Mission:
Protecting separation of church and state, and limiting the influence of the Religious Right over policy decisions.
Founded:
In 1947, in response to proposals that would have increased government influence over private religious schools.
Demographics:
Americans United has a national membership of more than 75,000 people. Although most of its initiatives are conducted on a national level, AU also has a robust network of 70 local chapters. AU divides its focus between litigation and advocacy.
Supporters Say:
Americans United is the most effective organization promoting a strict interpretation of the establishment clause, a linchpin of our system of liberal democracy. In an era where we are witnessing all too well the dangers posed by theocracy abroad, we should heed the Founders' warning by not practicing theocracy at home. Americans United helps us do that.
Critics Say:
Americans United's position of strict church-state separationism conflicts with the accommodationist perspective taken on by the Clinton and Bush administrations, which favor limited non-preferential government support for religiously-grounded community service organizations.
I Say:
Few organizations have a more inviting and empowering approach to personal activism than Americans United. Don't have a chapter in your area? Click one link and you can start one. Looking for something to do? Fill out a form with checkboxes and you will be contacted by an AU staffer or volunteer. All this, plus one of the strongest establishment clause litigation programs in the country. What's not to love?
