In August 1982, forty-five humanist leaders gathered at the University of Chicago to form the North American Committee for Humanism (NACH). This new alliance was a response to the urgent need to defend humanism against the assaults of its adversaries and to find an effective way to bring the message of humanism to a wider public. At this meeting the committee voted to establish the The Humanist Institute. Purpose

Humanism has an important contribution to make to the modern world. But in order to give reality to humanist ideals and practices, humanism must be effectively organized. Organization demands leadership. To provide for the training of new humanist leadership and to provide for the continuing training of existing humanist leadership is the role of The Humanist Institute. The Humanist Institute is committed to leadership education. Humanist leadership is defined pluralistically and inclusively. Thus, the Institute includes community/congregation/ chapter-based leadership, regional and national organizational leadership, specialized leadership roles as spokespersons, educators, and counselors, as well as leadership within the various serving professions.

The Institute is an independent program that works with existing humanist organizations. It provides a unique opportunity to bring together a diverse faculty and student body representing those who interpret nontheistic and naturalistic humanism in secular, religious, and life-stance terms.

Finally, through its faculty, alumni/ae, and student body, the Institute will develop programs for exploring humanist ideas and practices. Research and publications will be an essential element of the Institutes program, including the Faculty Colloquium, Humanism Today, and weekend conferences and workshops.