5 Atheist Communities Near Los Angeles
Atheist communities play a crucial role in providing support, connection, and a sense of belonging for individuals who do not adhere to religious beliefs.
In a diverse region like Greater Los Angeles, these communities serve as vital spaces for fostering open dialogue, promoting rational discourse, and building strong social networks. They help combat the isolation and stigma often faced by atheists, offering members opportunities for friendship, activism, and shared experiences.
This article explores the five largest atheist communities in Greater Los Angeles, highlighting their significance and the unique contributions they make to the broader landscape of secular living. Through engagement with these communities, individuals can find empowerment and camaraderie in their shared values and beliefs.
Based in Los Angeles, Atheists United is the most active atheist community in California.
Founded in 1982 as a sanctuary for atheists from religious culture and politics, Atheists United now hosts over 16 unique programs that serve the needs of atheists regionally. Some of their most popular programs include a volunteer Food Distribution, an annual Atheist Adventure camping trip, Saturday Sing-Alongs, quarterly Science Sundays, and sessional Community Parties.
Atheists United is also one of the few places Atheists can mobilize politically in California. Volunteers are actively supporting multiple bills a year in Sacramento, in partnership with national human rights organizations like American Atheists, and the community has officially joined a handful of local and state-wide advocacy coalitions fighting for issues ranging from climate change to reproductive freedom.
Become a sustaining member of Atheists United for as little as $2/month and get major discounts on their large events and updates on all their upcoming advocacy campaigns.
Sunday Assembly was originally founded in London, England by a pair of comedians as a way for atheists to enjoy a god-free yet “church-style” Sunday gathering. It was so successful it garnered international media attention and chapters started launching around the world. In 2013, Sunday Assembly Los Angeles hosted their first assembly in Hollywood with over 400 curious attendees excited to learn what an “atheist church” (as the media branded them) was all about.
Today, Sunday Assembly Los Angeles is one of California’s most active secular communities and hosts monthly gatherings on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Each assembly invites a unique guest speaker and musical guest to educate and entertain. Sunday Assembly is an especially excellent community for parents. If you bring your kiddos, Sunday Assembly guarantees free childcare in a kid-friendly space for all assemblies.
Join an upcoming assembly or regional meetup by Sunday Assembly Los Angeles to see if a congregational-style atheist community is right for you.
Santa Clarita Atheists & Freethinkers (S.C.A.F.) is a thriving regional chapter of Atheists United. They march in the city’s annual 4th of July Parade, host incredible Solstice Parties, and gather monthly for Sunday Brunches and Drinking Skeptically meetups.
What they’re most well known for though is their incredible fundraising skills. In 2023 they became the top fundraising team for the Santa Clarita Walk to End Alzheimers and in 2024 just missed the top mark with $22,300 raised.
If you’re looking for an energetic freethought community that likes to give back through community service, join an upcoming S.C.A.F. event.
4. Inland Empire Atheists Agnostics & Humanists
Inland Empire Atheists, Agnostics & Humanists is a vibrant community that encourages personal development, social engagement, and the pursuit of knowledge. They host regular events across the Inland Empire, including casual meetups like a Spepktics Forum and Saturday Coffee with Friends, as well as big cultural events like an annual comedy night with big-name comedians at a local brewery.
Their leader, Reb, is also one of the most active Humanist Celebrants in Southern California. She helps dozens of secular families with their weddings and funerals each year. Book a meeting with here here: https://www.happyhumanistweddings.com/
Join an upcoming Inland Empire Atheists Agnostics and Humanists upcoming events!
5. Sunday Assembly San Diego
Just south of Los Angeles, we hope you find the most active secular community in San Diego. Sunday Assembly San Diego is a warm, welcoming community that hosts incredible speakers and musical guests each month at their main assembly, along with over on average 10+ side-events that community members are welcome to check out.
When active in a Sunday Assembly community you’ll always have opportunities to volunteer, meet interesting people, and push your brain. They proudly live by a beautiful Humanist motto; “Live Better. Help Often. Wonder More.”
