Above is a map of the locations across America where our billboard "Don't Believe In God? You Are Not Alone" has appeared since we began this campaign in January 2008 on the New Jersey Turnpike just outside of New York City. Other than that first one, each has been put up under the name of a local nontheist coalition or group. Our goal is not to promote the glory of FreeThoughtAction but to help grow a national grassroots movement to raise the visibility and influence of the freethought community.
The campaign has been received tons of national and local press including in the New York Times, Associated Press and Playboy Magazine. Our billboard in association with PhillyCoR got the full Fox News Channel treatment which we enjoyed immensely.
Recently, FTA helped found the United Coalition of Reason and has been working with them to spread the campaign farther and wider. Look for lots more locations in the near future.
Below are links to press releases associated with the various locations these billboards have appeared since we started. Below each press release are links to some of the news coverage the billboards have generated.
New Jersey -- January 14, 2008
Philadelphia, PA -- May 1, 2008
LA/Long Beach, CA -- July 29, 2008
Kansas City, KS -- September 3, 2008
Denver/Boulder, CO -- November 10, 2008 (10 billboards)
Charleston, SC -- January 22, 2009
Moscow, ID -- March 24, 2009
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX -- March 30, 2009 (2 billboards)
New Orleans, LA -- May 29, 2009
Phoenix, AZ -- June 5, 2009
Des Moines, Iowa -- August 4, 2009
Morgantown, West Virginia -- September 29, 2009
Ohio -- November 10, 2009 (3 billboards)
San Diego, CA -- November 11, 2009
Houston, TX -- December 9, 2009
Seattle, WA -- January 12, 2010
Godless Billboard Appears North of Downtown Seattle
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
"Don't Believe In God? You are not alone."
These words are part of prominent, 14' x 48' billboard that has just gone up on Lake City Way NE near 78th Street. It can be seen by motorists traveling southwest to I-5 and Seattle on the commuter route from the Lake Washington area. Sponsored by the Northwest Freethought Coalition with funding from the United Coalition of Reason, the billboard carries its message superimposed over an image of blue sky and puffy white clouds. It cost $6,700.
For a hi-res image of the billboard, free for media use, click HERE.
This effort is part of a coordinated nationwide campaign that began last year. In December it included billboards in Baltimore, Houston and Tulsa. Each billboard is sponsored by a local, multi-organizational coalition of nontheistic (atheist and agnostic) groups.
"The point of our national campaign is to reach out to the millions of humanists, atheists and agnostics living in the United States," explained Fred Edwords, national director of the United Coalition of Reason. "Nontheists sometimes don't realize there's a community out there for them because they're inundated with religious messages at every turn. So we hope this will serve as a beacon and let them know they aren't alone."
But reaching out to the like minded isn't the only goal of the effort. "Our message is also to let people know that we belong to the larger community," added Ron Renard, coordinator of the Northwest Freethought Coalition. "Whether you know it or not, we're your family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers. We're just like you, except we don't believe in a supreme being. Now we think it's time we were as free as you to be open about our views."
The United Coalition of Reason launched eighteen similar ad campaigns in 2009. Each involved billboards or public transit ads. They appeared in Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Morgantown, West Virginia; Newark, New Jersey; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Phoenix, Arizona; Portland, Oregon; San Diego, California, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
# # #
The Northwest Freethought Coalition ( www.NorthwestFreethought.org ) is a group of like-minded member organizations from the greater Seattle area dedicated to advancing the idea that science and reason lead to more reliable knowledge than dogma and faith.
The United Coalition of Reason ( unitedcor.org ) exists to raise the visibility and sense of unity among local groups in the community of reason by providing funding and expertise to help them cooperate toward the goal of raising their public profiles.
# # #
For more information contact:
Fred Edwords
National Director
United Coalition of Reason
202-550-9964
fredwords@unitedcor.org
UnitedCoR.org
Ron Renard
Coordinator
Northwest Freethought Coalition
207-653-5025
foxheart@verizon.net
www.NorthwestFreethought.org
Media coverage:
Godless Billboard Appears North of Downtown Seattle (Original Press Release)
New billboard pops up on Lake City Way
Atheists May Have No Faith in God, But They Have Great Faith in Advertising
North Seattle billboard preaches to the faithless
"Godless" billboard at Lake City Way
Godless Billboard Near Houston's George Bush Airport
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
"Don't Believe In God? You are not alone."
These words are part of prominent billboard slated to go up in Houston today. It will be located west of I-45 on Farm-to-Market Rd. 1960 near Ella Blvd. and will be viewable by westbound traffic. Sponsored by the Houston Freethought Alliance with funding from the United Coalition of Reason, the billboard's message is superimposed over an image of blue sky and puffy white clouds.
For a hi-res image of the billboard, free for media use, go to www.HoustonFreethoughtAlliance.org .
This effort is part of a coordinated nationwide campaign that has been going on since March. This month it includes billboards in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Baltimore, Maryland. Each billboard is sponsored by a local, multi-organizational coalition of nontheistic (atheist and agnostic) groups.
"The point of our national billboard campaign is to reach out to the millions of humanists, atheists and agnostics living in the United States," explained Fred Edwords, national director of the United Coalition of Reason. "Nontheists sometimes don't realize there's a community out there for them because they're inundated with religious messages at every turn. So we hope this will serve as a beacon and let them know they aren't alone."
