What we’re about
Humanist: Someone who believes that our behavior should be intentional and supports our need to live together in community. By contributing to the happiness and welfare of others we will be building our own happiness, too.
This group is for people who believe that our social problems will be solved by people working together rather than calling upon a deity to "save" us. It doesn't matter if you are religious, atheist, or agnostic: this humanist group is independent of beliefs.
A long established group of humanists is Sunday Assembly. It was originally created in London then grew internationally including the United States. Here in Gainesville we have our own chapter: Sunday Assembly Gainesville (SAGA) which meets each month on the 3rd Sunday for fellowship, song, and furthering their motto: "Live better. Help often. Wonder more." SAGA also has a social brunch on the 1st Sunday each month, and promotes other humanist events.
The Sunday Assembly:
1. Is 100% celebration of life. We are born from nothing and go to nothing. Let’s enjoy it together.
2. Has no doctrine. We have no set texts so we can make use of wisdom from all sources.
3. Has no deity. We don’t do supernatural but we also won’t tell you you’re wrong if you do.
4. Is radically inclusive. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their beliefs - this is a place of love that is open and accepting.
5. Is free to attend, not-for-profit and volunteer run. We ask for donations to cover our costs and support our community work.
6. Has a community mission. Through our Action Heroes (you!), we will be a force for good.
7. Is independent. We do not accept sponsorship or promote outside businesses, organizations or services.
8. Is here to stay. With your involvement, The Sunday Assembly will make the world a better place.
9. We won’t tell you how to live, but will try to help you do it as well as you can.
10. And remember point 1... The Sunday Assembly is a celebration of the one life we know we have.
Live Better: We aim to provide inspiring, thought-provoking and practical ideas that help people to live the lives they want to lead and be the people they want to be.
Help Often: Assemblies are communities of action building lives of purpose, encouraging us all to help anyone who needs it to support each other.
Wonder More: Hearing talks, singing as one, listening to readings and even playing games helps us to connect with each other and the awesome world we live in.
Sunday Assembly Gainesville maintains its own membership list; this meetup page is one tool used to let people know that SAGA exists. It is entirely up to you to choose your level of involvement. The web page for SAGA is www.SundayAssemblyGainesville.org - check it out!
Lastly, as humanism is all about community, if you know of an event - online or in-person - that you think should be shared with other members of this Meetup group, please send me a message about it. As examples, let me know about parades, petition drive/marches, performances, or even YouTube videos worth sharing.
Thank you. Welcome. Love life!
