By Helen Hewitt

They come from a variety of religious backgrounds: Catholic, atheist, Jewish, Unitarian, Mormon; an ex-un, teachers, builder, librarians, engineers, secretaries. They come to share a sense of community as freethinkers. They’ve joined this Humanist group becasue here they find kindred souls, people who threw off their early religious training, people who call themselves “freethinkers.”

While most members are from Portland, many come from long distances to be with others who share their values. Some come from Washougal, Longview and Puyallup, WA. Others come from Gresham and Boring, OR, and still others from Salem, Hillsboro and Aurora, OR. They are happy to travel to Friendly House Community Center to find people whose values match theirs. The Humanist group recently moved to Friendly House from a downtown Portland location because their expanding number, now around 150, made it necessary. With membership growing, the group is considering beginning a children’s Humanist program.

So, what is Humanism? The American Humanist Assocation says “The AHA advances Humanism, a progressive lifestance that, without supernaturalism, affirms each person’s ability and responsibility to lead a meaningful, ethical life capable of adding to the greater good of humanity.” Many Humanists have been prominent in American life — people such as Carl Sagan, Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Jonas Salk, Kurt Vonnegut and Barbara Ehrenreich. Kurt Vonnegut said, “I am a Humanist, which means, in part, that I have tried to behave decently without expectations of rewards or punishment after I am dead.” Past AHA president Isaac Asimov said, “Humanists recognize that it is only when people feel free to think for themselves, using reason as their guide, that they are best capable of developing values that succeed in satisfying human needs and serving human interests.”

One member put it this way: “HGP — Humanists of Greater Portland — is a place where my wife and I can be ourselves; although we don’t all agree on many topics, there is intellectual honesty, respect for differing opinions, and a sense of community that we really appreciate.” Another member said, “I find HGP members to be a collection of fascinating people.” And another: “I have found information and inspiration in many of the programs and friendship and support from my fellow humanists. HPG is animportant part of my life now — sort of like family. I would miss it sorely ifit were not there.”

The Portland Humanist chapter, in addition to its Sunday morning meetings, enjoys getting together as a social group. After the Sunday meeting, many members go to lunch together to continue exchanging opinions. They offer monthly “potlucks” at members’ homes, a book group, a pizza cafe get-together, and each week many people choose to come a bit earlier on Sunday mornings for coffee/tea and pastries — a good time gathering with friends.

The Portland Humanist chapter feels that it has something valuable to share with the larger community. Visitors ar welcome to stop in any Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. at Friendly House, 1737 NW 26th Ave, between Thurman and Savier. They are a friendly, lively group and they think you’ll enjoy the talks and conversations. For more information call 503-222-5531 or visit www.portlandhumanists.org.

Helen Hewitt is a retired teacher who lives in Vancouver, WA. She is a member of the Humanists of Greater Portland.