Why Join Ethical Culture?
Many people ask why should they join Ethical Culture. The answers are manyfold. First of all, Ethical Culture affirms the worth, dignity and uniqueness of every human being, and we try to deal with all people with reason, compassion, and responsibility. We celebrate life's joys and support each other through life's crises.
We also strive to protect the earth and work together to improve our world and the world of our children.
As a humanistic organization, we believe that deed comes before creed. Our relationships with fellow human beings are more important than whether or not we agree about the existence of a supreme being.
We help our children develop their own code of ethics, and we watch them - and ourselves - grow. Most of all, we believe that life is most meaningful when lived ethically.
When you choose to join Ethical Culture, you become part of a supportive community. Your involvement can take place within the community or you can get involved with some of our larger projects, such as supporting repeal of the Rockefeller Drug Laws or helping to raise money for the Innocence Project, which pays for DNA testing for wrongfully-accused prisoners.
Ethical Culture gives you access to Sunday talks and programs, numerous cultural activities, adult education courses, a film series, and debates and forums on major political, economic, and social events.
But even more than exposure to activities and events, Ethical Culture imparts the good feeling that comes from meaningful involvement with people and working toward making the world a better place.
Are You Interested in Becoming a Member?
If the answer is yes, The New York Society for Ethical Culture encourages you and/or your family to get to know our diverse humanist-religious community by attending Sunday Meetings held at 11:30 a.m. from September through June and at 10:30 a.m. during the summer. There you'll be introduced to our programming and activities, other members and friends, and be invited to attend an informational gathering immediately afterwards when you can learn more about us. And, as with all newcomers, we invite you to join us for a complimentary lunch at which time members socialize.
If you have children, we invite them to attend our Sunday School program - Ethics for Children held at the same time.
Society members are committed to providing a community that enhances and complements individuals by offering a religious home that nurtures the spirit, respects the intellect, and connects you to others who value the importance of making this world better for all. To better understand our liberal philosophies and social concerns, the Senior Leader conducts a two-hour orientation once a month for all interested newcomers.
Becoming a member:
- Attend some of our Sunday Morning Meetings (coffee hour/lunch/socializing to follow) and attend one of our evening courses or big events.
- Attend an orientation session about NYSEC (usually held monthly with our senior leader and other interested newcomers).
- Fill out an application to join the Society. Your application should be accompianied by a one-time fee of $150. This goes to cover initial costs, including registration with Ethical Culture's national body, the American Ethical Union.
- Meet with our Senior Leader.
What Are a Member's Responsibilities and Privileges?
After saying yes to membership, we encourage you to become involved in the various good works of the Society and to attend our 5-session course, "The Foundations of Ethical Culture". A meeting with members of the Society's Annual Pledge Drive Committee will be arranged with you to secure your pledge of appropriate financial support. You will begin to receive the newsletter, vote at annual meetings, and to enjoy the various benefits of being a member-in-good-standing of the historic New York Society for Ethical Culture.
More information:
For more information, contact Suzy Frazer in the NYSEC membership office.
