Herein are the results of the Survey of Organizations of Non-belief. From start to finish, this project has taken a little over three months, with more hours spent working on it than I could easily account for.

I started this project because of the paucity of evidence-based information available on the subjects of starting and maintaining a group focused on non-believers. And also, because I view the continuation and aggrandizement of such groups to be of highest importance.

I am not a statistician, and my knowledge of the application of statistics is limited. To complete the analysis of the data acquired through this survey, I had to re-learn and supplement the knowledge of statistical methods that I had gained in college some time ago. Some of those who read this report may be much more adept than I am in the art and science of statistical analysis. I hope they will not be too harsh in pointing out any errors.

Please, feel free to use the tables and graphs in the report, or the data set included at the end of the document to perform your own analysis and form your own conclusions/opinions. If you are comfortable, and have the tools, you may want to analyze relationships between data that I have not, or use more complicated methods of analysis. I only ask that if you do, that you will share any findings with the rest of us.

The greatest thing that any research can do is stimulate more research. As far as I can tell, there have been no previous studies of organizations of this type. When you consider that non-believers tend to prefer facts (or at least good evidence) when making decisions, then it really is amazing that more research has not been done. We really do need more information, not just about our groups, but about non-believers in general, and I wouldn’t suggest sitting around and waiting for others (who may have biases against us) to tell us who we are.

You don’t have to be a whiz at something to give it a try. Your level of success in any endeavor may never reach your ideal, but action (even if awkward) is preferable to stagnation or complacency. It’s time we got the ball rolling, and found out a little more about our groups, and ourselves.

To everyone who contributed to this project most importantly- those who responded to the survey, I THANK YOU.

Survey forms were sent out via e-mail to the contact individuals listed for two-hundred and forty-two organizations across the country. These organizations were located through a variety of sources, including internet searches for such organizations, existing lists of organizations found on the internet, and reports from other parties that knew of their existence.

Fifty-four responses were received with completed or partially completed surveys. Four responses were received from individuals stating that the organizations were no longer in existence. Three responses were received from individuals stating that they declined to participate in the survey.

Analysis of the data was conducted using Microsoft ExcelÒ with the "Analyse-itÒ " plug-in (available at http://www.analyse-it.com/). Correlation between data sets was measured using Spearman rank correlation.

There is insufficient evidence to conclude that any type of group name (Atheist, Humanist, Freethinker, or Different) is more successful.

If between 17 and 33% of your groups members are active in the group, then rest assured that this is normal.

In general, groups tend to draw active members from within a 10-15 mile radius. Groups in more metropolitan area draw members from a smaller radius (@5 miles), groups in more rural areas, within a 30 mile radius. Groups should focus their attentions accordingly. There is also an association between the percent of active members and the size of the geographical area in which groups seek members. Where possible, groups should seek members outside of metropolitan areas, and not just focus on larger cities.

Advertising is important to the success of a group. Of advertising methods reported, the use of print media (newspapers, magazines, etc) seems to be the most beneficial in terms of membership. Groups should explore any forms of advertisement available, but print media should be used by all groups.

Groups tend to meet only once or twice per month, but there is an association between active membership and number of meetings per month. Where possible, groups should attempt to provide more opportunities for members to interact. More research should be done to determine how often groups should meet.

Charging a membership fee may adversely affect total membership, though it does seem that charging a fee may increase active membership. More research should be done to find out why.

Groups tend to have a social focus, and there is a stronger association between social and educational focus and active membership than between forms of activism and active membership. Groups should focus primarily on social and educational activities. Groups that focus primarily on social activities and have not previously focused on educational should seek educational opportunities to include for their members. More research should be done to determine specific types of social and educational activities to include.

The leaders of organizations are generally satisfied with their experience with having a group. Rating this on a scale of 1 to 10, most rate satisfaction above as 8 or higher.

If you don’t read the whole report, please read the sections on "Best" and "Worst" experiences reported by respondents. These are quoted from the respondents’ own words and start on page 55.

All items covered in this survey should be studied further, with particular attention to advertising, group activities and focus, number of meetings per month, and membership fees.

Items not covered in this survey that should be researched in future studies:

The age of the groups (how long they have been in existence)

Monthly or annual funds received (through membership fees or other sources)

and how those funds are used;

Specific types of activities that groups participate in (which are most successful?)

Demographics regarding members/active members.

Groups should conduct surveys of their members to determine how to improve their function. Find out more from your members about such things as meetings per month, when to meet, where to meet, types of activities, and any inhibitors to active membership that may exist so that you can seek ways to work around them.

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