Ethical Humanist Society of the Triangle

Meaningful Personal Musical Moments
2025-03-02 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
In follow-up to Jay Niver’s powerful presentation on the song “Strange Fruit,” we will have a special program highlighting meaningful songs or musical experiences of our members and friends. Jay will host this, in which members will come to the meeting and share the impact of music that has had personal significance for them, followed by playing the piece. A smart phone is one suggestion for the song sharing, as it can be held up to the microphone and will be heard by the live audience as well as the Zoom audience. Please join us for this musical introspective!
This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact us form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make your request.

How Music Moves Us
2025-02-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
EHST member Jay Niver will share the backstory behind one of the most powerful and controversial songs in US history, “Strange Fruit.” It became Billie Holiday’s signature song and sold more records than any she recorded, but few know that it originated as a protest poem written by a New York City English teacher.
Jay will also discuss another haunting, troubling, and sometimes-banned composition, “Gloomy Sunday” – also known as “the Hungarian suicide song.”
It all relates to the power of music as a universal language (and some of us might share our “favorite” tune and why it’s personally meaningful).
This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact us form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make your request.

AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Race
2025-02-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Program using Zoom
EHST member Solomon Gibson III will entertain your most sensitive and/or casual queries in exploring the experiences of being Black in America; as well as share general insights and observations on racial hierarchy, survival culture, American history and some of its direct connection to the current state of the country. Bring your most penetrating questions, knowing that no sincere interest in learning will offend. Mr. Gibson is an actor in local dinner theater productions, an advocate for women’s rights to medical care including abortions, and also happens to be African American. He has spoken many times to EHST; he is a member, and is on our board of directors.
This program will be presented via a Zoom session. You do not need a Zoom account to “attend” this virtual meeting. If you would like to be a participant in the meeting, please use our contact us form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make your request.

Embracing AI in the 4th Industrial Revolution
2025-01-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
This talk explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) as the driving force behind the 4th Industrial Revolution. It delves into how AI is reshaping industries, from automation and predictive analytics to personalized experiences and sustainable practices. The presentation will highlight the opportunities AI creates for innovation, economic growth, and societal advancement, while also addressing the challenges of ethical AI development, workforce transitions, and equitable access to technology. Attendees will leave with insights into how to navigate and thrive in an AI-powered future.
Todd Bishop has spent 36 years as an IT professional, from programming to senior technical lead, with the last 15 years at GlaxoSmithKline. He has an undergraduate degree from Duke University, a masters of education from UNC, and an MBA from Duke. Although he has never worked in artificial intelligence specifically, as an IT professional he understands computer systems and how AI is evolving, and is excited about the changes that are taking place.
This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact us form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make your request.

Annual Business Meeting
2025-01-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
All members and friends are strongly encouraged to attend our annual business meeting. This is an important opportunity to discuss priorities for EHST in the coming year. The 2025 budget will be presented, with time for Q&A and potential modifications, before a vote on accepting the budget. We also will be electing Board trustees and officers.

This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact us form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make your request.

The Tipping Point I Got Wrong
2025-01-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Program using Zoom
We will watch a brief TED Talk by Malcolm Gladwell, “The Tipping Point I Got Wrong” and follow it up discussion based on some of the points brought up in the talk. Because a central theme to this talk is the danger inherent to and unconstitutionality of stop and frisk, we expect a lively dialogue! Gladwell wrote a book, published in 2000 titled “The Tipping Point“. He has now published a book (2024) titled “Revenge of the Tipping Point”.
This program will be presented via a Zoom session. You do not need a Zoom account to “attend” this virtual meeting. If you would like to be a participant in the meeting, please use our contact us form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make your request.

