About Us
The Illini Coalition of Reason is a team of atheist, freethought, and humanist groups working together in Central Illinois. Our goals are twofold: To foster a sense of community among like-minded individuals and show the general public that people who don’t believe in a god or gods can be decent citizens who contribute to society as a whole.
So, if you are of a secular mind, you are not alone. Thousands of your friends and neighbors think and feel as you do. And there are local groups that share your views and welcome your participation! This page will help you find events to attend, activities in which to participate, groups to join and people with whom to socialize.
Nonbelievers benefit from a supportive community for friendship, learning, social service, and activism as much as anyone else. Moreover, atheists and agnostics make up a significant portion of the population, both nationally and globally, outnumbering most other religious minorities combined. In fact, the American Religious Identification Survey reports that 12 percent of Americans are nontheistic, making us one of the largest minorities in the United States. And yet, a lack of organization frequently prevents us from enjoying the benefits of these large numbers. IlliniCoR is here to change that.
To the larger religious community, we have this to say: Though we as nontheists are without a belief in the supernatural, we do share the same compassionate human values that most people embrace. As hard working, tax-paying, ethical citizens, we care deeply about our families, our communities, our state, our nation, and the world.
Groups
Illini Secular Student Alliance (ISSA)
The Illini Secular Student Alliance is the campus group for nonreligious students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; providing a community while promoting science, skepticism and secularism by hosting speakers and special events throughout the year.
Contact – Facebook
Champaign-Urbana Freethinkers (C-U Free)
Champaign Urbana Freethinkers is a group of citizens promoting science education and the scientific method of examination.We believe that citizens armed with the tools for critical inquiry are essential to the functioning of society and the enrichment of humanity. We promote the use of reason to investigate all natural and supernatural claims.
Facebook
Springfield Area Freethinkers
Springfield Area Freethinkers is a group of individuals devoted to reason, secularism, and inquiry. The group's primary goals are the preservation of sound science education, advocacy of church-state separation, and support for a commitment to reason in a culture dominated by faith.
Contact – Facebook
Peoria Secular Humanist Society (PSHS)
Local group of secular humanists, atheists, agnostics, and other non-theists in and around Peoria, IL. Meet other local atheists and freethinkers. Gather to discuss beliefs and philosophies, and make new friends.
Contact – Facebook
Bloomington-Normal Freethinkers (BNFree)
The Bloomington-Normal Freethinkers is open to anyone interested in atheism. Our objectives include: fostering awareness and reaching out to religiously skeptical people in our community, being a source of community and group support, stimulating the intellect of fellow group members, supporting larger (i.e. regional, national) groups with similar goals, and participating as humanists in community service.
