FS3 Challenge Coin

I partnered with FS3 and The Freethought Society to develop this challenge coin design. I come from a long line of military and law enforcement and it was an honor to support bringing this to life with them! 

Challenge coins are rooted in military tradition, but their popularity has expanded over the decades to law enforcement, the private sector, and community groups as a way to recognize performance, express appreciation, foster morale, commemorate events, and establish connections.

Symbols on this coin highlight ideals of both the FS3 initiative and the Freethought Society. The scales emphasize weighing evidence to find the truth. The books and candle reflect the value of learning, knowledge, and imagination in solving the problems and challenges we face (the candle is also a nod to Carl Sagan’s book “The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark”). The number of stars in the night sky was intentionally kept at 13 to fly in the face of superstitious notions, and the Freethought Society nautilus shell is a celebration of strength, growth, and the secular beauty of nature. The blue border symbolizes the “thin blue line” of the criminal justice system that separates society from chaos with law and order.

Many organizations and individuals contribute to the protection of our neighborhoods and our nation: the officers, prosecutors, and many other professions in our criminal justice system; the vital liaison partners in the private sector, academia, and the community; and the many other professions and individuals who work with them.  Freethinkers in all of these groups are inspirational examples of how people don’t need religion to be patriotic, moral, fulfilled, and motivated to help others.  Whatever your role, thank you for who you are and what you do.  Your efforts are appreciated by people you never meet, and your impact is more than you know.

What is Freethinkers Supporting Safe Streets?

Freethinkers Supporting Safe Streets (FS3) is an initiative that supports and builds bridges between the freethought and law enforcement communities to foster increased communication and understanding.

For years, various criminal justice agencies at the federal, state, and local level have facilitated outreach to businesses, academia, religious communities, racial and ethnic groups, and to the LGBTQ+ population. Rarely, however, has outreach been done specifically to Americans who are not religious — even though this demographic makes up a large and growing segment of our country. A significant number of people are not open about their views and live in fear of discrimination, harassment, as well as acts of violence. Alternatively, many in the freethought community are not fully aware of all available criminal justice options open to them or may not realize the benefits of reporting incidents of hate. Some individuals are apprehensive to contact the police even when they are victimized. Thus, we promote awareness about how to report criminal targeting, harassment, and hate incidents.

In addition, (although it is not often recognized), a significant number of freethinkers serve in law enforcement. They provide society a tremendous benefit, and we want to have their back because of their dedication to having ours. FS3 can confidentially speak to freethinkers in law enforcement about potential matters of religion and government separation, ways to connect with other freethinkers, and secular resources available to them.  Email us at fs3initiative@ftsociety.org for more information.

The FS3 initiative is just one part of the Freethought Society’s mission to advocate for the separation of religion and government, end negative stereotyping of the nontheist community, and promote critical thinking, education, and science appreciation.  To learn more and to sign up for the Freethought Society’s quarterly newsletter, visit their website at ftsociety.org.

Coin is 2 inches wide.