection drives. In December, team members created twelve purses with donated hygiene supplies, food, gloves, hats, Chapstick, cough drops, feminine hygiene products, and band aids. The purses were given, along with two totes of clothes and additional hygiene products, to a local women's shelter.

In September, Omaha Atheists hosted a food drive to benefit the Bellevue Food Pantry. Team members donated extra items from their pantries. This month, Omaha Atheists have created a food pantry for their group members – the pantry can be accessed confidentially when members are in need. So far, the pantry has been accessed three times. The team has a box at all their meetings for pantry items as well as monetary donations.

Beyond Belief Network is proud to support Omaha Atheists and wishes them continued success in their endeavors.

Team of the Month recognition is a benefit provided by Foundation Beyond Belief to our Beyond Belief Network teams. In order to be considered, your group must be a Level One Beyond Belief Network team and you must submit at least one event report during the month. Team of the Month selection is based on the number, length, variety, and documentation (e.g., submitted pictures, blog posts, videos, etc.) of events.

Teams can only be Team of the Month once per calendar year. If your local group does great service work, but isn’t a member of BBN, you can join anytime! In addition to recognition, your team can qualify for free t-shirts and grants. If your local humanist group doesn’t volunteer, but you’d like to start, we’d love to help! For teams new to secular service, we offer tons of ideas, event guides, and advice.