We are Ethical Culture – An Ethical Culture Identity Course

Members of the Ethical Culture movement are invited to participate in “We are Ethi-cal Culture,” an introductory course on the history and values of Ethical Culture with emphasis on contribution to the movement, ethical action, and collaboration among peers. Those engaged with the coursework will explore Ethical Culture identity while contributing to it through teamwork and ethical action.

This can be a self-guided, asynchronous course, and even though the content is divided into weekly sections, participants are free to complete the course at their own pace. However, we are offering a summer, synchronous section of the course for those who would like to participate with members across the movement.

The Summer 2026 cohort of the course will meet on Zoom at 6 p.m. CT (7 p.m. ET) for 90 minutes on the following Sundays:

• June 8
• June 15
• June 22
• June 29

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore (and create) Ethical Culture together with AEU certified Ethical Culture Leader Louise Jett! Registration is open until June 1.

Learn more and register today

This course is offered as part of the Leadership Training Initiative, funded by the American Ethical Union and its constituent member Societies.

Course Objectives

• Contribute to the further development and nurturing of our Ethical Culture identity.
• Understand the history and values of Ethical Culture.
• Collaborate with your congregation or the movement to put ethics into action.
• Ideate actionable steps for creating a stronger Ethical Culture movement.

Course Outline

Week 1: Foundations of Ethical Culture

• Reflection 1: What does Ethical Culture mean to me?
• Reflection 2: What are my core values? What are my Ethical Societies core values? In what ways do they align and in what ways do they differ?
• Capstone Assignment: Ethical Action Project

Week 2: Personal and Collective Ethical Culture Identity

• Reflection 3: In what ways does Ethical Culture serve us? In what ways does it fall short? What role do you play?
• Actionable Steps Brainstorm Assignment

Week 3: Ethical Culture in Action

• Reflection 4: In what ways do you live your values? In what ways do you fall short? How can you better strive to embody Ethical Humanism and serve Ethical Culture?
• Ethical Action Check In Assignment

Week 4: Strengthening Ethical Culture

• Reflection 5: How can we collectively strengthen our movement? What can you individually do?
• Ethical Action Project Reflection and Future Actions Assignment

Louise Jett, Ethical Culture Leader

Course Creator & Instructor

Curious and compassionate, Louise Jett (she/her) is an Ethical Humanist, media specialist, graphic designer, writer and artist. In short, she is an educator, community organizer and storyteller who strives to approach challenges with optimism and enthusiasm. An American Ethical Union certified Leader, she is truly inspired by people who are dedicated to empowering and caring for others. She worked as a professor for 12 years and has experience facilitating conversations and Restorative Justice Community Circles. She earned her Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Arts from Lewis and Clark Community College; her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Greenville University where she received a full scholarship; and her Master of Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Education Policy, Organization & Leadership with a specialization in New Learning Design & Leadership. She currently serves as the Statewide Branding Manager for the State of Illinois. Louise loves connecting with others and having fun!