But reaching out to nontheists isn't the only goal of the campaign. "Our message is also to let people know that we are part of the larger community," added Noelle George, coordinator of the Houston Freethought Alliance. "We're your friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members. We're just like you except that we don't believe in a supreme being. Now we'd like the same opportunity as everyone else to be open about our views."
The United Coalition of Reason has launched a dozen advertising campaigns previously this year. Each involved billboards or public transit ads. They appeared in Boston, Massachusetts; Charleston, South Carolina; Chicago, Illinois, Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Morgantown, West Virginia; Newark, New Jersey; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Phoenix, Arizona; and Portland, Oregon.
# # #
The Houston Freethought Alliance is a group of like-minded member organizations from throughout the Houston area that advance the idea that science and reason lead to more reliable knowledge than dogma and faith.
The United Coalition of Reason ( unitedcor.org ) exists to raise the visibility and sense of unity among local groups in the community of reason by providing funding and expertise to help them cooperate toward the goal of raising their public profiles.
# # #
For more information contact:
Fred Edwords
National Director
United Coalition of Reason
202-550-9964
fredwords@unitedcor.org
UnitedCoR.org
Noelle George
Coordinator
Houston Freethought Alliance
281-450-1178
secularcenterusa@gmail.com
www.HoustonFreethoughtAlliance.org
Media coverage:
Godless Billboard Near Houston's George Bush Airport (Original Press Release)
"Godless" Billboard Goes Up In North Houston
Houston Gets 1st Free Thought Billboard
Some Holiday Help For The Godless, On I-45
'Godless' billboard near airport
Godless billboard now in Houston
Houston, Texas freethinker billboard: It is about time!
'Godless' billboard near airport
Godless billboard debuts in Houston - good for seculars?
Godless Billboard to Appear in San Diego
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
"Don't Believe In God? You are not alone."
These words are part of prominent billboard slated to go up later today in La Mesa on the south side of Highway 8, just east of 70th Street. Facing east, it will be seen by traffic heading west. It is being placed by San Diego CoR, the San Diego Coalition of Reason, which launches today. Funding has been provided by United CoR, the United Coalition of Reason. The billboard's message is superimposed over an image of blue sky and fluffy white clouds.
For a hi-res photo of the billboard, free for media use, go to www.SanDiegoCoR.org.
This effort is part of a nationwide campaign that includes similar billboards announced yesterday in Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio. Each billboard signifies the launch of a local, multi-organizational coalition of nontheistic groups. The stated aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about people who don't believe in a god.
"The point of our national billboard campaign is to reach out to the millions of humanists, atheists and agnostics living in the United States," explained Fred Edwords, national director of the United Coalition of Reason. "Nontheists sometimes don't realize there's a community out there for them because they're inundated with religious messages at every turn. So we hope this will serve as a beacon and let them know they aren't alone."
But reaching out to nontheists isn't the only goal of the campaign. "We are often misunderstood," added Debbie Skomer, coordinator of San Diego CoR. "In actual fact, we humanists, freethinkers, agnostics and atheists are essentially like anyone else. You'll find us among your friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members. Some of us may quietly be sitting next to you in your place of worship. But now we are choosing to be as open about our values as you are."
As part of its national campaign, United CoR has launched ten advertising initiatives previously this year. Each has involved a billboard or public transit ads. Over the past two weeks they appeared in New York, New York; Newark, New Jersey; Boston, Massachusetts, and Chicago, Illinois. Earlier they were in Charleston, South Carolina; Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Morgantown, West Virginia; New Orleans, Louisiana, and Phoenix, Arizona. Others will soon follow as the campaign continues to the end of the year.
# # #
The San Diego Coalition of Reason ( www.SanDiegoCoR.org ) is a collection of local organizations working together to increase public awareness of secular-minded groups throughout the San Diego area.
The United Coalition of Reason ( unitedcor.org ) exists to raise the visibility and sense of unity among local groups in the community of reason by providing funding and expertise to help them cooperate toward the goal of raising their public profiles.
# # #
For more information contact:
Fred Edwords
National Director
United Coalition of Reason
202-550-9964
fredwords@unitedcor.org
UnitedCoR.org
Debbie Skomer
Coordinator
San Diego Coalition of Reason
619-952-5353
sandiegocor@cox.net
www.SanDiegoCor.org
Media coverage:
Godless Billboard to Appear in San Diego (Original Press Release)
Freeway billboard has controversial message
Billboard aims to raise profile of nonbelievers
Godless Billboards Appear Across Ohio
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
"Don't Believe In God? You are not alone."
These words are part of prominent billboards in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. They have been placed by the Cincinnati Coalition of Reason, the Northeast Ohio Coalition of Reason and the Columbus Coalition of Reason--all with funding from the United Coalition of Reason. Each billboard's message is superimposed over an image of blue sky and fluffy white clouds.
For hi-res photos of each of the three billboards, free for media use, go to www.CinCoR.org , www.NEOcor.org, and www.ColumbusCoR.org.
All of this is part of a coordinated statewide campaign, and each billboard signifies the launch of a local, multi-organizational coalition of nontheistic (atheist and agnostic) groups. The Ohio campaign as a whole is part of an even larger national effort with the stated aim of raising awareness about people who don't believe in a god.
