Representatives from dozens of local humanist groups, all affiliated to the British Humanist Association, met this weekend in Birmingham. The Group Representatives’ Annual Meeting (GRAM) is held each year, with opportunities for humanist leaders to share ideas, learn best practice and network.
This year the programme for GRAM included talks on running a public course on Humanism, delivering effective group communications, providing a voice in the local community, and running local campaigns on issues such as ‘faith’ schools.
Brian Quinn, a regional representative on the BHA Local Development Project, explained how millions of pounds have been diverted to ‘faith’ groups in recent years, variously labelled as ‘community’, ‘interfaith’ or ‘faith advisers’ funding, and how he was working through several networks and bodies in the Yorkshire and Humber region to carry the otherwise entirely neglected non-religious voice. Rosemary Taylorson and Jeremy Rodell of South West London Humanists gave a detailed presentation on their group’s effective and high profile local campaign against a new state-funded ‘faith’ school. Rob Grinter of Manchester Humanists spoke about the very successful public course on Humanism run by his group, and now being rolled out by the BHA to groups across England and Wales.
Bob Churchill, Head of Membership and Promotion at the BHA, said ‘The groups network is very important. Sometimes running a local group means providing a way for humanists to come together in discussion about ethical and philosophical topics, and anything of broad interest to humanists. Sometimes – as with South West London Humanists’ recent campaign on a proposed new ‘faith’ school in their area, or Devonshire Humanists’ tireless challenging of local council prayers – groups provide an important focus point for activism and can have real impact on the course of events.’
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There are 97 local, student and special interest humanist groups affiliated to the British Humanist Association. See our Groups pages for more information.
For further comment or information, contact Bob Churchill on 020 7079 3586.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief.