What we’re about
We are an organization of atheists, agnostics, skeptics and other freethinkers based in Charleston, South Carolina.
Please note that not all of us have accounts on Meetup.com. From the RSVPs here, it may look as if only a handful of people are planning to attend, but our regular monthly meetings usually draw between 20 and 50 people. The book group meetings usually draw 10 to 15.
For more information, check out our Webpage at http://lowcountryhumanists.org and sign up for our Mailchimp e-mail announcements.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- SHL Book Club: Not the End of the World by Hannah RitchieCharleston County Public Library (Main), Charleston, SC
We'll be reading Not The End of The World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet by Hannah Ritchie for our April book club meeting. The meeting will be held in Meeting Room B of the Main Public Library downtown. There is parking available in the garage under the library (garage closes at 5). After the meeting we'll go out for food and further conversation.
Here is a link to a list of possible book choices for future meetings. Please look these over, and mention any other suggestions in the comments, or at the next meeting.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GsB_OOE-7JkTs0CZv-gs9DJQDOxPNbGT5oF_9gqZjhk/edit?usp=sharing
And here's a blurb about the book:
It’s become common to tell kids that they’re going to die from climate change. We are constantly bombarded by doomsday headlines that tell us the soil won’t be able to support crops, fish will vanish from our oceans, and that we should reconsider having children.
But in this bold, radically hopeful book, data scientist Hannah Ritchie argues that if we zoom out, a very different picture emerges. In fact, the data shows we’ve made so much progress on these problems that we could be on track to achieve true sustainability for the first time in human history. Did you know that:
- Carbon emissions per capita are actually down
- Deforestation peaked back in the 1980s
- The air we breathe now is vastly improved from centuries ago
- And more people died from natural disasters a hundred years ago?
Packed with the latest research, practical guidance, and enlightening graphics, this book will make you rethink almost everything you’ve been told about the environment. Not the End of the World will give you the tools to understand our current crisis and make lifestyle changes that actually have an impact. Hannah cuts through the noise by outlining what works, what doesn’t, and what we urgently need to focus on so we can leave a sustainable planet for future generations.
These problems are big. But they are solvable. We are not doomed. We can build a better future for everyone. Let’s turn that opportunity into reality.
- SHL Walking Club: James Island County ParkJames Island County Park, Charleston, SC
The objective of walking club is not to create an ambulatory herd of humanists, but rather to create a space where anyone who wants someone to walk with can have that.
We meet in the parking area in front of the dog park at James Island County Park. The meeting point will be Tucker's car, a black Toyota RAV4 which will have a dark blue SHL Flag (see a photo of Tucker's car and a map of the park at this link). Tucker will arrive around 8:30 and take Wolfie and Gertie to the dog park. At 9 am they will return to the car, and wait till 9:15. Anyone who shows up by 9:15 will have someone to walk with.
James Island County Park has a $2/person entrance fee, but also sells annual passes that grant access to all the great Charleston County Parks.
Tucker's typical route is just under 3 miles, making one large loupe around the park. Our pace is relative slow as the dogs like to stop and sniff frequently.
There will be a magnetic white board and on the side of Tucker's car where you can write notes, check in, and let others know if you've gone off and to keep an eye out for your humanist friends.
James Island County Park is also a great place for running and biking with about 4 miles of paved paths.
We hope to expand walking club to other locations, and times and to do charity walks. Suggestions for future events are welcome.
- Happy Humanist Hour: Bohemian Bull on James IslandBohemian Bull, James Island, SC
Join your Humanist friends on the first Tuesday of each month for Happy Humanist Hour, where we will share a meal, drinks, and good company.
For May we will be going to Bohemian Bull on James Island. Here is how they describe their inspiration on their website: "We wanted a place where family & friends can come & relax in a lively & open atmosphere. You could fill your belly with hearty, craveable food & wash it down with a delicious selection of craft beers, hand selected bourbons & world class cocktails. We love what we do & we hope you do too!"
Please RSVP so we can get a good count.
Dinner group is always a fun and relaxing evening of stimulating conversation over drinks (alcohol is optional) and yummy food among old and new friends! Hope to see you all there!
- Spring Potluck Picnic & ElectionWanamaker Park North Charleston SC, North Charleston, SC
Join us Sunday, May 19th for SHL's annual spring picnic at Wannamaker County Park at 11:30 am, and enjoy food and fellowship with your humanist friends. We have created an optional sign-up sheet where you can see what other people are bringing and list what you will be bringing. This may be helpful for you or others to decide what to bring: Sign-Up Sheet
If you've never been to an SHL event, we'd especially like to welcome you. We invite you to bring food and drinks to share, but we always have more than plenty so it is totally fine to come empty handed. Your company is enough!
We have reserved the Dogwood Canopy which is a private, fenced-in wooded area with picnic tables, grills and a canopy in case of rain. Dual entry gates make it a safe place to bring your dog to meet your humanist friends.
Take advantage of all Wannamaker has to offer. Let the little kids play in the sprinkler and at at the playground! Get your exercise on the trails and bring your frisbee, bocce ball, croquet or volleyball. You can also play disc golf at the 18-hole disc golf course, and there are horseshoes, too. Rent a boat or a bike, or go to the waterpark.
We will also be holding annual elections for the SHL Board of Directors. Everyone is welcome at the picnic, but only dues-paying members are eligible to vote. If you are not currently a dues-paying member, you can join or renew your membership: https://www.joinit.org/o/shl
We promise to keep business short and sweet. Our focus for the day is revelry!We are also seeking candidates to join the board. If you would like to volunteer your time to help us plan activities and build a robust secular community in the lowcountry, please email president@lowcountryhumanists.org for information about becoming a board member.
Admission to Wannamaker County Park is $2/person, or free for annual pass holders. Last year some people had a difficult time finding us so we have created a document with a map and details to help you find us.
Note that our official start time is 11:30 am, but we have the private Dogwood Canopy space reserved for the entire day. The park is open from 8 am to 8 pm, so if the weather is nice, we invite members and friends of SHL to spend as much of the day enjoying all the park has to offer as you wish.