Since our founding in 2012, the CFFC has become a vital part of the Central Florida landscape. As an advocate for the separation of religion in government, a source of knowledge on matters of religious freedom, a trusted ally of local faith leaders and elected officials, and a community of friends and chosen family, the CFFC matters to so many people for so many different reasons.
Our volunteer team—from event hosts to our Board of Directors—puts in more than 2,500 hours each year. Much of that work requires engagement and experience that volunteers cannot consistently provide, and we need more time for key volunteers to engage deeper in the community and build even stronger relationships with stakeholders.
That has proven to be the best way to ensure the inclusion of non-theists in Central Florida life, and we're committed to continuing that work. Your partnership can help us get it done.
Help Us #StaffTheCFFC
We don’t like to brag, and we hate to ask for money, but we’re about to do both. We're at a plateau as an organization and we have the potential right now to "level up" and do even more. We'll share a few major successes below, along with some testimonials from our #StaffTheCFFC campaign supporters so far. We hope you will consider renewing your commitment to the CFFC by becoming a monthly contributor or by increasing your current level of support.
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Here is what we've been up to:
State/Church Watchdog
The CFFC is an effective watchdog with two federal lawsuits having successful outcomes (FFRF v. Orange County Public Schools and Williamson, et. al. v. Brevard County) and dozens of smaller victories in local schools and government agencies.
Local
Advocates
The CFFC serves as a local resource and advocate for people across the region, addressing hundreds of violations with and without the assistance of our national partners.
Experienced Activists
The CFFC provides experienced local activists to answer questions about the Establishment Clause and other civil rights issues, and we enlist the support of national organization attorneys when needed to assist with legal questions or to draft letters of complaint.
Gaining
Equal Footing
The CFFC was invited to be serve on Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Council of Clergy, Orange County Mayor Deming’s Council of Interfaith Leaders, the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, and the Central Florida Commission on Religious Freedom, ensuring the inclusion of non-theist perspectives in places long out of our reach.
Improving Our Community
The CFFC improves our Central Florida community by providing hundreds of volunteer hours each year for agencies and organizations including the City of Orlando, Seminole County, Second Harvest Food Bank, the City of Oviedo, and United Against Poverty (UP) Orlando.
Earned a Place at the Table
The CFFC has earned a place at the table with government leaders and local organizations allowing us to provide an often overlooked perspective—that of the fastest growing religious demographic—and to ensure non-theists are included when important conversations happen.
Amazing Educational Events
The CFFC provides high quality educational events that bring national speakers, local superstars, and elected officials to audiences of freethinkers each month. These high quality events are the anchor of monthly programming that includes more than twenty social, volunteer, education, and outreach. Plus, there is the Freethought Cruise!
Non-theist
Visibility
The CFFC exhibits at events with the City of Orlando, Central Florida Veg Fest, Earth Day, Come Out With Pride Orlando, and others. We also serve as speakers representing humanist and atheist perspectives on panels and elsewhere.
Friends & Chosen Family
The CFFC is, most importantly, a community with a variety of events each month where people develop lasting friendships. We know that we're not always made to feel welcome everywhere we go, so we know the value of safe spaces for us to be our authentic selves.
A Thriving Humanist Community
The CFFC has been a completely volunteer-led and volunteer-run organization since its founding in 2012. We now have more than 30 volunteers doing an estimated 2,500 hours of work each year! While that is truly amazing, it’s also a testament to the passion that so many people have in support of our mission.
Help us reach our $20,000 campaign goal
That’s what it will take to hire a part time employee at a livable wage to #StaffTheCFFC. Monthly microdonations are most helpful as sustaining gifts. However, if you would rather make a single donation, click the link or send a check to the CFFC at:
PO Box 621123,
Oviedo, FL 32762.
For those subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) from an IRA, the CFFC is a tax-exempt, non-profit and can accept your contributions. For more information, contact your tax advisor or IRA custodian.
“I’m so impressed with the variety of activities the CFFC offers and it’s important to support organizations that promote secularism in a time when religious nationalists are gaining ground.”
“I really value the community the CFFC has built. I am not sure if I even know any atheists outside the group, and I really appreciate getting together with like-minded people.”
“It’s important to work together as a community to do good in the world we live in, and I share the CFFC’s desire for the separation of church and state.”
“I love that organizations like the CFFC push back against the erosion of our civil rights by those who want to push their religious views on the rest of us.”
“The CFFC is an essential organization that promotes free-thinking. Without that, our freedom will be denigrated by those who seek to control our ability to speak truth.”
“Through the CFFC we have developed wonderful friendships and met some extraordinary leaders in the atheist movement, including our favorites: Seth Andrews, Hemant Mehta, and Kate Cohen.”
“For most of my life, I thought I was the only atheist. I avoided religious talk with friends and family. How great it would have been if an organization like the CFFC had been available back then! ”
“I support the CFFC in all that they do in Central Florida to protect the wall of separation between church and state. We surely need that now, more than ever.”
“The CFFC is a home for people who think, and it has a variety of activities. Our society needs CFFC to balance the growing normalization of religious nationalism; not to mention it is just plain fun. ”
“We believe the CFFC offers amazing value to Central Florida communities and is a supportive and caring organization. ”
“My life is enriched by the CFFC and I’m proud of their work on separation of church and state. When we volunteer, the only agenda is to make a difference. I can’t think of a more worthy cause.”
“I’m pleased that I found the CFFC, a community of like-minded folks interested in building community among secularists and non-believers. The programing and events are great for fun and friendship.”
“One reason people stay in organized religion long after they stop believing is community. I’ve met some amazing, thoughtful, intelligent friends in the community the CFFC has built.”
“We need options besides “join a church” to meet like-minded people. The speakers and activism are great, but the community I found in the CFFC has made my life immeasurably richer.”
“I am proud to support the CFFC, a vocal proponent of secular ideals through community activism. They consistently orchestrate the Freethought Cruise and other events flawlessly.”
“What I love most about CFFC is the wide range of activities and events for a large, diverse group of people who gather to socialize, to educate, and to give back.”
“While Florida lawmakers make life harder for marginalized people, whitewash history, and march us toward theocracy, the CFFC is working hard to protect everyone’s personhood.”
“I support the CFFC because I believe the strict separation of religion and government is essential for our democracy.”
“My involvement in the CFFC has brought richness to my life on many levels. I’ve made close friends and am now involved with volunteering and social action through the group.”
“The CFFC needs support to be even more effective and visible so Christian nationalists and white supremacists do not continue to discriminate, create a theocracy, and abandon our secular values.”
“Whether socializing with friends in their many social events, learning from experts in monthly educational seminars, or making a difference through volunteering and activism, there is something for everyone.”
“I encourage everyone who values the CFFC to help ensure the organization continues to lead us on the path forward. They give me hope that, when we speak up together, we can make a difference.”