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Northern Virginia Ethical Society (NoVES)

Sunday Platforms

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The platform of an Ethical Society is itself the altar; the address must be the fire that burns thereon.

Felix Adler, Founder of Ethical Culture




What to Expect

Our platform meetings typically feature a thought-provoking talk on a topic of ethical interest, along with responses, music, a story for children of all ages, and more. We meet from mid-September through mid-June (see topic listings below).

Our Sunday School is devoted to teaching children how to make ethical choices, with a thoughtful, age-specific curriculum and a friendly, supportive environment.

All are welcome to attend a Sunday meeting and to bring children along for Sunday School. Casual, comfortable dress is the norm, we want you to feel at home.

We follow the more formal part of our meetings with a coffee and conversation time hosted by our members -- a chance to continue the conversation about the topic, to get to know each other, to learn from each other, and to find others with shared values and concerns.

A few times each year, we have inter-generational festival celebrations instead of talks at the Sunday platform meeting. In these events, we celebrate the natural flow of the seasons, honor the universal human concerns behind holidays, and enjoy a shared meal together.

Each Sunday, we pass the basket, giving members and friends an opportunity to help support the Society and its values. Half of all undesignated donations are given to a charitable or service organization or project; the Ethical Action committee selects and announces each week's recipient organization or project.

Sample Sunday Program

 10:30-11:00Gathering  and Greet Your neighbors
 11:00 AMOpening Words and Music   
 Welcome 
 11:10 AMStory Time (kids gather up front)  
 11:15 AMKids go to Sunday School
 Music
 11:20 AMPlatform Speaker Introduction
 11:20 AM-11:50 AMPlatform Address  
 Music  
 Response Period and Sharing of Responsibility (collections)
 Announcements 
 12:00 PMClosing Words  
 12:15Conclusion of Sunday School  
 12:00 PM-1:00 PMSnacks and Social Time

Upcoming Topics

  • NoVES Sunday Platforms are on Summer Break

    • Monday, June 29, 2026
    • Sunday, September 06, 2026

    NoVES Sunday Platforms are on Summer Break

    NoVES does not have any Sunday platform meetings at Green Hedges School in the months of July or August.   Please check out our upcoming events page below for a variety of Summer activities in alternate locations like walks in gardens, philosophy discussions in libraries, colloquies on Zoom and picnics in the parks. Join us when you can!

    We will restart our in-person platform meetings at Green Hedges School on Sunday, September 13, 2026. 

    Show details

  • The American Ethical Union All-Societies Platform - American Scoundrel

    • Sunday, August 30, 2026
    • 11:00 AM
    • New York City in person or on Zoom

    The American Ethical Union All-Societies Platform
    American Scoundrel
    Roy Cohn’s Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump

    Sunday August 30, 2026 11 a.m.
    The New York Society For Ethical Culture
    2 West 64th Street, NY NY

    The AEU All-Societies Platform is free to attend.
    All virtual participants must register to receive the Zoom link.

    Register for Zoom Link

    Register for In-Person Event


    Show details

  • Finding Joy amid Carnage and Chaos by Randy Best NoVES Leader

    • Sunday, September 13, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180

    Finding Joy amid Carnage and Chaos

    It is often said that "A life of joy is the best revenge, because it drives your tormentors crazy." I find myself living in a time of great troubles.  I witness the consequences of a terrible war of choice in Iran and genocide in Gaza.  I watch as American democracy is dismantled, one brick at a time.  It is all to easy for me to be overwhelmed.  Finding joy in my life may be the best counterweight to despair.  In joy, I am rejuvenated.  I build a foundation where I can find purpose and take action.  I will explore this idea and also address the down-side to joy.

    Come hear this talk and share your ideas.

    This is an in person meeting that you may also attend on Zoom.  You will find the Zoom link HERE.

    Show details

Directions to Sunday Platform

Green Hedges School

415 Windover Avenue NW

Vienna, VA 22180


Driving Directions

Take the Nutley Street North exit from Route I-66.  At the fourth light, cross Maple Avenue (Route 123) and start watching your odometer.  At 0.2 miles, you will see a driveway with “Watch for Turning Vehicles” and “Green Hedges” signs.  There will also be an Ethical Society sign next to the driveway.  Turn right into the driveway, park in the lot, and take the nearest entrance into the building.

Questions or platform topic recommendations? Contact the Platform Committee


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