Seems a pretty odd post to give out websites when your tottal number of posts is only 6 and you include a website. I think this is more about you sneeking in an add for free because you know the traffic volume that comes here.

Jcravens, I agree with you in principle, and I think that anyone who feels like they can safely publicize volunteer efforts should.

In my case, it's a little dicey.  I live in the deep south, smack in the middle of the bible belt, and I own businesses that are dependent on public opinion.  Virtually all of my volunteer time and money goes to causes that would hurt my business if it hit the papers.  Unfortunately, I have to remain locally anonymous, except to my friends.  This is why my myspace page is private, and virtually everyone on it is someone I've met personally.

This, of course, is one of the reasons I volunteer and donate...

I'm not hiding behind any login handle -- I'm as transparent as anyone can be, short of posting my tax returns online. I'm a volunteer management professional, and I'm posting my web address to show that I'm for real, that I have a tremendous amount of experience in volunteerism-related subjects, and that I am ready to lend my support, in a very public way, to the idea of secular/atheist volunteers. Either this really is a site that is promoting atheist volunteers or it's not. If it's the former, then I'm going to keep posting and offering any of the *free* resources on my site that might be helpful to the "cause." If it's not, then someone please tell me now so I can withdraw immediately.

I think it sucks that the theists get all the credit for doing volunteer work. I might not mind so much but I think their primary motivation is recruiting not helping.

I tried volunteering with the Big Brother/Big Sister organization about a year or so ago. They seemed to really like me until I told them I was an Atheist that was very adamant about not wanting to discuss religion with anyones children. I had actually posted about this about the time I became a member of RRS. I had the bad luck of making that post when that bad info loss happened. In any event I've thought about contacting the ACLU about this but then again I'm not very keen on the Big Brother/Big Sister program anymore.

Back to the OP. In my experience many people "talk" about wanting to "help" but in reality, not many actually find the time, money, energy, ability, whatever to actually act on that "talk". I'd try to not get to antsy about a little questioning of your motives. It seems like you are truly interested in what you're talking about and trying to share. The few people who are interested will find your information and be thankful to you for providing it. I certainly appreciate your efforts.

I volunteer a couple of days a week at a local hospital in the pediatric unit.  A few weeks ago I was in a patient's room holding the small child while the mother went to the cafeteria.  One of the hospital chaplains knocked and walked in.  I introduced myself and told her I was a volunteer.  She said, "We like to say a prayer for the children and the caregivers."
   I smiled and said, "Sure, go ahead."
   She said, "May I ask what religion you are."
   I said, "Actually, I'm an atheist."
   With a surprised look, she said, "Really??"
   I smiled and nodded and she said, "Would you mind if I asked you a question?"  I said no and she asked, "Why do you volunteer?"
   Though this struck me as a rather offensive question, I was polite and told her that I also consider myself to be a Humanist, and that it's my opinion that everyone should do their best to give back to their fellow man and to society whenever they can.
   She accepted that, bowed her head, and muttered her little prayer. When she'd finished, she said, "If you don't mind my asking, why do you think we're here?  What's the point in it all?"
   I told her that it's all a matter of random chance—that there's no design, no plan, and no one at the controls.
   She looked perplexed for a moment and said she hoped I didn't mind the questions.
   I said I didn't and told her, "Actually, I enjoy that kind of thing.  Any time you'd like to talk more about it, please look me up."

   I've seen her on the unit a few times since then and we say, "Hi" to each other, but she's yet to take me up on my offer of further discussion.  I figure it's one of two things—either she's afraid I'll convince her to give up her faith or I'm just too EVIL to associate with.

Hi Manu, you may be interested to learn about our latest project, which is a joint effort of many different atheist groups and individuals, called Atheism United. See our newsletter about it here: http://www.rationalresponders.com/new_rational_activism_projects_rrs

Thank you for that wonderful post.

I stumbled onto this sight looking for information about Athiests & volunteerism. I happen to call myself a Christian, but don't see that as my motivation for volunteering. I volunteer because I think it's the right thing to do. I frequently hear/overhear athiests verbally assaulting Christianity (usually something about christians assaulting non-Christians). Those athiests that do this don't seem to mind that their words are potentially insulting and not accurate about me or those who actually follow the teachings of the Bible. But, I also hear/overhear plenty of Christians saying things that are potentially just as offensive to non-believers. In my experience, many proclaimed Christians and many proclaimed Athiests are really agnostics with a bit of bias and a lot of conviction (or stubborness). Each of us has a right to believe what we choose and place our "faith" in whatever we choose. We should all accept that.

Why do so many (Christians and Athiests) feel the need to be so arrogant about their beliefs? And, why do those beliefs need to be divulged at every opportunity?

I have volunteered alongside one athiest (that I know of). There was no reason for me to know his beliefs or for him to know my beliefs. But, at one point, his belief punctuated his expressed opinion. It was in the wake of a major disaster (historic!). Religious services were not being allowed inside of Red Cross shelters. He said: "All these people have left is their faith. I don't think it is right to deny them their Sunday worship services...And I'm an Athiest". The source of those words SHOULD not be shocking to any truly free thinker.

Volunteering is the right thing to do. Athiests, Christians, etc all volunteering together is even better.