The Humanist Community Deserves Strong Support

After the board of trustees of the Humanist Community approved a life time membership option, I took advantage of it.  Sure, there are many other things I could have done with the money, but this seemed like an important way to have membership in the Humanist Community and to make a contribution.  Why does the Humanist community deserve strong support for its work to teach Humanism and build community among Humanists?   In the Humanist Community, I have met many thoughtful people.   Humanists have not only seen the harms that can come from unquestioned tradition, authority, and religion but have shown an eagerness to live lives of wisdom based on facts and love.  Humanists are so dedicated to “liberty and justice for all,” that straight Humanists insist on marching in the Pride Parade.  Like many people, I was already a Humanist before I found the Humanist Community, and it’s been nice to know that I’m not alone as a Humanist. 

Over about twenty years with the Humanist Community, I’ve seen our growth from a tiny group meeting for lunch at the Jai Lai to an organization with over one hundred members, office space, meeting space, a paid staff member, library, multiple Humanist celebrants, and dozens of activities.  Because of the efforts of so many people, we are growing in our capacity to provide resources for secular living.  

In discussions with Humanists, I’ve had many chances to share stories about life as a Humanist, to consider the facts, options, consequences, and feelings of people affected by many issues, and to find ways to put reason and compassion in action.   We’ve seen that we have lives to live, a world to enjoy, and people to share those with, and that if we use our heads and treat others well, this world and its people may reward us.   We’ve been “good without God.” 

All of us who are involved have helped the Humanist Community in some way and shared, I hope, in the benefits.  People have helped by coming to meetings, becoming members, writing letters to the editor, organizing activities, getting involved with the board, sponsoring advertising, volunteering at our booths, performing, speaking, writing for the newsletter, doing Dial-A-Humanist messages, forwarding contributions through shopping at Kroger, and doing community service projects in the name of the Humanist Community, and finding ways to let the thousands of other Humanists in Central Ohio know we have a group.  

The Humanist Community of Central Ohio has reached an important tipping point.  The needs of the group have grown to the point that we benefit from having a paid coordinator.  By taking a lifetime membership, I’ve tried to do my part to ensure that the Humanist Community succeeds in this step and continues to support Humanist living well into the future.  Many other members have increased their contributions as well, and everything people do to help is greatly appreciated.  In supporting the Humanist Community, it’s been nice to see again that I’m not alone. 

 - Derrick Strobl