Local humanist groups in England and Wales got together in London for their annual meeting on Saturday 5 October, hosted by Humanists UK and co-organised with local groups. It was an informative and enjoyable event with many groups sharing ideas and learning. After a welcome from Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson, the day unfolded with the following sessions:
1. Local groups supporting each other
Chrissie Hackett (Bristol Humanists) and Keith Pennington (Lancashire Humanists) explored some of the ways they see groups working well together and they welcomed new ideas. One of the ways local humanist groups help support each other is via the Humanist Groups Working Together online network which meets several times a year.
2. Hustings
Paul Kaufman (East London Humanists) explained how hustings can be a worthwhile event for local groups to host in terms of promoting humanist ideas and standing in the community and networking. Paul shared ideas to help anticipate problems and answer concerns.
3. Online activities
Setting up online events programmes can be a great way to reach people who might not be able to come to other events. But building an online community can have unique challenges. Keith shared Lancashire Humanists' experience of setting up an “online café” for those people unable to attend events in a physical location.
4. Navigating Humanists UK systems
Catriona McLellan (Humanists UK) gave an update on what resources partner groups have access to
and how best to get in touch with the “right” person at Humanists UK, whether that be to request a speaker, update committee details, or find written guides.
5. What Facebook Wants
Guy Hirst (Humanists UK Communications Manager) led a social media seminar with the aim of growing your humanist community.
6. Religion and Belief Landscape Update
Jeremy Rodell (South West London Humanists) has a particular interest in the changes taking place in the British religion and belief landscape, and the role of open and constructive interactions between people with humanist and religious worldviews. For many years he has been a humanist school speaker for both Humanists UK and the Faith & Belief Forum, and the humanist representative on his local Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education. Jeremy provided an update on recent changes in the religion and belief landscape and what this means for humanists.
7. Campaigning as a Partner Group
Thomas Mohan (Humanists UK Public Affairs & Policy team) provided an update on how groups
can effectively campaign on humanist issues such as assisted dying.
“International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually on March 20th”
8. Showcasing successful activities: The Bristol Blue Plaque Project
Maureen Wright (Bristol Humanists) and Maddy Goodall (Humanists UK Heritage) presented this final session of the day. In 2023, Bristol Humanists successfully campaigned for a plaque to honour locally born humanist Emma Martin (1812–1851), an extraordinary activist, freethinker, and midwife. Following an unveiling by Humanists UK Vice President Alice Roberts, Bristol Mayor Paula O'Rourke, and descendants of Emma Martin herself, the plaque became a key stop on a humanist walking tour
of Bristol, also devised and led by the group. Maureen and Maddy explored how other groups might use history to shine a spotlight on humanism today, including information about birth and death dates of notable humanists throughout history, and United Nations (UN) International Days such as the International Day of Happiness. This is celebrated annually on March 20th and serves as a global recognition of the importance of happiness and well-being. The day highlights the role of happiness as a universal human aspiration and its relevance in public policy and societal progress. Another day of interest is the International Day of Tolerance on November 16. This day promotes understanding, respect, and appreciation for the rich diversity of the world's cultures, beliefs, and ways of life. It serves as a reminder of the importance of tolerance in fostering peace, human rights, and sustainable development.
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