The Center for Inquiry is a daring new concept. Although modern world civilization is based upon the achievements of science and technology, until this time there has been no authoritative and credible voice defending the scientific outlook in examining religion, human values, and the borderlands of science. If the naturalistic outlook is to supplant the ancient mythological narratives of the past, it needs a new institution devoted to its articulation and dramatization to the public. The Center for Inquiry is that institution. The purpose of the Center for Inquiry is to promote and defend reason, science, and freedom of inquiry in all areas of human endeavor through education, outreach, research, publishing, and social services. The Center is also interested in providing rational ethical alternatives to the reigning paranormal and religious systems of belief, and in developing communities where like-minded individuals can meet and share experiences.

The Secular Student Alliance is an educational non-profit dedicated to giving freethinking/atheist students on high school and college campuses a secular voice. The SSA promotes humanism, religious skepticism, human-based ethics and the separation of government and religion. They have over eighty affiliate groups in eight countries. A few basic positions advanced by the SSA includes: 1) One can lead a meaningful and moral life without belief in the supernatural, 2) Careful observation and reason are better ways to understand the world than faith, 3) The separation of religion and government is a critical part of good government, and 4) Organizations need to be accountable to the people over whom they have power.