((Short description|International organization))
((pp-semi-indef))
((Use dmy dates|date=December 2021))
((multiple issues|
((More citations needed|date=January 2020))
((Unbalanced|date=August 2021))
((COI|date=August 2021))
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((Infobox organization
| name = Atheist Alliance International
| image = AAI.png
| size = 250px
| map = 
| msize = 
| mcaption = 
| abbreviation = AAI
| formation = ((start date and age|1991))
| extinction = 
| type = [[Non-profit organisation|Non-profit]]<br />(suspended by the California Secretary of State since 2021)
| purpose = Advocacy of [[atheism]] and [[secularism]]
| headquarters = [[Washington, D.C.]],<br />United States
| region_served = Worldwide
| language = English, Spanish
| leader_title = President
| leader_name = David Orenstein<br />(May 2022–June 2022)
| affiliations = Special consultative status at United Nations

Council of Europe Participatory Status<br />(revoked in 2022)

Affiliated local organisations on all continents other than Antarctica.
| num_staff = 
| num_volunteers = 
| budget = 
| website = [http://www.atheistalliance.org atheistalliance.org]
))
'''Atheist Alliance International''' ('''AAI''') is a [[non-profit organization|non-profit]] advocacy organization committed to raising awareness and educating the public about [[atheism]]. It does this by supporting atheist and freethought organizations around the world through promoting local campaigns, raising awareness of related issues, sponsoring secular education projects and facilitating interaction among secular groups and individuals.

== History ==
((expand section|date=October 2012))

AAI was founded in 1991 as Atheist Alliance, an alliance of four U.S.-based local atheist groups. Over time Atheist Alliance expanded, adding both local/regional U.S. groups and international groups as members. The organization changed its name to Atheist Alliance International in 2001. In 2010 and 2011 members approved the separation of the U.S. and international segments of AAI into separate organizations in order to accommodate the different strategic interests of each group. The U.S. group of AAI was renamed Atheist Alliance of America. The launch of the newly restructured AAI occurred at the World Atheist Convention in Dublin, Ireland on 3 June 2011.<ref>((cite web |url=http://atheistalliance.org/news-a-articles/aai-news/310-new-atheist-alliance-international-launched-in-dublin-ireland-3-june-2011 |title=New Atheist Alliance International Launched in Dublin, Ireland 3 June 2011 |work=Atheist Alliance International |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=November 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518175711/http://atheistalliance.org/news-a-articles/aai-news/310-new-atheist-alliance-international-launched-in-dublin-ireland-3-june-2011 |archive-date=2013-05-18 |url-status=dead ))</ref> AAI then described the organisation as follows:<ref>((cite web |date=2011-08-15 |title=Atheist Alliance International - About AAI |url=http://www.atheistalliance.org/about-aai |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815175003/http://www.atheistalliance.org/about-aai |archive-date=2011-08-15  |access-date=2022-11-12 ))</ref><blockquote>''Atheist Alliance International (AAI) is a global network of atheist and freethought groups and individuals, committed to educating its members and the public about atheism, secularism and related issues.''

''A positive global voice for atheism and secularism, AAl:''

* ''Strengthens cooperation between atheist and freethought organisations around the world;''
* ''Supports the establishment of new atheist/freethought organisations, particularly in developing countries; and''
* ''Facilitates and supports projects/events that promote atheism, critical thinking and empiricism, while combating discrimination against atheists and freethinkers around the world.''
</blockquote>In 2013, AAI was granted special consultative status by the [[United Nations]].<ref>((cite web |date=2021-04-10 |title=AAI Gets UN Special Consultative Status ((!)) Ed Brayton |url=https://www.patheos.com/blogs/dispatches/2013/09/01/aai-gets-un-special-consultative-status/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410212150/https://www.patheos.com/blogs/dispatches/2013/09/01/aai-gets-un-special-consultative-status/ |archive-date=10 April 2021 ))</ref><ref>((cite web |title=Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations Recommends Special Status for 12 NGOs, Removes 15 from Review List, Postpones Action on 23 ((!)) UN Press |url=https://press.un.org/en/2013/ecosoc6558.doc.htm |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=press.un.org))</ref> 

In February 2018, AAI was granted participatory status at the [[Council of Europe]].<ref>((Cite web|url=https://adlington43.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/participatory-status-confirmed-AAI-en.pdf|title=Participatory status|accessdate=11 May 2023))</ref>

During 2017-2018, a small number of directors placed AAI into what they called "Special Measures", without the knowledge of other directors, or any of the members.<ref>((cite web |title=AAI and 'the period of special measures' – Michael Nugent |date=26 July 2022 |url=https://www.michaelnugent.com/2022/07/26/aai-special-measures/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |language=en-US))</ref>

