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Community Corner

Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island Hosts Open House August 25

The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island (EHSLI) will

host an open house to engage members of the community about their work –

including social action, Ethical Friends of Children, Ethical Humanism,

children’s programs, and weekly meetings that foster community and encourage

creating a more caring world.


Leaders of the Society will give a brief presentation of the 

movement and programs, followed by a social hour where guests will have an

opportunity to meet members and ask questions.

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While the 60-year old society’s building is a fixture on Old 

Country Road, “people drive by and may not be quite sure what we’re about,”

says Humanist Religion Director Calvin Dame. “We’re opening our doors and

inviting the communities in Long Island and Queens to get to know more about

us, our common values, and belief in the innate goodness of people.” 

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 EHSLI members have been involved in projects as diverse as 

Amnesty International, prison reform, health care, transportation, food drives,

voter registration drives, the environment, and immigration. Ethical Friends of

Children is one of the Society’s premier outreach efforts, serving over 2500

needy local children and families each year – providing clothing and infant

furniture at no cost. The program is entirely staffed by volunteers. The Kenya

Project supports an elementary school in East Africa. The Sunday children’s

program, Kids In Deed, adheres to the motto “deed before creed” by using

community service as the basis for learning ethics.  “We welcome anyone with an interest in helping others and

living an ethical life,” Dame says.


Ethical Humanism is a deeply held set of core values 

dedicated to the ideals of global justice, mutual respect and compassion. Each

Sunday, members gather to celebrate fellowship, participate in activities, and

conduct social action projects to help make the world a better place. The

movement began in New York City in 1876 by Dr. Felix Adler, a German-American

humanist philosopher, educator and social reformer. Today, Ethical Humanism is

a growing movement across the United States, with 26 societies, linked through

the American Ethical Union. 

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