American Atheists, a major advocacy group for nonbeliever civil rights and state-church separation, has selected Des Moines to host its national convention in 2011.

The convention features speakers, panels, activism workshops and social events for nonreligious, as well as curious, people.

“This is a unique and historic event insofar as I don’t recall a national atheist organization ever having Des Moines as its convention center,” said Hector Avalos, professor of philosophy and religious studies, and adviser for the Atheist and Agnostic Society at Iowa State.

The decision to host the convention in Des Moines was based on the value for members, accessibility, the fact that it’s an interesting city and the convention’s theme, “Atheists Caucus in the Heartland,” among other things, according to the event listing on the American Atheists website.

“The major factor, though, was the rapidly growing activism and presence of atheist, freethought, secular, skeptical and humanist groups throughout the region,” said Ed Buckner, president of American Atheists, on the American Atheists website. “We have been very impressed by this, and want to do all we can to help and to further energize these groups.”

Organizers hope that the centralized location will draw attendees from across the nation.

“This convention is by and for nonreligious people, or if they are uninvolved and want to know more about the group,” said David Silverman, vice president of American Atheists. “Local groups will be involved as well as national groups. People in Iowa consider themselves to be alone and this will help them know that they are not.”

With the growing presence in the Midwest, Avalos believes holding such an event in Des Moines will be informative for Iowans.

“Ideally, the American Atheists probably wish to educate the public about a group that is much misunderstood and even hated by some,” Avalos said. “The more acceptance of divergent viewpoints in a society, the better people can get along.”

The event is scheduled to take place April 21 to 24 at the Embassy Suites in Des Moines. Discounts are available for members, early registration, students and others.