"The point of our national billboard campaign is to reach out to the millions of humanists, atheists and agnostics living in the United States," explained Fred Edwords, national director of the United Coalition of Reason. "Nontheists sometimes don't realize there's a community out there for them because they're inundated with religious messages at every turn. So we hope this will serve as a beacon and let them know they aren't alone."
United CoR has launched ten campaigns previously this year. Each has involved a billboard or ads on public transit systems. They have appeared in places as far flung as New York, New York; Newark, New Jersey; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Charleston, South Carolina; Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Morgantown, West Virginia; New Orleans, Louisiana, and Phoenix, Arizona.
# # #
The United Coalition of Reason ( unitedcor.org ) exists to raise the visibility and sense of unity among local groups in the community of reason by providing funding and expertise to help them cooperate toward the goal of raising their public profiles.
# # #
For more information contact:
Fred Edwords
National Director
United Coalition of Reason
202-550-9964
fredwords@unitedcor.org
UnitedCoR.org
John Welte
Coordinator
Cincinnati Coalition of Reason
welte@fuse.net
www.CinCoR.org
Sharon Moss
Coordinator
Columbus Coalition of Reason
614-219-9486
columbuscor@gmail.com
www.ColumbusCoR.org
Mark Tiborsky
Coordinator
Northeast Ohio Coalition of Reason
216-978-5821
sponyak@gmail.com
www.NEOcor.org
Media coverage:
Godless Billboards Appear Across Ohio (Original Press Release)
Billboards put up for nonbelievers
Cincinnati's Godless Billboard Taken Down
Godless Billboard Moved After Threats
'Godless' billboard moved after landowner threatened
'Godless' Billboard Moved After Threats Against Owner
Godless Billboard Moved After Threats
Atheist billboard is moved after threats
Non-Believers Move Billboard Due to Threats
Godless WV Groups Organize Around Morgantown Billboard
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
"Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
Morgantown, WV -- Atheists and agnostics in Morgantown, West Virginia, have organized around an electronic billboard on Mileground Road. The billboard reads, "Don't believe in God? You are not alone." These words are superimposed over an image of blue sky and clouds.
Four groups of freethinkers and humanists have pooled their efforts to launch the new Morgantown Coalition of Reason, sponsor of the billboard. Their aim is to educate the public about their worldview and what their groups do. The billboard invites like-minded people to visit the coalition's website at http://www.morgantowncor.org/. Motorists traveling west on Mileground Road into Morgantown will see it between Hartfield Road (the Airport) and Memorial Highway, Route 201, on the right.
Under the co-sponsorship of the United Coalition of Reason, a national coordinating body, this billboard is part of a larger nationwide campaign aimed at raising the public profile of nontheists and organizing nontheistic groups in major cities. The United Coalition of Reason plans to fund billboards in a dozen additional states before year's end.
"The primary goal of a billboard like this is to act as a beacon for nontheistic people--such as atheists, agnostics, freethinkers and humanists--letting them know they aren't alone," explained Fred Edwords, communications director for the United Coalition of Reason. "This message is particularly important in a part of the country that, for many, has been identified with traditional religion. Nonreligious people in the area may be unaware there is a thriving community for them."
The Morgantown billboard joins others around the country that appeared earlier, including in Denver, Dallas, Fort Worth, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Phoenix. The United Coalition of Reason also cosponsored the recent controversial bus ads in Des Moines, Iowa. Unique about the Morgantown effort is that it marks the first time an electronic billboard has been used in the nationwide campaign.
Local organizers say that, although religious believers aren’t a target of the campaign, they too can learn something. "We want the public to see that atheists and agnostics are part of the community, just as the faithful are," said Rachel Cather, spokesperson for the Morgantown Coalition of Reason. "We have the same compassionate values and, in most other ways, are just like them. We are hard-working, tax-paying, moral citizens who care deeply about family, community, state and nation."
The local groups that have launched the Morgantown coalition are the Morgantown Atheists, Morgantown Brights, Freethinkers Morgantown Book Club and Morgantown Thomas Paine Society. "We encourage other like-minded groups in Morgantown and elsewhere in West Virginia to affiliate," Cather added.
The billboard will remain in place for one month. An image of the billboard design can be found online at http://morgantown.unitedcor.org/images/MorgantownCoRdotOrg-03.jpg
For more information contact:
Fred Edwords, communications director, United CoR: (202) 550-9964, fredwords@unitedcor.org
Rachel Cather, spokesperson, Morgantown CoR: (304) 906-6724, morgantowncor@gmail.com
Media coverage:
Godless WV Groups Organize Around Morgantown Billboard
Coalition of atheists puts out call on billboard
Atheists Target Des Moines With Godless Bus Ads Des Moines, IA
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
"Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
These words are part of an advertising campaign designed to raise awareness that there are many Iowans who don't believe in a god. The prominent ads have been placed on the sides of twenty DART buses and will continue through the month of August as those buses serve the Iowa State Fair.
The ads are sponsored by Iowa Atheists & Freethinkers (IAF) and were prepared by the United Coalition of Reason, a national organization. Each ad features an image of blue sky and clouds with the words superimposed over. An image of this ad is available online at http://www.iowaatheists.org.
