Organization encourages secular thinking

By Ashley Simpson / Staff Writer –

The Freethought Alliance originally was intended to be an organization for atheists and agnostics. However, members soon realized that was not the message they wanted to send. Since its first unofficial meeting, the group has evolved into a non-secular organization that welcomes anyone who wants to be involved.

North Texas has a strong religious background, and the organization realized the challenges it faced before forming, organization member Andrew Broz said.

“We found that by changing our focus of the group, it could attract those who might otherwise feel uncomfortable by what we stand for,” Broz said.

The officers of the Freethought Alliance seek to create a community for people with secular interests and who want to become more active in community service. (Photo by Kaitlyn Price / Photographer)

Broz said that he’s found by not labeling the group as being just for atheists allows for a greater range of people to stop by and share their honest thoughts.

The Freethought Alliance needed to make changes if it wanted to increase its presence on campus, Broz said.

The group got its start on Facebook through online discussions of religion, and from there the original members decided to set up face-to-face meetings.

The group wanted to shed the angry-atheist stigma, Broz said, so they began the motions to get in compliance with UNT’s Student Activities Center to form a campus organization.

Within the group, officers do not have titles, because each member contributes to the cause equally, Broz said.

Oriana Steverson, a hospitality management sophomore, said she believes that every interest group should have the opportunity to be represented on campus.

“Even though I’m a Christian, who am I to say they can’t have their freedom of speech, too,” she said.

The group tries to make sure no one is disrespected and every member’s opinions are voiced equally, Broz said.

“We really aren’t an anti-religious group, and we’re not trying to convert people away from their beliefs. We really just created this group to give an opportunity to let other students be aware of our organization if they are looking for something else,” said Chachie Barracho, officer member and radio, television and film major.

Belonging to this group is not without work, as it is currently planning community service projects and recruiting guest lecturers to speak at meetings.

The group just recently adopted a highway north of Loop 288, and they hold events for their members after meetings are over.

In the future, the group hopes to get more funding for their projects, Broz said.

“FTA, to me, offers a welcoming and non-judgmental environment to those who have atypical views on religion and social issues,” said Allison Wiley, a rehabilitation studies sophomore.

Eliezer Dobrin, a music freshman, agrees stating that the atmosphere is inviting to those who share the same beliefs and can talk among each other.

Freethought Alliance meets regularly at 6 p.m. every Tuesday in the Language Building, and officer meetings are held at 6 p.m. every Wednesday at Big Mike’s.