Purpose of the Institute

The Humanist Institute exists to equip humanists to become effective leaders, spokespersons, and advocates in a variety of organizational settings, including within the humanist movement itself.  We explore humanist values and train future leaders.

What is Humanism?

Life in this world is the central and defining focus of humanism. We envision a world in which every individual's worth is respected, and human freedom and behaving responsibly are natural aspirations.

Latest News

Can Billboards Kill Religion?

This spring, billboards sprouted across the country like cranky, God-hating daffodils.  They proclaimed the bad news that God does not exist, that belief is bad for your soul, that religion enslaves–and they were met with predictable upset.  Here Anthony Pinn (Humanist Institute Adjunct Faculty Member, Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities & Professor of Religious Studies at Rice University) reflects on the state of the (A)theist conversation. -Eds. rd Magazine.

May 02, 2012 | Read More

Ethical Society Without Walls Community Call -Racial Bias and Law Enforcement

Bart Worden, Leader of the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester (White Plains, NY) and Institute graduate of Class 7, will be joining the Ethical Society Without Walls Community Call to discuss the issue of racial bias in law enforcement, our part in such bias, and thoughts about what we can do to make positive changes.

April 20, 2012 | Read More

Lake country accused of rejecting Indiana civil-union application

Rev. Deeya Roberts, Class 17 Humanist Institute student, performed marriage ceremony for Indiana couple denied a civil-union license in Lake County, Illinois.

April 17, 2012 | Read More

The Continuum for Humanist Education

The Humanist Institute is pleased to announce a new online course is now available Philosophy and the Humanist Connection is the Institute's latest addition to COHE -the Internet's first website offering interactive courses in humanist thought.

April 02, 2012 | Read More
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Upcoming Events

May 3

National Day of Reason

June 7 - June 10

AHA 71st Annual Conference

New Orleans, Louisiana
June 14 - June 17

American Ethical Union 97th Annual Assembly

Albany, New York
August 15 - August 19

The Humanist Institute Class Sessions & Board of Directors Meeting

New York City, NY
December 7 - December 9

The Humanist Institute Class Sessions & Board of Directors Meeting

Washington, DC