Curious? Come See What We’re About.
Walking into a new group for the first time can feel a little uncertain.
Who will be there? What will people talk about? Will I be expected to introduce myself? Is this going to feel like a lecture, a political meeting, a church service without the church, or something entirely different?
Those are perfectly reasonable questions.
At the Humanists of Hemet and San Jacinto (HHSJ), our meetings are intended to be welcoming, relaxed, thoughtful, and genuinely human. You do not need to know anything about Humanism before attending. You do not need to identify as an atheist or even as a humanist. You do not need to agree with everyone in the room.
You simply need to be curious, respectful, and willing to share a little time with other people who are interested in ideas, community, and living thoughtfully.
If that sounds appealing, you will probably fit right in.
You Don’t Need to Be a “Humanist Expert”
There is no entrance exam.
Some people who attend HHSJ have identified as humanists, atheists, agnostics, secularists, skeptics, or freethinkers for many years.
Others are relatively new to the idea.
Some may have recently left a religious community. Others may have been nonreligious their entire lives. Some may still participate culturally in a religious tradition while approaching life from a largely naturalistic or humanistic perspective.
And some people simply show up because a particular topic sounds interesting.
All of those people are welcome.
You do not need to arrive knowing the history of Humanism, having read philosophical texts, or being able to explain your worldview in perfect detail.
In fact, “I’m still figuring out what I believe” is a perfectly good place to begin.
What Are the People Like?
There is no single type of humanist.
Our members and guests come from different backgrounds, professions, generations, political perspectives, experiences, and personalities.
Some people love philosophy.
Some love science.
Some are interested in ethics, social issues, history, art, or religion.
Some simply want to meet other nonreligious people.
Some are talkative.
Some prefer to listen.
What we hope to share is something more important than having identical opinions: curiosity, compassion, respect, and a willingness to think.
Humanists tend to ask questions.
We enjoy examining ideas, discussing difficult subjects, learning new things, and occasionally challenging one another’s assumptions.
That means you may hear opinions you agree with enthusiastically—and others you do not.
That’s okay.
HHSJ is not built around ideological conformity. We want thoughtful conversation rather than an echo chamber.
What Happens at a Typical Meeting?
HHSJ meetings and events can vary considerably depending upon the subject and format.
A gathering might include a speaker or presentation, a group discussion, a conversation about Humanism or ethics, a science or history topic, a current social issue, a community project, or simply an opportunity to socialize.
Some meetings may be intellectually serious.
Others may be intentionally informal.
Often there is plenty of room before or after the formal program for conversation, introductions, laughter, and getting to know one another.
You are not expected to speak unless you want to.
If discussion is opened to the group, you are welcome to participate, ask questions, offer another perspective, or simply listen.
There is no pressure to perform.
Expect Conversation
Humanists like to talk.
We may discuss philosophy, science, religion, skepticism, ethics, politics, history, books, art, technology, the environment, local issues, or whatever subject happens to capture people’s curiosity.
Some conversations will be light.
Others may become surprisingly deep.
We encourage people to ask genuine questions and explore complicated subjects rather than reduce everything to slogans.
You may hear disagreement.
That is normal.
Humanism values free inquiry, and free inquiry would be rather pointless if everyone were required to reach the same conclusions.
Our expectation is simply that disagreement remain respectful.
Criticize ideas freely.
Ask difficult questions.
Challenge arguments.
But treat the person across the table as a fellow human being.
We Are Not a Church
HHSJ is a secular organization.
Our meetings do not include worship, prayer, religious instruction, or declarations of faith.
There is no sermon you are expected to accept and no creed you must repeat.
At the same time, we recognize that people sometimes miss the community that religious organizations traditionally provide.
People enjoy gathering together.
We enjoy friendships.
We need places where we can talk about important things.
We like marking significant moments, helping our neighbors, sharing meals, laughing together, volunteering, learning, and occasionally doing something simply because it is fun.
There is no reason those things must belong exclusively to religion.
Part of what HHSJ hopes to provide is a secular community where people can enjoy those same forms of human connection without being asked to profess beliefs they do not hold.
We Are Not a Political Party Either
Humanists often care deeply about public issues.
You may hear discussions about religious freedom, separation of religion and government, science education, civil liberties, environmental responsibility, poverty, equality, or other matters affecting human welfare.
But HHSJ is not intended to function as a branch of any political party.
Humanists can—and do—disagree about politics.
What we hope to bring to public questions is a humanist approach: look at the evidence, consider the consequences for real people, protect freedom and dignity, listen to competing arguments, and remain willing to reconsider our conclusions.
You should never feel that you have to adopt a particular political identity in order to participate in our community.