On 20 May 2018 a "Directors Annual General Meeting" was held, without the knowledge of most of the members. At that AGM, new bylaws<ref>((cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=Atheist Alliance International Bylaws - Atheist Alliance International |url=https://www.atheistalliance.org/bylaws/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105220520/https://www.atheistalliance.org/bylaws/ |archive-date=2018-11-05  |access-date=2022-11-12 ))</ref> were introduced which, among other things:

* Removed the requirement for the board to hold Annual General Meetings.
* Removed the ability of members to nominate or elect directors, or (in the absence of AGMs) to propose or vote on any other motions.
* Removed the requirement for the board to publish annual accounts to the members.

In 2021, the [[Secretary of State of California]] suspended AAI.<ref name=":6">[https://adlington43.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Certificate-of-Status_1682019655608.pdf Certificate of Status]adlington43.com ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421192824/https://adlington43.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Certificate-of-Status_1682019655608.pdf |date=21 April 2023 ))</ref> 

In 2022, AAI's participatory status at the [[Council of Europe]] was revoked.<ref>((cite web |date=2022-10-19 |title=Council of Europe Revoking AAI Participatory Status - Adlington43 |url=https://adlington43.com/2022/10/19/council-of-europe-revoking-aai-participatory-status/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |language=en-US))</ref>

((Irreligion sidebar|expanded=List of irreligious organizations))

== Organization structure ==
AAI's Board consists of between 4 and 13 Directors elected for two-year staggered terms. Affiliates or individual members can propose candidates for the Board, and the annual general meeting votes on them and elects directors.

As of the May 2022 Annual General Meeting, the current leadership includes:<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.atheistalliance.org/directors|title=Board of Directors|date=24 April 2022|website=Atheist Alliance International))</ref>

'''Executive Committee'''
* Acting President and Operations Director – Brian Kernick (Canada)
* Vice President – August Berkshire (USA)
* Secretary & Treasurer – Fotis Frangopoulos (Greece)

'''Regional Directors'''
* Africa – Ebuka Ikeorah (Nigeria)
* Asia – Tonoy Emroz Alam (Bangladesh/Germany); & Atheist Support Network Director
* Australasia – Stella Thomas (Australia)
* Europe – Kristina Hallmeier (Germany)
* North America – Christine Shellska (Canada)
* South and Central America – Alfonso Ugarte Johnson (Bolivia)

'''Board Members At-Large'''
* Jason Sylvester (Canada, pan-Asia) – Director (AAI Blogging, Podcast Host)
* Brian Kernick (Canada) – Acting President
* <s>Steve Polgar (USA)</s> (resigned in May 2023)

== Projects ==
[[File:Atheismsymbol endorsed by AAI.svg|thumb|Generic atheist symbol, the result of a 2007 AAI contest, created by Diane Reed<ref>((Cite web|url=https://atheistzone.com/|title=Atheist Zone|accessdate=11 May 2023))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=http://www.atheistalliance.org/secular/articles/v12n3_conventionpt5.pdf |title=PDF of the Secular Nation article "A Conventioneer's Delight! Pt 5 of 5" |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121031350/http://atheistalliance.org//secular/articles/v12n3_conventionpt5.pdf |archive-date=2008-11-21))</ref>]]

AAI assists Kasese School in Western Uganda. This is a humanist school that provides secular education in a remote area of the country. AAI's education policy supports the right to secular education, and asserts the need for education in critical thinking and the distinction between faith and reason as a guide to knowledge beliefs along with the spirit of free inquiry and the teaching of science free from religious interference and the respect for evidence. AAI is opposed to indoctrination and dogma—religious or otherwise.

The organization has a flagship publication called ''Secular World'' which is published quarterly. Members also receive AAI Insider, a fortnightly newsletter.

