Welcome to the Grand Traverse Humanists. If you value science, reason, and compassion and believe that humans are responsible for their own destiny, you have come to the right place. We are a community for the non-religious in the Grand Traverse area, offering a forum for discussing and advancing a secular worldview based on our common humanity. Our programs include monthly speakers and discussions, film and book groups, and various volunteer and social events. All are free and open to the public. Check out Upcoming Events below, or click on the calendar. Nontheists, agnostics, atheists, freethinkers, rationalists, humanists, and more…we welcome you to join us!
Grand Traverse Humanists Main Meeting
Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m.
Traverse Area District Library main branch, 610 Woodmere Ave., TC
Upcoming Events
- Meeting at the Library: Dr. James Fox
Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Avenue
Monday, June 10, 7 p.m.
There are a lot of choices out there when it comes deciding what to eat. But which diets are supported by science making them good choices for your health? Cardiologist Dr. James Fox of Traverse Heart and Vascular will explore the topic.
- Meeting at the Library: Ross Hammersley
Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Avenue
Monday, May 13, 7 p.m.
Grand Traverse Humanists present environmental attorney Ross Hammersley, who will talk about the major state and regional environmental issues of the past several decades, as well as current issues.
Ross is a partner with the Traverse City firm Olson, Bzdok & Howard, specializing in environmental, real estate, and municipal law. He assists clients with land use & zoning matters; natural resource conservation; wetlands regulations; water law & riparian disputes; municipal law & local governmental matters; real estate and corporate transactions; condominium associations; nonprofit organizations; energy policy and utilities regulations; oil & gas leasing, extraction, and transmission issues; and the rehabilitation of contaminated Brownfield properties. Ross’ practice involves litigation, appeals, and administrative hearings throughout the state, as well as mediation, negotiations, and transactional matters.
- Humanist Book Club: Sapiens
May 19, 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Mark and Heather’s house, 7670 E. Shore Rd., Traverse City
We’ll gather at a location to be determined to discuss Yuval Noah Harari’s book “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind.” We’ll share a potluck dinner as well. RSVP to Heather at 503-422-6515.
More information about the book can be found on our Book Club page here:
- Humanist Movie Night: Smallfoot
7670 East Shore Rd., Traverse City
Sunday, April 21, 4:00 p.m – 6:30 p.m.
NOTE UPDATED DATE! Easter Sunday!
Join us for popcorn, Junior Mints, and a surprisingly Humanist-oriented animated musical comedy adventure film: Smallfoot! RSVP to Heather by texting 503-422-6515.
- Meeting at the Library: Cherryland Electric Co-op
Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Avenue
Monday, April 8, 7 p.m.
Join the Grand Traverse Humanists as they present “Cherryland Electric Cooperative 101.” Come learn about a local/regional power utility company and what makes it — as a cooperative — different from other utility companies. Tony Anderson, Cherryland’s General Manager, will shed light on this area as well offer a brief history of the Cooperative, and key energy issues of our day.
Tony Anderson has been the General Manager of CEC since early 2003 and has been in the electric cooperative business for more than 35 years. He’s involved in numerous civic activities, and has completed 43 marathons, many of them fund-raisers for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of NW Michigan.
The program is free and open to the public.
- Meeting at the Library: SAIL Champion Program
Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Avenue
Monday, March 11, 7 p.m.
Join the Grand Traverse Humanists for a presentation on the history of the Maritime Heritage Alliance (MHA) and the role of SAIL Champion in our community. SAIL Champion is a nonprofit that brings together sailing, history and community to build the capacity for resilience of youths affected by challenging circumstances. Maritime Heritage Alliance vice president and founding member Rich Brauer will talk about the MHA’s history, and outreach coordinator Anne Donn will share how Sail Champion came to serve the Grand Traverse region and where the program is going today. The program will begin at 7 p.m. at the Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Avenue in Traverse City.
