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Becoming a Spokesperson for Humanism

21 Apr 2017
Emily
News

James Croft, Outreach Leader of Ethical Society of St. Louis

JamesCroftI believe humanism has the potential to change the world. When I was studying for my doctorate and traveling the United States giving presentations on humanism, I wanted to find a way to make humanist leadership into a career. I wanted to create a more reasonable, compassionate, and hopeful society—and so I joined The Humanist Institute to learn the skills needed to become a strong voice in our movement.

The Humanist Institute was an essential part of my preparation to become an Ethical Culture leader. It provided in-depth study of the humanist tradition, including its philosophical and scientific aspects, as well as practical training in critical leadership skills such as speaking with the press and conducting ceremonies. I was continually impressed by the knowledge of the teachers, and their willingness to spend time with Institute participants. The assignments were intellectually stimulating and fun, and challenged me to think about humanism in new ways. I now view humanism as a lifestance that promotes the values of reason, compassion, and hope: the ability of human beings to use our own intellect to make sense of the world; the equal dignity and worth of every person; and the ability of people to improve the world on our own.

Speaker-PodiumWhen I discovered there are humanist congregations that bring people together to deepen their understanding of and commitment to humanism, I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life. I use the skills and knowledge I gained from The Humanist Institute every day in my work as a leader at the Ethical Society of St. Louis. I provide pastoral care for members, speak on Sundays, organize events for the community, and lead educational workshops and discussion groups. As outreach leader, I represent the Ethical Society and humanism in general when I participate on panels, visit college campuses, and speak at rallies.

My friends and teachers at The Humanist Institute helped me stay hopeful when I thought humanism wasn’t worth the effort. Now as a board member, I inspire students to find which aspects of humanism most interest them. If I can help build a community of love and justice—and help others do the same—I believe the future of humanism is bright.

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The American Ethical Union calls for nontheist participation in National Inaugural Interfaith Service.On Thursday January 21st, the Washington National Cathedral will host a virtual presidential inaugural interfaith service to mark the inauguration of Joe Biden as president. While presented as an opportunity to bring the whole nation together, and while part of the “America United” inaugural activities, one large community will not be represented at all: atheists, agnostics, humanists, and the nonreligious. Millions of Americans today make meaning and express their personal and civic values without reference to a god or traditional religious beliefs. These Americans deserve a voice, and should be included in formal interfaith programming like the Inaugural Service. Read our full statement here: aeu.org/resource/aeu-calls-for-nontheist-participation-in-national-inaugural-interfaith-service/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Today, as the nation continues to recover from an attempted white supremacist insurrection at our capitol, we are reflecting upon this quote from the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. #MLK #MLKDay #MLK2021 #king #martinlutherkingjr #today #EthicalCulture #ethics #2021 ... See MoreSee Less

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AEU Statement Regarding the Events of January 6thYesterday, we watched in shock and horror as a violent mob attacked the US Capitol, forcing their way inside and occupying areas of the building for hours in an attempt to disrupt the certification of electoral votes submitted by the states. By the end of the day, 4 people were dead, 52 members of the seditious mob were arrested, and 14 police officers were injured. It took the assistance of many additional federal law enforcement personnel and the National Guard to remove the attackers from the Capitol and clear the way for the Joint Congress to resume its work.Fortunately, the Joint Congress was resolute and refused to let the interruption derail our democracy, working through the night to certify the electoral vote counts for all of the states. However, this episode was an attack on democracy itself, instigated by a sitting president whose actions have severely undermined respect for and trust in the very system that put him in office. Mr. Trump has shown only contempt for the democratic process and is a danger to our country. People who are in a position to remove Mr. Trump from office ought to proceed in haste as this president has repeatedly shown readiness to incite violence and mayhem, and also continues to demonstrate an obsession with the electoral results to the seeming exclusion of other national concerns. Our democratic system of government must be protected from his influence.As Ethical Humanists, we are called upon to repudiate the anti-democratic tendencies that have gained an unwelcome foothold in public life. Our country will need us to elicit the best from one another and ourselves in the months and years to come.#Jan6 #ethicalhumanism ow.ly/uxes50D2Gzn ... See MoreSee Less

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Share your voice! The AEU is seeking volunteers to contribute to our World Human Rights Day Project. Learn more here: ow.ly/YGDC50CYYPL ... See MoreSee Less

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The American Ethical Union calls for nontheist par The American Ethical Union calls for nontheist participation in National Inaugural Interfaith Service.

On Thursday January 21st, the Washington National Cathedral will host a virtual presidential inaugural interfaith service to mark the inauguration of Joe Biden as president. While presented as an opportunity to bring the whole nation together, and while part of the “America United” inaugural activities, one large community will not be represented at all: atheists, agnostics, humanists, and the nonreligious. 

Millions of Americans today make meaning and express their personal and civic values without reference to a god or traditional religious beliefs. These Americans deserve a voice, and should be included in formal interfaith programming like the Inaugural Service.
Today, as the nation continues to recover from an Today, as the nation continues to recover from an attempted white supremacist insurrection at our capitol, we are reflecting upon this quote from the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. 

#MLK #MLKDay #MLK2021 #King #MartinLutherKingJr #Today #EthicalCulture #Ethics #2021
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