Humanist Values and the American Ethical Union

In September I spoke about challenges to humanist values around the world today.  This talk addresses challenges to maintaining our values in how we treat others as our national organization, the American Ethical Union, undergoes a process of critical self-assessment and seeks a more inclusive pathway for our future.  Change can be unsettling, even perceived as threatening.  How we relate to others during this process of change and reformation will ultimately show if we can act out our values, recognizing the worth and good will of others.

This in-person meeting can also be attended on Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

NoVES Discussion: Eliciting the best in others. A humanist value worth living?

[Note that this is an on-line discussion.  There will not be any in-person meeting this week]

One of the maxims of Felix Adler, the founder of Ethical Culture, is Act so as to elicit the best in others and thereby in thyself.  Just what is Adler getting at here?  Is this a good or useful guide to live by?   Come join the discussion to unpack this concept on the treatment of others and our own self-development.

Here is the link to this Zoom meeting.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

Celebrations and ceremonies surround us our whole lives from birth to death. They can differ from region to region and throughout time, but any momentous occasion is usually marked with a ceremony.  Why is that? And why does its significance vary from person to person?

Melissa Sinclair, NoVES Board President and long time member of NOVES will share her thoughts about ceremonies and celebrations, and open it up for discussion. 

This in-person meeting can also be attended on Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

Masculinity: Crisis or Outdated Concept

Some contemporary authors and pundits speak of a “Crisis in Masculinity”.  Is there a crisis?  Where does this idea come from?  Other people see “masculinity” as one location in multiple continuums of identity.  “What it is to be a man” is part of multifaceted identities, subsumed in idea of “what it is to be a good person”.  So, is the focus on the concept of masculinity a useful construct?  Is erosion of the construct of masculinity perceived as a threat to the established order?  Come hear my take on masculinity.  You will have an opportunity to express your views as well.

This in-person meeting can also be attended on Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

NoVES Discussion: Masculinity - Crisis or Outdated Concept

This discussion will follow up on last week's Platform address (description below)

Some contemporary authors and pundits speak of a “Crisis in Masculinity”.  Is there a crisis?  Where does this idea come from?  Other people see “masculinity” as one location in multiple continuums of identity.  “What it is to be a man” is part of multifaceted identities, subsumed in idea of “what it is to be a good person”.  So, is the focus on the concept of masculinity a useful construct?  Is erosion of the construct of masculinity perceived as a threat to the established order?  

This a Zoom only event.  The Zoom link is below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

Winter Solstice and the Renewal of Hope

As we approach the Winter Solstice, days grow shorter and darkness seems to envelop our lives.  Darkness abounds – in our government’s use of violence, in our uncaring treatment of asylum seekers, in our failure to address the climate crisis, in the ways that many see those with differing views as the enemy.  Amidst the darkness, how can I bring some light?  How can I find hope in seemingly hopeless times?  What can I do to bring about change?

This in-person meeting can also be attended on Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

NoVES Discussion: Where Do You Find Hope in These Dark Times

This discussion will follow up on last week's Platform address (description below)

Winter Solstice and the Renewal of Hope

As we approach the Winter Solstice, days grow shorter and darkness seems to envelop our lives.  Darkness abounds – in our government’s use of violence, in our uncaring treatment of asylum seekers, in our failure to address the climate crisis, in the ways that many see those with differing views as the enemy.  Amidst the darkness, how can I bring some light?  How can I find hope in seemingly hopeless times?  What can I do to bring about change?

This a Zoom only event.  The Zoom link is below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09

Come join your friends and guests for a platform of music provided by NoVES members and guests! Bring your singing voices too!

This in-person meeting can also be attended on Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09