Volunteers Beyond Belief welcomes four new teams

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This June, as the Volunteers Beyond Belief program approaches one year since its inception, we are excited to announce another expansion of our program. Our roster of teams now features four new additions, bringing us to a total of 18 communities peppered across the United States. These teams will bring along about 500 new volunteers, bringing our nationwide total to more than 2,000!  Although the program is still young, we have already seen significant progress and growth. We can’t wait to see what these new partnerships will bring to the table as we work together to promote compassionate humanism in our own communities.  Get acquainted with our newest groups below.

The Michigan Secular Student Alliance Michigan Secular Student Alliance was founded in 2006 as a place where nonreligious students could gather to express ideas and find community. Our group has grown considerably since then and has become the largest group for atheist, agnostic, and freethinking students on the University of Michigan campus. Their goals as an organization are to promote critical thinking and secularism, while providing a fun, welcoming community to secular students and giving back to the larger community through monthly service projects.  

Humanists of Rhode IslandHumanists of Rhode Island was formed in April 2011 with the intention of demonstrating the humanist values of reason, compassion, optimism, and action without the trappings of superstition and religion. Since that time the group has swelled from seven to more than 130 members, and they have engaged in dozens of service projects and have engaged directly in the political arena on such issues as church/state separation, marriage equality, and women’s reproductive freedoms. They are always looking for more to do, and are eager to engage with their community.

Humanists of HoustonHumanists of Houston (HOH) has been the premier humanist group in Houston for more than 30 years. HOH exists to provide the opportunity for likeminded humanists, atheists, agnostics, skeptics, and freethinkers to socialize and enjoy thought-provoking discussions about the issues of the day. As a humanist group, they do not merely hold a naturalistic worldview based on reason, but are also concerned with living ethical, meaningful lives with concern for their fellow human being. As a result, their members are looking forward to participating with Volunteers Beyond Belief in a variety of activities designed to advance humanist causes and values in the Houston area.

The Freethought SocietyThe Freethought Society (FS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization advocating the separation of religion and government. As freethinkers, their minds are not constrained by superstitions or prescribed dogmas that tell us what we may or may not think.  FS supporters are atheists, agnostics, humanists, skeptics, rationalists, humanists, secularists, and freethinkers. The goals of the Freethought Society are to raise awareness and acceptance of the nontheists. Events and volunteer opportunities provide a strong community tie for like-minded individuals. FS serves as a local forum in which freethinkers can learn, socialize, and exchange ideas. Committees include the following: Anti-Discrimination Support Network, Helping Hands, Diversity Outreach, Women Against Religious Subjugation, Tree of Knowledge, Secular Celebration, Mentor Connection, and Thomas Paine Memorial Committee.

To learn more about Volunteers Beyond Belief, click here