You're invited to our annual Fall Kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m. The celebration will launch a new season of Humanist events designed to inspire curiosity, build connections, and spark action on today’s most pressing challenges.
This year’s ESSL programming is organized around three guiding themes: The Power of Us, Seeking Truth, and Empowered Together.
“The year of programming is designed to foster meaningful, intergenerational conversations and engagement around the Society’s core beliefs,” said Executive Director of Community Experience Claire Alexander. “Each category reflects key Humanist values and provides a structured yet flexible framework for discussions, events, and community action. By aligning programming with our guiding principles, we create opportunities for deeper learning, collaboration, and impact.”
The Power of Us (September through December) recognizes that positive change comes from human efforts. ESSL members affirm the importance of taking responsibility for themselves and their communities. From climate change to vast inequality and political dysfunction, Society members recognize that the greatest challenges facing humanity are problems humans must solve together, and they are confident that progress is possible through collective action.
Seeking Truth: Reason, Evidence, Experience (January through March) celebrates human reason and experience as the only reliable route to knowledge. ESSL members reject revelation and tradition as a source of knowledge and agree that understanding comes through collective efforts and the best in human thinking.
Empowered Together: Celebrating Human Dignity (April through June) uplifts the equal dignity and worth of all people. The Society rejects racism; sexism; classism; ableism; homo-, trans-, and queer-phobia; and any other system that demeans or denigrates any person. Members aim to promote compassion for all people, all the time.
The Fall Kickoff celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers something for all ages. From 10–11 a.m., guests can participate in a hands-on service project packing emergency contraceptive kits or take part in a guided tour of the Society’s striking 1964 modernist building, designed by architect Harris Armstrong.
Complimentary childcare and youth activities for ages 0–18 will be available from 10 a.m. to noon. At 11 a.m., Alexander will introduce the year’s guiding themes and preview upcoming opportunities during the Platform address.
“The Ethical Society has become a second home to me,” said Ethical Society Board of Trustees Secretary Christine Politte. “I’ve met my best friends here and made connections with so many interesting people. I am so grateful I took the leap and went to my first Platform a few years ago. Everyone was extraordinarily welcoming, and I’ve found so many ways to build relationships, get involved, and support my community.”
The Ethical Band will provide live music with a celebratory set including “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, “The Chariot” by the Cat Empire, and “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang. Following the Platform, guests are invited to stay for snacks, kid-friendly activities, and music.
“Attending the Ethical Society of St. Louis reminds me of the power of Community and how alongside like-minded people with shared values, it’s easier to face change and challenges so courageous outcomes become reality,” said Ethical Society Board of Trustees President-Elect Clark Hotaling. “That is exactly what I saw in this community and why I keep coming back, why I became a member, and why I said yes joining the Board.”
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