Ways to support the goals of the SHL

 

1)    Be the good person that you are and also be open about your atheism.

 

a.     When appropriate wear symbols  that identify your beliefs (for example the atheist A, or T-shirts of freethought organizations). [Note: You can purchase an SHL t-shirt right here 

b.     If someone asks you what church you go to, don't get angry or shy, just matter-of-factly say you don't go to church because you don't believe in god.

c.     If someone publishes a letter or article in the P&C that unfairly denigrates non-believers, write a letter to the editor explaining why you disagree.

 

2)    Help out at our volunteer opportunities where SHL members work together for some local charity. (Write to our volunteer coordinator to find out how.)  Also, find charitable projects that the SHL can get involved in and help our volunteer coordinator to arrange for our participation.  For example, sponsoring a team on walk-a-thon, or a clean-up campaign.  (Although not local, microlender Kiva.org has teams and the Atheist team is currently the top earner!)

 

3)    Get an "In Reason We Trust" South Carolina license plate for your car.  (Click here for information on obtaining one.)

 

4)    Start a freethought/atheist/agnostic group at your workplace if appropriate, especially if there are religious groups already in place.

 

5)    Read freethought books and educate yourself about diverse religions so you are well informed and can make well-reasoned arguments. For example:

 

a.     Godless by Dan Barker

b.     Why I am not a Christian (an essay) by Bertrand Russell

c.     The Age of Reason, by Thomas Paine

d.     Letter to a Christian Nation, by Sam Harris

e.     Freethinkers - A History of American Secularism, by Susan Jacoby

e.     Consider joining our book discussion group.

 

6)    Join us at SHL social functions.  This may seem like it is too much fun to be helpful, but remember that there are many non-religious people in South Carolina who feel isolated by their lack of belief.  Going to a potluck party, picnic, monthly meeting, book club meeting or movie club showing would not just be fun for you, but it would be your way of offering support to others who need to see that they are not alone.

 

7)    Participate in discussions on the electronic forum at our website or our Facebook page and contribute articles for the SHL newsletter by sending them to newsletter@lowcountryhumanists.org.

 

8)    Join the SHL (pay dues) and other organizations with related objectives (Americans United, ACLU, FFRF, Secular Coalition, etc.)