Thinking about altruism some more….

Last week we talked a bit about what altruism means and how it fits in with our Humanist values. But, what does that actually look like in real life? How can we live altruistically as Humanists?

One of the bumper stickers the American Humanist Association (AHA) provides to affiliate groups like ours has the Humanist logo and simply says “good without God.” And, at heart, altruism is about doing the right thing to make a difference on many different levels, be it local, regional, national, or global, without expectation of reward or recognition.

So, my altruistic action could be a simple one, such as holding the door open for a person using a walker at the library. Or they could be monetary, such as donating to organizations or causes with which I am in agreement (local humane society and county Democratic Committee for me, for example). Or they could be much larger, such as volunteering at a local drag reading event at a school or library (especially important when such events are targeted by radicalized bullies like the Proud Boys). Or on a larger stage, donating time or money or both to areas hit by natural disasters, especially those containing large groups of marginalized people, such as Maui after the wildfires.

We have so many members with diverse skills and backgrounds, so remember that what I do to help people and the world isn’t necessarily what another person in the community might do. That does not mean that one person’s effort or contribution is worth more or less than another’s, it just means that it’s different, because each of us is different. The important thing is that we support each other and value our efforts regardless of size.

So, my challenge for each of you, my friends, my colleagues, my fellow Humanists, is to decide for yourselves what you are comfortable doing to make a difference–and then go do it!