We are delighted to announce that Harvard Humanist Alumni, a group of Harvard Humanist, agnostic, atheist, and non-religious alumni, is officially coming together. We have submitted a proposal to the Harvard Alumni Association (the “HAA”) to establish a Harvard Humanist Alumni “Shared Interest Group” (”SIG”) within the HAA. Creating such an entity is essential for using the identifying Harvard name and provides crucial publicity and other resources for building our group. The proposal consists of petitioning signatures and the foundational documents. The HAA will vote on the proposal for this SIG in early May.

These past months we have heard from many Harvard alumni looking for help with a Humanist or non-religious wedding, funeral, or baby naming ceremony; from others concerned about violations of Church-State separation and the continued empowerment of the religious right in American politics; and from many others who simply want to connect with a supportive, like-minded community of people who understand that no god or supernatural power can improve our world for us, so we must do it ourselves. If you share any of these hopes and concerns, there are hundreds–most likely thousands–of Harvard alumni who feel as you do.

We need your participation in the following projects to build our group:

1) MEETINGS/DISCUSSION GROUPS. We held our first meeting in December of last year in Harvard Square. We brainstormed about many organizational issues and shared our personal stories of developing interest in Humanism. We plan to organize additional such meetings in the Boston area and other cities. E-mail Rekha if interested in attending or organizing future meetings.

We have also formed a Humanist Small Group (the “HSG”), in conjunction with Harvard student groups, that meets biweekly on Saturday afternoons in Boston/Cambridge. The HSG discusses a wide range of topics, including ethics, psychology, technology and culture, activism, current events, public policy, and historical context. Most importantly, the HSG is a great opportunity to socialize with other Humanists. If interested in attending the HSG or organizing another HSG in another city, please join the HSG on facebook or e-mail Rekha.

2) FUNDRAISING. The Humanist Chaplaincy has recently been offered a major challenge grant, contingent upon expanding our alumni board and fundraising. If you can help us financially at this critical time, please contact Humanist Chaplain Greg Epstein right away at 617-495-5986 or greg_epstein (at) harvard.edu.

3) INTERNET GROUPS. We have created a Harvard Humanist Alumni group on facebook. Have a look and join! Also, join our notification listserv here. We will be creating a discussion listserv soon.