What we’re about
This group is sponsored by HumanistsMN, which brings together people who, without supernatural beliefs, aspire to lead lives of personal fulfillment and contribute to the greater good of humanity and the planet through reason, science, compassion, and creativity.
If you believe in those principles or are interested in learning about them or want to help others learn about humanism join us for our meetings, events, and social times.
We usually have a regular Humanist Community Gathering on the 3rd Saturday of the month but will send out a reminder to members when the topic/speaker is set (or check the calendar!).
In addition, there are many other smaller meetups during the month.
Meetings are open to anyone who is interested in humanism and wants to meet other humanists. But please considering joining HumanistsMN to help support us financially and build the power of humanism in our society. Join here!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- SMART Recovery Support GroupFirst Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN
Looking to beat an addiction? SMART Recovery is a stigma-free and self-empowering secular program serving those with an addictive behavior. This post is for promotional purposes only and no rsvp is required to respect the confidentiality of attendees.
Anyone seeking a secular recovery program is invited to attend our weekly support group sessions -- whether to tackle a particular substance or an activity/process addiction. Participants design and implement their own recovery plan to create a more balanced, purposeful, fulfilling, and meaningful life.
Sessions are led by Kim T., a trained volunteer SMART facilitator, who draws on evidence-based motivational and cognitive behavioral theories. Within a mutually supportive group environment, SMART participants are empowered to develop their ability to:
- Build and maintain motivation
- Cope with urges and cravings
- Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- Live a balanced life
Whether you are seeking a course of recovery for yourself or have been mandated to attend a recovery program, SMART Recovery provides a path to life beyond addiction.
These sessions are sponsored by HumanistsMN -- a local community of humanists, agnostics, atheists, and freethinkers. If you are not yet a dues paying member, please consider joining to help us cover our costs and build the humanist movement. Not yet ready to join? Donations are gratefully accepted! Donate or join us at humanistsmn.org.
- Science Fiction Book Club: “Lord Valentine’s Castle” @ SECULAR SATURDAYFirst Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN
Welcome to our monthly HumanistsMN Science Fiction Book Club! Join us every month -- or come as you are able.
Our August book is “Lord Valentine’s Castle” by Robert Silverberg. On a complex world a man finds that he has lost his memories of who he is. He joins a traveling performing group and begins his quest. Could he be the displaced Coronal of the world. It’s a fascinating journey on a planet inhabited by multiple species.
The book discussion will be from 3:00 -- 4:30. Afterwards, join other Secular Saturday session attendees in the gallery for refreshments and socializing.
Our book club facilitator is Scott Lohman, a long-time activist with HumanistsMN, serving as president, vice-president, and board member at various times. He is a life-long science fiction reader and chairs a small local sci-fi con held annually in the summer.
This event is sponsored by HumanistsMN. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining to help us cover our costs and build the humanist movement. Not ready to join? Donations are gratefully accepted! Join or donate at humanistsmn.org.
- What's Going on with Young Men? @ Secular SaturdayFirst Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN
What's going on with young men, the internet, and online content creators? Why is this demographic in particular at the forefront of so much current discourse? How can we use a Humanist perspective to understand and improve life for those impacted by the chaos of the modern world?
With the rise of figures like Joe Rogan, Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, and a spectrum of other "manosphere" creators, we see the online content market finding a variety of ways to address a genuine need for meaning and comfort for many men in the modern world. Join us as we discuss the history of the subject, the multitude of factors feeding this present predicament, and what we, as a Humanist community, might offer as an alternative.
The presentation and discussion will be from 3:00 - 4:30. Afterwards, join other Secular Saturday attendees in the gallery for refreshments and socializing.
Facilitator: John Walker is a Board member of HumanistsMN and a (relatively) young guy who narrowly dodged the grip of the pre-pandemic manosphere, but has curiously kept a finger on the pulse of the subculture since.
This event is sponsored by HumanistsMN. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining to help us cover our costs and build the humanist movement. Not ready to join? Donations are gratefully accepted! Join or donate at humanistsmn.org.
- American Civil Religion: Functional or Fractious? @ Secular SaturdayFirst Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN
American Civil Religion is a sociological theory focusing on the idea that for many Americans, the symbols, rituals, and dogma associated with Christianity have become so intertwined with the symbols, rituals, and dogma often associated with core parts of an American identity that they can be thought of as a singular concept. For these Americans, the idea of being an American and being a Christian are inseparable, and a threat to one is a threat to the other. Symbols of patriotism, such as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or standing for the American National Anthem, are treated with a zeal most frequently associated with religion.
Understanding American Civil Religion may offer valuable insights into many current political trends, particularly in relation to Christian Nationalism and the MAGA movement. This session will begin with a relatively brief introduction on American Civil Religion, followed by a group discussion where participants are invited to offer their thoughts and ideas related to the topic.
The presentation and discussion will be from 3:00—4:30, facilitated by HumanistsMN member Scott Ode. Afterwards, join other Secular Saturday attendees in the gallery for refreshments and socializing.
This event is sponsored by HumanistsMN. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining to help us cover our costs and build the humanist movement. Not ready to join? Donations are gratefully accepted! Join or donate at https://humanistsmn.org
