Menu
Log in
Forgot password

Northern Virginia Ethical Society


"Act so as to bring out the best in others, and thereby in yourself"
Log in
Forgot password

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. 

"You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time."  Angela Davis   

Change isn't a grand event , but a constant practice. Embrace the transformative power of your own agency. 


    Financial Boycotts this holiday season take action in the pockets of those who are controlling the government.  You don’t have to attend a protest or write a postcard to act against this regime. As you plan your holiday shopping, consider some of these actions — and suggest them to friends! 

Join the We Ain’t Buying It boycott of Amazon, Home Depot, Target, Starbucks, and other stores through the holiday season: 

Do you use Spotify?  Did you notice that they advertise for ICE recruitment? These ads promise signing bonuses and normalize fear and intimidation in communities.  In reaction a coalition including many artists, The Working Family Party and Indivisible began calling for a boycott of the platform. 

What You Can Do: As long as Spotify is willing to take money from ICE, they don’t need (and don’t deserve) free advertising on our social feeds.   Immediately cancel your Spotify subscription and DO NOT use the free version either. Do not send Spotify Wrapped as a gift this holiday season. Spread the word and do not be afraid to have difficult conversations with your friends about this subject.

Some ideas for shopping alternative gifts: 

Give merchandise from grassroots organizations, such as a mug or tee shirt. 

Shop on Etsy to find unique gifts and handmade merchandise

Purchase gift cards to local restaurants and businesses who suffer from the government shutdown

Donate to charities or resistance organizations in someone’s name. 

Give books from independent booksellers.

____________________________________________________

   We believe in Social Activism

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! 

Weekly Platforms

Upcoming Events

Blogs and Articles

Sign up for Weekly Announcements

Subscription form

* Mandatory fields
*First name
*Last name
*Email
 
Back

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, Bookkeeper, Platform Committee, Festival 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.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software