Welcome to Stanislaus Humanists!
So what is Humanism anyway? In a nutshell, Humanism is a worldview which holds that reason and science are the best ways to understand the world around us, and that dignity and compassion should be the basis for how you act toward someone else. Humanism is naturalistic. We rely on our senses and the reasonable inferences we can draw from our experiences. We have come to the conclusion that there is no credible evidence or argument for the existence of God, the supernatural, or an afterlife. We are living the only life we'll have in the only world we know about. The responsibility for the choices we make is ours and ours alone. Visit the About Humanism page to learn more.
Upcoming Events
Queen Bean Coffee Klatch (2nd Sunday)
, 10:00 AM
Queen Bean Coffee House, 1126 14th St, Modesto, CA 95354
Second Sunday of the month. Bring books, devices, or notepads while we solve the world's problems, exchange witty repartee, and drink delicious coffee.
More infoGame Night
, 5:00 PM
Round Table Pizza, 2441 Claribel Rd Ste J, Riverbank, CA
Come and play some games with us! We will have a variety of games to choose from. It will be at Roundtable Pizza in Riverbank.
More infoCalifornia Freethought Day 2026
, 11:00 AM
California State Capitol, 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
California Freethought Day combines the fun and atmosphere of a fair with the education and activism of a conference. It's a festival of freethought.
More info
About Us
Mission Statement
"Humanists strive for a society guided by reason, empathy, and our growing knowledge of the world."
We advance Humanism, an ethical and life-affirming philosophy without supernatural beliefs, and promote a secular society where no one imposes their beliefs or rituals on others. We encourage members to pursue informed, purposeful lives that contribute to the common good.
History
Our roots trace back to local nonbelievers who started a group on Meetup.com known as Stanislaus Skeptics (2009–2011). When the original leadership stepped down, newer members sought a group that embraced a secular humanist philosophy, leading to the formation of Stanislaus Humanists in 2012.
On November 20, 2013, the group became a chapter of the American Humanist Association, a 501(c)(3) organization. We subsequently incorporated in California as a public benefit not-for-profit corporation and registered as a charitable trust. Our first official annual meeting and board elections took place in January 2014.
We've taken part in community service opportunities including caring for the homeless, river cleanups, and assisting refugees. From 2018–2019 we supported Pathways, a transitional housing initiative, providing household items and Christmas gifts to young adults aging out of foster care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted by gathering online using video meeting technology.
Our Board
Directors are elected each January and serve a three year term. All dues-paying members are eligible to vote for new board members.
I'm so happy you're here! We believe in people, in being a part of our community, and in making new connections. We welcome new perspectives and embrace diversity. Please explore the site, especially the About Humanism pages because that's where we lay out what drives and motivates us. If you have any questions about Humanism, you're welcome to ask me or any other Board Member. If you're ready to jump in and become a member, we'll welcome you with open arms. We would also love to meet with you, so be sure to check out the Events page. Register for one of our upcoming events and come introduce yourself!
Board of Directors
- Frank Brown
- John Schattenburg
- Carl Becker
- Brandilyn Mitchell
- Lorraine Nilson
- Freedom Baerheim (Chair)
- Todd Lamb
- Anton Boyadjian
About Humanism
Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives capable of adding to the greater good of humanity. Our values evolve as knowledge advances, drawing from the American Humanist Association's foundational document, "Humanism and Its Aspirations."
Science
Knowledge of the world is derived by observation, experimentation, and rational analysis. We see science as the best method for understanding the world, solving problems, and developing beneficial technologies, while also valuing creative and philosophical ideas tested against experience. Humans are an integral part of nature, the result of unguided evolutionary change.
Humanism & Ethics
Ethical values are derived from human need and interest as tested by experience. We ground our values in human welfare — circumstances, interests, and concerns — while extending consideration to the global ecosystem. We recognize each individual's inherent worth and dignity, and we balance freedom with responsibility. Life's fulfillment emerges from individual participation in the service of humane ideals.
Society
Humans are social by nature and find meaning in relationships. We aim toward a world of mutual care and concern, free of cruelty, where differences are resolved through cooperation rather than violence. Balancing individual identity with interdependence enriches our lives and promotes hope for peace and justice. Humanists uphold human rights and civil liberties, and we are committed to diversity, protecting equal rights in an open, secular society.
FAQs
Are humanists trying to eliminate religion?
No. What does concern us is when religious believers attempt to use the power of the government to force their beliefs upon the rest of society. We advocate for governmental neutrality on religious matters.
What's the difference between secular and religious humanists?
Secular humanists ground moral choices in the application of human reason to human needs, while religious humanists may defer to religious authority in moral decisions.
How are humanists different from Unitarian Universalists?
Both groups share similar values, but UUs honor traditions based on historical authority, whereas humanists challenge such beliefs and traditions and ask for reasonable arguments and sound evidence. UU groups feel more church-like, while humanist groups resemble an academic group devoted to secular learning and pastimes.
Membership
- Individual: $24 / year
- Couples: $36 / year
Membership runs on a February 1 – January 31 cycle and is prorated for mid-year enrollment.
Members may attend Board of Directors meetings, vote for Board members at the Annual Meeting, receive the latest issue of Humanitas (our newsletter), and access an exclusive discussion forum. Members may also serve on the Board.
Our Seven Core Principles
- Knowledge — Understanding through observation and rational analysis.
- Nature — Humans as part of natural evolutionary processes.
- Ethics — Values grounded in human experience and needs.
- Fulfillment — Personal satisfaction through service to ideals.
- Relationships — Social connection as a source of meaning.
- Service — Contributing to society enhances individual well-being.
- Well-Being — Equality and diversity benefit communities and the environment.
Before joining, we encourage you to review the About Humanism section.