Before I tell you about the important progress we are making in both reinforcing the Humanist core of Unitarian Universalism and acting as a bridge between Unitarian Universalism and the secular/non-theist community, I have an exciting announcement to make:

On November 18, 2013, your Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of Maria Greene to the part-time position of Development and Communications Director of the Unitarian Universalist Humanist Association (HUUmanists).  Maria will guide our efforts in three areas: Membership Development/Fundraising; Local Group identification, formation and affiliation; and Communications. Please join me in thanking Maria for taking on this critical job in our movement and in giving her our enthusiastic support.  In a related action, the Board has appointed Rev. Dr. Neil Gerdes to the position of Secretary of the Association, replacing Maria.

Let me tell you about just a few of the exciting "happenings" involving your UU Humanist Association. Read more about President's Corner »

As part of Michael Werner's New England book tour, he made a stop at The Unitarian Church of Westport, CT for an event with Denny Davidoff, moderated by HUUmanists president John Hooper. Here is the video from that event with great thanks to Wilson Converse of eyedit.tv.

Two Views on the history and Promise of the Unitarian Universalist Association. A discussion

I've been "running" the HUU booth at General Assembly, with an able assist from Jack Reich and each year, a rotating cast of enthusiastic others, since 2002.  I take some pride in the fact that we are usually among the largest and most energetic displays in the exhibit hall.  I take pride in the fact that we share our space with other humanist and social justice organizations - this year the Channing-Murray Campus Ministry, the Humanist Institute, Secular Student Alliance, and a Gun Control group called "Change the Conversation," were all on board.

Greg Epstein of Harvard Humanists and Kevin Watson of The Humanist Institute Read more about Big, Bad Booth? »

Michael Werner gave an excellent talk at the Concord Area Humanists meeting on October 23, 2013 about Humanist Ethics. Mike and his wife Susanne were in the area as part of Mike's book tour to promote his new book "Regaining Balance: The Evolution of the UUA". Here is the video of Mike's talk. (If the video does not appear below, try this link.)

And here are the slides:

Read more about Ethical Dilemmas and Humanist Ethics »

Michael Werner is going to be touring the New England area in October, speaking about his new book "Regaining Balance: The Evolution of the UUA". If you are in the area you can see Mike speak at the following events:

• Michael Werner in Concord, MA, Sunday, October 20

• Michael Werner in Cambridge, MA, Sunday, October 20

• Michael Werner in Worcester, MA, Monday, October 21

• Michael Werner in Worcester, MA, Tuesday, October 22

HUUmanists president John Hooper and Mike Werner, author of "Regaining Balance: The Evolution of the UUA", were guests on "The VUU", the weekly video talk show by the Church of the Larger Fellowship about all things Unitarian Universalist. They talked brilliantly about Humanism in the UUA and about Mike's book. Enjoy!

Read more about Humanism with a VUU »

One of the pleasures I had at the HUUmanists' yearly meeting a the 2013 UUA General Assembly was naming David Schafer our President Emeritus. David has been a friend and mentor for many years and I am personally grateful for all he has given the HUUmanists Assocation, including the years he spent as president from 2003 - 2010 and his on-going service on our Board.

Here is a David's abbreviated biography: Read more about Celebrating David E. Schafer, President Emeritus »

At the 2013 UUA General Assembly in Louisville, KY last June, the HUUmanists held our annual business meeting. At that meeting we had the pleasure of awarding the first ever Religious Humanist of the Year Award to our distinguished board member, the Rev. Roger A. Brewin. In his introduction to the award presentation, president John Hooper listed these accomplishments that made Roger the obvious choice for this honor: Read more about Roger Brewin ~ Religious Humanist of the Year, 2013 »

Thank You, Mary, Jack and Dick!!!

The HUUmanists booth at the 2013 UUA General Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky was a big and busy place to be. Besides showcasing the Ribbons Not Walls art project and the Banned Book collection project, the booth was a place to buy Humanist books, bumper stickers, pins and magnets. Many people stopped by to chat about Humanism in the UUA and to join or renew their membership.

The booth was organized and run by the energetic Roger Brewin and assisted at various times by board members John Hooper, Pat Mohr, Maria Greene and Lowell Steinbrenner. We couldn't have kept up with the constant traffic if it wasn't for three dedicated HUUmanist members who were there to help: Read more about Thank You To Our Fabulous GA Booth Volunteers! »

Several recent studies have revealed that a rapidly increasing percentage of young people are affiliating with no religious tradition. Greg Epstein, founder and leader of a vibrant secular community organization, will describe a unique response to “the rise of the nones” that is succeeding beyond expectations.