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Home >> About the AHA >>FAQs about the AHA |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the American Humanist Association
What Is the Mission of the American Humanist Association?The mission of the American Humanist Association is to promote the spread of humanism, raise public awareness and acceptance of humanism, and encourage the continued refinement of the humanist philosophy. The AHA works democratically to establish and protect the rights of humanists in a peaceful, sustainable world of hope, opportunity, and fulfillment for all. We welcome as members those who share the humanist quest and dream, and cooperate with others who seek to further these ends What is Humanism?As Kurt Vonnegut succinctly described: being a Humanist means trying to behave decently without expectation of rewards or punishment after you are dead. Humanism is a progressive lifestance that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity. What is AHA's Role in Humanism?AHA is the first and largest organization promoting Humanism in the US. In addition to being vocal on issues of major concern and regularly reaching out to media and opinion leaders, AHA has helped establish and foster several organizations that promote Humanist ideals, such as the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Americans for Religious Liberty, HUUmanists, Rational Recovery and others. What Humanists Have I Heard of?A list of selected well known Humanists includes the following: Novelists Margaret Atwood, Kurt Vonnegut, and Alice Walker Environmentalist Lester R. Brown Women’s rights proponents Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem Elder citizens advocate Maggie Kuhn Economist John Kenneth Galbraith Entrepreneur Ted Turner Evolutionary scientist Edward O. Wilson Abortion rights champions Faye Wattleton and Bill Baird Director Oliver Stone Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg. Earlier Huamnists included Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, Andrei Sakharov, Erich Fromm, A. Philip Randolph, Margaret Sanger, Gene Roddenberry, Julian Huxley, Brock Chisholm, John Dewey, Bertrand and Dora Russell, and Albert Einstein. See our list of Humanists of the Year for more information.What is the DHC/HS?The Division of Humanist Certification (of the Humanist Society) functions as the qualifying body which confers uniquely Humanist ministerial credentials. All persons certified by the DHC are legally authorized to perform weddings, as well as all other rites-of-passage in all 50 states. What is a Humanist Celebrant?The function of a Humanist Celebrant is analogous to that of a minister, clergyperson, pastor, priest, or rabbi. Counseling of a pastoral kind is often necessary for preparing a wedding or memorial. This is common to the practice of all clergy, and a Humanist Celebrant is expected to help clients sort out questions about ethics and morals as they apply to Humanism. Find out more at the Humanist Society: http://www.humanist-society.org. What is the AHA Doing for Youth?In addition to being affiliated with several youth oriented groups, several of our chapters have made specific efforts to reach-out to local campus communities and we hope to expand such outreach. The AHA has as Strategic Agreement with the Secular Students Alliance, a non-profit, student run, independent group. Through this alliance we hope to learn and share some of the most exciting practices that are being used in campuses across the continent. We hope to build our youth membership and outreach by contacting affiliate groups, working with chapters, and increasing direct contact with college communities. Additionally in an effort to welcome students to the AHA we have a reduced rate which allows students the full benefits of membership at a more affordable price -$25. What Are the Benefits of Annual Membership?
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