Grant for Military Non-theist Leadership
While those who encourage the “mixing” of faith and the military profession are sometimes criticized, it appears there are specific efforts to promote the “mixing” of non-faith and the military. In an interesting twist on encouraging leadership development, the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers is offering a $500 “educational grant for military and nontheist leadership and activism.” The award is “particularly” aimed at military cadets. From their website:
The military has always been a source of leaders in the United States. MAAF would like to encourage and support nontheist military student leaders…[and] will award $500 to a student leader who has demonstrated excellence in both military and nontheist activities. The military includes both current and prior service, all branches, and particularly ROTC and academy cadets. Nontheist activities include participation in…organizations with atheist, humanist, agnostic or other nontheist focuses…
This program should also provide an opportunity for student organizations to reach out to local military installations and to ROTC programs. Let them know that there is nontheist support for them as well and that our community is supportive of the military…The application period is August 9th to October 13th, 2009.
Interestingly, though it is to be awarded for “nontheist” activities (which would include any organization that did not advocate a belief in God), the MAAF limits “nontheist” organizations to those with an ideological worldview that is arguable anti-theistic. That is, of course, their right.
Despite stereotype to the contrary, it would seem encouraging like-minded future leaders is not limited to those with religious beliefs.
for sake of transparency, what are the names of the approved-by-MRFF organizations?
If I understand you correctly, you’re asking what organizations the MAAF specifically said would qualify a person for their grant. The short answer is they didn’t list specific organizations.
Instead, when they narrowly defined “non-theist,” they excluded organizations that were merely “secular,” instead preferring those that specifically advocate for non-belief in religion. For example, a person who displayed leadership skills in their township’s soup kitchen (a non-theistic activity) wouldn’t qualify. Instead, they require participation in an organization that shares their ideological viewpoint.
Again, they are perfectly permitted to do that. It is just somewhat ironic that their actions are mimicking those of a religious organization.
I have edited the post with a link to the source announcement.
thanks for the update. the irony is rather clear.
I read through the website. I agree that it is not very clear, but it does not seem to be completely pro-atheist. They are looking for participation in “organizations with atheist, humanist, agnostic or other nontheist focuses”, as well as “group leadership and volunteerism”. This covers wide range of organizations, most of which play the social role once limited only to religious groups. Basically, they are looking for individuals who worked in organizations that “do good” and “serve humanity” but without the supernatural elements and with heavy doses of rationalism and humanism. Again, they are not very clear on this. They should limit the organizations for those promoting “nontheistic humanism” and say so on the website.