Media Release: New Humanists Australia to Support Communities

A new not-for-profit organisation, Humanists Australia, will launch with a celebration spanning three days, beginning on the evening of International Human Rights Day, Thursday December 10.

The new organisation has four main goals:

• educating all Australians about Humanism as a framework for an ethical, meaningful and fulfilling life,

• encouraging the formation of, and providing support for, diverse and inclusive Humanist communities around Australia,

• supporting people persecuted as a result of their Humanist beliefs, both in Australia and (working with Humanists International) overseas, and

• advocating for policies that reduce societal inequalities, advance secularism, advance human rights, and improve quality of life, guided by reason and evidence.

“We believe that Australians of all ethnicities, gender identities, sexual preferences, abilities and ages need to find local communities that are welcoming and inclusive, and that will help them find meaning and fulfillment in their lives. Humanists Australia will be dedicated to building and supporting communities that value compassion, human rights, reason and science. We believe in creating an organisation where young Australians can find fulfillment through positive action and caring relationships” said Humanists Australia Acting Chair, Mary-Anne Cosgrove.

The launch will take place mostly online via Zoom, with the exception of local community dinners on the Saturday night. Speakers include:

• Andrew Copson, President of Humanists International and CEO of Humanists UK 


• Fiona Patten, Australian Humanist of the Year 2020 and leader of the Reason Party

• 
Tim Hollo, Director of the Green Institute

• 
Lyndon Storey, Human Union Project 


• Arnagretta Hunter, Interim Chair of Commission for the Human Future

The launch schedule is available at humanistsaustralia.org.

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