Post by Bridget Gaudette – VP of Outreach for Secular Woman

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A week ago today on June 28, 2012, Secular Woman, Inc. made its debut as the first national membership organization dedicated exclusively to advancing the interests of atheist, humanist and other non-religious women.

From inception to launch it only took 40 days.

The attention began in the atheist community. The group set up a speakers bureau as a way to showcase an original, perhaps lesser known group of female lecturers. So far 5 women have been listed and at least one has received an inquiry to speak and this was directly attributed to her profile on SecularWoman.org. In addition, the founders have started an anti-harassment registry, an online storehouse where secular organizations can showcase their proactivity in addressing harassment at conferences by displaying their policies. American Atheists, the Center for Inquiry and the Secular Student Alliance have all submitted their policies. In an effort to escalate the attendance of women at the above mentioned conferences, Secular Woman will be providing grants that will cover travel, lodging and entry into these events for female members that apply. The organizations that have provided their anti-harassment policies will be given preference when these grants are distributed. Other resources and programs include annual awards, a place to advertise services and products (seven talented women have been added to the catalog), and a list local women’s groups.

Last Thursday when Secular Woman mobilized The Angry Atheist released a podcast featuring the board of directors. Also early in the day, the organization was featured on Glenn Beck’s website: The Blaze, where the author stated that “ it seems atheist females have a group that will help to “amplify the voice, presence, and influence of non-religious women” — yet another point of evidence that non-believers are working feverishly to harness and secure power.”

Throughout the week the new organization received overwhelmingly positive support from the Atheist blogosphere. The Friendly Atheist gave a thumbs up noting, “That’s one hell of a strong board of directors”. Ashley F. Miller, Ed Brayton, Greg Laden, Kate Donovan and many more reported on the organization. The excitement and positivity was so profound that PZ Myers even offered to buy a membership for one of his readers!

At week’s end the group’s website had received thousands of hits; they have garnered the support of over a thousand followers on Facebook and almost 200 dues paying members.

For more information please visit the website: SecularWoman.org, follow on twitter: @SecularWoman of find on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SecularWoman.