SPOKANE HUMANISTS
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SPOKANE HUMANISTS |
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American Humanist Association |
Institute For |
Unitarian Universalist Association |
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The Humanist Focus Group of the Inland Northwest is a community of individuals who believe that Humanism offers both a realistic and responsible guide to a happy life without having the supernatural as part of their philosophy. Between September and May they meet twice a month, the first Saturday of the month for a breakfast meeting at the Old Country Buffet, Rowan & Division in Spokane and the third Sunday of the month at 12:45 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Spokane. Sunday programs usually start in October. |
The monthly programs of the Humanist Focus Group have covered a wide range of topics. Recognizing that human beings are part of the natural world, many of the programs come from the world of science: cosmology, origin of the earth, the evolution-creationism debate, stem cell research and its moral component, and the contribution of Carl Sagan, Richard Dawkins, and Edward O. Wilson. Other subjects include ethics, the psychology of religion, politics, music appreciation, and the travels of Lewis and Clark. Speakers for the monthly programs are asked to tie their presentation to a humanist theme.
You can read about some of the speakers at our previous monthly programs and events.
Upcoming ProgramsJanuary 20, 2008 12:45 pm Thoreau Room, Unitarian Universalist 4340 W Fort George Wright Dr, Spokane WA. Bart Haggin, Spokane activist, will talk about "Sustainability". February 2, 2008. 8:15 am Breakfast at Old Country Buffet, Division & Rowan. Join fellow Humanist thinkers for breakfast and a presentation by Tom Jeannot titled " Permanent War and the Illusion of Democracy". February 17, 2008 12:45 pm Thoreau Room, Unitarian Universalist, 4340 W Fort George Wright Dr, Spokane, WA. Doug Huigen, recently retired from Airway Heights Correctional Facility, speaking on "Transitions from Prison". Doug facilitated Stress and Anger Management groups for inmates at 13 corrections instutions across the state. March 1, 2008. 8:15 am Breakfast at Old Country Buffet, Division & Rowan. Join fellow Humanist thinkers for breakfast and a presentation with discussion. March 16, 2008 12:45 pm Thoreau Room, Unitarian Universalist, 4340 W Fort Goerge Wright Dr, Spokane, WA "Healing our Ailing River" The Spokane River suffers from too much pollution, poorly operated dams, and too little flow. Rick Eichstaedt, an attorney with the Center for April 5, 2008. 8:15 am Breakfast at Old Country Buffet, Division & Rowan. Join fellow Humanist thinkers for breakfast and a presentation with discussion. April 20, 2008 12:45 pm Thoreau Room, Unitarian Universalist, 4340 W Fort George Wright Dr, Spokane, WA. Nancy Wainright, EWU, " Equity and Equality: Has History Stopped for Women?" The history of women to the 1970's demonstrates change. The history of women since the 1970's poses the controversial question " Why are we not progressing?" May 3, 2008 8:15am Breakfast at Old Country Buffet, Division & Rowan. Join fellow Humanist thinkers for breakfast and a presentation with discussion. May 18, 2008 12:45 pm Thoreau Room, Unitarian Universalist, 4340 W Fort George Wright Dr, Spokane, WA. Chris DeForest, Inland NW Land Trust, will talk on "Children Connect to the Land". |
The Humanist Focus Group was launched in February, 1995. Its founder, Ross Woodward, felt that the legacy of the late Unitarian minister Rudy Gilbert should be part of the Spokane UU congregation which Gilbert had led for 15 years in the mid 20th century. Rudy Gilbert, a secular humanist and community activist, was a mentor to Woodward who, at the time, was escaping his fundamentalist roots. From 1995 until 1998, the Humanist Focus Group was exclusively a committee of the Spokane UU Church. The group, with an initial membership of 30, met once a month at the local UU. It expanded very fast and attracted a number of secular humanists not affiliated with the UU. This led to a decision to have a monthly meeting outside the UU Church to accommodate the wider spectrum of members. While Woodward continued to handle the group when the two programs a month were required he welcomed Ken and Lee Swedberg in 2000 to share the load. The Swedbergs became responsible for the Sunday programs at the UU. Woodward took care of the first Saturday programs at a local restaurant. In early 2003, it became apparent, with a membership of around 130 and growing fast, a more conventional structure was needed and a Steering Committee was organized.
Freedom From Religion Foundation, Spokane chapter, Inland Northwest Freethought Society http:www.infs_ffrfchapter@hotmail.com
Continuum of Humanist Education [http://humaniststudies.org]
American Humanist Association Website
What is Humanism? from the the Humanists of Utah
Religious Humanism from the Humanists of Utah
Humanist Homepages site owned by Humanism Online
The Spiritual Sanctuary on Humanism and Atheism by Stazia DeVine
Religious Humanist Reflections, page maintained by The Faith and Social Justice site, identified with Unitarians. Note indicates that the unidentified author came to humanism through the work of Richard Rorty and from his writings to John Dewey.
Raymond J. IdeusAs a Certified Humanist Celebrant, I am offering my services as an�officiant for weddings, memorials and other celebrations of life's special events. Together, we can plan a meaningful ceremony according to your beliefs, that is comfortable to you and fits your needs. I am available seven days a week in the Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho area. My fee of $200 includes a planning meeting and a rehearsal, if needed. Please contact me by phone, 509-464-3635 or e-mail at lorray@comcast.net. |
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| This web site is maintained by Dorothy Mehl. Comments can be sent to dorothymehl112@msn.com. Last updated January 28, 2008 |
