About Us

Building a Stronger Secular Community

Connecting and supporting atheists, humanists, and secular individuals through activism, community, education, and service opportunities.

Discover the Heart of
Secular Rising

Secular Rising is the vibrant, beating heart of the secular, atheist, and humanist community. Here, you can uncover a rich tapestry of events, connect with fellow activists, engage in educational pursuits, and participate in meaningful service opportunities.

This space is dedicated to sharing our journey, our values, and the diverse range of services we offer. Whether you're seeking purposeful connections, compelling discussions, or avenues for personal growth, Secular Rising stands as the beacon of inclusivity and empowerment within the community. Come, join us, and be part of a movement that celebrates what makes us unique and unites us in our shared humanity.

What We Do (Three Core Pillars)

Community

We create safe spaces for secular individuals to connect and support each other.

Education

Through discussions, workshops, and resources, we promote critical thinking and secular values.

Activism & Service

We advocate for secular rights and contribute to local communities through volunteer initiatives.

Our Mission

"Secular Rising US is dedicated to creating a supportive and engaged community for atheists, humanists, and secular individuals. We aim to foster meaningful connections through activism, education, and service, ensuring that everyone has a place to belong regardless of belief."

Meet The Team

Elliott Martin

Elliott Martin is a secular advocate and community builder. Using the name Secular Rarity online, he has spent years speaking out in support of secular people and working with various online and in person groups to promote and grow their communities. He has worked with Recovering from Religion and Atheist Republic, is a current host on The Atheist Experience and many more. Elliott’s kindness and passion for knowledge combined with his deep commitment to thriving, meaningful, secular community are some of the skills he brings.

Gary Parker

Gary Parker is a local business owner and longtime member of the Southern Baptist Church. After spending most of his life as a devout believer, Gary stepped away from belief and got right into having discussions with believers to both understand their viewpoints and to normalize nonbelief. Gary’s ability to strike up welcoming and engaging conversations with total strangers, his constant strive towards excellence and general supportive nature, and his dedication to building community for secular people are just a few of the strong points he brings to this organization.

Steven Phelps

Steven Phelps is a longtime Activist, who has been involved in a number of organizations at various levels for years. After decades providing worship music, Steven now focuses his superb talents on creating secular music with an uplifting message. Steven’s strong commitment to principles, genuine positivity and years of hands-on experience in organizing and more are all strengths he brings to Secular Rising US.

Georgia Phelps

Georgia Phelps is a longtime community builder who has been involved in a number of organizations at various levels for years. Since stepping away from faith many years ago, Georgia has excelled at creating deep lasting connections between secular people. Georgia’s drive, compassion and extensive bookkeeping experience are a handful of the many valuable assets she brings to our organization.

Sydney Davis Johan

Sydney Davis Johan Johan is a comedian and writer. Growing up in the same church as the Duggar family before leaving religion entirely, Sydney now hosts the Growing up Fundie podcast where she compiles various stories of others who have left faith, deconstructed or from those who are still religious, but just had a massive shift in their faith perspective. Sydney’s attention to detail and organizational skills, her unwavering search for the truth and ability to find humor in times of hardship are just highlights of the expertise she brings.