"The purpose of this ad campaign is to reach out to non-religious people in the Des Moines metro area as well as the state, letting them know that they aren't alone and that they too have a community if they want to join it," said IAF President Randy Henderson.
"Iowa Atheists & Freethinkers chose August to run the ads in part because of the timing with the Iowa State Fair," Henderson added. DART runs a shuttle service to the state fairgrounds from several spots in the Des Moines area. "Our group hopes that with so many visitors from around the state coming to Des Moines for the fair, we will have the opportunity to reach many more Iowans than at any other time."
Iowa Atheists & Freethinkers is a nonprofit social and educational group working to provide a community of support and friendship for atheists, freethinkers, secular humanists, agnostics, and other nonreligious people.
In previous actions, Iowa Atheists & Freethinkers co-sponsored in October a billboard on Fleur Drive that stated "Keep Religion Out of Politics," hosted the second annual National Day of Reason Celebration in May, and this summer marched in the Capital City Pride Parade as well as hosted informational booths at the Capital City Pride Festival and the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market.
For more information contact:
Iowa Atheists & Freethinkers
Lily Kryuchkov, Public Relations Officer
515-257-0432
press@iowaatheists.org
Images are available online at www.iowaatheists.org
Media coverage:
DART: Controversial Bus Ads Pulled
DART: Controversial Bus Ads Pulled - Video
Gov. Culver: Atheist bus ad is offensive
ACLU questions removal of atheists' bus ads
DART Discuss Bus Ads With Atheist Group
OOOOOOOFFFFEENNNNSSIIIIIIIVVVE!
DART: Atheist group's ads will go back on buses
DART To Restore Atheist Ads To Buses
Athiest bus ads create free speech debate in Iowa
DART, Atheist Group Benefit From Ad Debate
DART suspends driver after she refuses to use bus bearing atheist ad
DART Driver Refused Bus With Atheist Sign - Driver Faces Disciplinary Action
Bus driver, suspended over atheist ad incident, is back at work today
Humanists Speak Out About Godless Billboard In The Phoenix Area
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, June 5, 2009
"Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
These words are part of a coordinated multi-organizational advertising campaign designed to raise awareness about people who don't believe in a god. And now the nationwide campaign has come to the Phoenix area. The prominent ad appears on a highway billboard and can be read by motorists traveling north of the Sky Harbor Airport, at the intersection of 44th and Washington, just outside of Phoenix. It has been placed by the Arizona Coalition of Reason, with funding from the United Coalition of Reason and logistical support from the American Humanist Association. It features an image of blue sky and clouds with the words superimposed over.
"The point of this national billboard campaign is to reach out to the millions of humanists, atheists and agnostics living in the United States," explained Fred Edwords, head of the United Coalition of Reason, speaking at a press conference today. "Nontheists sometimes don't realize there's a community out there for them because they're inundated with religious messages at every turn. So we hope this will serve as a beacon and let them know they aren't alone."
The conference coincides with the opening of the 68th Annual Conference of the American Humanist Association (AHA), at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. "The American Humanist Association has funded a number of these billboards in the past, and this annual conference is among the nation's largest gatherings of humanists and other nontheists each year," said Maggie Ardiente, director of development for the Washington, D.C.-based AHA. "It allows our community to communicate, thrive and strategize."
Media coverage:
Controversial Sign Has Phoenix Talking
Nonbelievers Bring Nonbeliefs To Phoenix, Tempe
Controversial Valley billboard gets Phoenix talking
Controversial message on billboard causing a stir
Godless Atheists, Agnostics and Humanists Invade Tempe, Sponsor Godless Billboard
Godless Billboard Greets New Orleans Motorists
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, May 29, 2009
For Immediate Release - Contact Harry Greenberger, president
New Orleans Secular Humanist Association
(504) 282-5459
hpgreenx@yahoo.com
OR
Fred Edwords, communications director
United Coalition of Reason
(202) 550-9964
fredwords@unitedcor.org
"Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
These words are part of a national billboard campaign designed to raise awareness about people who don't believe in a god, and the campaign is now in full swing in the Big Easy. The latest billboard can be read by motorists driving from downtown New Orleans on I-10 W. It can be seen on the left-hand side just prior to the Carrollton exits. It was placed by the New Orleans Secular Humanist Association and funded by the United Coalition of Reason. It features an image of blue sky and clouds with the words superimposed over.
"The point of the billboard campaign is to reach out to the millions of humanists, atheists and agnostics living in the United States," explained Fred Edwords, head of the United Coalition of Reason. "Nontheists sometimes don't realize there's a community out there for them because they're inundated with religious messages at every corner. But we hope this message will serve as a beacon and will let them know they're not alone."
Reaching out to non-theists isn't the only goal of the billboard campaign: "We want people to know you can be good without God," said Harry Greenberger, leader of the New Orleans Secular Humanist Association. "There's a lot of misinformation out there about us, but we want people to know that we're as normal as anyone else. We're your friends, neighbors and family, and we pay taxes, are involved in our communities and are true to our values. And we want to feel comfortable sharing our ideas."
