South Texas Atheists for Reason are far from “broken people”

 Earlier this month at a mayoral forum, the current mayor of San Antonio, TX, Ivy Taylor, was asked by a representative of SA Christian Hope Resource Center what she saw as the deepest systemic causes of generational poverty. Her answer was disappointing. “Since you’re with the Christian Coalition, I’ll go ahead and put it out there that to me, it’s broken people, you know, people not being in a good relationship with their Creator and therefore, not being in a good relationship with their families and their communities and, you know, not being productive members of society, so, I mean, I think that’s the ultimate answer though that's not something I work on from my position as mayor of the community though, I try to be an example."

You can read Foundation Beyond Belief's response here and below is the response from our Beyond Belief Network Team South Texas Atheists for Reason. 

4/25/2017

Dear Mayor Taylor:

After hearing your recent comments connecting systemic poverty to “people not being in a relationship with their creator,” the South Texas Atheists for Reason (STAR) would like to share some of the work atheists are doing in San Antonio to build strong relationships in our families and our communities. Far from being “broken people” who are not “productive members of society,” STAR is a thriving group dedicated to learning, service, and community!

Already in 2017, STAR has logged over 500 volunteer hours. Our commitment to service includes:

• Leading a homeless outreach program
• Participation in Habitat for Humanity
• Providing humanist chaplains and volunteers to support trainees at Lackland Air Force Base 
• Assisting the San Antonio Food Bank with garden work
• Aiding the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) with river cleanup, parks and trail maintenance, tree planting and garden work.

We also have a whole host of social events for children, families, and individuals that strengthen the relationships within our group and create a flourishing fellowship. And we’re not alone! STAR is one of 125 groups around the country that belong to Foundation Beyond Belief’s network of humanist service groups!

STAR would like to invite you to join our community at one of our upcoming service events so you’ll have an opportunity to meet your nontheistic constituents. We don’t believe in a Creator, but, like you, we do believe in humanity working together to fight poverty and forge strong community relationships. Attached are a few of our nearing events; you can also find our full calendar on our Facebook page.

Feel free to call or email me to learn more about STAR or to plan a visit with us.

Best,

Vicki Gettman
Executive Director
South Texas Atheists for Reason (STAR)
210-904-7199 or email here or visit our website here.

Upcoming STAR Service Opportunities:

Saturday, April 29, 2017 – 8:30 AM
Cleanup at the Headwaters
San Antonio River Headwaters 
4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 
We will be wearing our bright orange Atheists At Work shirts!

Sunday, April 30, 2017 – 10:00 AM
Help the Homeless 
Corner of Frio and West Houston, San Antonio, TX 
Help us hand out hygiene supplies, prepackaged snacks, waters, clothing items, books and more to brighten the day of our friends and neighbors.

Saturday, May 6, 2017 – 8:30 AM 
Help in the San Antonio Food Bank Garden
San Antonio Food Bank 
5200 Old Hwy 90 W, San Antonio, TX
We help plant, harvest or weed fruits and vegetables in the Food Bank Garden! Wear clothes that can get a little dirty.