On March 17, 2025 the American Humanist Association broadcast an informative, heartening talk (with the above title) on their discord channel. (For information on discord, see the JH Blog post “American Humanists Association Creates a Discord Channel.”)
AHA Acting Policy and Advocacy DirectorRachel Deitch and Political and PAC Manager Ron Millar first spoke about what the AHA is doing behind the scenes. They are reading every executive order that is issued, and analyzing them to prepare for future legal challenges. The AHA is also working on “horizon” legislation. This is legislation that is not expected during this session of Congress. But before legislation can pass, a great deal of networking and groundwork must occur. Co-sponsors have to be located, and Congresspeople need to be educated about the issue and its importance. Through the AHA’s outreach efforts, the Congressional Freethought Caucus has three new members.
Turning to more visible efforts, the speakers reminded the audience of over 60 Humanists from around the country that even delaying is a victory. Every time the courts put the brakes on a DOGE action, such as firing large groups of probationary employees due to “poor performance” when numerous of these employees had outstanding performance reviews from their supervisor. That thwarting of immediate firings is a victory. They note that Trump does pivot and delay plans in response to public outcries, so demonstrations are working.
The AHA is also pivoting to work more on the state and local level. They are encouraging freethinkers to run for office. They are also supporting efforts such as preventing book banning by local Boards of Education. It is also important to remember that often state laws are the model for federal legislation. So it is valuable to pass progressive laws in states where such actions can succeed.
Many other activities were covered. The AHA sends out action alerts. The action alerts sometimes ask AHA members to call or email their representatives about an issue. And they make it so easy! If you click on their action alert, their program tells you (using your zip code) who your reps are, who in their office you should direct your call or email to, what address to use, etc. You can sign up for action alerts on the AHA website americanhumanist.org/about/. You can also view their action alerts on the AHA discord channel. To access the discord channel, email discord@americanhumanist.org to get an invitational link.
