Hands-on Humanism: Play a hand in the next wave Humanist movement

Welcome to our 2026 program for ‘Hands-on Humanism’.
This local Melbourne Community of Humanists Australia, guides members to develop the freedom of thought necessary to arrive at their own well informed decisions about the difference they wish to be and see in the world. In this session we explore the emerging horizon of 'Second Wave Humanism' as an evolving response to the turbulent times currently facing Humanity.

Discover the many lenses through which to view Humanism.
Are you looking to know yourself better as an integral part of Humanity? This human-centred framework of monthly events is designed to illustrate the diverse pathways into Humanism. Understand how your values can be put into action on a local, national or international scale? Our regular conversations guide us to connect more deeply, integrate a diversity of perspectives, and encourage one another as we grow. Empowering Humanity to flourish by cultivating a future rooted in dignity, empathy and reason.

Certainty closes doors; curiosity opens them.
Humanists are encouraged to live wisely through intellectual humility and shared inquiry rather than fixed beliefs. Currently, we are living through a seismic shift in human history, a moment that demands both reflection AND imagination! With old systems faltering as global challenges intensify, we must learn from Humanity's past patterns, to make conscious present choices, whilst daring to dream of futures that have yet to exist.

Hands‑on Humanism emerged to draw together ancient wisdom, modern knowledge, and ethical ideas into the kind of joined‑up thinking and effective action society needs. By engaging together, we can move forward in values-driven practical ways, to become part of life’s long evolutionary continuum —not simply reacting to change, but instead connecting the dots to consciously shape it for generations to come.

WHAT this workshop offers: In this interactive, human-hearted workshop, we focus on the evolution and key directions for 'Second-wave Humanism'. Through learning about Humanist principles, we figure out ways to practice this ethical life stance across all sectors of society at a pace and scale that feels right to you. You are invited to embark on this exciting journey together to envision how you wish to contribute, one idea, one action, one human story at a time.

Hands-on Humanism program Leaders
Email us for more information and to receive copy of our annual calendar of events. In this way, we can keep you up to date and email you any follow up articles summarising the event, with additional educational links

Jennifer Crossland (email: jenny@humanistsaustralia.org) is a social innovator and creative thinking coach in life and business, Her background is in economic and community development, having previously lead a business incubation and innovation centre in the UK. Her focus is on transforming vision into action through the power of IMAGINATION. Her love of philosophy led her to Humanism and to envisioning ways to actively repair our social fabric at the local level.

Claudia Keast (email: claudia@humanistsaustralia.org) Claudia embraces Humanists’ core values, including compassion for all - appreciating strength in diversity, within like-minded communities to transform learning into practice. Claudia has a Bachelor’s in German, Chemistry and Biochemistry with a teaching diploma and a Master’s in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Claudia’s passion is teaching English to immigrants and refugees. In her free time, she hangs out with her husband and dog Casey, her circle of friends and loves to visit Europe.

Pricing Options: Please note, first time participants can attend for free.
We encourage you to visit or join Humanists Australia to support this charity and benefit from the wide range of national events and interesting online talks. Previous attendees who have not joined formally as Humanist members are asked to contribute $10 (or $5 concession). Our Humanist members ticket price is $5 for our workshops. This is simply to help cover our basic venue, stationery and refreshment costs. We provide a range of teas, good coffee and biscuits during the break. Remember to bring cash or if you prefer donate online and provide screenshot of your contribution. To save time, a one time payment can be made for 2026. Non-Members $100, Humanist Members $60

Hybrid Event: This is a Human-to-Human event, with our guest speaker from Sydney presenting online for a section of our workshop. Attending alongside other Humanist community leaders from around Australia. If you wish to join us online instead, please contact us before the date of the event by emailing jenny@humanistsaustralia.org and we can provide you the zoom link nearer the date.

Location: Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre is located in the heart of the Canterbury Gardens and a short walk from Main Street shops and cafes. Address: 2 Kendall St, Canterbury, VIC 3126.
Public transport: The centre is a short walk from Canterbury train station and is also close to the Canterbury Road and Rochester Road bus stop on bus route 285.
Parking: Underground and ground-level parking is available onsite and accessed from Kendall Street.