The billboard is one of many that have gone up around the country this year, including those in places as far flung as Charleston, South Carolina; Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; and Moscow, Idaho. The United Coalition of Reason plans to fund billboards in as many as 17 additional states before year's end. And during the past Mardi Gras season, the New Orleans Secular Humanist Association had placed the same words, in a different design, on the Canal streetcar.
For an image of the new billboard go to http://www.nosha.info/projects.htm.
The New Orleans Secular Humanist Association ( www.nosha.info ) is dedicated to raising the awareness of people of the Gulf Coast region to the ideals and values of secular humanism.
The United Coalition of Reason ( www.unitedcor.org ) exists to raise the visibility and sense of unity among nontheists (atheists and agnostics) by providing funding and expertise to help them raise their public profiles.
Media coverage:
Atheist Billboard Turns Heads Along I-10
Earlier...
Godless Groups Organize around DFW Billboards
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, March 30, 2009
For Immediate Release - Contact Terry McDonald, 817-382-5948
coordinator@metroplexatheists.org
www.dfwcor.org
Dallas-Fort Worth area atheists and agnostics are organizing around two new billboards going up today on Interstate 35. Seven groups of freethinkers and humanists have pooled their efforts to form the new Dallas-Fort Worth Coalition of Reason to educate the public about their worldview and what their groups do. The billboards invite people to visit the coalition's website at www.dfwcor.org.
The billboards say, "Don't believe in God? You are not alone." These words are superimposed over an image of blue sky and clouds. Motorists traveling northbound on I-35E at Northwest Highway in Dallas and northbound on I-35W just north of downtown Fort Worth will see them.
Under the co-sponsorship of the United Coalition of Reason, a national coordinating body, these billboards are part of an ongoing nationwide campaign to raise the public profile of nontheism and organize godless groups in every major city of the nation.
"The primary goal of billboards like these is to let nontheistic people--such as atheists, agnostics, freethinkers and humanists--know they aren't alone," explained Fred Edwords, communications director for the United Coalition of Reason. "The message is particularly necessary in a part of the country that, for many, has become identified with Protestant evangelicalism. Area nontheists may be unaware that there's a thriving community for them."
The twin billboards on I-35 join others that have gone up at different times around the country, including those in or near New York City, Philadelphia, Denver, Kansas City, Charleston (South Carolina) and, just last week, northern Idaho.
Although not a target of the billboard campaign, local organizers say that religious believers can learn something too. "We want people to know that atheists and agnostics are as essential a part of our community as the faithful are." said Terry McDonald, coordinator of the DFW Coalition of Reason. We have the same compassionate values and, in most other ways, are just like them. We are hard-working, tax-paying moral citizens who care deeply about family, community, state and nation."
Local groups that have launched the coalition are the Dallas Brights, Dallas-Plano Atheist Meetup, Free-Thinkers of Fort Worth Meetup, Freethinkers of the University of Texas-Austin, Humanist Association of Fort Worth, Metroplex Atheists, and North Texas Church of Freethought. Additional groups are being encouraged to join in. The billboards will remain in place through April. An image of the billboard design can be found online at www.dfwcor.org.
Media coverage:
Atheists put message on high with billboards in Dallas-Fort Worth area
Those atheist billboards are up in DFW
Don't Believe in God? You're Not Alone
Atheists Kick Off Billboard Campaign
North Texas atheist group posts billboards
Atheist Billboards Coming To North Texas
Atheist Billboards Headed to TX Highways
Earlier...
Rise Of The Godless (Our billboard mentioned in the cover story of the National Journal)
Billboard Beckons Atheists On Highway 95
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
For Immediate Release - Contact Karen Frantz at (202) 238-9088
kfrantz@americanhumanist.org - www.americanhumanist.org
"Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
Starting this week, these words will be read by motorists traveling on Highway 95 near Moscow, Idaho. They are part of a highway billboard that features an image of blue sky and clouds with the words superimposed over. The billboard is placed by the American Humanist Association, a national advocacy organization, and is part of an ongoing campaign to raise the public profile of nontheism.
The striking message raises a question . . . and maybe some eyebrows.
"The point of the billboard is to let nontheistic people--such as atheists, agnostics, humanists and freethinkers--know they're not alone," explained Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. "The message is particularly important in smaller towns like Moscow and Pullman, which tend to have a larger percentage of religious people than the big cities. Nontheists might not realize there's a community out there for them because they're inundated with religious messages on every corner. But now they'll have a message catered specifically to them."
The announcement of the billboard coincided with a press conference held by the American Humanist Association today at the 1912 Center in Moscow. Speckhardt said he was excited to talk to the local community about the billboard campaign and the American Humanist Association's mission.
Reaching out to nontheists isn't the only goal of the billboard campaign: "We want people to know you can be good without God," said Maggie Ardiente, director of development of the American Humanist Association. "There's a lot of misinformation out there about nontheists, so we want to educate people about our community and change those false perceptions. Humanists are patriots, we are dedicated to our families and friends and we want to live fulfilling, virtuous lives."
The billboard will run on Highway 95 between March 24 and June 14 of this year. It can be found just south of Moscow near the Sweet Avenue cross street, facing southbound traffic.
Click here for a pdf version of the billboard.
The billboard is one of many that have gone up around the country, including billboards outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Charleston, South Carolina. In addition, during the past holiday season the American Humanist Association ran an ad campaign on metro buses in Washington, DC, which garnered both applause and controversy.
