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
- G.T. Humanists Book Club: Democracy in Chains
Sunday, May 10, 4 p.m.
Grand Traverse Humanists will gather to discuss Nancy MacLean’s book, “Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America.” Booklist called it “perhaps the best explanation to date of the roots of the political divide that threatens to irrevocably alter American government.” The Guardian said: “It’s the missing chapter: a key to understanding the politics of the past half century.” More information about the book here: Democracy In ChainsWe’re currently planning on holding this discussion over Zoom. Stay tuned for details!
However, if the virus no longer seems like a threat, we’ll meet at the home of Gregg and Sue McDonald. Bring a snack, beverage or dish to share if you wish (not required!). To get the address (and so they know how many are coming), please RSVP to Sue at librarygirl1963@hotmail.com or 231-360-7510.
- Meeting at the Library: Loreen Niewenhuis, Lake Walker
Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Avenue
Monday, March 9, 7 p.m.
Grand Traverse Humanists welcome author and adventurer Loreen Niewenhuis. In 2009, Loreen Niewenhuis walked the perimeter of Lake Michigan and wrote the bestselling book, A 1000-MILE WALK ON THE BEACH. In 2012, she took another long journey, covering 1000 miles of shoreline touching all five Great Lakes. The book about this adventure, A 1000-MILE GREAT LAKES WALK, explores the entire Great Lakes system. Finally, in 2014, she launched off of the shoreline to visit many of the islands of the Great Lakes. In 2015 her book A 1000-MILE GREAT LAKES ISLAND ADVENTURE was released.
Loreen will take you to islands in each of the five Great Lakes and their connecting waters. In words, photos, and video, you’ll explore the geology of the largest system of freshwater lakes in the world and why there are tens of thousands of islands in the Great Lakes basin. She’ll reveal how these islands are diverse in both geological underpinnings and in the life forms existing on the islands. She will also explore some of the scientific research on the islands that she assisted with during her island odyssey. From the wolf-moose study on Isle Royale to the conservation of the endangered piping plover on the Manitou Islands, Niewenhuis will open your eyes and minds to the complexity of life on our Great Lakes islands.
Loreen Niewenhuis has a M.S. degree in the biological sciences and a M.F.A. in writing. She raises important questions about preserving our wild places and protecting the fragile ecosystems on which we all depend.
- G.T. Humanists Winter Sports Outing
4813 N Indian Lake Rd., Traverse City
Sunday, March 1, 2:00 p.m.
Grand Traverse Humanists will meet to ski, snowshoe, or fat bike on the Vasa trail, leaving from Scott and Suzette Blair’s house nearby… meet back for cocoa after! RSVP to Scott at scott.blair@jacobs.com or text 231-313-7214.
- Hungry Humanists: North Peak Brewing Co.
400 West Front St., Traverse City
Monday, February 24, 6:30 p.m.
Grand Traverse Humanists will gather to dine at Traverse City’s North Peak Brewing Company. Great food and great beer! Please RSVP to Scott at scott.blair@jacobs.com or text 231-313-7214.
- Meeting at the Library: Deb Lake from American Waste
Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Avenue
Monday, February 10, 7 p.m.
Grand Traverse Humanists present Deb Lake from American Waste with a talk on recycling in 2020. Learn all about the state of the recycling industry and American Waste’s part in it. What can be recycled these days? How should we prepare our recyclables? What happens to our recyclables when they leave the material recovery facility? It was recently announced that American Waste is being acquired by GFL Environmental: what does this mean for AW’s waste and recycling operations? These questions and more will be answered during a presentation that includes video of the recycling machines in action.
Deb Lake is the Marketing Representative for American Waste. She conducts tours of their facility, gives public presentations, and manages their website and other communications.
- Volunteering at Safe Harbor
517 Wellington Street, Traverse City
Wednesday, February 12, 5:30 p.m. to Thursday, February 13, 8:30 a.m.
Grand Traverse Humanists are on the schedule to volunteer at Safe Harbor the evening of Wednesday, February 12 through the morning of Thursday, February 13. It’s not hard work, and it directly helps people in our community. Paid, trained staff members are on site the whole time to assist.
To sign up, please email Scott Blair at scott.blair@jacobs.com, or text 231-313-7214. *UPDATE: We are now fully staffed. Thanks everyone!
