Was Tom Flynn right that there is no benefit for humanists and secularists to December celebrations? Jon Cleland Host - who has been celebrating the Winter Solstice with his family for nearly two decades - discussed that question during Sunday's public Zoom presentation, using the reality-based traditions which have both built critical thought, as well as brought joy to his kids year after year. If you missed it, no worries! You can watch the conversation right here.

Jon is a materials scientist who lives in Michigan. A member and active volunteer for UUHA, he authors the blog Naturalistic Paganism.

The discussion is also embedded below:

Winter Solstice 2021: Reason for the Season! from HUUmanists Association on Vimeo. Read more about VIDEO: Winter Solstice - Reason for the Season! »

We hope all UUHA members enjoyed our most recent edition of the Journal of Religious Humanism. The time has already come for our journal editors to plan for our first issue of the new year. If you have ever been interested in submitting an article for our journal, we have your next opportunity:

Theme for Vol. 49, Issue 2:

How We Live Out Our Humanism

We are looking for stories of how your life is impacted by your humanist values - something that you “do” that expresses your humanist identity. Examples might include personal commitments, relationship building, or communal endeavors.

Tell us about your Humanist group’s community service, or an unusual family tradition; an occasional gathering of friends to pursue a common passion, or a solitary quest that reflects the best of humanism as you understand it.

This could be a first-person account, or a tale about the actions of others. Just be sure, if you are telling someone else’s story, that you have permission to be their narrator, or if not, rely on information already in the public domain.

Essays from 500 to 1,000 words, submitted to the editor at rabrewin@aol.com, by October 15, 2021, will be considered for inclusion for Volume 49 #2, to be published digitally by year’s end. All submissions selected are subject to editing for word count, spelling and grammar, and suitability for the issue’s theme. Author’s permission will be sought for any major changes we recommend.

Previous contributors to the Journal are always welcome, though we’re (just a little) partial to folks who haven’t contributed to the past two issues (“Humanist Elevator Speeches,” and “A Humanist Calendar.”)

We look forward to putting your positive story on the screens of the hundreds of humanist and humanist-friendly UUs, and others, who make up our readership.

Have an idea, and want to know if it might “fit” with what we’re seeking, before you commit to writing? Need a couple of examples of what we’re looking for? Contact the Editor, Roger Brewin, at 773-551-8540 or rabrewin@aol.com. Read more about Religious Humanism Journal: Call for Submissions »

The UUA's annual gathering, General Assembly, is starting this week! And the UUHA will be there.

As attendees from all over gather to "worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process," We plan on holding brief sessions in GA's virtual Exhibition Hall every day. 

Join us on Zoom for Scheduled Events Here!

Daily UUHA Programming at General Assembly (All times are in Eastern Daylight Time):

• Introductions to the UUHA (10:00am EDT, Thursday through Saturday)
  Meet our leaders and get to know our work a little better!

• UUHA Q&A (1:00pm EDT, Thursday through Saturday)
  Have questions for us about the intersection of Humanism and Unitarian Universalism? Let's talk about it!

• Humanism Today (3:00pm EDT Wednesday through Saturday)
  A forum to speak about central tenets of humanism, and vital & emerging topics that are central to our existence as UUs and Humanists. Topics change each day, and are listed below

Events will be hosted on Zoom (link here)

Humanism Today: Our Daily Topics

Wed. June 23rd, 3:00pm EDT - Humanism in Church: Resources and Practices
Do you have favorite readings and hymns that speak to a Humanist life-stance or are inclusive of the traditionally non-religious? Our UU Humanist tradition is rich with resources for celebration and reflection, and there are new directions to explore if we want to build a non-theistic vocabulary of reverence.

Thurs. June 24th, 3:00pm EDT - Humanist Meaning-Making
Some atheists, agnostics and Humanists embrace terms like “spirituality” and “religion” as meaningful to their understanding, while some don’t. But most agree that much meaning and inspiration can be derived from life without the supernatural. What sources of wonder, mystery and meaning inspire you?

Fri. June 25th, 3:00pm EDT - Science
In RE and/or Lifespan Learning UUs probably talk about science in our congregations more than most other religious communities. We often incorporate scientific learning in Religious Exploration, Lifespan Faith Development, or whatever term your community might use for educational programs. What are your favorite topics and resources that are meaningful and relevant for Humanists and all UUs? How can science programming help attract visitors and prospective members?

Sat. June 26th, 3:00pm EDT - Humanism and Justice Work
Why and how is working for social/environmental/racial/economic justice important to the Humanist life-stance? Do UU congregations provide an effective base of organizing and support for secular and non-religious folk to get involved in local service and activism? How do UUs and Humanists connect with coalitions that are often interfaith and/or more traditionally religious?

How to Join Us at General Assembly:

• Register for GA: It's not too late! You can read more on how to attend online here.
• GA's Participation Portal: GA is using Whova to host the conference online this year. Attendees can use the app on their devices or in their web browser. More information is here.
• Join us on Zoom: We are allowing our members to join us on all of our events. JOIN US ON ZOOM HERE.

Read more about General Assembly 2021: How to Join Us »

Dear UUHA Members,

Each year the Unitarian Universalist Humanist Association Board hosts the UUHA Annual Meeting. This is a vital opportunity for members to meet directly with UUHA leadership. Items on the Annual meeting agenda include, but are not limited to, elections for open UUHA Board positions, announcement of our UUHA Person of the Year, and a chance to brief members on programming and general updates.

Last year's online Annual Meeting was a smashing success, with UUHA members nationwide able to join and engage in member business from the safety and comfort of their own home. For this year's Annual Meeting, we plan to meet online once again.

The UUHA Annual Meeting will be held a next month via the Zoom Video Conference Application. Members will be able to log in or call in from the comfort of their home and attend the meeting fully online. Specific details about the meeting -- Log-in/Call-in information, agenda items, election ballots, possible Zoom training opportunities -- will be provided in advance of the meeting.

But for now, you can mark your calendars with some important general information:

• What: The UUHA Annual Meeting
• When: Saturday, July 10, 2021 -- 4:00pm Eastern Time (3:00pm Central)
• Where: Zoom Meeting (download Zoom here)
• Who: Intended for all members of the UUHA, but non-members interested in Humanism in a UU tradition are welcome to attend!

Again, stay tuned for more information. We will announce further details on the meeting here, on Facebook, on Twitter, and through our Email Newsletter (you can sign up at the right of our homepage).

We hope to see you on Zoom next month! In the mean time, watch this space for more updates, and be safe.

The Board of the Unitarian Universalist Humanist Association Read more about SAVE THE DATE: The UUHA Annual Meeting »