"FAQs" for the Godless Americans March on Washington
What is the "Godless Americans March on Washington"?
The "Godless Americans" March is designed as "the next level" for our nation's growing community of Atheists, Freethinkers, Humanists and others who have no religious beliefs or creeds to speak out for civil rights, state-church separation and a growing role in public policy. According to the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS), nearly 30 million people in the United States profess "no religion." The March on Washington seeks to make this wide swath of our population visible to media, elected officials and others.
When and where will this happen?
The March will be a peaceful assembly on Saturday, November 2 on the Mall in Washington, DC. This venue has been a tradition site for various social cause movements groups to speak out, to be recognized, and to demand "a seat at the table" in the great discussion we call democracy.
What will the March on Washington consist of?
We are currently finalizing plans for a peaceful March down the Mall to the area west of the Capitol Building. There, we are planning a program of speeches, entertainment and other events. We are soliciting participation from national, regional and local Atheist, Freethought, Humanist and other groups consisting of those who have no religious belief.
Who can participate in this event?
"Godless Americans" of all stripes and labels are invited. We realize that members of our extended community use all sorts of monikers to describe what they do and do not believe in. Some prefer labels like "Atheist" or even "Agnostic" or "Freethinker," while others might describe themselves as "Secular Humanists" or "Rationalists." What we have in common, though, is more significant than our various self-descriptions. We do not believe in a deity or deities (or we seriously doubt such a belief), and we reject religious creeds, "revelations," prophesies and teachings. We embrace a secular morality, and a secular vision of society.
Why not invite religious people who agree with some of what we have to say?
There are some religious people and groups who agree with some of the things we support, including separation of church and state. While we can welcome support from diverse groups on specific issues, any movement -- any group, any "cause" movement -- inevitably has to forge its own identity, and step out on its own. It has to become a force to be reckoned with if it wants to influence the culture. Marches such as the one we are planning, social and political action, demonstrations -- these are some of the indicators that a movement is "coming of age," and ready to take that seat at the table. We can't expect others to do this for us.
Why now?
Why not now? One good reason is that in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the leadership of America used religion as a way of trying to rally the nation. Atheists and others of no religious belief were often excluded or marginalized in what became a theo-political revival. Nonbelievers have been insulted in the news media. Despite progress by other groups -- black and Hispanic Americans, women, gays and lesbians for example -- nonbelievers continue to lag behind. Some surveys indicate that a majority of Americans would not vote for an Atheist for president.
Despite the fact that there are millions of us, our rights are violated constantly. Politicians want to tax us in order to support faith-based social programs. Groups like the Boy Scouts which receive direct and indirect support from government will not admit Atheists to membership.
If that type of discrimination and bigotry were practiced against other groups, there would be a national outcry and wave of indignation!
So, the March on Washington will change all of that?
No, but we think it will be an important first step, a "coming of age" for millions of Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists and other nonbelievers in America.
Who's behind the Godless Americans March on Washington? Who can participate?
The March is sponsored by a Godless Americans Task Force headed by Ellen Johnson, who is also president of American Atheists. Other organizations -- national, regional and local -- are being actively solicited and urged to participate in this historic event. The rally by the Capitol will include representatives from many different organizations. One of goals is a show of positive unity around a common set of objectives.
Godless Americans are a diverse group of people, often very independent, hard to organize. We embrace different organizations (if we join any at all!), use different labels, and frequently disagree over how or if to proceed on a particular issue. The March cannot change that diversity -- nor does it seek to. It is not an attempt to impose a "coalition" on various groups, or make demands that all Godless American organizations or individuals must conform to. It is a positive, proactive effort to emphasize many of the issues we may have in common, and break through barriers to communication. The "Godless Americans March on Washington" seeks to encourage our community to respect our diversity, to deal with each other on the basis of mutual respect, and to work together -- when and where possible -- on an ad hoc basis. Toward that end, all groups and individuals in agreement with the issue-oriented goals of the March are invited!
I do not approve of all of the groups that are endorsing the march! What about these organizations?