Media coverage:
Atheist billboard sparks debate in Moscow
Atheists Herald Moscow Area Billboard
A Streetcar Named Disbelief!
The New Orleans Secular Humanist Association recently got approval for their own contribution to the unofficial atheism marketing campaign: An atheist sign on a streetcar!
Godless Billboard Going Up On Charleston's I-26
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, January 22, 2009
For Immediate Release - Contact Herb Silverman at 843-670-0290 or vicepresident@lowcountryhumanists.org
A controversial new billboard is slated to appear January 26 on westbound I-26 just south of the Spruill Avenue exit in Charleston. It will carry a brief message emblazoned on a background of a blue cloud-filled sky: "Don't Believe in God? You Are Not Alone." Below that will be the website address lowcountryhumanists.org.
"This billboard is unlike any that has ever appeared in South Carolina," declared Herb Silverman, vice president of the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry. "We expect it to generate a mix of reactions from surprise, curiosity, and even uplift."
The billboard is jointly sponsored by the local Secular Humanists of the Lowcounty as well as FreeThoughtAction, a division of the American Humanist Association. Similar billboards appeared previously in the New York City area, Philadelphia, and in both Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado. (A high-resolution image of this billboard is available online at http://lowcountryhumanists.org/billboard.jpg.)
"In the past, some individuals have taken offense at this message," Silverman added. "But that isn't our purpose. Rather, it is to introduce likeminded people to the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry as well as let others know that it's OK to be openly nonreligious."
The billboard will be up until February 25 and is one of a series planned to appear this year around the country, raising the public profile of atheists, agnostics, and humanists. The billboard is backed by an active Web site at http://www.freethoughtaction.org that sets forth the larger mission of the effort and offers ways that individuals can get involved.
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Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry (http://lowcountryhumanists.org) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1994 by a group of local nontheists in Charleston, South Carolina, the organization is committed to the application of reason, science, and experience to better understand the universe and solve human problems. Humanist ethics are derived from compassion and critical reasoning, tested by their consequences.
Media coverage:
More Atheists Shout It From the Rooftops
The NY Times saying positive things about atheists?
Atheist group has foothold in S. Carolina
Voted number one news story on Current.com!
Front page of Charleston Post & Courier Faith and Values section
Article in Wilmington, NC newspaper The Star
WCBD Ch. 2 News Story (included in top news during several 5, 6, and 11 pm broadcasts)
Article in Charlotte, NC's The Examiner
Billboards Rock The Rockies
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, November 10, 2008
The famous/infamous "Don’t believe in God?" billboard just joined the "Mile High Club." COCORE, the Colorado Coalition of Reason, has several signs up with more on the way. They plan to install 10 in all. While these billboards are a little smaller than the large highway structures we've been associated with to date, the smaller ones add the advantage of good regional coverage. Most will be in the Denver/Boulder area, but one will be down in Colorado Springs. Colorado marks the fifth market for FTA's billboard.
Marvin Straus, a longtime local freethought leader, deserves major kudos for pulling together the CO effort. The press has taken notice with this report from the local ABC affiliate. Marvin reports that the billboards have already brought him 17 interviews as opposed to prior outreach projects that did not garner this kind of attention. COCORE -- thanks for the Rocky Mountain high!
FreeThoughtAction is also participating in the American Humanist Association's new ad campaign on Washington D.C. buses. "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake" will be on dozens of buses throughout the holidays. A special website, whybelieveinagod.org has been created to provide context for the ad and connect with those interested in humanism.
The theme -- that one does not need a god to be good -- is particularly apt considering AHA's focus on "Values For Today." The campaign has gotten massive media attention including in the Washington Post, CNN, and FOX. AHA's president, Roy Speckhardt, and their communications director, Fred Edwords, deserve a lot of credit for boldly and skillfully leading the charge in this high-profile campaign.
View a slideshow of some of the billboards in Colorado HERE.
Media coverage of the stories above:
Atheists Reach Out -- Just Don't Call It Proselytizing
Atheist Billboards To Debut During Holidays
Atheist Group Spreads Word On Billboards
Furor And Friends Generated By Godless Bus Ads
'Why Believe in a God?' Ad Campaign Launches on D.C. Buses
Taking Atheism for a Ride Around Town
Group's new Christmas message: Be good, not godly
Humanists Launch Godless Holiday Campaign
Godless Holiday Campaign Speech by Jan Meshon, President and Founder of FreeThoughtAction
Godless Billboard Greets Kansas City Motorists on I-35
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
For Immediate Release - Contact KCFreeThinkers at info@kcfreethinkers.org or by phone at 913-660-9529.
A bold message is being seen at I-35 southbound between Lamar & Antioch Road in Overland Park, KS. The striking words raise a question . . . and maybe some eyebrows - "Don't Believe in God? You are not alone." A billboard with billowy white clouds set against a blue sky backdrop promotes a new Kansas City group: KCFreeThinkers. whose goal is to attract like minded non religious people.
According to most recent surveys, the number of non believing Americans is high and growing, different numbers are cited between 8-16% which would make non believers in America one of the largest groups - 25-50 million people. Among younger people 19-40 years old the number of non believers are cited between 25-40%. The number of non religious Americans has doubled over past decades and is steadily growing. The billboard is aimed at perhaps hundred thousand of non believers in Kansas City Metro and hopes to be a connecting point for them.
