Dear Friend,

The vast majority of our interactions on Capitol Hill are with Members of Congress and their staff who identify with our mission to protect and strengthen the secular character of our government, such as those who sit on the Congressional Freethought Caucus. Rightfully so, as these representatives are the most vocal champions of the issues we care about as a coalition. 

When we meet with congressional offices who may not be direct champions of our cause, it is usually because we are seeking support for a piece of legislation, or another specific issue that needs congressional oversight. For instance, a few of my colleagues from our coalition member organizations and I recently met with House Education & Labor Committee staff to discuss what the next steps for the Do No Harm Act might be, including when we might be able to expect a hearing on the legislation. No time soon, it seems.

The Secular Coalition for America (SCA) is committed to ensuring that each and every elected member of the House and Senate know who we are, and what our community cares about. In fact, it is right there in our mission statement, “The Mission of the Secular Coalition for America is to increase the visibility of and respect for nontheistic viewpoints in the United States and to protect and strengthen the secular character of our government.”

This is what drives us to connect with every member of congress, regardless of political party or religious belief.

Every meeting will not result in a comprehensively positive outcome. There will be members who will adhere to their own personal dogma, or fall strictly on party lines when determining policy positions, but that should never dissuade us from speaking with them. After all, that is one of the biggest issues nontheists have had throughout the history of our government...the absence of a seat at the table. To silence ourselves now, even when confronted with vocal opposition, would be self-defeating and counterproductive to say the least. In fact, in those cases we need to speak even louder.

Continuing our outreach, this week I met with staff of Rep. Obernolte (R-CA-8), who is serving his first term in Congress. During the meeting I spoke about the issues that our community cares about including our legislative priorities like the Do No Harm Act, and the Scientific Integrity Act, as well as the demographics of who we are. Information like the fact that 28 percent of the population of the United States now consider themselves non-religious, and the fact that the vast majority also consider themselves progressive politically, usually makes congressional members and their staff pay attention. Hopefully it will also make them stop and think about the ramifications of opposing our policy goals (should that be their initial inclination). 

The meeting was an excellent example of how we can inform new members of congress about nontheists, and SCA looks forward to continuing to build a relationship with their office. As we progress through the 117th Congress, I look forward to bringing you positive updates on new allies, awareness of our community, and information on what obstacles or opposition we may face in the future.

It is only through constant communication with both our allies on the Hill, and those members who are unfamiliar with our community, regarding the values we hold and the policy issues that concern us, that we will be able to realize our mission.

You are an essential and irreplaceable part of the community that SCA serves. Without your voice, achieving our goals would be so much more difficult, so I want to thank you for all that you do to stand up for nontheists. I also want you to know that we are truly appreciative of your support, and that each contribution goes to advocating for the secular nature of our founding...essential for our democracy to thrive. 

We would not be able to continue in our mission without your steadfast support. To make a contribution at this time, you can do so by clicking the “I want to help!” button below. Thank you again for standing with us!