On August 20th, the South Dakota Coalition of Reason officially launched by putting up seven billboards around the state proclaiming, “Don’t believe in God? Join the club!” These billboard are located in Sioux Falls (2), along I-29 S (mile marker 93.8), Vermillion, Brookings, Rapid City, and Spearfish.
The campaign is part of a national campaign by the United Coalition of Reason. Since 2009, similar campaigns have been launched in 33 states and the District of Columbia. Each campaign is sponsored by a multi-organizational coalition of local non-theistic groups. The South Dakota Coalition of Reason is made up of the following local groups: Siouxland Freethinkers (Sioux Falls), Black Hills Freethinkers (Rapid City), Brookings Freethinkers, and Secular Student Alliance groups at SDSU, SDSM&T, USD, & BHSU.
We put the billboards up to speak to the secular freethinkers in South Dakota. Our message is to let them know that they are not alone, and that there are groups all across the state that they can join to meet like-minded individuals and participate in a variety of events and activities, such as social get togethers, volunteer work, and advocacy. Being an atheist or freethinker in South Dakota can be extremely isolating, so reaching out is the main purpose of our campaign.
The billboards also serve to bring awareness and acceptance. Non-theists are a regular part of communities all across South Dakota, as well as all across the nation. We are your friends and family; we’re people that you already know. We’re no different than anyone else – we laugh, love, celebrate, work, and experience life.
Overall, the reaction to these billboards has been overwhelmingly positive, although they have also sparked much debate. We look forward to having open respectful discussions with those who have different world views than us.
If you are an atheist, agnostic, humanist, skeptic, or freethinker in South Dakota – go to our website, SouthDakotaCoR.org or find us on Facebook and connect with like-minded individuals. Chances are there’s a group near you and we would love to have you join us.
Amanda Novotny President,
Siouxland Freethinkers East River Media Representative,