What does Humanism Mean?
....for the individual?
That we must accept responsibility for our own lives; that we should pursue positive ideals and develop our potential; that we should enjoy life to the full in ways that respect the well-being of others.
...for human relationships?
That we need each other and must care for each other; that we should treat other people as well as we would want to treat us; that respect, compassion and practical help are therefore fundamental values.
...for society?
That communities and societies need to pursue positive ideals; that all states should promote open societies in which differences of opinion and lifestyle are accepted and state institutions are not biased towards any particular interest group; that societies ensure universal human rights and help their members to play full part at all levels within their community.
...for the whole world?
That the future of humankind and the natural world lies in our hands alone; that individuals and nations must be more responsive and cooperative if present and future generations are to benefit from, rather than suffer for, the advantages the industrial nations now have; that we must provide everyone with the security and means to control population growth; and that we must ensure that economic and social development respects the value and interdependence of all forms of life.
The International Humanist and Ethical Union has nearly one hundred member organisations from over 30 countries, representing nearly five million members. These organisations range from large membership groups to specialist bodies such as publishers, universities and development agencies.
Humanist organisations provide a community for those who find meaning and value in life without looking to a god. But more than this, they work to translate humanist aspirations into practical actions.
Many humanist principles have found expression in human rights conventions. Humanist groups defend and promote these rights - especially the rights to individual self determination and freedom of belief - through education and lobbying campaigns.
Practical activities in the community range from the provision of sheltered housing for the elderly to helping the victims of religious intolerance and persecution. Humanist organisations also provide social and personal support through education, counselling, and community care. Some countries support hundreds of professional moral educators in schools and humanist counsellors in universities, hospitals, prisons, the armed forces and elsewhere.
As well as representing the humanist movement at an international level, IHEU works to support humanist groups and individuals and to develop cooperation between them. A strong international organisation is essential to increase the world-wide impact of humanism and to ensure that the world humanist community benefits fully from the achievements of all its members.
