The Humanist Institute

For more than half a century, the American Humanist Association has stood as the singular voice of humanism in the United States.

We strive to bring about a progressive society where being “good without god” is an accepted way to live life. We are accomplishing this through our defense of civil liberties and secular governance, by our outreach to the growing number of people without religious belief or preference, and through a continued refinement and advancement of the humanist worldview.

Bordered on one side by the transcendental views of traditional religions and mythologies and on the other by atheism and secularism, the values we hold are grounded in the philosophy of the Enlightenment, informed by scientific knowledge, and driven by a desire to meet the needs of people in the here and now.

We count humanists and other nontheists as the core of our movement but are always willing to work with friends and allies on issues of common concern. The positions we hold and the actions we take are not simply for our own benefit, but for the betterment of all of society. 

The mission of the Council for Secular Humanism is to advocate and defend a nonreligious lifestance rooted in science, naturalistic philosophy, and humanist ethics and to serve and support adherents of that lifestance.

The Council is North America's leading organization for non-religious people. A not-for-profit educational corporation, the Council supports a wide range of activities to meet the needs of people who find meaning and value in life without looking to a religion. Its activities range from magazine publishing and campaigning on ethical issues to holding conferences and supporting a network of autonomous local groups.

Secular humanists reject supernatural and authoritarian beliefs. They affirm that we must take responsibility for our own lives and the communities and world in which we live. Secular humanism emphasizes reason and scientific inquiry, individual freedom and responsibility, human values and compassion, and the need for tolerance and cooperation.

Humanist Canada (also known as the Humanist Association of Canada, or HAC) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization that promotes and supports educational initiatives to advance critical thinking and humanist culture, social and outreach opportunities for non-believers, and advocacy for equality and fairness for all Canadians.  Founded in 1968 as a small lobby group, the organization now includes affiliates across Canada and is 100% Canadian-owned and managed.  Humanist Canada is a member organization of the International Humanist and Ethical Union.  The official symbol of the organization is a unique version of the Happy Human; a pale grey Happy Human against a red sugar maple leaf.

Humanistic and Secular Jews understand Judaism as the human-centered history, culture, civilization, ethical values, and shared experience of the Jewish people.  For us, the message of Jewish history is that we have the power and the responsibility to take control of our own lives.

Today, more than ever, Humanistic Jews need a collective voice.  This voice is expressed worldwide by The International Federation for Secular & Humanistic Judaism, which links national organizations in Israel, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, Belgium, France, Italy, Seden and the countries of the former Society Union.

The goals of the Federation and our constituent organizations are to reach out to secular and humanistic Jews and offer communities where we can affirm our Judaism, celebrate our Jewish identity, educate our children about their rich and vibrant heritage, and fully participate in Jewish Life.