A Discussion of Atheism and Ethical Culture
2025-01-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
According to a Pew Research Center report from 2024, roughly 28% of Americans are religiously unaffiliated, classified as “nones”. Of these, 83% profess to be agnostic or vaguely uncertain about religion, with the remainder being atheists who claim god or gods do not exist. If, however, atheism is defined more broadly as an absence of theistic belief, most “nones” may be considered to be atheists. In general many accuse atheists of being nihilists or lacking a foundation for moral and ethical standards. However, it may be argued that because atheism does not adhere to the dictates of a predefined moral code, it supports the development and evolution of an ethical culture based on critical thinking about human interactions and social justice. Fred Breidt will lead a group discussion of what atheism is and how atheism and religion can influence Ethical Culture values.

This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact us form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make your request.

Gathering Light In Our Times
2024-12-29 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Program using Zoom
EHST will join the American Ethical Union (AEU) program today at 11:00 am EST. You may see more about this program here. Note that registration is required. Use this link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkf-2vqzgjGdIEmPWGty7Khr_QFgiUBWq7#/registration

https://aeu.org/2024/11/december-29-aeu-all-societies-platform-gathering-light-in-our-times/

EHST Holiday - no program today
2024-12-22 13:30 - 15:30 | NC
We will not be meeting today. We look forward to seeing you in 2025!

2024 End of Year Extravaganza!
2024-12-15 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
Please join us for our final meeting of 2024. As this is the last gathering of the year, we will be hosting a triumvirate of programs:
1) Ethical Action: Foster family gift wrapping:
We are sponsoring a local family through the Foster Care Division of the Orange County Department of Social Services. We are providing help in a variety of ways, including some gifts that we will be wrapping. This family is also in need of help with basic necessities (some clothes, shoes, and even groceries) that we will provide for with gift cards so they can make their own shopping choies. If you are able to attend and would like to bring a financial donation, that would be great. If you are not available on Sunday, please consider donating on our website, https://ehstnc.org/support/ . Please add a note that this donation is for the foster family sponsorship. All donations are welcome!
2) Forecasting the Future:
We will have surveys available to fill out with some questions regarding 2025. They will range from world politics through sports straight on to pop culture. Once these are gathered and consolidated, your responses will reappear at a later meeting next year.
3) Social time with members and friends:
This is a great time to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy the company of others. Standard refreshments will be provided, but if you would like to bring an extra snack to share, please feel free to do so!
We will not be Zooming this program. Nor will we meet on 12/22. The program on 12/29 is an all AEU program. See you next year!

Fighting Christian Nationalism in Minnesota
2024-12-08 13:30 - 15:30 | Virtual Program using Zoom
As marketing co-chairs of HumanistMN, Suzanne Perry and Ellie Haylund worked together last year to put up a billboard near the Minnesota state capitol that read, “Reject Christian Nationalism: Keep Religion Out of Government.” The billboard drew widespread media attention and raised people’s awareness of their organization. This effort was instrumental in expanding knowledge of humanist values in the community and significantly increased their membership.
Suzanne Perry is a Board member and co-chair of the marketing committee for HumanistsMN. An ardent advocate for separation of religion and government, she has coordinated an annual event at the Minnesota State Capitol to commemorate the National Day of Reason and worked with legislators to set up the Secular Government Caucus. She is now helping to plan a Forum on Religious Freedom in January in Minneapolis.

Ellie Haylund is an enthusiastic humanist and has been involved with her local chapter, HumanistsMN, for almost a decade. Since 2016, she has served on HumanistsMN’s board of directors, is their current president, and co-chairs the marketing committee. She is passionate about bringing widespread visibility to humanism, cultivating the next generation of humanists, and advocating for the separation of religion and government.

This program will be presented via a Zoom session. You do not need a Zoom account to “attend” this virtual meeting. If you would like to be a participant in the meeting, please use our contact us form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make your request.

Potluck for our members and friends and visitors
2024-11-24 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
EHST will start the holiday season with a New World Potluck. We will meet at our usual venue, Extraordinary Ventures. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share that features New World foods. (See the list below.) Also, feel free to bring beverages or something store bought to share. And bringing something to share is not required to attend.
Come one, come all and celebrate our secular community!
This meeting is in-person only.

