With Charlotte Atheists & Agnostics, I spearheaded a petition campaign asking Charlotte to officially recognize the National Day of Reason — and Mayor Anthony R. Foxx answered, proclaiming May 2, 2013 “A Day of Reason” in the City of Charlotte.
The Campaign
The National Day of Reason coincides with the National Day of Prayer, and celebrates reason, critical thinking, and inclusive government. Our campaign made the case that Charlotte’s proclamation calendar should reflect all of its citizens — and backed it with signatures, coalition support, and a well-argued petition.
What We Did
Petition drive
Organized and delivered the petition asking Charlotte to recognize the National Day of Reason.
Civic engagement
Worked the official channels — a respectful, persistent case made directly to the mayor's office.
Coalition voice
Represented Charlotte Atheists & Agnostics and allied secular groups with one clear message.
Media outreach
Told the story well enough that national outlets picked it up and ran with it.
The Proclamation
The signed City of Charlotte proclamation — “A Day of Reason,” May 2, 2013, signed by Mayor Anthony R. Foxx.
National Press Coverage
Real links from the project — see the work for yourself.
The Impact
The proclamation put Charlotte on record and the story traveled — local TV, national outlets, and cable news all covered it. For a volunteer-led community campaign, that reach was the point: reason and inclusivity, argued well, got a seat at the table.
On the Record
A signed proclamation, national coverage, and a community that saw its values recognized by its city. Organizing this campaign taught me how to move an idea through an institution — a skill I’ve used in every enterprise project since.
