Christine Jones

Hello! My name is Christine Jones. I am the current President of Atheists United, and I am seeking re-election.

My objectives during another two-year term would be to continue to strengthen and grow our secular community with the ultimate aim of establishing healthy and flourishing non-theist communities in the Los Angeles area and beyond. by focusing on these following areas:

1. Maintaining and refining the current programs that our members care about and enjoy. One of our most effective community-building programs is our monthly food distribution program that allows us to distribute over 3,000 pounds of groceries each month to over 140 families in Historic Filipinotown, where our Los Angeles office is located. This is just one of the dozen or so programs that Atheists United has developed since 2020 through the coordinated efforts of a remarkable and engaged board, and Atheists United’s creative and dedicated executive director. Other programs of note include our Recovering from Religion program, SMART Recovery, Science Sunday, Atheist Adventures, community parties, Meetup networks, Voices of Reason choir, speaker events, chapters, and EVOLVE youth group.

2. Growing our budding political advocacy arm. Last year we began working in conjunction with the American Atheists’ political action branch to help us identify legislation in California that aligns with our values. Through this effort, volunteers have met with their local legislators throughout California to introduce them to our secular community and to lend our voices that advocate for progressive legislation such as women’s reproductive rights. Further development of our advocacy arm will be more proactive in advocating for future legislation.

3. Increasing our fundraising to be able to maintain and grow the many facets of Atheists United that strengthens our secular communities. This includes corporate and private grants and donations.

(No Candidate Nominated)

The Board will appoint someone after the election if no one wins as a write-in candidate.

Leanne Garand

FL born, CA implant. I very much enjoy working within the secular community to remove street signs as an Atheist Street Pirate, and as a regular and U-Haul driver for the monthly food distribution drive.

Marsha Swallow

Hi, I’m Marsha! I am a passionate community organizer and strong believer in the power of humanity. I have been a member of Atheist United for over a year now, and have attended many events. I am looking forward to being able to help orchestrate amazing events that both expand Atheist United’s membership as well as create a stronger sense of community.

I volunteer for several organizations in leadership positions including Sunday Assembly Los Angeles as a board member, and Google Developer Group Los Angeles as the organizer. I have many years of experience in making successful events and coordinating on a team.

I am dedicated to working with others to create a more just and equitable world. I believe that atheism is a powerful force for good, and I am excited to be a part of an organization that is working to make a difference.

I hope you will consider electing me to the board of Atheist United.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Katie Reyes

I have been a member and supporter of Atheists United for over five years, and have been enjoying many of the fun events and programs the organization has to offer. I like the direction the organization is heading and wish to be a part of the exciting movement.

I am a Millennial living in South Whittier with my husband and two young boys, a dog, a cat, and seven hens. I have the privilege of being born and raised in Southern California by nonreligious parents and wish to recreate that experience for my own children, who we are raising as freethinkers. Being a parent has really enhanced my ability to lead with empathy, connect and collaborate with others, and provides the courage to stand up for ourselves and others in the midst of wrongdoing.

Representation on the board from the 562/South East Los Angeles County region could improve, and I have a vision to expand our secular community and grow our membership beyond the central location. A greater spotlight on atheist parents with relevant programming, on-site childcare options, and a secular community of parents could improve program attendance with the added benefit of growing membership and creating a pipeline of future members. I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are a pilar of public service, and that governments and nonprofit organizations should be leading the way on social equity through action. I would love to see more diversity in the organization, both in membership and leadership, in order to better serve the direct needs of our communities.

Atheists United could further thrive with the innovative ideas, involvement, and participation from more GenZ, Latinx, Black, LGTBQ+ and I would ensure that reaching and engaging these groups is on the agenda. I have many other ideas and am eager to hear the ideas of other Atheist United members as well. Thank you for your consideration.