Expect Respect
HHSJ is committed to providing a welcoming environment.
You should be able to attend one of our gatherings without being harassed, pressured, ridiculed, or treated as though you do not belong because of your race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religious background, nonreligious worldview, or other personal characteristic.
We also respect personal boundaries.
You are never obligated to share personal information, explain why you are nonreligious, discuss your religious history, participate in a debate, or answer questions you would rather not answer.
You are welcome to participate at your own comfort level.
Our Conduct & Harassment Policy applies to HHSJ meetings and activities and reflects our commitment to maintaining a respectful community.
What If I Still Have Religious Beliefs?
You are still welcome to visit.
HHSJ is a humanist organization, and our programs generally approach questions from a secular, naturalistic perspective. Most participants will likely be nonreligious.
But we do not require visitors to arrive with a particular label.
People sometimes attend because they are questioning.
Others are curious about how humanists think.
Some have religious family members or partners and want to better understand secular perspectives.
A respectful religious visitor who is genuinely interested in conversation is welcome.
We simply ask everyone—religious and nonreligious alike—not to use our meetings as an opportunity to proselytize or pressure others into accepting a particular belief system.
Conversation is welcome.
Conversion campaigns are not.
What Should I Wear?
Whatever you would normally wear to a casual community gathering.
There is no dress code.
You are unlikely to need a suit.
You are unlikely to need anything resembling Sunday best.
Come comfortable.
Do I Have to Join Before Attending?
No.
You are welcome to attend an event and get to know us first.
In fact, that is probably the best way to decide whether HHSJ is a community you would enjoy being part of.
Attend a meeting.
Listen.
Ask questions.
Meet a few people.
See how it feels.
If you enjoy yourself, come back.
Community develops naturally over time.
What If I Come Alone?
Many people do.
Showing up alone to a room full of strangers can feel intimidating, but remember that nearly everyone in the room was once the new person.
We try to make newcomers feel welcome without putting them on the spot.
You may be greeted and introduced to a few people, but you should never feel obligated to make a speech about yourself or explain your beliefs.
If you would rather quietly observe your first meeting, that is perfectly fine.
If you would rather jump immediately into conversation, that is fine too.
Serious Ideas, Human Beings, and a Little Fun
We care about important subjects.
Humanism asks serious questions about ethics, meaning, science, society, freedom, responsibility, and how human beings can live well together.
But seriousness does not require solemnity.
Humanists also laugh.
We tell stories.
We share meals.
We talk about movies and books.
We make friends.
We occasionally wander completely off topic.
Some HHSJ events may revolve around a presentation or thoughtful discussion. Others may be primarily social. Community service projects, outings, meals, informal gatherings, and other activities can be just as much a part of humanist community as philosophical discussion.
A good humanist community should contain room for both thinking deeply and enjoying being alive.
You Don’t Have to Agree With Us
This may be one of the most important things to know before attending.
You are allowed to disagree.
With the speaker.
With another member.
With the person sitting beside you.
Even with something written on this website.
Humanism values critical thinking, and we cannot claim to value critical thinking while expecting everyone to reach identical conclusions.
We ask only that disagreements remain civil and that everyone follow our community standards.
We want conversations where people can say:
“I don’t think that’s right.”
“What evidence supports that?”
“I hadn’t considered it that way.”
“I disagree, but I understand your point.”
And perhaps occasionally:
“You know what? I think you’ve changed my mind.”
Those are healthy conversations.
Your First Meeting
Your first HHSJ meeting does not require any commitment.
Think of it simply as an opportunity to meet some people.
Come a few minutes early if you would like time to introduce yourself before the program begins.
Stay afterward if people are gathering to talk.
Ask someone what brought them to Humanism.
Tell us what brought you.
Or simply listen.
You may find yourself talking with someone whose journey is remarkably similar to yours.
You may meet someone whose experiences are completely different.
Both are valuable.
Come As You Are
You do not need to have everything figured out before walking through the door.
You do not need the correct label.
You do not need the correct vocabulary.
You do not need to prove how skeptical, secular, philosophical, or intellectual you are.
You don’t even have to be certain that Humanism is for you.
Bring your questions.
Bring your curiosity.
Bring your experiences.
Bring your sense of humor.
And bring yourself.
That is enough.
Join Us
If you’ve explored our website, read about Humanism, looked through our Purpose & Values, and found yourself thinking, “These sound like my kind of people,” the next step is simple.
Come to a meeting.
Attend an event.
Introduce yourself.
Listen to a discussion.
Stay for a conversation.
There is no obligation beyond that.
You may discover an interesting organization.
You may learn something new.
You may make a friend.
And perhaps, somewhere along the way, you may discover a community where you feel at home.
We hope to see you there.