WHAT IS HUMANISM?

Secular Humanism is a rational life philosophy which provides a framework for people who wish to live ethically responsible, socially liberated lives without belief in the supernatural.

OUR HISTORY

In Queensland, Humanism in an organised form began when the Rationalist Society officially changed its name in 1968, becoming the Humanist Society of Queensland.

OUR AIMS

The Humanist Society of Queensland (HSQ) is an association of non-religious people who seek a rational constructive approach to all human affairs. It offers a positive alternative to all religions and dogmatic creeds. It acts to defend freedom of opinion and the expression of that opinion; as well as every civil liberty of the individual. It supports via legislation any other democratic and constitutional means to improve social conditions. It supports the widest conception of education for all people for the better understanding and enjoyment of human life.

OUR ACTIVITIES

Serving the needs of non-religious people: Most of our activities are geared towards offering practical support and services to non-religious people. We hold monthly meetings to provide a social outlet for our members and others interested in Humanism. We aim to educate and inform others about Humanism and Secularism. We are always striving to improve the services we offer to members and in the future would like to build a support network for non-religious families and parents.

Providing a rational voice on ethical issues: We seek to build a more secular and ethical society, with equal rights for all, without special privileges afforded to any specific group. In particular, we are concerned with issues where religious views obstruct the right of the individual to self determination, for example, in reproduction rights and voluntary euthanasia. We promote a rational understanding of the world without reference to a supernatural being. We seek to defend the rights of those who identify themselves as non-religious.

Networking Nationally and Internationally: HSQ is part of the Council of Australian Humanist Societies (CAHS), it hosts or sends delegates to the annual CAHS convention. Our Society is affiliated with the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), the international umbrella organisation for Humanists, Rationalists and Freethinkers.

PRESIDENT:                        Maria Proctor          0438 630 450

VICE PRESIDENT:              Vis Koffsovitz

SECRETARY:                       John Martin

TREASURER:                       Bernie Doran          07 5497 4435

COMMITTEE MEMBER:     Robert Heard

EMAIL: queensland.humanist@gmail.com

POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 2041, Brisbane, Q 4000

Our April 2009 meeting will be at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Please contact our Treasurer, Bernie Doran for details. From May to November we will meet on the last Sunday of every month, 1 - 3 PM in the Community Room, Brisbane Square Library.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

We keep in regular contact with members via our monthly e-newsletter. Members can keep in touch and join in discussions through our facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52028529716&ref=ts

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE HUMANIST SOCIETY OF QUEENSLAND

I apply for membership of the Humanist Society of Qld. I support the aims of the Society (as outlined on the homepage).

Name: Mr Mrs Ms Miss Dr __________________________

Address: __________________________________________

Town/Suburb:__________________ Postcode: __________

Telephone:_________________ Email: _________________

Category (circle one): Single ($15), Couple ($30), Retired/unemployed ($10) Tertiary Student (Free Associate membership)

Name of partner (for couple category): ___________________

Signed: ________________ Date: ______________________

You may pay either at your local Branch of the Commonwealth Bank, to A/c No 06 4000 1045 2935, quoting your name and Postcode, or Post your cheque or Money Order to:

The Treasurer HSQ,
90 Breadsell Dr,
Caboolture, Qld 4510.