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Introduction to the Institute for Humanist Studiesby Larry Jones, IHS founder Matt Cherry, IHS Executive Director
This is the recap of a talk given at the March 10, 2002 CDHS monthly meeting.
Imagine a world in which Humanist organizations cooperate and support each other's efforts. Imagine also, a world in which Humanist groups can begin to have the same level of financial resources currently enjoyed by religious organizations. At the Institute for Humanist Studies in Albany, Larry Jones, President and Founder, and Matt Cherry, Executive Director, are working to make this dream a reality. At the March meeting, Larry and Matt described the state of Humanism as a movement in the modern world and pointed out ways in which the IHS has a unique ability to keep it interconnected and expanding. In 1999, Larry founded IHS as a not-for-profit educational organization to promote greater public awareness, understanding, and support for Humanism. He wanted to remedy the negative effects of competitiveness and distrust between groups like the two national organizations. An example of this is what Larry calls the "Manifesto Wars." The CSH and AHA have sparred over Humanist Manifesto 2000 and AHA plans to produce a manifesto of its own (Humanist Manifesto III). What a waste of time and effort this infighting is! Have we forgotten who the real opponents are? By founding IHS, Larry made a commitment to foster cooperation and communication between Humanist groups and make them more effective in teaching and defending Humanism. To help meet these goals, the IHS Fund was established, which provides grants for Humanist projects. It supports programs that promote Humanism, educate about Humanist philosophy, and defend the rights and interests of nonbelievers. Programs that are self-sustaining and can be models for others are of great interest to IHS. In 2001, IHS granted its first $110,000 to ten Humanist projects and in 2002 another $110,000 funded the following:
As an international organization with local roots, the IHS Fund has set aside $5,000 in grant funds for CDHS in 2002. CDHS has been invited to submit one or more project proposals for how to use this money. [Ideas are needed for projects that would merit this support; send your suggestions to Holly Nolan.] This is an example of the close working relationship of IHS and CDHS aimed at gaining local recognition for Humanism. The structure of IHS itself is an indication of the direction that Larry and Matt want the Institute to take. By being a non-membership organization, it lives up to its quest for a Humanist community unencumbered by competition for members. Matt describes Humanism as the world view of modernity. He points out, however, that organized Humanism will remain insignificant unless it fully embraces what computer technology and the Internet have to offer. The Internet can open the lines of communication to the worldwide Humanist community while avoiding the restrictions of print media which provide access only to those who pay. It will provide information which is unlimited in time or space. This breaking down of barriers will lead to increased participation and cooperation, the empowerment of individuals, and the ability to reach new audiences. As evidence of how effective the Internet can be for Humanism, Matt points out the vibrant student Humanist movement connected by the Internet, as well as the Coalition for the Community of Reason and the communication between local groups. To encourage this, IHS gives free web hosting to Humanist groups and activists through "Humanists.net". As an introduction to the educational plans of IHS, Matt gave an exclusive preview of the Continuum Of Humanist Education (COHE) - an online distance-learning program. Its faculty members are leading academics, writers, and activists from around the world. Courses include philosophy, history, science, religion, and activism. Course material is presented in a variety of ways including online readings, interactive quizzes, e-mail, chatrooms, and bulletin boards. When faced with the reality that 9 out of 10 Americans believe in gods, angels, and miracles, and that many seem oblivious to fact that America was founded as a secular republic on the Humanist principles of the Enlightenment, one can see why educational programs such as COHE are greatly needed. It is time to try new methods to reach and educate people and this is what the IHS is doing. The first IHS conference, "Sowing the seeds for a more Humanist Future," is to be held June 7-9 in Tampa, FL. Themes include progressive group networking, the best practices of local groups, and Humanist education. Future directions for IHS include expanding into political action and influencing policy makers. In the near future, there are plans to hire a lobbyist. For more information check out the Institute's website, http://www.humaniststudies.org, or call their office at 518-432-7820 to ask for a brochure. Contact us for further information at info@humanistsociety.org Send website comments to webmaster@humanistsociety.org Return to CDHS Home |
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