Conservative groups respond more favorably to Republican Atheists than atheist groups
During the last year I have invested hours into contacting atheist and conservative groups, as well as media outlets, to see if they would give Republican Atheists a shout out to their base to help raise awareness of the organization’s existence.
Initially I assumed atheist organizations would be more interested in collaborating considering Republican Atheists is not only drawing awareness to atheism in the Republican Party, but is also drawing awareness to atheism in general. The organization also gives a more well-rounded presentation to the US atheist community, which is needed.
However, I have found atheist groups and media outlets are more likely to state they have no interest whatsoever in Republican Atheists and do not want to communicate further. Some have even been rude and have retracted outreach offers.
Secular Coalition for America never followed through in publishing an article about Republican Atheists, despite saying they would, and actually seem to have cut ties completely. The hosts of popular atheist skeptic podcast Cognitive Dissonance hung up on me 15 minutes into what was supposed to be a 45 minute interview. The director of atheist humanist youth program Young Skeptics directly stated he did not want to meet me. Of course these organizations and media outlets are able to do whatever they choose with their platforms, but their treatment of others will be discussed publicly.
I do appreciate the courteous atheists I have come across, such as Lucas C. King of Your Atheist Pastor, the podcastors of Atheist Nomads and a number of atheist groups in New York and Boston. The director of California Freethought Day is also applauded for his kindness. I also dare not forget Jillian Becker of The Atheist Conservative who has gone above and beyond in helping Republican Atheists with outreach!
Overall, though, conservative and Republican groups have shown more favorable response to Republican Atheists and have not made religious difference much of an issue at all. The only negative response I can recall at this point was from a small Republican group in New York whose spokesperson said the group consists of Christians and Jews and has no interest in atheism. That’s it really..
I was more than delighted to be invited to speak on Indiana live radio by Christian conservative radio host Todd Huff who wanted to showcase that a Christian and Atheist can see eye to eye on certain political matters. Conservative Christian podcastor Kenneth McClenton of The Exceptional Conservative Network also did a great job in having me on his show to discuss events in Sweden, and he did mention I am president of Republican Atheists. Conservative group Young Americans for Liberty had me as a guest speaker at UC Riverside in Riverside, CA, and conservative group TURN had Republican Atheists’ board member Dr. Robert M. Price as a guest at a panel discussion in Raleigh, NC.
Conservative and Republican groups have shown they are more likely to ask for more information about Republican Atheists and note that they will mention the organization at their next meeting. They are polite when they respond and are more likely to say ‘thank you.’
Republican Atheists gives a big THANK YOU! to everyone to who has communicated with us.
Photo credit: ‘The Conservative Heart’ by Arthur C. Brooks
Lauren Ell is President of Republican Atheists. She is a business owner, consultant, marketer and communications strategist. Contact Lauren Ell here. Follow Republican Atheists on Facebook and Twitter.
