I am pleased to present a new installment of the letter to members. You will see that this letter has a common theme and actionable information. I have ensured that this is not just a fund-raising request or recap of old news; rather, this communication has information about MAAF activities and resources that you can use today to improve the lives and careers of MAAF members like you. I encourage you to read through and act on those areas where you are able. Although this message directs members to featured programs and activities, we always invite members to submit their ideas and activities, or general comments.
This communication program is also part of a new initiative to reach out to members more regularly. MAAF will distribute four letters to members per year. Two messages will be by email, and two will be by postal mail. Update your contact information through the join form or the MAAF contact form. This will establish regular communication to ensure all members have current accounts with MAAF and that all members have the maximum opportunity to interact with and benefit from MAAF. In addition, these regular communications and current accounts will provide our partners accurate and up-to-date information about the strength of the MAAF membership so that they can advocate for us through local communities, courts, and government agencies.
Sincerely,
Jason Torpy
President, MAAF
Cadet/SPC Jackie Poon of the Washington State National Guard has seen his fair share of discrimination in the military. He has been forced to pray and seen high ranking officials in the military and civilians in the Pentagon claiming that there are no atheists in foxholes. Although there are organizations in the Army like the EO, IG, etc, that help prevent discrimination, many soldiers like Jackie have trouble navigating this bureaucracy or fear even using the system.
As a result, Jackie has applied to create a MAAF Chapter in Fort Lewis. In the area, Seattle Atheists and Humanists of North Puget Sound provide a strong civilian community eager to work closely with the new Fort Lewis chapter. As a future officer, Jackie is eager to take this leadership role in order to provide support to other service members and to protect them from discrimination. Jackie intends to position this chapter as a place on post for service members, especially lower-enlisted service members, to find resources and support from other nontheists. In addition, he plans monthly meetings/social events and joint events with Seattle Atheists and Humanists of North Puget Sound when possible.
Please contact MAAF if you would like to connect with MAAF in the Fort Lewis area. Also notify MAAF if you have an affiliate to feature in the next letter to members.
You are a member of MAAF and merely by your membership, you have made the voice of military nontheists louder. In addition, you have provided an even stronger association of nontheism with patriotism and service. This positive association works wonders on the national level and on the individual level by shattering the misconceptions and prejudices some have about us.
Today and over the next few months, think about nontheists you know that have not signed up with MAAF. Encourage them to do so. They may not be 'joiners' or they may have concerns about work. Membership dues are still optional, so they need not even pay. MAAF has donor support, support from friendly organizations, and a lean administrative profile, and, most importantly, members are highly valuable and something that no one else can help us with. Spread the word and find a new member.
Join MAAF from the simple web form on the MAAF website. Also use this form to update your own membership information at any time. Current and prospective members can also contact MAAF through the website to address any questions or concerns.
MAAF seeks to increase awareness and acceptance of nontheist service members. The most effective method of overcoming discrimination within the military is awareness. Through the media, MAAF can both present an accurate, positive view of nontheist service members and encourage nontheist service members to be confident of their rights.
The primary intent is for MAAF members to "adopt" a media outlet in their area. This can happen by running classified ads, running feature ads, writing letters to the editor, or doing interviews. Through MAAF, members can reserve media outlets to ensure there is no duplication of effort. MAAF provides potential media outlets, letter ideas, previous examples, ad examples, and other information.
MAAF is providing both information and coordination of media visibility. This unified effort will amplify all of our voices. View the Resources section of the MAAF website for details.
The continuous repetition of the lie, "there are no atheists in foxholes" gives us plenty of opportunity to respond with letters and emails. Take these opportunities to speak out and say that there are atheists in foxholes. This simple and effective message becomes even more powerful when presented with our personal
experiences. By going a step further and mentioning MAAF in your response, you can proudly associate our organization with military service.
As a formal 501c3 charitable organization, MAAF's very existence proves that atheists face personal danger or serve honorably in the military. Don't miss an opportunity to mention MAAF and the MAAF website in your letters or remarks. Also consider making one of these points: that atheists and Freethinkers deserve the same respect as religious service members; that we defend American civil liberties; that we seek
freedom of conscience without discrimination; that the modern military is strengthened by religious and philosophical diversity.
Direct people to MAAF, reiterate the patriotism and service of nontheists throughout history, and simply speak out.
The Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers an independent 501(c)3 project of Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs. Contact information and references mentioned in this letter can be found at the MAAF website: http://www.militaryatheists.org