Many people are intimidated by the academic aura that tends to go with humanism. They feel that you can only call yourself a humanist if you are sufficiently educated or clever to enjoy taking part in scientific debate and philosophical discussion. This is a grave mistake.

Humanism is about living: about living life well in so far as one can; about living and working with fellow men and women for the good of society, now and in the future. You do not have to be an academic to feel that these things are important.

There are so many ordinary, down-to-earth, hands-on humanists wanting to talk and exchange experiences and they do not get enough opportunity

We can expect to hear great speakers and powerful speeches. Let's try to make these occasions memorable for all humanists.

(Condensed from International Humanist News, Vol.6, #1, by Jane W. Wilson, Vice President International Humanist and Ethical Union)

--Flo Wineriter