Northern Virginia Ethical Society

2026-2027 NoVES  BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

After the June Membership meeting and the subsequent board meeting we are pleased to announce the following officers:

Chris Van Dyke will continue as President

Melissa Sinclair is Vice President

Sven Sinclair is Treasurer

Kristen Hayden-Safdie is Secretary

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Affiliations 

   The American Ethical Union (AEU)                              https://aeu.org/

NoVES affiliates with the AEU along with more than 20 other Societies across the country from New York to Silicon Valley. 

Each of these Societies share the culture of Ethical Humanism and work to implement Humanist values in their communities.  

   American Humanist Association

       https://americanhumanist.org/

Founded in 1941 and located in Washington D.C., the American Humanist Association advocates progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, freethinkers, and the non-religious. The AHA has over 34,000 members and supporters and over 230 local chapters across the country. 

  Washington Area Secular Humanists  

https://wash.org/ 

An affiliation of the American Humanists.   Founded in 1988 amid the anti free thinker movement, this movement promotes the ideals of secular humanism and promotes social activism in the Greater Washington DC area. 

Recommended Reading from The Humanist

The Rise Of Anti-social Narcissism in America

https://thehumanist.com/commentary/the-rise-of-antisocial-narcissism-in-america  

Oxford Dictionary definition of Fascism

"Fascism tends to include a belief in the supremacy of one national or ethnic group, a contempt for democracy, an insistence on obedience to a powerful leader, and a strong demagogic approach."

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2026-2027 NoVES Schedule- updated 9/17/2026

2^nd Sunday- Platform- Zoom only 

3^rd Sunday- Platform- in person only

4^th Sunday- No Platform- alternate event-

A Social Action activity will be offered sometime during the month. on each month. 

5^th Sunday- AEU Platform- zoom only hosted by the AEU. 

Collection for Nov / Dec 2026

For the next 8 weeks, we will be collecting for Alice's Kids.   Every day, too many children are shamed because they cannot afford a prom ticket, field trip fees, back-to-school clothes, summer camp, instrument rentals and other items or services that more fortunate peers take for granted. Their self-esteem suffers and that can affect them in many negative ways. Responding to thousands of requests from teachers and social workers across the country, Alice’s Kids gives children a lift by paying for these items - and we do so in a way that avoids shaming the child or their parent.    https://www.aliceskids.org/

In the months of November and December, NoVES will be collecting cash for this charity.  You may put a check in the collection basket during in-person meetings, or mail it to PO Box 984, Vienna, VA 22183.

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Jone Johnson Lewis, NoVES long serving leader, has a need and we would like to step up to help her.  After serving for 17 years with NoVES, Jone moved to NYC to serve the Riverdale Yonkers Ethical Society.  She and her husband both, have developed health issues (cancer) and have been unable to work. Consequently they have gotten behind on bills.  A GoFundMe account was started to help them out and is 90% to goal.  If you wish to donate to this fund, here is the link. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-our-friend-jone-johnson-lewis-through-health-crisis/e/s?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-7&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=email&lang=en_US 

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        What is Humanism?  Why do we believe in our human potential?

Humanism 101

For the first time ever, the American Humanist Association has created a new video series on humanism! These are  short, watchable videos that actually explain what humanism is, featuring some of your favorite people in the humanist space.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Gb8MNhOZ4lbLPv1Cqtu3c41gMNjCSXc 

Be sure to watch them all!

   Empathy is considered a fundamental aspect of human nature. It is both inate and nurtured, so it can be cultured and grown.  Empathy plays a critical societial role by allowing us to share experiences, needs and desires with others thus strengthing our connection with those we trust.  

Actions you can take individually to spread empathy: 

Sign up for the newsletter from your elected representatives.  If they have a town hall - attend it and ask questions.  Find out when the School Board meets and attend that meeting. Ask about LGBTQ policies. Watch for actions from the Board of Supervisors, and visit their office to discuss your opinion. 

Or consider these options:

1. Join the fiscal boycott of companies that support ICE activities. Companies include Amazon,  AT&T,  Dell, Comcast, Marriott, Hilton. More information is here: https://thirdact.org/act/turn-up-the-heat-melt-the-companies-that-profit-from-ice-and-dhs/
2. Hold conversations with friends about current events. Try to listen with empathy and understand their point of view. Try to find common ground.  

In Memoriam 

We note the passing of members of out extended Humanist family

 Edward L Ericson, longtime Ethical Culture Leader, author, activist, and former president of the American Ethical Union, died on October 1, 2026, at the age of 97.     

Lois Kellerman, longtime Ethical Culture leader, and creator of the Eight Committments of Ethical Culture among other AEU curriculum, died September 21, 2026 at the age of 82.

Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for his role as the Captain of Star Ship Enterprise was an atheist and long time patron of Humanists UK, and Dignity in Dying, died on Oct 28, 2026 at the age of 86.  "Engage!"