Institute for Humanist Studies

The Institute for Humanist Studies (IHS) is a think tank based in Washington, DC, USA, that says it is "committed to information and practices meant to address the sociopolitical, economic and cultural challenges facing communities within the United States and within a global context." IHS, consistent with the American Humanist Association and the International Humanist and Ethical Union, says that it understands humanism to be “a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism and other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.”

The IHS was established in 2009 as the successor of the Institute for Humanist Studies, Inc., in Albany, New York. The official symbol of the IHS is the “Happy Human” supporting the world.

In June 1999, the Institute for Humanist Studies, Inc., was incorporated in the state of New York. With financial support from Larry Jones, the founding president of the Institute, the organization began its work as an educational non-profit institute, with the purpose of providing information to policy makers and others in order to advance humanism as a life philosophy. Much of this information was made available through its on line publication – Humanist Network News. In addition to information in the form of papers, etc., the Institute also offered distance-learning opportunities through its on line “Continuum of Humanist Education” curriculum. With time, these courses were made available without cost to those interested in them. Furthermore, through its registered lobbyist, the Institute sought to promote humanism within New York State Legislation. Intentionally avoiding a framework based on membership, the Institute understood itself as thereby being free to partner with other humanist organizations without competition for members. Based on this approach, the Institute became a founding member of the Secular Coalition for America. In addition to supporting these organizations through information, the Institute also provided grants averaging between $10,000-$20,000 to humanist organization in support of the policy efforts and programming. Those receiving grants include: Secular Student Alliance; International Humanist and Ethical Youth Organization (Belgium); Prometheus Society of Slovakia, Bratislava; and the International Humanist and Ethical Union (London).

...
Wikipedia