Humanistisch Verbond (Humanist Assocation, Netherlands)

The Dutch Humanist Association in 2011 can be described as an open, humanist association, which deals with the meaning of existence and which is committed to a humane society. Core values are: the right of self-determination, tolerance, equality and freedom of choice, coupled with personal responsibility. Our slogan “Think for yourself and live together” can be seen as a summary of contemporary humanism in the Netherlands.

The Association wants to be a partner in finding answers to social and personal (life) questions from a humanist philosophical perspective. This is achieved primarily by stimulating the philosophical and social debate on issues such as a dignified death, detention of illegal foreigners and privacy, secondly by conducting humanist services, such as humanist counselling in healthcare institutions, in the military and in prisons, and offering naming, wedding and funeral ceremonies.

Over the years, several foundations developed from the Association , which grew into independent organizations, such as the Humanist Broadcasting Foundation, the University of Humanistic Studies, the Humanistic Education Foundation and the Humanist Funeral Assistance Foundation.

The Association has about forty local centres across the country, offering courses and lectures and organizing discussion groups and “humanist cafés”. The member magazine “Humus” informs members about the particular points of view, developments and activities of the Association. An important tool is this website, where you can find a great deal of information (in Dutch) about points of view and activities and which offers a forum for the discussion of contemporary social issues. 

The Humanist Association is a member of the Humanist Alliance (Humanistische Alliantie). The Alliance is a collaborative alliance in which 48 Dutch humanist organisations are united. More information on the Alliance can be found online:www.human.nl/humanistalliance.

Overview

The Humanist Association is committed to issues related to:

• the position of religion and worldview in society
• the separation of church and state
• fundamental liberties and human rights
• care and support in the Dutch welfare state

Our Activities

• debates on contemporary issues dealing with ethics, our worldview and the way we give meaning to our lives
• annual Socrates Lecture which explores a contemporary issue (with the Humanistische Alliantie/Humanist Alliance)
• biennial presentation of the Dr. J.P. van Praag Award to people who are committed to the development of a humane society

Presenting Humanism to a Wider Audience
The Association strives to be the voice of humanist opinions on issues such as human rights, autonomy, the right to a dignified death and humane care and publishes on these topics in national newspapers, its member magazine “Humus” and on the website www.humanistischverbond.nl.

Services

Humanist Counselling

Humanist counsellors assist people in important decisions and transitions in their lives. Consequently they are working in healthcare institutions, the armed forces and penitentiary institutions. Initially humanist counsellors take a degree at the University of Humanistic Studies. They are then authorised by the Humanist Association to follow their profession as representatives of the humanist movement in the Netherlands. Throughout their careers the Association maintains a close relationship with the humanist counsellors and is committed to sustaining and expanding the number of counselling jobs.

Celebrations
Events or changes such as birth or adoption of a child, marriage or concluding a contract of cohabitation, are so special that many people feel the need to celebrate these events. Officiants authorised by the Association are specialized in working with individuals to arrange a celebration or ceremony of theirown design.

Funeral Assistance
Saying goodbye to a deceased loved one is a highly personal event. With this in mind, humanist funeral officiants will support the arrangement of an appropriate funeral. These professional volunteers can deliver a speech which emphasizes the personality and life stance of the diseased and their impact on the lives of others. They can advise you on your speech and assist with the development of ceremonial procedures.

The Philosophy:  humanism in the Netherlands

The humanist worldview is a set of beliefs about the world and the place of humans within it, an interpretation of the world and man. A worldview provides answers to life’s big questions. Questions such as: what is the meaning of life, what is valuable, what happens to humans after death, is there a purpose in living, etc.

Philosophical humanism not only has a rich history dating back to ancient Greece and Roman times, but also has a varied content. Humanism has been developing throughout history and is repeatedly getting redesigned. The central principle is, and remains: humanity.

In the Netherlands today, on one hand humanism is a broad, progressive, secular movement. A lot of people feel or call themselves “humanists”, without being members of one of the humanist organizations. However, on the other hand, the Humanist Association, strives tot be the principal voice of contemporary philosophical humanism in the Netherlands.

The text “Contemporary humanism” describes the content of humanism given by the Association in the first decade of the 21st century. The text outlines three elements of philosophical humanism, each with its own focus, but these must be understood in conjunction with each other:

1. A Vision of the World and Man
   Humanism is a Philosophy That is Formed, Nurtured and Inspired by Man, his Power and Dignity.Humanism is a philosophy that strives to understand life and experience it as meaningful using only human potentials. Humanism is not based on a non-human source or justification of knowledge and morality. Morality is part of human nature and the culture in which all of us participate.
2. A Vision of Society.
   Humanism is a Political and Moral Commitment. Humanists strive to develop a just society based on the dignity of the individual. This aim is best suited to a democratic state and requires the active participation of citizens. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is, for us, an important moral and political source of guidance.
3. A Vision of Personal Life.
   Humanism Encompasses the Pursuit of a Good, Beautiful and Meaningful Personal Life

We assume that this life is all we have and highly value it. Therefore, we attach great importance to the conscious development and quality of our lives. We find inspiration in nature, culture and our fellow human beings. We regard intentionally focusing our lives as a moral quality that requires courage. We can and should enjoy our own existence.

Get in contact?

E-mail:info@humanistischverbond.nl