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The mission of the American Humanist Association is to be a clear, democratic voice for Humanism in the United States, to increase public awareness and acceptance of Humanism, to establish, protect and promote the position of Humanists in our society, and to develop and advance Humanist thought and action.

Guided by reason and our rapidly growing knowledge of the world, by ethics and by compassion, the American Humanist Association is dedicated to serving the needs of its members in their pursuit of fuller, more meaningful lives that add to the greater good of our society and all humanity.

Main activities

The American Humanist Association raises public awareness and understanding about Humanism through publications, mass media, and conferences. The AHA coordinates 112 state and local chapters and affiliates, and supports the growth of true Humanist communities. The AHA advocates for Humanist positions in federal government. The AHA represents Humanist interests in a wide range of religious and secular coalitions. The AHA engages in regular discourse to help evolve the philosophy of Humanism.

Areas of special interest

Humanist Charities; Humanist Legal Centre, Humanist Religious Liberty Project, Humanist magazine, Free-Mind newsletter, Essays in the Philosophy of Humanism, Grass Roots News.

Further information

Founded in 1941; oldest and largest U.S. Humanist association; over 100 local groups; publisher of the Humanist magazine; issuer of Humanist Manifesto I, II and III.

Strategically located in Washington, DC, the AHA actively educates the public about Humanism, brings Humanists together for mutual support and action, defends the civil liberties and constitutional freedoms of Humanists - indeed of all peoples - and leads both local and national Humanist organizations toward progressive societal change. Through a strong network of over 100 grassroots organizations, appearances in national media, an advanced Internet presence, regular public appearances, and a broad spectrum of publications, the AHA is the VOICE OF HUMANISM.

Since its founding in 1941, the AHA has served its members as an innovative organization that initiates social reforms and launches new programs. Many significant developments in the fields of human rights, the control of population growth, sexual equality, civil liberties, education, science, alternative technologies, and humanistic psychology - which are now commonly practiced - were first introduced and advocated by Humanists and the AHA.

Together, such efforts make up the identity of the American Humanist Association, an organization that affects society out of proportion to its size.

Over the years, many women and men who embrace Humanism and who have worked closely with the AHA have contributed greatly toward the betterment of our world. Among them are:

• Novelists Margaret Atwood, Kurt Vonnegut, and Alice Walker;
• Environmentalist Lester R. Brown;
• Women's rights proponents Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem;
• Elder citizens advocate Maggie Kuhn;
• Economist John Kenneth Galbraith;
• Entrepreneur Ted Turner;
• Evolutionary scientist Edward O. Wilson;
• Abortion rights champions Faye Wattleton and Bill Baird;
• Director Oliver Stone;
• Philosopher Daniel C. Dennett; and
• Nobel Laureate in Physics Murray Gell-Mann.

Earlier Humanists included Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, Andrei Sakharov, Erich Fromm, A. Philip Randolph, Margaret Sanger, Gene Roddenberry, Julian Huxley, Brock Chisholm, John Dewey, Bertrand and Dora Russell, and Albert Einstein.

The American Humanist Association has honored these individuals as well as many others to recognize their contributions on behalf of humanity.