Lori Lipman Brown is Director of the  Secular Coalition for America, where she serves as the first Congressional lobbyist representing atheists.  She is also a speaker on the SSA's Speaker's Bureau.  She writes a weekly blog for The Humanist; we reprint select articles with permission.

April 30 - NEEDED:  Citizen Activists!

The Secular Coalition for America is really excited to be part of this year's American Humanist Association (AHA) 67th Annual National Conference this June. One of the great opportunities that will be offered at the AHA conference is a coordinated lobbying day on June 9th where attendees have the chance to visit their elected officials in the House and Senate and speak to them and their staff about the humanist and secular issues that matter to them most.

At the conference, a workshop will be offered on Saturday, June 7 , that teaches everyone "the basics" of lobbying. This workshop would be useful for anyone who is looking to build a relationship with their federal or state representatives because it teaches you the ins and outs of making appointments, holding a meeting, and getting your voice heard on issues important to you and your community.

Knowing the ins and outs of lobbying elected officials is a critical tool for an effective democratic society. When legislation that jeopardizes humanist values or the secular character of government arises, you need to be prepared to take a stand. The Secular Coalition will train you on what to do, and then give you the opportunity to test out your new skills by lobbying your federal officials and their staff on Monday morning.

If you've never visited a congressional office before and seen exactly where your elected officials work, it's a great time to do so! And being on the grounds of the Capitol on a beautiful summer day is an enjoyable experience regardless of your  political affiliation.

As the lobbying arm of the AHA and our other member groups, the Secular Coalition is relying on you to sign up and show your elected officials that the issues we are fighting for are important to their constituents.  The best way to convey this critical message is by meeting face-to-face in their offices.

Your participation in this lobby day demonstrates that the nontheist community is a constituency that can no longer be ignored!

I encourage you to join the many attendees who have already signed up and participate in our lobby day on June 9th. You can sign up here.