Sapiens would have become extinct thousands of years ago if our ancestors were atheist. Don't wish it upon our species. We evolved with theism because it is necessary for continued existence. The truth would be hard for most to live with. Let them be.

A public relations campaign needs to be developed that asserts the validity of atheism in a way that's palatable for many and be advanced by a public figure that everyone sees naturally as someone to believe regardless of what he or she says, someone that people instantly trust and respect, and like.

Educate people with facts to counter religious propaganda.

I participate in a ministry at a church near me. I have let it be known that I am agnostic. I hope they will see that I am a compassionate person (the ministry helps several charities within my area). I don't think mocking the believers will carry our message very far. Taking a page from their book, "Don't be ashamed to let the world know that you are a 'non'-believer!" I've been asked what church I attend. "I'm agnostic", is my answer. If they question me about dying and going to hell, I'd say, "I've experienced a lot of 'Hells' in this life, death has got to be better!" The snake in my tattoo has been labelled as Satanic. I said, "The Bible has given snakes a bad rap!" (Snakes are just as much a part of their god's creation as any deer or rabbit.)

The hallmark of anti-religious worldviews ought to be quiet confidence and the ability to deliver stunning arguments when called upon. Religious thinking is by it's very nature brittle. It will always be the exposition of myth. If you knock down the myth, the subject cannot live in a vacuum....they will be drawn to reason like a moth to flame.

The disenchantment with organized religion is on the rise. With so many competing religions, it is more difficult for young people to believe that one is better than another. If Atheists organize then how would they be better than the existing religions out there? Religion is a business, they have overhead cost, supplies, and a service to sell. There is a hierarchy of control and promotion from within. Although it is donation based, they do charge for services. So....How would marketing Atheism (with all the cost associated with it) in a positive light not turn it into another religion? Would it not be better to just keep challenging accepted beliefs and allow each individual to come to their own conclusion?

Again, I have to draw parallels between the anti-theist and gay communities. As was proven by the gay community that lived in the shadows for centuries it will not be until all of us declare ourselves openly and live our lives true to our own natures that real progress can be made. To use a tired cliché from the church itself, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine!" I remember when living in San Francisco in the '70's participating in some of the first gay pride marches that, at the time, it felt like an act of militancy. Every year the parades got bigger until today when the feeling is more like a festival of celebration. We must speak out in our own spheres of influence when someone makes a remark about religion or even says, "Thank god!" What does god have to do with anything? If you cringe when you hear something like that, say something! Why should we be the ones that walk on eggs around such people displaying a respect that is not accorded back to us? Living in the open full time is the best thing any of us could do! And, yes. I think we should have big parades every easter Sunday mocking religion in every major city. I'd love to drag a cross with a crucified easter bunny attached down Market St., State Street or Broadway!

Ummmmmmm no.....if u push it and demand 2 b recognized or seek validation of nonbelievers then
Were doing what u hate about religion........i don't need for jesus freaks 2 acknowledge what i believe i could care less what they think about me its a free country wanna believe in a god thats ur own personal choice......i don't believe what they do and they don't matter 2 me.......don't make Athiest a religion

Organize monthly or bi-monthly events which are networking events combined with learning events. There should be one speaker who talks about recent advances in mathematics, physics, or space exploration - and there should be a small area for business interaction, so that people can network. This would give two incentives to be at these events: to learn new things and to network.

There's certainly some truth there, but I'm reminded of the fact that what we have in common is what we don't do, like "non-stamp collectors." It's hard to organize a program around that. That said, I won't just give up on your thought.