What we’re about
The Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville is a humanist, non-theistic alternative to traditional religion, a member organization of the American Ethical Union and an affiliate of the American Humanist Association. The American Ethical Union (AEU) is the federation of Ethical/Ethical Culture/Ethical Humanist Societies across the United States. The AEU is affiliated with the the International Humanist and Ethical Union, and the Secular Coalition of America. Our meeting topics are educational, philosophical and of current interest. We are inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is working to create a more humane society. We endeavor to nurture the capacity and responsibility of human beings to act in their personal relationships and in the larger community to help create a better world. Our commitment is to the worth and dignity of the individual and to treating each human being so as to bring out the best in him or her. We join together to assist each other in developing ethical ideas and ideals, to celebrate life's joys and support each other through life's crises, and to cultivate ethical behavior in the community around him or her.
Our regular meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at the Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Road (west off Merrimon at CVS, near UNC - Asheville), 2:30 - 4:00. On 1st Sundays the meeting is a Colloquy. Information about the origin and process of Colloquy appear in the "Pages" section of this site. Third Sunday platform meetings have a topic presented by a speaker which is followed by a discussion period. An informal discussion/social time follows platform meetings.
Meetup friends are persons interested in coming to our meetings/activities. The Meetup site is used for communication; signing up to be a friend/member on the Meetup site does not connote membership in the Ethical Society. Membership is reserved for those who attend Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville activities and wish to be members of the organization. They are invited to complete an Interest in Membership form which is available at our meetings. We started using Meetup for communication and awareness in June 2009. The Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, however, was founded before that - in August 2001.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Why the World's Religions Still MatterAsheville Friends Meeting House, Asheville, NC
“Why the World's Religions Still Matter” will be presented by Vicki Garlock at the Sunday, June 15, 2025, meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, 2:30 – 4:00 pm at 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC. All are welcome to attend.
Religion has long been used to justify the worst of human behaviors. We're also seeing a modern-day shift in the role of both religious institutions and faith-based practices. Nevertheless, religion continues to play an important role in one's identity, how we interact with our neighbors, and how we care for the earth. Vicki has a special interest in educating kids about the world's religions. As it turns out, her award-winning kids' books also help educate adults.
Vicki Garlock earned a Ph.D. with dual specialties in neuroscience and cognitive development and became a Psychology Professor at Warren Wilson College. To spend more family time, Vicki took a job at Jubilee! Community where she ran their Sunday School program, wrote the curriculum for kids aged 3 through 8th grade and became their Minister of Education. Vicki has written three books. Her latest book, “ABCs of the World Religions”, was recently named an International Impact Award Winner! It also received a Bronze “IPPY” and a Book Excellence Award! “We All Have Sacred Spaces” received a Gold Award from the Nonfiction Authors Association and a Bronze “IPPY” in the Multicultural Non-Fiction for Juvenile/YA. “Embracing Peace – Stories from the World’s Faith Traditions”, a 2021 Finalist in American BookFest’s Children’s Religious category, features 16 of her favorite stories from various centuries, cultures, and religions. Her website is: https://worldreligions4kids.com
The Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville endeavors to nurture the capacity and responsibility of human beings to act in their personal relationships and in the larger community to help create a better world. We are inspired by the ideal of working to create a more humane society, recognizing each person’s worth and dignity, and helping to bring out the best in them. We are a member of the American Ethical Union and an affiliate of the American Humanist Association. We join together to assist each other in developing ethical ideas and ideals, to celebrate life’s joys, support each other through life’s crises, and to cultivate ethical behavior in our community.
For more information: call 828 687-7759, email EHSAsheville@gmail.com, visit our website at: http://EHSAsheville.org, or see us on MeetUp: www.meetup.com/Ethical-Society-of-Asheville.Weddings and Ceremonies Officiated:
The Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville offers individualized, custom wedding services. Honoraria for officiating are direct contributions to the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information: email EHSAsheville@gmail.com.
