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Northern Virginia Ethical Society


"Act so as to bring out the best in others, and thereby in yourself"
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Welcome to NoVES!

NoVES is a  Humanist congregation. We follow principles of Ethical Culture, a movement begun in 1876 by Felix Adler.  Our life goal is to act so as to bring out the best in others and thereby in ourselves. In so doing we strengthen our relationships with one another, and build a more humane world.

We invite you to visit us on a Sunday morning.  You might find the kind of caring, welcoming community you didn't even know was out there - just waiting for you to become part of it!

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. 

If you live in Virginia please remember to vote on November 4, 2025 to elect a new governor and state reprentatives. Your vote shares your voice!

   In November as we give thanks for our lives, we remember those who are less fortunate than us by collecting for FACETS, one of the largest social safety nets for families, children, and individuals in Fairfax County.  At both of our in-person meetings this month, we will collect non-perishable food and gift cards for donation. For more information please contact member Dorothy Saunders at dmsaundersinva@hotmail.com  Cash donations will also be accepted.  ______________________________________________________________________

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. Make a donation to a local food pantry or clothing drive
  2. Plant a tree  or clean up a park area.
  3. Donate blood
  4. Volunteer to drive someone from Assisted Living out for shopping. 
  5. Hold conversations with friends about current events. Try to listen with empathy. 
  6. VOTE in every election

Check out NoVES platforms and upcoming events- join us when you can! 

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Announcements 

New Bylaws Adopted June 8, 2025

At our General Membership Meeting on June 8, 2025, the members present approved changes to the Bylaws that end Board term limits. You can view this updated version of our Bylaws in the Members only section.  

Volunteers Needed

  • Do you enjoy weddings? Consider being a NoVES officiant. Contact Randy Best if interested.
  • Do you have time to spare to deliver a meal, provide a ride, or just be a companion to a fellow member in need? If so, contact Iris Woodard with the Caring Committee.
  • Sunday Sound System Setup team, BookkeeperPlatform CommitteeFestival Planning, and Publicity committees- contact Chris Van Dyke or any board member if you are interested and can help out. 

Directions to Sunday Platform

Green Hedges School

415 Windover Avenue NW

Vienna, VA

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. Do not turn onto Windover.

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