Exploring Membership
We look forward to getting to know you and personally welcoming you to our Society. We are an intentionally inclusive and intergenerational ethics-centered community that welcomes people of every race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious or cultural background. We hold that ethical living is life’s central concern. We understand that personal growth and social justice are part of the ethical life, and that deeper ethical development comes through interacting with others in community.Ethical Community
Why Join?
Ethical Societies are microcosm in which we learn and practice the skills of bringing out the unique human worth of ourselves and others. You’ll become part of a diverse group of unique and like-hearted people, clarify your personal philosophy of life, support others and accept support during all the stages of life, and celebrate what it means to be alive. You’ll also help this community grow and extend into the future for others to find.
Member Benefits
Members experience a culture that helps us to live and expand our ethical values. You’ll meet and socialize with a diverse group of unique like-hearted people, clarify your personal ideas, and support others and accept support through life’s challenges and joys. You’ll also be part of the democratic decision-making of the Society, from electing board members, participating in committees, voting at member meetings, amending by-laws and the constitution. You’ll receive information about the Society’s activities and those of our national federation, the American Ethical Union.
Society Finances
How Does the Society Sustain Itself?
We are a self-sustaining organization. We are supported by the time, energy, creativity and financial pledges and contributions of our members and friends. We also rely on past contributions and income-generating activities held in our building to fund current activities.
What Are Our Costs?
Costs include staff salaries and wages, expenses to support programming, and the operation and maintenance of our building.
Through our weekly “share the collection” we also contribute to the wider community.
We share in supporting the American Ethical Union, the national network of Ethical Societies, to promote the growth of Ethical Culture and to provide networking, skill-building, knowledge-exchange and other support for Societies such as ours.
Expectations
Member Responsibilities
The energy and resources of this community are what members, past and present, have contributed and continue to contribute.
What Does It Cost to Join?
All members make an annual financial pledge within their means, to support the Society’s costs including programming and outreach. Contributions are generally tax deductible.
How to Join
Who Can Join?
Recognizing that diversity with equity and inclusion makes for a rich tapestry, we welcome as members anyone who is at least 15 years of age, who values human worth and connection, is open to growth and respectful relationships, and is willing to become an active, contributing member of our community.
How Do I Join?
If you’ve visited on a few Sundays, and feel like you know the Society’s values, direction, and community well enough, then complete an application form. You’ll find an online version of the form a click away from this page.
If you prefer a paper copy, you can contact our outreach Director and have one mailed to you. Mail it to the office when it’s complete.
When we are meeting in person, you can give a paper application to the Outreach Director or to the Leader.
Feel free to make an appointment to talk with our Leader if you have any questions about the Society.
The Board formally votes to admit any new members at its monthly board meeting, after which you will receive a welcome letter from the Society. We’ll formally welcome you at the next Member Meeting, and informally at a Sunday platform meeting soon after you’ve joined.