From our website:
The National Atheist Party differs from other political organizations in that our individual membership, general and registered, possess the opportunity to shape the direction of the organization as well as the platform, policies and values that form the foundation of the National Atheist Party. The primary mechanism, which serves these ends, is the National Atheist Party’s system for policy proposals. This process offers the opportunity for Registered Members to influence policy and debate directly three times a year.
As part of the National Atheist Party's charter, there are 3 opportunities for policy proposal initiatives per year for the membership, the first beginning January 1st of each year. Which means we are right in the middle of the very first one of 2013 and the only proposed revision of our charter, and quite an important one, is for a change to the name of the party.
There are 3 names proposed for a vote to be determined by officially registered NAP members, these names are:
The American Secular Party
The National American Party
United Party of Diversity & Reason
These 3 names are up for a survey vote to determine which if any will be on the ballot. In order to submit a proposal or to vote on such, you must be a registered member of the National Atheist Party. At least 66% of those that respond to the survey must be reached for any one of these proposals to be considered for a vote. For additions to our charter it must receive at least 66% of the ballot vote. To change or alter the core principles and/or identity of the party on the thrice yearly ballot such as this request for a name change, it would then need a "super majority" of 75% of the vote by registered membership in order to take effect. If the required minimum of 75% is not reached the name would remain the same.
The survey can be found here.
A change in name would of course entail many things and the very proposal of such is of course met with mixed feelings by some of our members:
"I joined this party partly because of the current name. I probably wouldn't have given it a second look if it was something else."
"Keep the name. It obviously is NOT implying a "religiously affiliated party". Atheism is not a religion. National Atheist Party works."
"I admit I was initially drawn to the name, but it was the platform that made me decide to follow the development of the party and see where it goes. After reflection, it occurred to me that the name contradicts the platform."
One of the things that could possibly have to be updated if a name change passes would of course be our acronym "NAP". Others would include our logo(s) and crest, and anything in which the name "National Atheist Party" is used including our website address. This would take some time to accomplish and would most likely take a few months for the transition. New logos and our crest would have to be created by our Art Dept. and would be unveiled to the membership for their approval prior to implementation.
The proposals were put out for polling on February 25 and will have until the 28th to be reviewed. Vote by registered members will take place on March 11th and the results announced soon after with it taking affect by March 31st.
We hope that you choose not only to become a member of the party if you are not already, but that you take part in our democratic process by answering the survey and casting your vote once the ballot comes out.
Interested in having a part of our charter changed? The next two policy proposals will begin on May and September 1st respectively and will be announced prior.