About us
This is a group for anyone who is, or thinks they might be, a Humanist, or who simply wants to find out more about Humanism in a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
We have a lively programme of free events including talks by external speakers, courses, discussions on topical issues, a book group, and other social activities. We are also active in the community promoting humanism in schools and at public events. All our events are open to both members and non-members. Come along and meet us, we’re a friendly and engaging bunch. All are welcome!
Humanists are people who shape their own lives in the here and now because we believe it's the only life we have. We treat others with compassion, warmth, understanding and respect. We understand the amazing world we live in through reason and science. We recognise the moral responsibility to protect the environment and to make the world a better place for the sake of current and future generations.
Reading Humanists welcome all who share these views, and those who are curious about humanism.
You can find out more by:
- browsing the Reading Humanists website
- looking on Meetup: Reading Humanists
- following us on Facebook: Reading Humanists Page
- signing up for our Email Newsletter
Please consider supporting Reading Humanists by Joining Reading Humanists helping us to provide a stronger voice for the non-religious in Reading.
For more about Humanism in the UK check out the Humanists UK website and the Humanists UK YouTube channel.
If you’re curious about how your views compare to humanism, why not try the quiz: How humanist are you?
Featured event
From cancel culture to 'non-crime hate incidents': defending free speech
Founded in March 2020, the Free Speech Union now has over 40,000 members and has helped thousands of them when their right to free expression has been infringed. Whether in the workplace, at university, in the pub or online, attempts to silence people for their opinions have reached astounding levels. The FSU is at the forefront of the fight to restore this fundamental right to its proper place at the heart of democracy. Dr Macvarish will offer insights into the varied work of the FSU: case work, legal defence, parliamentary interventions, campaigning and educational outreach and explain why free speech matters so much.
Dr Jan Macvarish is Education and Events Director of the Free Speech Union. She has been a long-standing advocate for free speech, organising conferences and campaigns in its defence for over 30 years. Before joining the staff of the Free Speech Union in 2020, she worked as an academic sociologist, studying parenting, family life, intimacy and reproductive health. She is the author of Neuroparenting: the expert invasion of family life and co-author of Parenting Culture Studies with colleagues at the Centre for Parenting Culture Studies at the University of Kent.
Subscribe to Reading Humanist newsletter to stay informed of future events https://reading.humanist.org.uk/contact-us/
We have a suggested donation of £3 for evening talks. Payment can be made to:
- Payee: Reading Humanists
- Sort Code: 23-05-80
- Account No.: 42619124
Upcoming events
4
From cancel culture to 'non-crime hate incidents': defending free speech
Quakers Friends Meeting House, 2 Church Street,, Reading RG1 2SB, GBFounded in March 2020, the Free Speech Union now has over 40,000 members and has helped thousands of them when their right to free expression has been infringed. Whether in the workplace, at university, in the pub or online, attempts to silence people for their opinions have reached astounding levels. The FSU is at the forefront of the fight to restore this fundamental right to its proper place at the heart of democracy. Dr Macvarish will offer insights into the varied work of the FSU: case work, legal defence, parliamentary interventions, campaigning and educational outreach and explain why free speech matters so much.
Dr Jan Macvarish is Education and Events Director of the Free Speech Union. She has been a long-standing advocate for free speech, organising conferences and campaigns in its defence for over 30 years. Before joining the staff of the Free Speech Union in 2020, she worked as an academic sociologist, studying parenting, family life, intimacy and reproductive health. She is the author of Neuroparenting: the expert invasion of family life and co-author of Parenting Culture Studies with colleagues at the Centre for Parenting Culture Studies at the University of Kent.
Subscribe to Reading Humanist newsletter to stay informed of future events https://reading.humanist.org.uk/contact-us/
We have a suggested donation of £3 for evening talks. Payment can be made to:
- Payee: Reading Humanists
- Sort Code: 23-05-80
- Account No.: 42619124
15 attendees
Lunchtime Discussion Group - The Implications of Artificial Intelligence
Old Bell Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1LS, Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1LS, Burghfield Common, GBDine and Discuss in a friendly environment!
Join our popular Lunchtime Discussion Group for an afternoon of friendly conversation whilst dining at a local restaurant.
