Humanists of Topeka

09/04/2026

Alex Richards and I sat in on the first session of a new 10-week training with the American Humanist Association last night, led by Jake Via.

One thing stuck with us. We have over 180 of you in this group, but only about 25 have made it to an actual event. Turns out that's completely normal... most people who join a group never show up in person, and that's fine. But what we want to understand is THE WHY behind it, because that tells us more than our member count ever will.

So here's an honest question, and there are no wrong answers...

🤔 Have you never made it to a HoT event? What's held you back? Timing, location, not knowing what to expect, nerves about walking into a room of strangers, or maybe you're not even sure "secular Humanist" fits you? Kansas runs heavily Christian, so it's entirely possible some of you joined out of curiosity and are still figuring out whether this is your kind of community, or something more spiritual fits you better.

🤔 Did you come to one event and never come back? What happened? Good group but bad timing, didn't click, scheduling conflict, or something you'd rather just tell us directly?

Comment below or send me or Alex a message. We're not trying to guilt anyone into anything, and we're genuinely fine if secular Humanism just isn't your fit. We just want to build something that actually works for the people it's meant for. 😊

09/04/2026

Daily Dose of Humanism

"There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge." - Bertrand Russell

Curiosity doesn't owe a return on investment or guarantee of productivity - wonder and joy are reason enough.

09/03/2026

Humanity NOW: The AHA’s 85th Annual Conference

The American Humanist Association (AHA) will host its 85th Annual Conference, titled Humanity NOW!, virtually on September 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time.

At a time when human dignity, reason, and compassion are being tested, humanists are rising to meet the moment. AHA's 85th Annual Conference brings together thinkers, advocates, creators, and changemakers from across the country for a powerful day of conversation, community, and commitment to a better world.

How can we come together to serve humanity in an era of deep division? How can we celebrate our shared humanity? How do we lift each other up and build a future grounded in empathy, science, and justice?

Join us online on September 19th as we explore the answers to these questions and celebrate being in community with one another.

Conference Details

• Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET
• Format: Fully online/virtual
• Theme: Exploring community, empathy, science, and justice during times of deep division.
• Featured Speakers: Includes activist Barrett Pall, Dr. Monica Johnson, AHA Policy and Political Director Rachel Deitch, and Monte Mader.

Register at the link below:

At a time when human dignity, reason, and compassion are being tested, humanists are rising to meet the moment.

09/03/2026

Daily Dose of Humanism

"The light of love is always in us, no matter how cold the flame. It is always present, waiting for the spark to ignite, waiting for the heart to awaken." - bell hooks

What would it take to tend your flame a little more deliberately?

08/31/2026

Daily Dose of Humanism

"Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day." - A.A. Milne

A meaningful life is measured in depth, not speed. Where in your life could you afford to loosen your grip on the timeline?

08/30/2026

Are you navigating the heavy weight of religious trauma or emotional abuse?

No matter where you are right now—whether you’ve been working through this for years, you’re in the thick of it today, or you’re just beginning to feel that quiet ache that something from your religious past wasn't okay—you aren't carrying this alone. What you're feeling Is completely understandable.

Many people carry religious trauma without even having a name for it. It can look like:

* Persistent guilt, shame, or fear of disappointing others
* Difficulty trusting your own decisions or instincts
* Feeling disconnected from community, family, or your own identity
* Anxiety attached to spiritual or religious beliefs, even long after walking away

If any of this sounds familiar—or if you simply want to better understand what you’ve been through—we invite you to join us for our November Humanist Gathering.

Presentation: Recovering From Religious Trauma and Abuse (NOT a 12-Step Program)
Featured Speaker: Dr. Darrel W. Ray, Ed.D. (Founder of Recovering From Religion & Institute for Secular Leadership)
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time & Location: TBD (based on RSVPs, with a Zoom option available!)

This isn't about telling you what to think or pushing a new doctrine. It's a supportive, understanding environment that is focused on practical recovery, clarity, and community.

How to RSVP & Get the Link/Details:

Space and room sizing will depend on headcounts, so please let us know if you plan to attend in person or tune in via Zoom!

* Message us directly on Facebook / Messenger
* Email [email protected]
* Call or text 785-260-0268

You don't have to navigate this alone. We hope to see you there!

08/28/2026

Daily Dose of Humanism

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Be a part of the movement that's rising to meet the moment at AHA's 85th annual conference on September 19th! Join us virtually for a powerful day of conversation and community with your favorite humanist leaders and creators. Register here:

At a time when human dignity, reason, and compassion are being tested, humanists are rising to meet the moment.

08/27/2026

Book Club Update: Taking a Hiatus

Hi everyone! We're putting the Humanist Book Club on hiatus for now. Attendance has been low and the cost to keep it running hasn't matched the turnout.

We'll bring it back once we see more interest and commitment from folks who want to join regularly. If that's you, drop a comment below — it'll help us gauge when to restart.

Thanks for understanding!

08/26/2026

Happy Women’s Equality Day! Today we celebrate the progress made toward equality and recognize the work still ahead. Here’s to a world where every woman has the freedom, dignity, opportunity, and equal voice she deserves. 💙

[Image source: Adobe stock]

08/26/2026

Joke of the Day

My grandma said she'd pray for my soul. I told her I'd donate to a food bank for hers. We figured whichever one actually helps someone first wins. 😁

Share this if you've ever one-upped a prayer with an actual deed. Tag someone whose good intentions could use a little follow-through.