New World Foods for the potluck.
Grains
● Corn/Maize ● Quinoa ● Amaranth ● Wild rice ● Indian Corn (Flint Corn)
Legumes
● Peanut ● Pinto, tepary, black, kidney, navy, scarlet runner and lima beans
Nightshades
● Potato ● Tomato ● Bell and chili peppers ● Tomatillo
Fruits
● Pineapple ● Guava ● Passion fruit ● Papaya ● Cherimoya, sugar-apple, hog plum, and soursop ● Pawpaw ● Dragonfruit/pitaya ● Concord grape ● Huckleberry ● Strawberry ● Blueberry ● Cranberry ● Raspberry ● Salmonberry ● Oregon grape ● Thimbleberry ● Mayhaw) ● Blackberry ● Plum ● Black cherry ● Chokecherry ● Hawthorn Berry ● Staghorn Sumac ● Prickly Pear or Cactus Pear ● Persimmon
Nuts
● Peanut ● Cashew ● American chestnut ● Pecan ● Black walnut ● Brazil nut ● Butternut or White Walnut ● Acorns ● American Hazelnut
Other
● Cocoa ● Vanilla● Cassava ● Sweet potato ● Jicama ● Jerusalem artichoke ● sunflower ● Avocado ● Agave ● Pumpkin and squash ● Chayote ● Chia ● Maple Syrup ● Honey ● Yaupon ● Sassafrass
Meats
● Beaver ● White Tail Deer ● Wild Turkey ● America Bison ● Passenger Pigeon ● Quail

Volunteering in Ukraine: A Personal Perspective
2024-11-17 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
What inspires an ordinary person to volunteer in a distant country that’s at war, where even the alphabet is unfamiliar? What would the experience be like? And why might they be willing to return? You’re invited to hear the story of Philip Semanchuk who has been to Ukraine three times in the past year and will go there again soon. Philip Semanchuk lives in Pacifica Cohousing in Carrboro, NC. His surname comes from the Lemko people in the Ukranian highlands.

This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make the request.

Discussion Sunday - What Now That The Election Is Over?
2024-11-10 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
We will discuss the results of the November 5th election and what it means to us individually as well as an organization dedicated to nontheism, separation of church and state, and freedom of and from religion. Will the election make our lives and our commitments easier or more difficult? What lessons do we take away from this election?
This program will be presented via a Zoom session. You do not need a Zoom account to “attend” this virtual meeting. If you would like to be a participant in the meeting, please use our contact us form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make your request.

Exploring the North Atlantic with Gretchen Niver
2024-11-03 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
EHST Member Gretchen Niver joined a few members of the Skeptics Society, and others, on an Arctic and Greenland cruise on the Swan Hellenic Vega in early October. Learning about Inuit societies in Greenland and Northern Canada, and visiting such unique landscapes was a thrilling experience, which also included Northern Lights, sled dog puppies, icebergs, polar bears, and the only Viking settlement remains in North America. Come and share her journey this Sunday.
This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make the request.

2024 Fall Members Meeting
2024-10-27 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
Each fall, EHST has a meeting of members, friends, and visitors to discuss how the current year has gone, and what looms ahead for the next calendar year. Our programs, budget, board activity, and needs are reviewed during the meeting. Questions are encouraged, which we will attempt to answer, as is feedback, to allow all to understand our “state of the union.” We also will kick off our pledge campaign for 2025. Come get the facts about our humanist congregation!
This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make the request.