When the Task Force began planning the Godless Americans March on Washington (GAMOW), we wanted to open this event to as many individuals and groups which can honestly describe themselves as "Godless" and nonbelievers in religion. We realize that due to differences in the labels we use to describe ourselves (Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists, Rationalists...) as well our different types of organizations and "styles," not everyone will be totally comfortable under the "Big Tent" we are working to foster.
The only criteria for groups and individuals who wish to endorse this event is that they sincerely describe themselves as "Godless Americans" of some type, and agree with the Statement of Principles for the March. We do not use any other test. We cannot "pick and choose" which individuals or organizations to include simply because someone might happen to disagree with a label, or how that particular group operates.
Who would decide, for instance, which groups may and may not participate? Some may object to the presence of "Queer Atheists," while others resent Humanist groups or how some Freethought groups organize themselves. Many are afraid of organizations that openly proclaim themselves to be Atheists. All of this can lead to divisiveness, hurt feelings and resentments -- the very negative atmosphere that we hope this March overcomes, at least in part.
So far, the endorsing groups have expressed overwhelming solidarity with the March and agreement on this particular issue.
How will The Godless Americans March On Washington Operate?
The rally is scheduled for 11 AM - 2-3 PM on Saturday, November 2, 2002 and will include speeches, entertainment and other activities.
We are currently planning to begin with a march down the Capitol Mall starting near 14th street. This should take about 20-30 minutes, and reach the demonstration/stage location which is between 3rd and 4th Streets. We will walk on the gravel pathway down the Mall since the grassy areas up to the staging area will be closed to the public at this time.
There will be a press conference and dinner/social event on Friday night, November 1, 2002. Details on this will be posted shortly.
At the March, there will be a program of speakers and entertainment. Portable toilets will be located at the rally site (handicapped accessible).
The sale of food or commercial items is not permitted by the National Park Service. Plan accordingly, and we suggest bringing a nonalcoholic beverage. Also, you are encouraged to bring tasteful banners and other signs that are in keeping with the theme of this March. Small handheld American flags will be available, along with GAMOW stickers.
There will be Marshals located at various locations to assist you and help to facilitate a peaceful demonstration. We must remember to not "feed the fundies" by engaging in arguments with religious protesters and hostile "prayer warriors" who want to "save" us. This is a waste of time, and it can detract from the ambiance of the GAMOW which, we hope, is upbeat, positive and constructive.
There will be an Information/Lost-and-Found booth at the front of the rally near the stage.
Groups and individuals are urged to take all trash with them when departing the event.
Do you think this march will change anything?
The goals of the March are evident in our Statement of Principles. We hope, however, that there are peripheral benefits to the our diverse "Godless Americans" community. These would include:
- Demonstrating that Atheists, Freethinkers, Humanists and other nonbelievers can work together in a positive and productive way on an ad hoc basis and on issues of mutual concern;
- Fostering a new "code of conduct" for our various organizations based on mutual respect, polite acknowledgment of our differences as well as what we share in common, a consensus to "agree to disagree" on some things while still searching for common ground, a pledge to not make demands on each other or attempt to interfere in the internal working of our respective groups, and much more.
No group, movement or coalition is perfect. Not everyone will agree on everything, and differences WILL arise. We hope that the experience gained from the Godless Americans March on Washington, though, helps demonstrate how our diverse community can close ranks and work together around specific issues, and on the basis of mutual respect and a proactive agenda.
Is this really possible?
Well, you don't know if you don't try. The response to the Godless Americans March on Washington has been overwhelmingly upbeat and positive. We CAN and should try to work together when possible to help achieve the many objectives we have in common.
How can I help?
First, express your support for the Godless Americans March on Washington by signing the Endorsement page at this web site.
Attend the March if possible. Check out the tips page for links to resources, including transportation and lodging in the Washington, DC area.
If you are a member of a national, regional or local group, consider urging your compatriots to support and participate in the March on Washington. A representative of your group can contact the March Task Force from the Organizations Page or by email to coordinator@godlessamericans.org.
Finally, "spread the word." Here, you'll find links to logos and other material you can download for distribution in your area.
Who do I contact for technical problems with this website?
Email the webmaster.
Copyright © 2002, American Atheists, Inc.