My disappointment with picky conservatives, many who are atheist
One of the biggest disappointments, and frustrations, I have encountered since launching Republican Atheists in 2017 is meeting people on the right, many who identify as atheist, that agree the Republican party should be more welcoming to atheists, yet drop the ball in sharing the organization Republican Atheists.
One would think right-leaning atheists would without a doubt want to end the stigma against atheists as being solely Democrats and encourage the Republican party move forward in being a big tent party, but this has often not been the case. I am not going to go into names right now of people I am talking about, but I will say they are people with a level of influence who have connections.
There are many reasons why they choose to not mention Republican Atheists. Some of the reasons include that the organization (1) does not cater to their pet values, (2) does not have the certain “look” they prefer, or (3) is not a registered non-profit.
We have even been rejected a couple times by self proclaimed atheist Republicans because we have made a truthful public statement on the GOP’s official Twitter that we do not pray. How dare we make such a truthful statement that the GOP’s promotion of prayer does not apply to us.
In regards to the organization having a certain look or meeting one’s pet values, one thing I can say about atheist Republicans is that they will not fit a specific mold. They are different ages, from early 20s to retirement age. They also have different backgrounds, from college student to working parent to veteran.
While they do overall have similarities in values, they also have their own individual priorities. Some are more concerned about border security, while others are particularly interested in education reform or second amendment. You really cannot put a pin down on an atheist Republican in regards to priorities or image.
Altogether it is poor strategy to overlook the organization Republican Atheists because it does not meet one’s specific standards. Not to mention this carelessness continues to damn atheists as being Democrats and communists.
It is time to help the atheist community and GOP move forward by mentioning the organization Republican Atheists whenever possible.
For those who support us and really do want to see atheist Republicans be more recognized, I will say to pressure anyone with a level of influence who claims to be sympathetic towards the concept of an atheist Republican to mention the organization Republican Atheists. If they do not respond to the request the first time, follow up with them and see where their priorities really are. Sometimes people act supportive from the surface simply to gain support for themselves.
Republican Atheists is the first and currently only organization to represent atheist Republicans. It is a truly grassroots organization that is not funded and is solely developed through volunteer efforts. Our organization has connected atheist Republicans across the country and provides them the opportunity to be more recognized. We appreciate those who have taken the time to share our name with people in influential positions, as well as with the public.
Lauren Ell is president and founder of Republican Atheists. She is a community developer, social influencer, marketing consultant and virtual assistant. She has identified as atheist since 18 years old and is one of the most outspoken atheist voices in the conservative arena. Visit Ell’s website and follow on Twitter and Instagram.