In the fall of 2002, "Godless Americans" of all stripes will follow in a grand tradition and march on Washington, DC!

Just about every political and social "cause" organization has done it -- gays, blacks, women, even the Promise Keepers. Groups of every ideological coloration have spoken out and demanded "a seat at the table" by mobilizing their supporters for a march or demonstration in our nation's capital.

On Saturday, November 2, 2002, "Godless Americans" -- individuals and representatives of the nation's diverse community of non-religious people -- will make history and march on Washington. At the 28th National Convention of American Atheists, President Ellen Johnson announced this new initiative in giving "Godless Americans" a new voice and presence. We are reaching out to all and everyone in America who has no religious beliefs -- Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists, Rationalists. Whatever the label, we're asking you to come to Washington, DC and be part of this important event.

We are calling this "The Godless Americans March on Washington." Like every other group that has fought its way from the margins of society into the mainstream, we have demands -- a new agenda for a secular America.

There are millions of Godless Americans. The latest American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) reflects that nearly 13% of the population has no religion. This includes millions who identify themselves with labels such as Atheist, Freethinker, Humanist and others. There are over 30,000,000 of us, a figure larger than most American religious denominations.

President Bush and other political leaders often ignore us and instead attempt to rally the nation to prayer and religious faith. "Godless Americans" have been marginalized and excluded in everything from electoral politics to the public events commemorating the tragedy of September 11, 2001. No other group would tolerate such bigotry and exclusion! It's time to speak out and be heard!

The March On Washington...

Members of Atheist, Freethought, Humanist, Rationalist and other like-minded organizations are being invited to join us in the Godless Americans March on Washington.

The main event will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2002. GAMOW will be held on the National Mall, with a march and rally at the west side of the US Capitol Building.

The march itself begins promptly at 11:00 AM. We will assemble on the mall on the east side of 14th street near the Washington Monument. Groups and individuals will form up behind a large Godless Americans banner for the parade in the direction of the capitol, and head down the wide pedestrian path.

GAMOW Marshals will be available to direct the flow of the march, answer questions and deal with any special needs or other situations.

The march will take 20-30 minutes. Once assembled at the rally location, we will have a program including speeches from representatives of various Atheist, Freethought, Secular Humanist and other nonbeliever groups, along with entertainment.


* Be sure to check the UPDATES page.
godlessamericans.org/updates.shtml

* SHOW YOUR SUPPORT for the "Godless Americans March on Washington." Individuals may sign the Endorsement Page, and organizations supporting the March are listed on a special page as well.

Speakers
This is a tentative list of speakers in alphabetical order:

Norm Allen -- Executive Director, African Americans For Humanism
Christopher Arntzen -- Gay & Lesbian Atheists & Humanists
Seth Asser -- Pediatrician, CHILD, Inc.
Ron Barrier -- Spokesperson, American Atheists
August Brunsman -- Secular Student Alliance
Ed Buckner -- Executive Director, Council for Secular Humanism
Douglas Campbell -- Atheist Political Office Candidate
Parvin Darabi, HOMA
Larry Darby -- Attorney, Alabama Atheists & Atheist Law Center, Inc.
Margaret Downey -- Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia
Harry Greenberger -- New Orleans Secular Humanist Association
Chris Harper -- Landover Baptist Church
Shelly Hattan -- Metroplex Atheists
Ellen Johnson -- President, American Atheists, GAMOW Task Force
Kathleen Johnson -- Founder, Military Atheists & Freethinkers
Edwin Kagin -- Founder, Camp Quest
Bobbie Kirkhart -- President, Atheist Alliance International
Michael Newdow -- Attorney, Physician, plaintiff in suit challenging "God Pledge"
Mike Rivers -- American Atheists Utah State Director
John Scalise -- President, Great Lakes Humanist Society
Jim Strayer -- Humanists of Florida
Eddie Tabash -- Attorney, Council for Secular Humanism board, AU
Frank Zindler -- Editor, American Atheist Press
Performing Groups
Universal Dice.com
Overlord

Group Trip information:
godlessamericans.org/grouptrips.shtml