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Our Work & Resources

We put science, reason, humanist values, and freedom of thought into practice through public advocacy, educational programming, community service, and practical secular resources.

Public participation

Public Policy & Political Action

PFC brings an evidence-based, humanist, and non-theist perspective to issues affecting our members and the wider community.

PFC identifies areas and issues within local government and local institutions where PFC can and should contribute a perspective and viewpoint on behalf of our stakeholders. We seek to have a seat at the table to represent and communicate the evidence-based, humanist, and non-theist beliefs of our members regarding local issues and actions.

Beyond the local arena, we seek to keep our members informed about national and international policy and legislation likely to be important to them. At all levels of government, PFC seeks to facilitate participation by its members through electronic, telephone, written, or personal communication with legislators and other leaders.

PFC facilitates this participation within the legal limitations of our nonprofit 501(c)(3) status.

Policies we promote

Separation of church and state.
Freedom of speech and expression, particularly when those freedoms are threatened, attacked, or made illegal based on religious arguments having no underlying moral basis.
Evidence-based public policy, especially where public and political conversation is heavily influenced by non-evidence-based beliefs or religious dogma.

Civic participation

Take Action

Effective advocacy is personal, specific, respectful, and directed to the people who represent you.

Tips for contacting legislators

Calls from constituents and a follow-up letter containing your contact information are generally more effective than blanket emails. Send physical mail to local offices when possible because security screening can delay mail sent to Washington, D.C.
Keep your message short and focused, preferably no longer than one page. Name the specific legislation and state clearly what action you want the legislator to take.
Make it personal. Explain how the issue affects you, your family, or your community. Mention your history as a voter or supporter when relevant.
Remember that elected officials represent you. Be direct, factual, respectful, and persistent.

Representatives and action resources

Find your Pennsylvania legislators Find your U.S. elected officials Allegheny County government Freedom From Religion Foundation — Legal American Humanist Association — Key Issues American Atheists — State Legislation

Ideas into practice

Education & Humanist Values

PFC creates public programs that strengthen scientific literacy, critical thinking, ethical reflection, and human connection.

Science & Critical Thinking

The foundation of our beliefs rests upon science, reason, and critical-thinking skills and habits.

The PFC Program and Education Committee presents regular events and programs intended to help and challenge our stakeholders to learn more about the foundations of scientific knowledge, as well as current discoveries, controversies, and the political implications of ongoing work in varied branches of science.

In addition to gaining knowledge within specific fields, we learn how to improve our critical-thinking skills and encourage others to do the same.

We recognize and combat dogmatic and tribal beliefs that interfere with critical thinking and science acceptance, and oppose pseudoscience and “woo” in all its forms.

Humanist Values in Practice

As a chapter of the American Humanist Association, Pittsburgh Freethought Community brings nationally recognized humanist thought leaders to address and engage in dialogue with our community.

These events are open and advertised to the public. Several times each year, keynote speakers and programs are supported by AHA chapter grants, restricted donations from the former Humanist Community of Pittsburgh, and the PFC general fund.

Smaller monthly events are presented by the PFC Program Committee, which is responsible for organizing educational programs for our members and the public.

Organizers may manage specific one-time or recurring programs, speakers, discussion groups, Meetup events, or other community programming.

Please consider volunteering to help this key committee with its important work.

Practical support

Community Resources

Secular people deserve meaningful ceremonies and effective support that respect their values and worldview.

Secular Celebrants

Did you know that you do not necessarily need a priest, rabbi, imam, minister, justice of the peace, judge, or other officiant for your wedding or other life event?

Under Pennsylvania marriage law, couples wishing to proceed without a religious or civil officiant can obtain a self-uniting license. The ceremony is performed before at least two witnesses, who sign the document.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, the tradition of self-uniting marriage originated in 1681 and has roots in the state's Quaker population. Because Quakers do not traditionally have ministers, couples have historically “self-united” in marriage.

But what if you want to celebrate an event and express your values beyond simply signing a piece of paper?

That is where a secular or humanist celebrant comes in. A secular celebrant plays a role similar to traditional clergy with one major difference: humanist ceremonies express a positive, life-affirming, pro-human philosophy instead of traditional religion.

Humanist celebrants conduct humanist, nonreligious, and interreligious weddings, commitment ceremonies, memorials for people and pets, baby namings, coming-of-age celebrations, and other life-cycle commemorations.

PFC may be able to connect you with a celebrant suited to your event.

Ask about a celebrant

Secular Addiction Recovery

Traditional “higher power” addiction recovery programs do not work for everyone, especially people who reject the religious assumptions behind them.

Nonreligious members of our community suffer from debilitating addictions that affect individuals, families, and the wider community. People often do best in recovery programs that align with their worldview.

Although groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous have helped many people, reliance on a higher power, frequent references to God, and the use of religious prayer can create an obstacle for freethinkers, atheists, and other nonbelievers during recovery.

Secular alternatives provide recovery support without requiring participants to profess religious beliefs they do not hold.

SMART Recovery Secular Recovery Online

Put your values into action.

Help organize a program, support public advocacy, suggest a resource, or volunteer with a PFC committee.

Contact PFC