Editor’s Note: Back in March, I wrote an essay encouraging atheists to join the Foundation Beyond Belief, a new charitable group doing good for human beings and the world in the name of freethought. I also offered to write a front-page post interviewing anyone who agreed to join the Foundation as a result of hearing about it on my site. This is the next in that series of interviews. Please welcome StaceyJW!
Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, where do you live, what do you do?
I’m a married (not legally), feminist atheist that works in the Solar Power Industry. Right now I’m pregnant with our first baby, a son. I currently live on the ocean in Baja CA, Mexico, between Tijuana and Rosarito, but I cover the US Southwest for work, so I travel a lot.
If you’re an atheist, when did you first become an atheist, and how long have you been one? If you’re not an atheist, how would you define your beliefs?
I can’t recall a time when I believed in a god, but I didn’t call myself an atheist until a few years back, when I realized it was politically and socially necessary for all non-theists to declare themselves atheists – LOUDLY! I’m a feminist, humanistic atheist of the “strong” type (in Dawkins speak).
Do you have a blog of your own, or another site you’d like us to know about?
NO LONGER QUIVERING should be a must read blog for any feminist or atheist – anyone that cares about women’s rights, and the damage done by religion, should check it out.
http://www.nolongerqivering.com
It’s an eye opening, amazing, but often sickening, walk through the minds of women (formerly) involved in the biblical patriarchy/Quiverfull movement. If you have been feeling complacent about women in America, this will change your mind.
Have you given to other charities before joining the Foundation Beyond Belief? If so, which ones are your favorites?
Yes, I give to the ASPCA monthly. I also give to the Humane Society, Ferrets Anonymous (for ferret legalization in CA), and The Take Heart Project – a new group that seeks to assist women in leaving Quiverfull/biblical patriarchal relationships, particularly abusive ones. I’ve also organized donations of solar equipment for groups (religious, unfortunately) building/powering orphanages in Mexico and schools in Africa – if you have a charity project in need of solar power, I’m your woman!
Is there anything else you’d like to say to atheists who are considering supporting the Foundation or other charitable groups?
It’s great to be able to support a charity that is outwardly atheist; not only am I sure that my money won’t be going to converting others, but it makes our giving more public. I get tired of hearing that non-believers don’t donate, when we DO, until now there was just no way to show it!