Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix (HSGP)

Sunday Speaker Topic: The Arizona We Want - Jeanne Casteen - Secular AZ

We'll reflect on the 2026 midterm elections and discuss next steps from school board to legislature.

After an historic midterm election, Arizona has elected progressive candidates in statewide, legislative, and Congressional races. That does not mean our work is done, and many local races and governing bodies have had full Christian nationalist takeovers. Jeanne will share results, consider next steps, and ask for your input to craft a legislative agenda that centers around secular values, our shared humanity, and the common good. It is up to all of us to keep the momentum going, and help our Arizona neighbors whose local governing bodies still aim to limit their first amendment rights.

***The 2027 HSGP board elections will be held at this meeting. If you are a dues paying HSGP member, we need your help. Current membership is 305, and we need at least 31 members present for voting to acheive quorum.***

Bio: Jeanne Casteen has a bachelor’s degree in human communication and history from the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at ASU and a master’s in education, also from ASU. Jeanne has over 11 years of experience teaching in Maricopa County’s public schools. In 2011, Jeanne completed the Emerge Arizona program and in 2012 became a school board member of the Creighton School District. She served as Board President from 2016 through 2020. In 2020, Ms. Casteen ran for Maricopa County School Superintendent and came within 12,000 votes of winning. She has been awarded the Arizona School Public Relations Association Award for Excellence in Advocacy and Political Contributions to Education as well as the Arizona School Board Association’s All-Arizona School Board Member Award.
Jeanne is a teacher, mother, former school board president, and the Executive Director for Secular AZ. She is a public education advocate, avid camper, hiker, and lover of dogs.

Please Note:
Doors open at 9:00 am for optional buffet breakfast ($10 donation) and socializing. Speaker program begins at 10:00 am.

Important: $10 breakfast fee waived for awesome humans bringing in food to share!

## Overview

Join Greenhouse Gives for a connective and engaging community discussion on culture!

Culture is more than where we come from. It's something we create together.

From the traditions we inherit to the communities we build, culture influences how we think, connect, and experience the world. But how often do we stop to question it?
Join us for an engaging, open conversation as we explore:

• 🌎 What is culture, really? And how does it shape who we are?
• 🌱 Where does culture come from? How do our values, beliefs, and shared experiences shape it?
• 🤝 Where do we belong? What happens when we don't identify with the cultures around us?
• 💚 Can we intentionally create culture? And what kind of communities do we want to cultivate?

Real Talk isn't a lecture or a debate. It's a welcoming space to share perspectives, challenge assumptions, explore meaningful topics, and connect with people from different walks of life.
No expertise needed. Just an open mind and a willingness to connect.

Come curious. Leave connected.

Real Talk: Cultivating Culture
📅 Sunday, November 15th, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix 627 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201
💚 FREE | Donations welcome | Open to the public
Hosted by Greenhouse Gives in partnership with the Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix.

Are you or somebody you know suffering from an addiction to a substance or behavior? Are you looking for a secular support group for those addictions?

We all know about other 12-step groups and the lack of a scientific basis for support, but what about programs for the non-believer? Introducing, SMART recovery!

There are meetings every Monday and Tuesday. This event is free and open to the public.

Our Purpose
To support individuals who are struggling with addictive behaviors (substances or activities), as well as the concerned significant others of people who struggle with addictions. Our program is evidence based, and helps participants build and maintain motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and live a balanced life. Our facilitator is also trained in assisting family members. We focus on learning how to help without "enabling", how to set boundaries, and discussing self-care activities.

Our Approach

• Teaches self-empowerment and self-reliance.
• Encourages individuals to recover and live satisfying lives.
• Teaches tools and techniques for self-directed change.
• Meetings are educational and include open discussions.
• Advocates the appropriate use of prescribed medications and psychological treatments.
• Evolves as scientific knowledge of addiction recovery evolves. If you wish to attend but prefer to RSVP confidentially, send a Meetup Message to one of our hosts. Need to know more? Check out their videos: SMART Recovery

See you there!

• Important to know
You may RSVP on this page, as usual, or you may choose to send a private message to the facilitator, Sadie Jane. To do so click on their picture below. Note that it is unnecessary to RSVP.