In March we'll be discussing The Implications of Artificial Intelligence. There are briefing materials available before the discussion at: Briefing Materials: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is already making decisions that affect who receives bail, which cancer scans get flagged, and how children are taught. Some of us are using these tools every day without fully understanding what they are or how they work.
Will they make our lives easier? Or quietly steer us in directions we haven't chosen? Can we trust what they tell us? Where have they already caused real harm, and where have they produced genuine breakthroughs?
We'll be discussing how these systems developed and what they actually do under the hood, before turning to the practical question of what we should all be aware of as we increasingly rely on them — at work, at home, and in the decisions that shape our lives.
What are you views? Come along to share them and discuss with like-minded people in a friendly environment.
About Discussion Group
Our discussions can cover any socially relevant issue. Participants decide on the topics for discussion based on their interests. From evolution to anthropology, from economics to psychology, from the environment to . . . anything that catches your interest.
If you want to contribute, we’d ask you to prepare something that has fired up your imagination. Contributions might be sharing ideas from a book or article you’ve read, or simply an idea that you’ve researched. Individuals will submit a written summary of their idea before the meal.
On the day, the group will question, discuss and assess the implications. If you want to come along to listen and comment, that’s fine too. The aim is to engage a group of like-minded people who enjoy understanding and challenging each other’s ideas.
3 attendees
Online Dinnertime Discussion Group: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence
·OnlineOnlineIn March we'll be discussing The Implications of Artificial Intelligence. There are briefing materials available before the discussion at: Briefing Materials: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is already making decisions that affect who receives bail, which cancer scans get flagged, and how children are taught. Some of us are using these tools every day without fully understanding what they are or how they work.
Will they make our lives easier? Or quietly steer us in directions we haven't chosen? Can we trust what they tell us? Where have they already caused real harm, and where have they produced genuine breakthroughs?We'll be discussing how these systems developed and what they actually do under the hood, before turning to the practical question of what we should all be aware of as we increasingly rely on them — at work, at home, and in the decisions that shape our lives.
What are you views? Come along to share them and discuss with like-minded people in a friendly environment.We are trialling this as a sister event to our in person Lunchtime Discussion Group. We are planning to run this on the 4th Thursday of the month and will use the same topic and material as the Lunchtime Group. We are open to feedback and will use the feedback to inform future events.
What to Expect:
The Format: This is a relaxed, online gathering. Grab your meal if you've not had chance to eat, log in, and join the conversation from the comfort of your home. A paper will be available to read ahead of the event.Participation: Newcomers are always welcome. There is no pressure to speak or have your camera on the whole time; attendees can simply sit, eat, and listen if they prefer.
Future Plans: We are keeping this fully online to reach as many people as possible, but we are very open to organizing in-person gatherings in the future if there is interest from the group.
Cost: Free.
We encourage those who have the means and interest to support us through membership. More information available on our website https://reading.humanist.org.uk/reading-humanists/membership/8 attendees
The Fairness Test: What would a fairer UK look like?
Quakers Friends Meeting House, 2 Church Street,, Reading RG1 2SB, GBEveryone talks about fairness - but what does it mean for government? At the Fairness Foundation, we make the case that the value of fairness must be more than a slogan for politicians, it should be the north star guiding public policy, helping to rebuild the social contract and expand real opportunity for all. In doing so, we draw on our research and attitudinal evidence to set out a clearer, bolder narrative for government, and argue that today’s extreme inequalities in wealth and power are unfair, unpopular and damaging to our economy, democracy and social fabric.
Jason Bunting,Advocacy Manager at the Fairness Foundation, will be joining us. He has extensive experience in political advocacy and public policy. Jason previously served as a Parliamentary Assistant in the Northern Ireland Assembly, focusing on regional economic inequalities, and as a Press and Policy Assistant at the SDLP’s central office, where he made a key contribution to party policy development.
Subscribe to Reading Humanist newsletter to stay informed of future events https://reading.humanist.org.uk/contact-us/
We have a suggested donation of £3 for evening talks. Payment can be made to:
- Payee: Reading Humanists
- Sort Code: 23-05-80
- Account No.: 42619124
10 attendees
Past events
173
Group links
Organizers
Members
828
