For many people, finding a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and emotional support is essential to well-being. Humans are social creatures by nature, and relationships play a crucial role in fostering personal growth, resilience, and happiness. But for Atheists—especially those living in highly religious regions or socially isolating environments—building meaningful connections can be both uniquely rewarding and particularly challenging.
In many parts of the world, religion remains a cornerstone of social and cultural life. Churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues often function not just as places of worship, but as hubs for community engagement and support. When someone rejects religion or identifies openly as an Atheist, they may find themselves cut off from these communal spaces, or even stigmatized for their beliefs. However, the good news is that there are numerous ways for Atheists to form deep friendships, join supportive communities, and live full, connected lives—both online and offline.
Finding Community Online
The internet has revolutionized how we connect with others, and this has been a game-changer for Atheists. The anonymity and accessibility of online platforms provide safe spaces for people to explore secularism, share personal stories, and form lasting bonds with like-minded individuals around the world.
Some of the most effective online platforms for building Atheist communities include:
- Meetup – Search for Atheist groups and events in your area or join virtual meetups to connect with others.
- Atheists for Liberty –This national organization works to promote individual liberty, secular government, and Enlightenment values. In addition to advocacy work, Atheists for Liberty provides networking opportunities, virtual seminars, and in-person events that foster community-building. They offer a welcoming space for those who want to merge political advocacy with secular social engagement.
- Secular Student Alliance – Supports secular students and helps them form campus communities.
- Sunday Assembly – A global network of secular congregations that celebrate life and foster community.
- Center for Inquiry – Promotes science, reason, and secular values through events and local groups.
Building Connections in Person
While online communities offer unparalleled reach and accessibility, nothing quite compares to the richness of face-to-face interaction. In-person friendships provide deeper emotional bonds and more spontaneous social experiences that can’t always be replicated through screens. Fortunately, many Atheists are forming vibrant, real-world communities that meet regularly for social, intellectual, and activist pursuits.
Attend Local Atheist or Secular Group Meetings
Most major cities—and increasingly, even small towns—have organizations for Atheists, freethinkers, skeptics, and humanists. These groups often host weekly or monthly gatherings such as discussion nights, lectures, potlucks, hikes, and pub socials. The goal is to create welcoming environments where members can talk freely about philosophy, current events, and personal challenges without the fear of religious judgment.
Organizations like American Atheists and the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) often have affiliate groups in different regions that organize community-building activities and social action projects.
Volunteer for Secular Causes
Many Atheists find fulfillment and friendship through shared service. Volunteering with secular charities or organizations—such as Foundation Beyond Belief or local food banks unaffiliated with religious institutions—can be a great way to bond over common values like compassion, integrity, and altruism.
Some secular groups organize specific outreach projects, like blood drives, disaster relief efforts, and environmental cleanups, where you can meet others who are committed to doing good without belief in a deity.
Join or Start a Book Club or Lecture Series
Many Atheist groups run book clubs that focus on topics related to science, philosophy, ethics, or freethought literature. These gatherings provide structured opportunities for intellectual discussion and personal bonding. If such a club doesn’t exist near you, consider starting one—libraries, cafes, or community centers often offer free space for regular meetups.
Similarly, attending public lectures or debates hosted by university departments or local skeptics’ societies can also be a good place to meet others who value critical thinking and evidence-based discussion.
Students: Get Involved on Campus
If you’re in school, joining or launching a chapter of the Secular Student Alliance can be transformative. In addition to being a great way to meet peers who share your worldview, campus groups often host events that encourage open dialogue, scientific literacy, and civic engagement. Many SSA chapters become tight-knit communities where lifelong friendships are formed.
The Importance of Atheist Support Networks
It’s easy to underestimate how important it is to simply be around people who understand you. For Atheists—especially those who have experienced religious trauma, family estrangement, or social isolation—support networks are not just helpful, they can be life-saving.
Having a community allows you to share your story, navigate the emotional complexities of deconversion or coming out as nonreligious, and celebrate life’s milestones with people who genuinely affirm your values. These networks can also provide a foundation for advocacy work, enabling Atheists to stand up for secular rights, challenge religious privilege, and promote science and rational discourse in the public sphere.
Moreover, being part of a secular community reinforces that Atheism is not synonymous with nihilism or loneliness. Quite the opposite: Atheists around the world are creating meaning, joy, and connection on their own terms—without dogma, without superstition, and without apology.
In a world still shaped by religious norms, finding your people as an Atheist can sometimes feel daunting. But you’re not alone. By engaging with both online and in-person communities, volunteering, joining discussion groups, or simply reaching out to someone who shares your values, you can cultivate friendships that are deeply supportive and spiritually enriching—without needing religion at all.
The value of Atheist friendship and community cannot be overstated. It empowers individuals to live authentically, resist social isolation, and thrive together in a world that desperately needs more reason, compassion, and connection.
