Let’s Take Action at AHACon23 and Around the World
In 2023, the American Humanist Association’s 82nd Conference (May 5-7 in Denver, CO and online) will take place during the Secular Week of Action (April 28-May 7 everywhere). Secular Week of Action (SWoA) welcomes all to dedicate ourselves to ethical action and serve society’s needs. Spanning ten days to allow more opportunities for people to connect through events and campaigns, it offers a meaningful alternative to the US government-sponsored National Day of Prayer, a day to “turn to God in prayer.” SwoA celebrates what human beings can achieve together.
“Too often we feel like we are alone, struggling against enormous odds, trying to make our corner of the world a little bit better,” said Wendy Webber, Programs Director for GO Humanity, which manages SWoA. “Secular Week of Action provides the opportunity for individuals and groups to act together for good with other people across the country and the world to feel the greater impact of being part of collective action even if those people are not standing right next to you. The impact of all this service will ripple into the lives of the direct beneficiaries of the work, and will ripple into renewed energy for more action into the summer and beyond.”
GO Humanity helps individuals and local groups take actions on the SWoA website with a pledge signup, event form, and lots of creative guides, including a toolkit for local groups. Enter what you and your groups are doing on the website and SWoA Facebook Page, spread the word on social media with these cool graphics, and share photos and videos from your projects. Groups are nourishing communities with food drives and meal deliveries. They’re protecting wildlife by cleaning parks and beaches, planting trees, and removing invasive plants. People are empowering each other by advocating for more humane legislation and partnering with successful changemakers. The possibilities are endless!
“Being nonreligious in the Deep South is hard enough, but finding a service project that doesn’t open with a prayer and close with a hymn is even worse,” shared Devon Graham, President of the Humanists of Tallahassee. “That’s the beauty of the SWoA. It gives you a chance to do good, either as an individual or with a group, on your own terms and without the sermon in between.”
On Friday, May 5—during SWoA and the AHA Conference—Devon Graham will join Aiden Barnes from Southeastern Virginia Atheists, Skeptics, & Humanists and Evan Clark from Atheists United for “Humanism is a Verb”, a panel hosted by GO Humanity Executive Director Tif Ho. They’ll discuss how secular and humanist organizers are stepping up to make sure people don’t fall through the cracks when institutions running social safety nets don’t understand the needs of the communities they’re supposed to help. Learn about their Food Security Projects and how you can support those in your area.
Along with insightful sessions and networking opportunities, the AHA Conference will also offer its own service project in partnership with our Colorado humanist groups. We’re cooperating with the Denver Human Services (DHS) Department Spring Showers Hygiene Drive to stock the DHS GIVE Center, a resource for essential hygiene items needed by local people and families. Bring unopened and unexpired items, travel and full-sized welcome, to the Renaissance Denver Central Park Hotel (3801 Quebec Street, Denver, CO) and look for the bin from Denver Health in the conference registration area. We’re seeking:
- Shampoo/Conditioner (2-in-1 or 3-in-1)
- Body wipes
- Tampons/Maxi Pads
- Lotion
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Floss
- Toilet paper
- Shaving Cream/Razors
- Laundry soap/dish soap
- First Aid kits (band-aids, gauze, antiseptic)
- Hand sanitizer
Let us know what actions you’re taking for Secular Week of Action and join us in Denver or online for the AHA Conference.