The Need for Foster Families in Orange County and N.C.
2024-10-20 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
We are focusing on the need for foster families in Orange County, as well as in N.C. We have three guests from the Orange County Social Services Department who will speak about the challenges, and needs of foster care.
Courtney Byrd: Foster Home Licensing Social Worker. Courtney has many years of experience both as a social worker and a foster parent herself.
Rachel Floyd: Adoption Social Worker and Foster Home Licensing Social Worker. Rachel was previously an In-Home and Permanency Planning Social Worker in Orange County. Rachel has been with Orange County over 6 years including an internship completed for a graduate degree.
Tracey Trask: Foster Home Licensing Social Worker. Tracey has been with Orange County over 18 years.

This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make the request.

We Are The Guardians - A Documentary Film
2024-10-13 13:30 - 15:30 | Virtual Program using Zoom
In recognition of Indigenous People’s Day, we will show a documentary “We Are The Guardians.” Here is brief overview of the film from the website: “We Are Guardians follows Indigenous forest guardian Marçal Guajajara and activist Puyr Tembé as they fight to protect their territories from deforestation, an illegal logger who has no choice but to cut the forest down, and a large landowner at the mercy of thousands of invaders and extractive industry. ” After 83 minute film we will discuss our takeaways from it.
This program will be presented via a Zoom session. You do not need a Zoom account to “attend” this virtual meeting. If you would like to be a participant in the meeting, please use our contact us form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make your request.

Its Impact on Western North Carolina and How We Can Help
2024-10-06 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
Maura Breidt will give a presentation outlining what we know so far about the damage that Hurricane Helene has wreaked, particularly on western North Carolina. As people in our fellow North Carolina society, the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, this would be a great time to come together and see what we can do to help them!

This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact form to make the request.

Building an Intergenerational Movement for Climate Justice
2024-09-29 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Program using Zoom
As Climate Week comes to a close, a panel convenes to look at the unique intergenerational nature of the Climate Justice Movement. Humans of all ages are teaming up to meet the ethical imperative of Climate Justice and to grow this movement. This panel will explore the intergenerational modes and methods that youth and elders have employed, in connecting across their generational divides for this global movement.
Dialogue will aim to reveal some of the struggles, frustrations, joys and learnings from this cross generational collaboration. While different generations may be coming from different points of reference, different inspirational motivation, and different stylistic tendencies, how are they implementing solidarity, and guiding themselves modalities of curious and compassionate interactivity and care, with a common mission? In climate justice circles, this summer has been “the summer of heat.” How are they each navigating the ethical dilemmas they confront in the world through this movement?
Panelists represent Third Act and Fridays For Future (two organizations that Ethical NYC partners with, to support this Climate Justice Movement), as well as No Brooklyn Pipeline, and Climate Families.
Registration is required to attend this program. Here’s the link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvf-yqrT4pG920xUxMh1gzKTVt28Bu-v3R#/registration

Discussion: Voting Ethics from a Philosophical Perspective
2024-09-22 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
Are there moral obligations in how or whether we vote? This is particularly relevant with our upcoming national election. Fred Breidt will lead a discussion on the philosophical aspects of this issue based partially upon an article in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. As many of our members and friends know, this is a highly charged topic, so please remember to treat others with respect.
This is an in-person meeting only. Zoom access will not be provided.

Reproductive Rights presentation
2024-09-21 11:00 - 12:00 | NC

My African Safari - A Photoshoot by Jay Niver
2024-09-15 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
EHST member Jay Niver just returned from a South Africa vacation where he made two daily, three-hour Land Rover tours prowling for “Big Five” game. His PowerPoint presentation will take you up close and personal to see and learn about bush creatures great and small through a wide-angle (not telephoto) lens. Bring your pith helmet and popcorn to discover what world-renowned Kruger National Park has to offer – and how Jay survived the harrowing ordeal!
This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact form to make the request.