== UN submissions ==

* In September 2016 Atheist Alliance International made a submission to the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]]<ref>((cite web |title=Ireland, UPR Report Consideration - 25th Meeting, 33rd Regular Session Human Rights Council ((!)) UN Web TV |url=https://media.un.org/en/asset/k18/k184iqglxl |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=media.un.org |date=23 September 2016 |at=(from 48m 42s) |language=en))</ref> in which they criticised the [[Blasphemy law in the Republic of Ireland]]. Following a referendum in 2018, this constitutional requirement was removed by the [[Thirty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland]].
* In June 2019 the [[United Nations Economic and Social Council]] circulated a submission from Atheist Alliance International titled "Empowering People and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality for Non-Believers".<ref>[https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3810358/files/E_2019_NGO_4-EN.pdf Digital Library item] </ref>
* In January 2020 a written submission was made to the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]] (UNHRC) as part of AAI's "Right to be Secular" campaign.<ref>((cite web |last=United Nations Human Rights Council |title=Written statement submitted by Atheist Alliance International, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status |url=https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G20/031/44/PDF/G2003144.pdf |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=documents-dds-ny.un.org))</ref> This was followed by a video submission to the UNHRC in March 2021.The video from AAI was not played in the UN session for which it was submitted,<ref>((cite web |title=Item:4 General Debate (Cont'd) - 34th Meeting, 46th Regular Session Human Rights Council ((!)) UN Web TV |url=https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1v/k1v9h87e3g |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=media.un.org|date=15 March 2021 ))</ref> and this submission has never been made public by AAI. [[Atheist Ireland]] subsequently clarified that there is already "an established internationally recognised human right to be atheist, agnostic, secular, humanist, or in any other way free from religion."<ref>((cite web |date=2021-03-09 |title=The Human Right to be Atheist and Secular |url=https://atheist.ie/2021/03/the-human-right-to-be-atheist-and-secular/ |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=Atheist Ireland))</ref>

== Governance issues ==
In 2016, the [[California Franchise Tax Board]] (FTB) revoked AAI's tax-exempt status.<ref>((Cite web |last=Franchise Tax Board |first=California |title=Revoked exempt organizations list |url=https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/types/charities-nonprofits/revoked-entity-list.html))</ref> In 2021, the [[Secretary of State of California]] suspended AAI.<ref name=":6" /> This means that AAI's "''powers, rights and privileges are suspended in California.''" These powers, rights and privileges include (among other things) the ability to legally do business and to retain tax-exempt status.<ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.ftb.ca.gov/help/business/my-business-is-suspended.html|title=My business is suspended|accessdate=11 May 2023))</ref> AAI's [https://adlington43.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Annual-Report-2022-2023.pdf Annual Report 2022-2023] stated: "That suspension was due to statutory omissions going back a decade, [https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/2022/2022-199.pdf 199 forms] had never been filed to the California Franchise Tax Board, ever since 2013".

In May 2022, the then President of AAI, David Orenstein, wrote to the California Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts<ref>[https://adlington43.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Orenstein-Letter.pdf Orenstein Letter] adlington43.com</ref> requesting that AAI's suspended status be "rectified", so that AAI would "again be able to conduct business as a non-profit organisation registered in California." Orenstein wrote: "We are hoping that upon acceptance you will lift the suspended status and that in the future AAI will NEVER again be in such a position."

AAI remain suspended by both the California Franchise Tax Board and the California Secretary of State. Despite their suspended status, AAI continues to do business and to solicit charitable donations for their public campaigns.

When the then President, David Orenstein, resigned after having been in office from May 2022 to June 2022, AAI's announcement of the resignation included this quote from Orenstein: "When I accepted the role of President on May 22, I was aware of the governance issue((sic)) that have been raised. I have done sufficient due diligence to know it is hugely overblown and that AAI is an honourable organization doing wonderful work for atheists. I believed, and still believe, the allegations can be tackled head-on."<ref name=":5">((cite web |title=David Orenstein resigns as President |date=11 June 2022 |url=https://www.atheistalliance.org/announcements/david-orenstein-resigns-as-president/))</ref>

In a public announcement in June 2022, the then Vice President Nina Sankari stated "A few days ago, after obtaining information about the disastrous legal status of the AAI ..., I submitted my resignation from the role of Vice President of AAI and of its board member((sic)), seeing no further possibility of acting within its framework."<ref>((cite web |title=Reply to Shirley Rivera |url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158997657400868&id=531695867 |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en))</ref>

In November 2022 AAI published a "Disclosure Document"<ref>[https://adlington43.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AAI-Disclosure-Document.pdf Disclosure Document]adlington43.com ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206035610/https://adlington43.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AAI-Disclosure-Document.pdf |date=6 December 2022 ))</ref> in which they admitted:

* they had not kept adequate and correct books and records of account during the period 2017-2019 (which is in breach of section 6320 of the California Corporations Code<ref>((Cite web |title=Law section |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=6320&lawCode=CORP |access-date=2023-04-11 |website=leginfo.legislature.ca.gov))</ref>), and
* during the period in which they failed to keep adequate financial records, AAI entered into a self-dealing transaction with a director (which is in breach of section 5233 of the California Corporations Code<ref>((Cite web |title=Law section |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CORP&sectionNum=5233 |access-date=2023-04-11 |website=leginfo.legislature.ca.gov))</ref>).
Former President David Orenstein resigned from [https://www.atheistalliance.org/our-advisory-council/ AAI's Advisory Council] in December 2022, shortly after the "Disclosure Document" was released. Orenstein has repeatedly [[Talk:Atheist Alliance International#Semi-protected edit request on 11 August 2023:~:text=As I have an NDA with the organization, I cannot add my own comments/perspective|refused to comment]] on the governance issues at AAI, citing a [[non-disclosure agreement]] (NDA) that he signed with AAI that would appear to contradict [https://www.atheistalliance.org/trust/ AAI's commitment to transparency]. Any such NDA is legally unenforceable by AAI and voidable by Orenstein, since it was executed while AAI was suspended by the California Franchise Tax Board.<ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.ftb.ca.gov/help/business/my-business-is-suspended.html#Contract-voidability|title=My business is suspended: Contract voidability|accessdate=16 February 2024))</ref>

== Voting issues ==
Some AAI members have complained that the board has used the ambiguous concept of "formal" membership to arbitrarily deny voting rights to member organisations.<ref name=":2" /><ref>((cite web |last=Osorio |first=David |title=Ateos de Latinoamérica se desvinculan de Atheist Alliance International |url=http://de-avanzada.blogspot.com/2022/05/ateos-latinoamerica.html |access-date=2022-06-01))</ref><ref name=":3">((cite tweet|number=1528919884876365824|user=kitanamalina|title=Bill the vice president from @atheistalliance wants only "formal" atheist groups have the right to vote. So that means that all of the Latin American Organizations are garage groups? What is he talking about? AAI is currently suspended according to the Attorney General of CA!!! https://t.co/zR2m2aMf7E|date=23 May 2022|access-date=30 May 2022|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524020505/https://twitter.com/kitanamalina/status/1528919884876365824|archive-date=24 May 2022|url-status=live|last=Rivera|first=Shirley))</ref> In 2021 the Greek Helsinki Monitor published an article claiming that, during the Annual General Meeting of AAI that year, there was a "denial of the right to vote of our Humanist Union of Greece", in contravention of the bylaws.<ref name=":2">((cite web |last=Dimitras |first=Panayote |date=2021-07-25 |title=Atheist Alliance International: arbitrariness, lack of transparency and of democracy |url=https://greekhelsinki.wordpress.com/2021/07/25/1-526/ |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=Greek Helsinki Monitor - Ελληνικο Παρατηρητηριο των Συμφωνιων του Ελσινκι |language=en))</ref> Following the 2022 AGM, the spokesperson at the Greek Helsinki Monitor revealed that, once again, the Humanist Union of Greece had been denied voting rights at the AGM,<ref name=":4">((cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159209727607968&set=p.10159209727607968&type=3 |access-date=2022-05-30 |website=www.facebook.com))</ref> despite being assured by the AAI Secretary/Treasurer that they were "a member in good standing" after paying their annual membership fee two months earlier.<ref>((cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159209753012968&set=p.10159209753012968&type=3 |access-date=2022-05-30 |website=www.facebook.com))</ref>

== AAI in the media ==

* [[The Washington Post]] - "Atheists rally for persecuted unbeliever in Indonesia"<ref>((Cite news |last=Service |first=Kimberly Winston((!)) Religion News |date=2012-07-19 |title=Atheists rally for persecuted unbeliever in Indonesia |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/atheists-rally-for-persecuted-unbeliever-in-indonesia/2012/07/19/gJQAfg2JwW_story.html |access-date=2022-06-01 |issn=0190-8286))</ref>
* [[National Geographic]] - "The World's Newest Major Religion: No Religion"<ref name=":1">[https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/160422-atheism-agnostic-secular-nones-rising-religion The World's Newest Major Religion: No Religion], ''National Geographic''</ref>
* [[Da Ali G Show]].<ref>((Citation |title=Ali G Show - Religion ((!)) Uncensored |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBJwg2-wX0w |language=en |access-date=2022-06-01))</ref> Featuring the then President of AAI, Bobbie Kirkhart.
* [https://adlington43.com/ Adlington43] - "Getting The Cabal Together"<ref>((cite web |date=2022-08-28 |title=Getting The Cabal Together - Adlington43 |url=https://adlington43.com/2022/08/28/getting-the-cabal-together/ |access-date=2022-11-15 |language=en-US))</ref>

== See also==
* [[Humanists International]]

==References==
((reflist))

== External links ==
((commons category))
*((official website|atheistalliance.org))
*[https://www.atheistallianceamerica.org/ Atheist Alliance of America website]
*[https://www.atheists.eu.org European Atheists Alliance website]

((Skeptic organizations))
((Irreligion))
((Portal bar|Religion))
((Authority control))

[[Category:Atheist organizations]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1991]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Skeptic organizations in the United States]]

[[ko:AAI]]