Events Programme Update

Event Prog to Mar 2012If you've been along to our events recently you’ve probably picked up a copy of the latest Dorset Humanists Events Programme.  

If you haven’t managed to get one yet, it’s now online too so click here to download a copy to your PC.

(Please check the website and/or bulletins for any last minute updates to our event schedule).

Click here to view details of forthcoming and recent events posted on the website.

About Humanists and Humanism

Are you a humanist?

Roughly speaking, the word humanist has come to mean someone who
  1. trusts to the scientific method when it comes to understanding how the universe works and rejects the idea of the supernatural (and is therefore an atheist or agnostic) 
  2. makes their ethical decisions based on reason, empathy, and a concern for human beings and other sentient animals 
  3. believes that, in the absence of an afterlife and any discernible purpose to the universe, human beings can act to give their own lives meaning by seeking happiness in this life and helping others to do the same.
Are you a humanist? Check out these statements!

What do Humanists believe?
  1. Humanism is an approach to life based on humanity and reason - humanists recognise that moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone. Our decisions are based on the available evidence and our assessment of the outcomes of our actions, not on any dogma or sacred text.
  2. Humanism encompasses atheism and agnosticism - but is an active and ethical philosophy far greater than these negative responses to religion.
  3. Humanists believe in individual rights and freedoms - but believe that individual responsibility, social cooperation and mutual respect are just as important.
  4. Humanists believe that people can and will continue to find solutions to the world's problems - so that quality of life can be improved for everyone.
  5. Humanists are positive - gaining inspiration from our lives, art and culture, and a rich natural world.
  6. Humanists believe that we have only one life - it is our responsibility to make it a good life, and to live it to the full.
Who are Humanists?
  • At least 15.5% of the population is non-religious according to the 2001 census, making this the second largest "belief" group in the UK.
  • Ipsos MORI poll of November 2006 revealed that 36% of the population share humanist beliefs on morality and the nature of the universe. More statistics on religion and belief here & here.

January Bulletin and Newsletter

DW 6298984 (crop) Happy New Year to all of our Members and Supporters!

This coming Saturday (14th January) we are very pleased to welcome Richy Thompson from the British Humanist Association to provide us with an update on the campaign against faith schools.  

Also in this month’s Bulletin, an open letter to the Prime Minister, Bournemouth’s first ever Humanist civic funeral, Holocaust Memorial Day, prayers in the Council chamber and more opportunities to hear Humanist comedians. 

In my Letter, you’ll find a short appreciation of Christopher Hitchens and women’s rights.

There’s still time to book up for Robin Ince in February but don’t leave it too late - lunch tickets are nearly sold out, and 'entertainment only' tickets are going fast too.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Best wishes,
David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

Click here to view details of our forthcoming and recent events.