Cole Morgan, one of the group's activists said, "The point of the billboard is to help non-theistic people, such as atheists and agnostics, to become aware that they aren't alone. We want people to know there's a serious and meaningful alternative to the religious right that has been dominating American religious discussion. After all, a lot of people are frustrated with the power that traditional faiths have wielded, and they don't know where to turn to find others who share that frustration. Now they will."
"KCFreeThinkers" group was formed a few months ago by members of different Kansas City Skeptics, Humanist, Atheist, and Agnostic groups. They have contacted www.FreeThoughtAction.org and have been in touch with them about their goals. "FreeThoughtAction" provided the billboard artwork and gave a generous donation for vinyl production.
The billboard on I-35 will stay up for at least two months. By logging onto the web site www.KCFreeThinkers.org those interested will be able to link up with different freethinking groups throughout KC (Community of Reason, Heartland Humanists, Skeptical Religious Studies Group, Kansas FreeThinkers, Jackson and Cass County as well as Wyandotte and Leavenworth County Freethinking groups, Science Book Club, etc.), browse links relating to history of religion, science, critical and logical thinking, politics and even listen and watch several video clips with freethinking songs. People calling in the group's phone number 913-660-9529 or logging on to the site can learn more about group's activities and offer their time and help. They can join the group's humanitarian goals, from helping out your neighbors, to reaching across the world.
One of the group's future goals is to have billboards in different KC locations on both the Missouri and Kansas sides. This city wide effort will begin in November/December of 2008.
Another group's activist Hawkeye said, "We live in a day of critical thinking and growing skepticism in all facets of life. Religion is not excluded. We simply want to have a spot for others who think like us. KCFreeThinkers believe in people. If you will, we have faith in people because they make their own choices in a natural world. Not a supernatural world."
Morgan added that once you call in or visit the site to find out more information "No door-to-door freethinking evangelist will ever visit, and there are no pop-ups on the Web page. Our only aim is to reach those who really want to learn more."
The billboard is large and clear -14 feet tall by 48 feet wide - and is strikingly easy to see on I-35 Southbound past Lamar and before Antioch in Overland Park, KS off the roadway.
"You can't miss it," Morgan concluded. "We expect many people will see it daily for several months and contact us to move our society forward."
More HERE.
The Last Minority Comes Out of the Closet
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
For Immediate Release - Contact Matt Cherry at news@cherrycommunications.com - Atheist Alliance International
"I can’t get no respect." Rodney Dangerfield's famous complaint is one shared by the fastest growing minority in the United States: the non-religious. Despite the growth in the numbers of secular Americans, and the recent #1 bestselling books arguing for atheism, surveys show that atheists are more despised than any other group in the US.
Margaret Downey, president of Atheist Alliance International, is fighting back with a billboard that's bringing on a lot of controversy. It recently debuted on the Santa Ana Freeway saying "Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
The billboard, located near the Citadel Outlets and the Commerce Casino, is causing questions from both the religious and non relgious populations.
Atheist Alliance International (AAI) has commissioned the controversial billboard to create awareness and discussion about atheists in society.
"Atheists and agnostics are the fastest growing belief group in the nation," said Ms. Downey. "But most non-theistic Americans still feel isolated. This billboard lets them know they are not alone."
More HERE.
Godless Billboard Greets Philly Area Motorists
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, May 1, 2008
For Immediate Release - Contact Fred Edwords at (202) 238-9088
fedwords@americanhumanist.org - www.americanhumanist.org
(Washington, D.C.) "Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
These words are being seen on Interstate 95 north of Philadelphia. Greeting outbound drivers near the Westmorland turnoff, they are part of a highway billboard that features an image of blue sky and clouds with the words superimposed over. The striking message raises a question . . . and maybe some eyebrows.
The billboard was placed by a coalition of local and national humanist and freethought organizations, including the American Humanist Association and it's independent marketing adjunct FreeThoughtAction, Atheist Alliance International, the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia, the Humanist Association of Greater Philadelphia, and Temple University Secular Students.
This billboard was timed to coincide with the National Day of Reason, celebrated by humanists each year on the same date as the National Day of Prayer--which this year falls on May 1, the 75th anniversary of the first Humanist Manifesto.
Speaking at a press conference held this morning at the Ethical Humanist Society of Greater Philadelphia, Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association, said: "Traditional religious billboards have abounded in the past. Something nontraditional like this is therefore needed to stimulate thinking."
Joe Fox, president of the Humanist Association of Greater Philadelphia, added: "The point of the billboard is to make nontheistic people, such as atheists and agnostics, aware that they aren't alone."
At the same press conference, Margaret Downey of Pocopson, president of Atheist Alliance International, highlighted the positive results that occur when nontheists find each other and become involved with other like-minded individuals.
Sally J. Cramer, president of the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia, declared: "Atheist and agnostic Americans have been made to feel marginalized. It's time to change that. We're here and we have a place at the table."
"We want people to know there's a serious and meaningful alternative to the religious right that has been dominating American religious discussion," Fox added. "After all, a lot of people are frustrated with the power that traditional faiths have wielded, and they don't know where to turn to find others who share that frustration. Now they will."