Secular Student Alliance - Mission, Goals, and Scholarships
2024-09-08 13:30 - 15:30 | Virtual Program using Zoom
Kevin Bolling, executive director of the Secular Student Alliance, will talk about the SSA’s mission, goals, and scholarships program for secular students. The Secular Student Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the only national organization dedicated to atheist, humanist, and other non-theist students. The scholarships are available to full-time students enrolled in high school or college in the United States and are designed to support students who in addition to pursuing excellence in their academic studies are also activists for secular values on their campus and/or in their community.
This program will be presented via a Zoom session. You do not need a Zoom account to “attend” this virtual meeting. If you would like to be a participant in the meeting, please use our contact us form to make your request. (Check your tabs to see the form.)

Restoring Reproductive Rights
2024-09-04 19:00 - 20:00 | NC

Postcarding to Get Out the Vote in November 2024
2024-09-01 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
As EHST did in 2020 and 2022, we will be postcarding to get out the vote as our third quarter social action project. The stakes could not be higher in this election. Postcarding is a non-partisan activity to encourage occasional voters to participate in our democracy. Our efforts will focus on Mecklenburg County in our own ‘swing state’ of North Carolina. This campaign is sponsored by the Center for Common Good.
Postcards are scripted (no creative writing required) and all supplies and instructions will be provided. Refreshments will be provided as well.
Come out and join us to make a difference in 2024!
This meeting is In-Person only.

Ethical Considerations of Animal Shelters
2024-08-25 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
Maura Breidt will present a program on ethical considerations of animal shelters, focusing on Wake SPCA, where she is a volunteer. The program will be structured first with an overview of some of the volunteer opportunities, focusing on some of the volunteer jobs that she herself is involved with, and then move to some of the ethical dilemmas people who work there face and how they deal with them. You may want to check out the history of the Society to Prevent Cruelty to Animals
This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact form to make the request.

Local Trends in Housing and Homelessness
2024-08-18 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
Russell Pierce will speak about local trends in housing and homelessness. He is the executive director of “Housing for New Hope” which is a local organization which addresses these issues. He will explore challenges facing our most vulnerable neighbors: those experiencing homelessness. He’ll take a particular look at gentrification and how rising housing costs impact people in our community. He will share how people in the community are partnering with our most vulnerable neighbors to obtain housing and remain housed.
This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting. We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place. We will also Zoom the program. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact form to make the request.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion : Ted Talks and Discussion
2024-08-11 13:30 - 15:30 | Virtual Program using Zoom
EHST will show two Ted Talks which explain what Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is, and whether we should embrace it or celebrate its apparent demise. One talk focuses on how DEI can make teams more effective. The other Ted Talk points out what DEI gets wrong, and how to do it right. We will then discuss our own individual views on the talks.
This program will be presented via a Zoom session. You do not need a Zoom account to “attend” this virtual meeting. If you would like to be a participant in the meeting, please use our contact us form to make your request. (Check your tabs to see the form.)

Making State Legislative Campaigns More Effective
2024-08-04 13:30 - 15:30 | Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
Simone Leiro is the Chief Communications Officer for The States Project, whose electoral work focuses on winning governing majorities in the states by making state legislative campaigns more effective and better-funded.
“We do it because we believe that state legislatures are the strongest force for change in this country. When it comes to defending our democracy, protecting personal freedoms, and improving people’s day-to-day lives, we’re the only national organization hyper-focused on both winning state legislative power and helping state lawmakers govern effectively.”
Ms. Leiro will talk about her organization and its goals, and specifically, what they are up to in North Carolina.
Simone Leiro is the Chief Communications Officer at The States Project. She oversees press, polling, and messaging at The States Project which, under her leadership, has been featured in outlets such as the New York Times, The Atlantic, CNN, MSNBC, and Washington Post. Previously, she served in the White House under President Obama as the Associate Director for Online Engagement where she did digital strategy for the Executive Office of the President. In this role, she also focused on issues impacting women and Latino Americans. She has previously led across communications, digital, and partnerships—most recently for efforts such as March For Our Lives and All In Together. She currently serves on the board of Blue Future, connecting young people with campaigns. She was born and raised in North Carolina and today, lives there with her husband.
This program will also be Zoomed for EHST members only.
