As a philosophy, humanism stresses the value and
potential of people, especially as they confront intractable
issues such as climate change, systemic racism, and
wealth inequality. All across the globe, secular groups
work to improve their communities and combat these
large-scale problems. If you are interested in learning
more about their efforts, then here, in no
particular order, are some humanist organizations striving to
make the world a better place.
Coming in at # 1 is the American
Ethical Union. Founded in 18 89 as a
national federation of existing societies, it works to
promote ethical humanist communities across the country. As
a non-theistic organization, it values democracy compassion justice,
and sustainability, and encourages reason and rational thinking
as a means of progress.
Member societies in places like Baltimore and Los
Angeles engage in a wide range of programming.
Groups often host weekly talks, which allow one
individual to speak at length about a specific
topic such as humor gratitude, and morality Elsewhere,
the Ethical Action Committee provides support to local
groups engaged in community building and advocacy in
areas like voting rights and climate change.
In the # 2 spot is the Ethical
Society of St. Louis. A humanist congregation, it
brings together people of diverse backgrounds to discuss
and explore ethical living. Conducting its gatherings without
reference to scripture God, or religion, this group
emphasizes human reason and experience and strongly believes
in the equal dignity and worth of all
people.
Established in 18 86 the Ethical Society of
St. Louis has a long history of creating
positive change in its community. It encourages members
to stay active in a number of endeavors,
including combating racism, cleaning up local highways, and
helping immigrants. The group also arranges educational experiences,
hosting talks and discussions on complex issues, as
well as youth programs that promote critical thinking
and acting kindly.
At # 3 is the British Columbia Humanist
Association. Formed in 19 82 this group promotes
progressive and secular values across Canada's westernmost province.
In support of its mission, it hosts regular
meetings throughout the area, provides officiants for special
ceremonies, and offers members opportunities to give back
to their communities.
The BCHA engages in several campaigns that align
with its progressive, non-religious principles. Areas of focus
include reproductive freedom, public education, human rights, and
recovery from addiction Furthermore, it publishes resources that
shed light on the humanist experience, including books,
member stories, and in-depth reports.
Coming in at # 4 is the Humanist
Society of Greater Phoenix. Serving Arizona's capital and
the surrounding areas, HSGP is a welcoming community
for all different kinds of non-theists, offering a
wide range of educational and social opportunities. A
charter member of the American Humanist Association, it
explores issues in a number of fields, from
science and philosophy to history and the arts.
HSGP holds weekly meetings where speakers lecture on
a chosen topic like women's suffrage or science
literacy. The group also runs a youth education
program, a book club, and other special events
throughout the year Additionally, it encourages members to
serve their communities through organizing events such as
those to benefit the homeless.
Last but not least, at # 5 is
Black Skeptics Los Angeles. In conjunction with Black
Skeptics Group, which was founded in 2010, this
nonprofit engages in social justice issues in California's
largest city. As a community-based organization, it provides
educational resources for non-believers humanists, and secularists of
color.
BSLA supports a number of educational efforts. In
2013, it launched the First In The Family
Scholarship Fund, which gives out two different awards
to students pursuing higher education Furthermore, the group
assists other like-minded organizations, including the Women’s Leadership
Project, a feminist humanist mentoring program, and the
Dignity in Schools Campaign, which works against the
criminalization of youth of color.