The billboard will be up for three months and is one of a series that will appear around the country, raising the public profile of humanists and freethinkers. The billboard is backed by an active Web site at http://www.phillycor.org/ that sets forth the larger mission of the effort and offers ways that individuals can get involved. An image of the billboard appears on the site, but people can also phone 1-800-NEW-REASON. Either way they will be able to learn more about the national and Philadelphia organizations behind the effort.
"Once people have phoned or logged on, they can go further to learn more or just stop right there," Cramer said. "No door-to-door evangelist will ever visit, and there are no pop-ups on the Web page. Our only aim is to reach those who really want to learn more."
The billboard is large and clear--20 feet tall by 60 feet wide--and strikingly easy to see on the right side of the roadway.
"You can't miss it," Cramer concluded.
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PhillyCoR, the Greater Philadelphia Coalition of Reason, is a joint effort to help connect local freethinkers and provide them with a sense of community and a way to combine their voices with others who are ready to move society forward.
On Thursday, June 5, 2008, an article on the billboard appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer in the local section (B2) and on the home page of their website. The article can still be found HERE.
On Friday, June 6, 2008, FOX News picked up the story nationally. Video of their coverage can be found HERE.
NJ Turnpike Billboard Speaks To Nonreligious
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, January 14, 2008
For Immediate Release
A bold message towers high above the New Jersey Turnpike on a new billboard outside of New York City. "Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
The ad was placed by FreeThoughtAction, a new organization using traditional advertising and the internet to market secularism in a positive and provocative way. FreeThoughtAction is planting a few billboards and other ads around the country to "seed" a grassroots movement raising the profile of "freethinkers," a broad term that includes atheists, agnostics, humanists, secularists, skeptics and others who do not have a belief in the existence of a God or gods.
The billboards promote the website FreeThoughtAction.org where internet visitors can find out about the initiative and contribute to the campaign. The site provides a range of resources including links to dozens of freethought groups, research material on religion and freethought, a news and views blog, plus materials nonbelievers can purchase to help spread the word. FTA will also work with groups and individuals to place local ads in their market.
Jan Meshon, the group's founder, is optimistic the action plan will garner support. "So far, response has been overwhelmingly positive. People are thrilled to see their view expressed in such a visible way. Just the other day someone saw the ad for the first time and whipped out their checkbook on the spot." One of the strengths of the program, according to Mr. Meshon, is how easy it is for supporters to join the action. "There are no meetings to attend. Everyone doesn't have to agree on every point of philosophy or what to label themselves. You can contribute and know that your voice will be heard."
The billboard has only been up a couple of days and already dozens of people have contributed and/or signed up for the email list. FTA has received hundreds of thank you emails from around the country - and even a few from as far away as Britain and Israel - expressing their appreciation of the effort. To quote one: "The billboard is absolutely fantastic and so desperately needed in every community across America. Thank you so much for this." Freethought blogs were abuzz with word of the billboard with very positive reaction like the following: "Bravo... billboards like these help non-theists feel less alone and less alienated."
FTA sees itself as a small counterpoint to aggressive, well-funded efforts by religious groups to increase the role of religion in American society and government. Mr. Meshon believes that a little marketing push for a strong "product" will help move America to a tipping point where secular Americans are as readily accepted as the religious. "For all the attention given to religion lately, the number of secular Americans is booming. The tide is definitely turning." The American Religious Identification Survey (City University of New York) supports this view. Nonreligious Americans doubled from 1990 to 2001 while the number of religious Americans actually decreased.
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FreeThoughtAction is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an independent adjunct of the American Humanist Association. FTA creates marketing and public relations programs to increase the size and influence of the freethought community.
FreeThoughtAction Is Off The Ground -- Literally
After years of planning and discussion FreeThoughtAction is finally in action. Our first billboard is finally up on the New Jersey Turnpike just outside of NYC. (For those in the area who are interested, it's facing southbound traffic just north of exit 18 near the Meadowlands.) It carries the following simple, positive and provocative message: "Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
Although the first billboard just went up, we have already received a lot of attention. We have heard from hundreds of people across the country and around the world who support this project to raise the profile of nontheists in the United States.
The key to the success of FreeThoughtAction is generating positive momentum by using ads, press and word-of-mouth to generate more donations which results in more ads, press and word-of-mouth... and so on. Thanks to all of you who have already contributed. Of course, we would love you to contribute as much as you are comfortable with to help us make the biggest splash possible. Remember, every dollar you send goes toward our ad campaign and is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. In addition, anything you can do to spread the word helps create buzz including telling your friends, bringing up FTA at your freethought meetings, posting on discussion boards or blogs, and so on.
We are still working on polishing up the site, adding new links and content, responding to inquires, and looking at locations for our next billboards. Help us spread the word and be a part of helping America evolve into a more rational, less superstitious society.
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Earlier Press Release by the American Humanist Association HERE.
Our first billboard on the NJ Turnpike outside NYC received front page coverage in the Bergen Record Sunday edition (the large suburban paper where the ad was placed), local cable tv coverage from News 12 New Jersey, as well as lots of web and blog attention.
Selections from some earlier coverage:
God's skeptics get comfort from above
Beware of the fruit of the 'Tree of Knowledge'