Secular Assembly May'25: Give well for a happier you!

Join us at the Secular Assembly on Saturday morning!

Secular Assembly by Humanist Society Singapore is a monthly gathering of humanists, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics and other like-minded people.
This month's Assembly is held in collaboration with Harmony in Diversity Gallery (HDG). Before the Assembly, there will be a optional 45mins tour of HDG.

Registration is required, please do so here at eventbrite. For more information and directions, visit https://humanist.org.sg/events/secular-assembly-may25/

Schedule of Assembly on 22 May 2024 (Sat)

• 10:00am - 10:45am: optional HDG gallery tour. Please arrive 10mins early to find your way to the gallery, instructions below.
• 10:30am: *new* we invite participants not attending the HDG gallery tour to bring their books to our open library / book exchange.
• 11:00am - 12:30pm: Assembly session. Please arrive 10-15mins early to mingle
• 12:30pm: End of Assembly, optional mingle and lunch in small groups at Amoy Food Centre right below

Topic of the month: Give Well, Live Well - Exploring Effective Altruism for a Happier World (and You!)

Following our April discussion on Secular Ethics, join us in May as we delve into Effective Altruism (EA) – a thought-provoking approach to maximizing our positive impact on the world. Discover how reason and evidence can guide us to the most effective ways of alleviating suffering and promoting well-being, aligning deeply with our humanist values.

We'll touch upon:

• The Core Idea: Understanding the fundamental principles of EA – using reason and evidence to identify the most pressing problems and impactful solutions.
• The Rewards of Giving, Backed by Research: Explore the well-documented benefits of generosity, including increased happiness, reduced stress, improved self-esteem, and even potential physical health benefits and a longer lifespan, as shown in various studies. We'll also discuss how effective giving can amplify these personal rewards by ensuring our contributions create meaningful change.
• Humanist Approaches to Action: Considering practical ways humanists can engage with EA principles through thoughtful giving and impactful actions.
• Sparking Discussion: We'll open the floor for a lively conversation on the promises and potential challenges of Effective Altruism.

Assembly brief

During the Secular Assembly, there will be: short sing alongs, a short talk, sharing of personal stories, moments for reflection and gratitude, and more. Light refreshments (packet drinks) will be provided. Assembly will start on time, please arrive 10-15mins early.

Collaboration with Harmony in Diversity Gallery (HDG)
The Harmony in Diversity Gallery (HDG) was developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with community partners and organisations like the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO). The Gallery aims to promote an appreciation of Singapore’s rich religious diversity. It hopes this will foster a spirit of give and take, mutual respect and understanding, necessary to nurture and strengthen the religious peace and harmony we enjoy today.

https://humanist.org.sg/events/secular-assembly-may25/