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BHA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2013
Distinguished scientists, philosophers, artists, writers, and entertainers gathered in Leeds from 7 – 9 June 2013 to debate and discuss some of our biggest questions about life, the universe, and everything…
From the General Secretary Steve Chinn
secretary@humanism-scotland.org.uk
Through the lens of humanism, all in attendance at this year’s British Humanist Associations Annual Conference 2013 explored imagination, pushed the boundaries of the understanding of creation, and investigated how people engage with the world. Guests included theoretical
physicist and President of the British Humanist Association Jim Al-Khalili, psychologist and writer Sue Blackmore, public astronomer at Greenwich Observatory Marek Kukula, award-winning writer Christopher Priest, Gardiner Chair of Chemistry Lee Cronin, author of Girl with a One Track Mind Zoe Margolis, comic artist and writer Melinda Gebbie, geneticist, broadcaster and editor for the science journal Nature Adam Rutherford, geek songstress Helen Arney, comedian Robin Ince, and MC for the opening evening, drag performer Timberlina. Terry Pratchett, much loved and
distinguished supporter of the British Humanist Association, was the worthy recipient of the 2013 Services to Humanism Award for his writing and advocacy.
www.humanism-scotland.org.uk
Values are easy; action is harder We all know this, and it’s wonderful to see Society members acting to make the word a better place. Or if not the world, then a city. If not a city, then a city park. Or a corner of a city park. Or half an hour of sustenance and human warmth in an otherwise cold and desperate life. Grand plans are as easy as
values, but what’s really important is to start somewhere and do something. Nothing starts big and successful. Everything is born small and fragile, and needs nurturing to grow. Everything we think worth doing needs our energy, and time. So it’s better – dramatically better – to step forward and pick up a single
piece of litter, than to complain that one’s colleagues aren’t doing something. At their best, organised religions
have had a big advantage over humanism. They have been networks of the willing and able, reaching out and doing things that matter – things that improve the quality of other peoples’ lives. Humanist hats off to those in the Society who know that this shows human beings and their humanity at work. Let’s each do what we can. Let’s not boast about it. Let’s recognise our colleagues who organise it, and participate in it. Let’s be humanists, and not just talk humanism. Cordial humanist regards.
Let Us Know What You Think!
Our new Members’ Survey is now up and running online. We want to hear your thoughts about everything from why you joined the Humanist Society to the issues you care about most! The Society is working on some exciting new initiatives, and your feedback will be invaluable to us as we work to become even more responsive to the needs and concerns of all of our members. Please spare a few minutes of your time to let us know how we’re doing, and how the Humanist Society could work better for you! As a fun incentive, we will be holding a prize draw from amongst the respondents, and the lucky winner will receive a Kindle! To complete the survey, simply go to:
tinyurl.com/humanist-survey The winner will be chosen from amongst all entries received by 1st October and announced in our October issue, so watch this space!
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