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The Humanist Association of Las Vegas and Southern Nevada

A Chapter of the American Humanist Association

HALVASON, the Humanist Association of Las Vegas and Southern Nevada, is a nonprofit, educational organization whose main purpose is to promote humanism as a viable alternative to supernatural and theistic belief systems. We serve as a forum for humanists, atheists, agnostics, freethinkers and other like-minded individuals in the Las Vegas area. We promote the Jeffersonian principle of separation of religion and government, the rights of nonreligious people in our society, free inquiry and thought, a naturalistic view of the universe and a reason-based, secular ethical system. Our membership is open to all like-minded people without regard to race, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, or political or other affiliations.

Regular Meetings and Events
(All HALVASON events are open to the public)

HALVASON Membership Meetings feature a speaker or moderator addressing a topic of interest to Humanists. These are held the third Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Library Program Room at 833 N. Las Vegas Blvd., between Washington and Bonanza opposite Cashman Field. For a map, click here. Many members make this their primary humanist-related event.

HALVASON Forums will be held the second Sunday of each month, currently at 1:00 in the Las Vegas Library East Meeting Room at 833 N. Las Vegas Blvd. The forum will be an informal gathering to exchange thoughts about different aspects of humanism and our relationships to our communities. There is some sentiment that this be a more social affair that encourages more identity and participation.

Joint HALVASON/ UUCLV Forums are held the first Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas (UUCLV) facilities at 3616 E. Lake Mead Blvd., a block east of Pecos.

The Las Vegas Atheists Meetup is held the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Jason’s Deli, 3910 S. Maryland Parkway, just north of Flamingo. Although not sponsored by HALVASON, the Atheist Meetups are fun, social events.

Scheduled events of interest to members

HUUMANIST Forum

When – Sunday, July 5, at 11:30 am

Where - UUCLV Worship Hall - 3616 East Lake Mead Blvd, Las Vegas, NV

What – “Humanism and Social Justice” – Laurie Bullock, long time advocate of community building programs, will revisit the belief that in a truly just and democratic society, the policies shaping political and economic life must be informed by equal concern for and participation by all people. For more information email Paul Lacombe at: humanist@uuclv.org

HALVASON Forum

When – Sunday, July 12 at 1:00 pm (following the Board meeting at 11:30 am)

Where - 833 N. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV in the Library East Meeting Room

What – This is a chance to come and meet members informally and have freewheeling discussions on Humanist topics. See you there! (Please note that the Forum is now regularly on the second Sunday.)

HALVASON Membership Meeting

When – Sunday, July 19 at 2:00 pm

Where - 833 N. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV in the Library Program Room (Across from Cashman Field)

What – HALVASON Member Alwine (Leslie) Wirschke Tighi will be our speaker at the monthly membership meeting. The title of her talk is “The Essence of Humanism – The Story of My Mother and Me”. Here is a summary and brief outline of her subject:

“My mother knew she was German, a faithful Lutheran. She didn’t seem concerned when after WWII as Displaced Persons from Poland every German told us we were not really German. I can't say that it bothered me, but in my fifties I got curious. What was meant by “You are not really German”? My research at UNLV Library led me square into the history of Christianity. That history melds with my curiosity on human nature to make me a humanist.” Outline: (Part One) Rome vs. Germanic barbarians – Onward Christian soldiers – Wends and Slavs – Send them to their judgment before God – Give us your tired and indentured servants. (Part Two) Today and tomorrow – My mother’s compassionate right brain – The brain without compassion – Wow! Is that ever an explanation for religion! – The essence of Humanism.

Please note that we have revived an old HALVASON tradition of going out to dinner after the meeting. Come join us!

Please visit the events archives to see previously scheduled events

What’s Happening in Humanism

Press Releases

Humanists Lament Murder of Dr. George Tiller

(Washington D.C., June 2, 2009) The American Humanist Association laments the murder of Dr. George Tiller, who was shot and killed while attending a church service in Wichita, Kansas on Sunday. Dr. Tiller had been the target of repeated anti-abortion protests and attacks for being one of only a few doctors who would provide late-term abortions.

“Dr. Tiller was a brave warrior for women’s reproductive health,” said Karen Frantz, communications and policy manager for the American Humanist Association. “There is no doubt he saved women’s lives, and he continued to do so even while facing threats against his own life.”

The vast majority of late-term abortions are done when the life or health of the mother is in danger, or when the fetus suffers from extreme developmental abnormalities. The procedure is mired in legal and cultural controversy, and this highly charged nature of late-term abortion has led some to question whether Dr. Tiller’s shooting was motivated by religion.

"Regardless of whether Dr. Tiller's murderer was motivated by religious beliefs, there can be no denying that religion has often fueled the most fanatical elements within the anti-choice camp," said American Humanist Association president David Niose.

"The fanaticism of religious extremists demonstrates why public policy should be based on rational analysis and sound science," Niose continued. "Most theological interpretations cannot be thoroughly and intelligently debated, and they should not be part of the policy debate."

The American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., its work is extended through over 100 local chapters and affiliates across the United States.

Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity.

Contact:

Karen Frantz
Communications and Policy Manager
American Humanist Association
Office: 202-238-9088
kfrantz@americanhumanist.org
www.americanhumanist.org

For more AHA news click here:

HALVASON’s recent newsletters (in pdf) are: October 2006, November 2006, (no December 2006 newsletter), January 2007, February 2007, March 2007, April 2007, May 2007, June 2007, July 2007, (No August 2007 newsletter) and September 2007. Older newsletters are available on request.

The content of newsletters starting June 2007 may also be accessed in HTML format, which is more convenient for many.

Join HALVASON

To become a member of HALVASON please come to one of our meetings for information and a membership form. This will also give you membership in the national organization, AHA.

Subscribe to our announcements list or our newsletter distribution list, both hosted by Yahoo! Groups. The announcements list is a low-volume list used only for announcements of meetings and national press releases. The newsletter distribution list is used for our monthly newsletter. For either list, clicking the link will create an empty email message window. Simply hit the “Send” button for this message. You will receive a response from Yahoo! Groups requesting verification of your request. Simply hit “Reply” to this message.

Yahoo! Groups provides a number of services for registered members, including access to archives and search capabilities. Register at Yahoo! Groups here. Nothing more than a user name, a password, and an email address are required.

Yahoo! Groups provides an effective mechanism for managing things like announcements lists, and most people find that with a little use, they are quite comfortable with it. Still, a few of our members have indicated they find Yahoo! Groups intimidating to use. Your webmaster invites you to share any thoughts you have about Yahoo! Groups by emailing bob@halvason.org.

Other

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Humanist weddings and other ceremonies may be performed by Paul LaCombe, Humanist Minister, licensed in the state of Nevada. Call 437-9862 or email paul@halvason.org.

Contact Information
* HALVASON, P.O. Box 363897, N. Las Vegas, NV 89030-9998
* Email webmaster@halvason.org to report any problems with this website.

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