Humanism Today

The arts undergird the historical record. Poets capture the soul of society, preserving what facts alone cannot. Ultimately, poetry is both a literary exploration of an era and a conversation with its historical foundation. At HFFC’s featured-speaker program on Monday, July 13th, Connecticut Poet Laureate Antoinette Brim-Bell discussed the power of poetry to curate often under-represented voices a...

There are a number of different things that people are concerned about here in Connecticut. ACLU has four core areas that they're working on that are top-tier areas. ACLU works on all civil rights issues in the state of Connecticut, but there are some things that are really rising to the top in this moment: 1 - Defending democracy and enhancing voting rights. 2 - Enforcing and expanding the rights...

Amber Vlangas, the Fairfield County Representative of the ACLU Connecticut, will discuss the ongoing national attack on voting rights and what CT residents can do to get out the vote. Amber is a civil liberties activist who has served as the Fairfield County Engagement Officer with the ACLU of Connecticut for nearly five years. After serving in the United States Marine Corps and earning a B.A. in...

Amber Vlangas, the Fairfield County Representative of the ACLU Connecticut, will discuss the three ways that CT residents can vote. She will also discuss how to report voting irregularities. Amber is a civil liberties activist who has served as the Fairfield County Engagement Officer with the ACLU of Connecticut for nearly five years. After serving in the United States Marine Corps and earning a B...

In this video, Bob Duff, Connecticut Senate Majority Leader, discusses the major governmental and legislative issues that the Connecticut is facing in 2026. He also answers questions and concerns that the audience members asked. This video was recorded on February 9, 2026 at the Featured Speaker Program of the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County, Connecticut. You can find more informati...

In this insightful presentation, Dr. Steven Novella explores the complexities of scientific skepticism, addressing internal disagreements within the skeptic community, and clarifying misconceptions about sex, gender, and scientific facts. This episode explores complex the topic of biological sex, and the nuances of scientific understanding in this area. The discussion emphasizes the importance of...

In this insightful interview, Dr. Steven Novella explores the complexities of scientific skepticism, addressing internal disagreements within the skeptic community, and clarifying misconceptions about scientific facts. Discover how evidence, philosophy, and personal biases influence debates on controversial topics. This episode explores the nuances of scientific understanding. The discussion empha...

In this episode you will hear the presentation of a Humanist Invocation at the opening of a Connecticut State Senate session. Secular invocations can be substituted for religious prayer at many events and activities. Such invocations let it be known that atheism, humanism, freethinking and many other nonbeliever philosophies are held by people in our communities. Individual nontheists can express...

In this episode, Antoinette Brim-Bell, CT Poet Laureate and Anita Peters, Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (CT) meet for the first time. Their delightful conversation covers a wide range of topics. They explore the importance of arts, poetry, and critical thinking in fostering community, understanding history, and promoting empathy. Antoinette Brim-Bell shares her insights on the rol...

Michael A, with dozens of online addresses, is passionate about his online privacy. In this video you will learn what kind of data is being collected about you online, why you should be concerned and the best practices for protecting your online privacy. Download the summary sheet of best Practices: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10NKb5ZyDKAu9eTRzrQYaSD2XV-7aTzsI/view?usp=sharing . Michael A. is...

In this episode you will learn how states and towns can gain control over their electric costs. The presenter is Peter Millman, Vice President, People's Action for Clean Energy. This video is an excerpt from a presentation by Peter Millman at a meeting of the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (Connecticut) on April 13, 2025. The opinions expressed in this video are the presenter's own...

In this episode, we collaborated with Connecticut's public radio station, WSHU, to bring a special commemorative program on the 100th anniversary of the Scopes evolution trial. The most notorious trial of the 20th century, according to our speaker, historian and author Brenda Wineapple. It was bigger than OJ. It pitted creationism against evolution. We're thrilled to host this conversation between...

In this episode, you will learn about White Christian Nationalism from a humanist's point of view. The speaker is Rob Boston, Senior Advisor of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.  This video is excerpted from a presentation to the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (CT) on September 9, 2024. You can find more information of interest to humanists, freethinkers, atheist...

In this episode, we turn our attention to Dale Kutnik, futurist, global AI consultant and longtime HFFC member. Dale will take us into the future of AI and quantum computing. Dale is a senior VP emeritus and distinguished analyst at Gartner, who's worked with CIOs and senior business executives around the world to help them better manage and exploit technology and information to drive business tra...

In this episode, humanist and humorist Herb Silverman tells the tale of his ultimately successful attempts to repeal the South Carolina constitutional prohibition of atheists holding public office. You will be surprised by how it worked out. Herb Silverman is founder and president emeritus of the  Secular Coalition for America ; founder of the  Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry  in Charleston, S...

In this episode, Charles Darwin AKA Professor Kenneth Noll, will discuss his discoveries versus the thinking of British and American scientists of his time. He will also cover the scientific evidence he gathered on the Beagle's second voyage and its effects on 19th century science. This video is excerpted from a presentation to the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (CT) on February 13...