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2019 promises to be a very exciting year for us. We are done with the reorganization and ready to move forward making the world a better place for atheists. Our campaigns for this year cover a wide variety of countries and issues.
We are supporting our affiliates in Uganda and Greece to normalize atheism.
UGANDA
In Uganda, we are providing funds to our affiliate, HALEA, to host meetups where atheists can talk openly about the issues they face. We are also helping them to get media spots on TV and Radio to promote atheism and the work they do. In Uganda, one pays for a spot on TV or Radio. It not only takes money but also persistence, as many stations are owned by religious groups.
GREECE
In Greece, we are funding a legal campaign to take religion off high school certificates and supporting work on removing religious studies from the school curriculum.
CANADA
Other campaigns include helping our Canadian affiliate, Calgary Atheists, in their effort to become a Government sponsored refugee committee. This would allow them to take in non-believers whose lives are at risk. This is huge for AAI and those that need our help. Just this week, I received requests from people in Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Egypt All fearing for their lives. We hope to become able to offer a line of support to those living in fear.
INDIA
In many rural villages of India, con men and religious people convince the poorest that they need to give them money in order to make their lives better. This includes persuading them with religious dogma that will not improve their lives but will leave them with less money in their pockets. In 2019, we will once again support the campaign to combat the Godmen of India, along with training volunteers so that it can continue to grow.
NIGERIA
We have two campaigns from 2018 which will continue in 2019. The first is our legal battle with a state Governor in Nigeria who wants to create a Worship Centre using public funds. AAI’s affiliate, Atheists Society of Nigeria, has filed a legal complaint and will follow through with it. CRITICAL THINKING AAI wants to become a leader in promoting Critical Thinking throughout the world. We will start by creating an interactive online program that children and students can access. Other projects include creating a course outline on Critical Thinking that colleges can use to teach these important skills. FREEDOM FROM RELIGION AAI also launched its campaign for atheist rights. Atheists around the world need protection from religion. Presently, the UN Charter emphasizes freedom of religion, not from religion. As the number of atheists grows, we need a stronger statement that protects our rights to be free from religion.
I hope you will continue to support us in our endeavors. Wishing you all the best for 2019.
Gail Miller, President
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