American Ethical Union

05/15/2026

Today marks 150 years of Ethical Culture! 🎉

What began in 1876 with Felix Adler’s bold vision for ethical living has grown into a movement rooted in human dignity, reason, compassion, and action. Across generations, Ethical Culture has called people together to ask how we can bring out the best in one another and help build a more just and caring world.

In honor of this anniversary, we’re sharing a video from our We Are Ethical Culture course exploring the origins of the Ethical Culture Movement and the vision that continues to guide us today.

As we celebrate this milestone, we honor where we began and recommit to the shared work ahead: practicing ethics in community, strengthening human connection, and helping create a more just and caring world.

Happy 150th anniversary, Ethical Culture!

04/10/2026

What does Ethical Culture look like in practice?

It looks like welcoming someone at the door, stepping in when needed, and choosing each other, again and again.

We invite you to read the story of the members and friends who made the 110th Assembly possible. ✨

Link in the first comment.

03/18/2024

ICYMI: The deadline to submit workshops for the AEU 2024 Assembly has been extended to April 15!

Activists and organizations are invited to submit a workshop proposal for the American Ethical Union’s 109th Assembly, “Mindful Stories: A Ritual of Care,” July 26-28, 2024. Submissions must be received no later than April 15, 2024.

03/07/2024

Check out our March newsletter for updates about the AEU Assembly, the Presidents' Council, and Immunity to Change Workshops.

In her Letter from the President, Khandra Sears reflects on how we are connected throughout the Ethical Culture movement: "Our Societies connect us to the broader movement and to each other in our relationship with the AEU. Societies have looked to the AEU to offer connections and growth opportunities through our annual Assembly, Ethical Education for young people, and training for our lay and professional leadership. I hear and see the joy people express when they reminisce about Assemblies past, Youth of Ethical Societies (YES) conferences, Lay Leadership Summer School, and other experiences where we can build relationships and grow together."

This has not been an uncommon question lately. It’s a question that I find myself sitting with daily. And it’s a good question to ask ourselves. I think many of us see the value of giving to our home Societies. That’s where we devote most of our time within the Ethical Culture movement. They a...

03/07/2024

Activists and organizations are invited to submit a workshop proposal for the American Ethical Union’s 109th Assembly, “Mindful Stories: A Ritual of Care,” July 26-28, 2024. Submissions must be received no later than March 15, 2024.

Workshop Themes: Ethical Education, Ethical Action, Ethical Humanism

Visit our website for more information about workshop submissions.

Activists and organizations are invited to submit a workshop proposal for the American Ethical Union’s 109th Assembly, “Mindful Stories: A Ritual of Care,” July 26-28, 2024. Submissions must be received no later than March 15, 2024.

12/15/2023

December is a month that moves us toward Winter’s balance of light and dark with short days and full nights. For many, it’s a time to mark the rhythm of our days, years, and seasons.

December is also a time to turn toward each other and gather together in celebration and remembrance of our interconnection. Our All-Societies Platforms have become one place we connect with each other as an Ethical movement.

Join Audrey Kindred, the American Ethical Union, and Societies from across the country on December 31 at 11:00 AM ET for the next All-Societies Platform: Human-I-Tree.

Human-I-Tree is an original vision grown through community engagement at the New York Society for Ethical Culture by Audrey Kindred‘s collaboration with artists, activists, and children of all ages. It honors how every breath we take as humans is integral to the life of trees. Audrey brings Felix ...

11/29/2023

Are you looking for connection and reflection with a group of folks who are seeking to deepen their community of practice?

This past year, Arthur Dobrin, Leader Emeritus of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, led a weekly, year-long Colloquy gathering of participants from around the country. Arthur has generously offered to facilitate a similar group in 2024.

Arthur’s weekly 2024 Colloquy is available to anyone who is affiliated with the Ethical Movement. Gatherings will be held on Zoom each Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM ET with the first taking place on January 3rd.

Visit aeu.org for more information and to register: https://aeu.org/2023/11/2024-colloquy-with-arthur-dobrin-starts-january-3/

Are you looking for connection and reflection with a group of folks who are seeking to deepen their community of practice?

11/25/2023

In multiple states, voter and civil rights are in such a precarious position where the fate of a more just society rests in the hands of courts. Join the Ethical Society Of Austin on November 26th at 11:30 AM ET as member and practicing attorney Jon Meador will discuss multiple cases where this is taking place and what you need to know about them. Interested? Email [email protected] to participate via Zoom. See you then!

11/23/2023

“Native American Heritage Month is a great time to not only learn about the history of the local Indigenous Peoples where you live, but learn how you can be a part of the social responsibility opportunities that give back to people who fight for every aspect of their existence on a daily basis.”

November 23, 2023 is commemorated as the National Day of Mourning for many Indigenous Peoples. This is a day to remember ancestors, confront the American Thanksgiving mythology, and draw attention to ongoing injustices, like those related to land and water rights. You can read more about this day from an Indigenous perspective at Cultural Survival at the links below.

For those who are gathering with loved ones today to share a meal, give thanks, and honor our interdependence with all life as part of your tradition, we wish you a peaceful and joyous time together.

Learn more about Thanksgiving and the National Day of Mourning from an Indigenous perspective: http://vh9d.2.vu/9x

Learn more about decolonizing Thanksgiving: http://vh9d.2.vu/9y

11/22/2023

“Our species needs, and deserves, a citizenry with minds wide awake and a basic understanding of how the world works.” - Carl Sagan

A functioning society only exists if its citizens are holding it accountable. Renowned astronomer and Humanist Carl Sagan implores us to use our critical thinking skills for the betterment of the human race in this week’s .