DIRECTOR OF GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING & ADVOCACY

AMERICAN ATHEISTS

Sam McGuire (she/her) has a diverse background in counseling, education, event planning, and volunteer management. As Director of Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy she works to expand the organization’s grassroots network, shapes state-level advocacy initiatives, and builds strong coalitions with allied organizations. In this role, she oversees volunteer organizers, community leaders, and field staff to mobilize supporters, influence policy, promote secular values, and foster thriving communities.

Sam became involved in secular organizing and activism following the 2012 Reason Rally, first becoming a founding member of the Southern Maryland Chapter of the Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH) and later President of the regional organization. Sam has volunteered for the American Humanist Association, Camp Quest Chesapeake, and the Secular Coalition for America. In 2016, she was the volunteer coordinator for over 200 volunteers for Reason Rally, as well as helping coordinate on-site logistics. She was elected to the Board of Directors and as President of the Reason Rally Coalition. Sam previously served as a volunteer regional director overseeing the local activism in the Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas for American Atheists, earning her the Atheist Activist of the Year award in 2019. She joined American Atheists’ staff that same year as National Field Director.

McGuire has a Bachelor’s of Science in Neuropsychology from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s of Science in Counseling from Johns Hopkins. She is a National Certified Counselor and a Certified Humanist Celebrant.

BREAKOUT LEADER

SECULAR ORGANIZING: BRINGING SECULAR VOICES TO THE CONVERSATION

Join American Atheists' Sam McGuire and Victoria Anderson to learn about how the secular community organizes on church-state separation around the country, and how we can strengthen opportunities for secular voices to be included in advocacy in the midwest.

PANELIST

ORGANIZING BEYOND BELIEF

As Christian Nationalism continues to shape policies and divide communities, secular and faith leaders are finding common ground in the fight to defend true religious freedom and democracy. This panel brings together these voices for a candid discussion on how Christian nationalism impacts their communities. We'll hear stories of resistance and resilience along with real-world examples of coalition-building that transcend belief systems. Join us to explore how shared purpose—not shared faith—can unite allies to push back against extremism and protect freedom for all.