The Humanists of Greater Portland (Oregon) (HGP). The HGP has developed a proposal for a Humanist Children's Program that includes two phases. Phase 1 consists of childcare for children of members attending HGP sessions. Phase 2 will include a paid part-time Values Education coordinator to oversee the program, train teachers, explain the program to interested parents, an schedule special presenters. A core of volunteer teachers and assistants will be identified and trained. A comprehensive Values Education curriculum also will be developed. Initially one multi-age class is planned but will be expanded as the program grows. The curriculum will enable children in the targeted age groups to explore values in humanistic, non-authoritarian ways and to develop critical thinking skills.
Dare to Know: "Isms" Linking Humanism and Unitarian Universalism for High School Youth. This resource highlights a range of Western philosophies and humanists/ freethinkers. Develop by Jeff Liebmann, Student Minister, First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. Descriptions and ordering information are available at their website.
The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, an affiliate of the American Humanist Association. The Long Island society has developed educational programs for 5th and 6th graders. Its primary goals are to develop feelings of empowerment, increase understanding of different cultural and religious views and enhance the students' abilities to self-reflect. The Curriculum units include Comparative Religion, Teaching Tolerance, Earth Stewardship, Good Decision Making, and Prejudice and Stereotypes. For 7th and 8th graders, the goals include understanding the importance of making ethical choices and internalization of one's ethical identity. The following units are included in a two year cycle: Ethical dilemmas from the students' lives, Identification of Ethical Heroes, Prejudice and Stereotypes, Components of a peaceful society, Cooperation v. Competitiveness, Civil Rights and Responsibilities, Peer Pressure, and Societal and Media Attitudes on Social Issues. In the final year of the program, students are mentored by adult members of the Society, meet with the Leader of the Ethical Society, engage in a community service project, and participate in a Coming of Age Program.
