Possible events for the National Day of Reason (NDR)

Be sure to e-mail us as soon as you know you are doing an event!

Reason Breakfast

Hold a public breakfast where people can come together and celebrate the universal appeal of reason. Be sure to quote famous thinkers and honor the day with appeals to thought.

NDR Press Conference

Hold a press conference or other media-focused event (such as a protest or demonstration) to highlight the unconstitutionality of the National Day of Prayer. Such an event could include both non-theist and traditionally religious speakers, demonstrating that concern for preserving the separation of church and state is shared by religious and non-religious alike, and that good people of faith may object to government-sanctioned sectarian prayer.

Donating Reason

Donate books on critical thinking, the use of reason and logic—and other books in that vein—to local libraries, en masse through a public book drive. Specifically, a local group can either hold a public book drive, or collect books from individual members. Then, on May 1, hold a press briefing displaying the collected books and announcing their immediate donation to local libraries, in honor of the NDR.

Thank Reason

Gather people to write letters of appreciation to public officials, intellectuals, activists, and others who have been public proponents of instilling reason in public debates. Invite the press to interview participants, or hold the event in full public view at a local community center or library. Letter writing parties are also great social events! Remember, we can help get word of your event to local media.

For Reason’s Sake

Schedule a community service project to be conducted in the name of reason. This can include a blood drive, a food drive, highway or roadside cleanup, or any other project that can be of benefit to your community. An announcement to the media can garnish attention for your good work and positive publicity for the NDR.

NDR-Focused General Program

Change the meeting date of your local group to May 1, to coincide with the NDR. Use the meeting to discuss the NDR, and the positive uses of reason in a person's life. You can schedule an expert in contemporary or historical issues in church/state separation, the evolution of the biological basis of reason, science education, bioethics, philosophy and logic or any other topic that demonstrates the importance of reason and criticial thought.

Get Reason Published

Write an op-ed or letter to the editor to your local newspaper about NDR or your concerns about the National Day of Prayer. This is a relatively simple activity that could easily inform your community about the National Day of Reason. If you approach your local newspaper's opinions editor early enough, s/he may allow you to write a full-length opinion piece about the NDR, and the importance of reason in people's lives.

Proclaim Reason

Work to get your local or state government to proclaim 1 May a Day of Reason. Use the sample declarations provided on this web site, or one of your own creation. A little lobbying on behalf of the effort (in the form of supportive letters, telephone calls and media coverage), as well as a follow-up inquiry to their office, could result in the proclamation being signed.