A Compassionate Response to Hunger and Homelessness
April 30 - May 9 2021
What is Secular Week of Action?
Secular Week of Action (SWoA) exists to mobilize people throughout the United States to express secular civic values and make positive change in our communities. Local organizations across the diverse secular spectrum — atheists, agnostics, freethinkers, humanists, skeptics, and progressive religious communities — work together to demonstrate our shared commitment to making this world, here and now, a better place. During this inspiring week, participants buckle down and do the work that matters, taking social, political, and charitable actions that make a difference.
Why Do We Need a Secular Week of Action?
Secular Week of Action provides an opportunity for all Americans to participate in civic life through volunteerism, and is a meaningful alternative to the National Day of Prayer — a day set aside in federal law for “people of faith to pray for the nation.” People from all walks of life throughout the United States believe deeply in the value of service and volunteerism, making Secular Week of Action an inclusive opportunity for all of us to work together for the common good — including the millions of Americans whose personal practice does not include prayer. Secular organizations, faith groups, and individuals can all participate.
A Compassionate Response to Hunger and Homelessness
As a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis and resulting economic downturn, by mid-2020, food insecurity more than doubled from 2019, affecting a quarter of all U.S. households.
The pandemic-related recession is expected to cause chronic homelessness to increase by 49% nationwide over the next four years.
Secular Week of Action gives people fulfilling opportunities to contribute to the greater good by addressing food insecurity and homelessness during this challenging, isolating time.
While service opportunities must be modified for safety during COVID-19, we can participate in many positive, impactful activities. Groups and individuals can participate in a Craft-A-Thon that combines crafting and fundraising to address homelessness. Virtual volunteering, activism, mutual aid groups and service projects can often be coordinated online, and safety precautions can be taken for in-person events. Check out the Secular Week of Action Toolkit for more ideas and information.
The secular community knows that our actions matter during this crisis.
Service
Give back and serve
Run a Virtual 5k
Team up with friends, family, coworkers, or community and get moving to support people facing food insecurity. See Foundation Beyond Belief's Virtual 5k Guide.
Create a Mutual Aid Group
Start a neighborhood/organizational mutual aid shared Google Doc, social media group page, or Google Form for people to share their needs and how they can help.
Donate to a Local Food Bank
Donations are down and need is up. Search for a Feed America food bank in your area.
Donate to Local Homeless Shelters
Shelters are not closing during this crisis. Many are asking for essentials like toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer.
Donate Blood
Blood drives across the country have been canceled and the blood supply is low.
Deliver Meals for Vulnerable Neighbors
Donate to or volunteer with Meals on Wheels America. (Volunteers are no longer entering homes and are delivering more shelf-stable or frozen meals to allow for a less frequent delivery schedule).
Organize an Online Fundraiser
Many of our usual fundraising events are not possible while we practice social distancing. Check out our COVID-19 Service Guide for ways to fundraise without gathering in groups.
Find more ideas here: Responding to COVID-19 as a Community
Virtual Volunteering
Citizen science, humanities, and service projects you can do from home. Click to learn more!
Social Media
Help spread the word
Share the Week of Action Website
Help raise the visibility of the secular community and the work we are all doing to make positive change.
Post pictures
Whether you’re participating in a virtual group activity or as an individual, find creative ways to photograph your servicework and share online to inspire others
Go live
Live stream on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms. Are you working on a creative project? Interact with your audience while you work. Take suggestions from viewers as you go, or auction off creative choices! Make sure to talk about your activity regularly in advance so people know to tune in.
Network with other groups
Like, follow, and share the posts of other volunteer groups across the country to support one another’s work!
Use the hashtags #SecularAction and #WeekOfAction
Week Of Action Coordinated By
National Partners
SIGNUP FOR ACTION!
Secular Week of Action Events
Click "Filter," select "Add filter," then click the center drop-down menu to search by location or event details.
Secular Week of Action Event Map
Secular Week of Action Pledges
I commit to volunteering my time to help make a difference during Secular Week of Action!
