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!
Upcoming Events
- G.T. Humanists Meeting: Norte with Ty Schmidt
Monday, July 12, 7 p.m.
Norte Clubhouse at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center
1213 W. Civic Center Dr., Traverse City
Join the Grand Traverse Humanists for a walking and optional biking tour with Ty Schmidt of Norte! We’ll gather at Norte’s clubhouse at the Grand Traverse Civic Center (a small building near the playground at the south end of the park).Ty will take us on a 45 minute walking tour of the park to learn more about Norte’s work on the recently approved Civic Center master plan which features a new Bike Education Center. There will be an optional “slow roll” bike ride at 7:45 to see some of the new Safe Routes To School infrastructure being built in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Norte’s mission is to build stronger, better connected, and more walk/bike-friendly communities by empowering the young and young at heart. Norte is raising awareness and promoting best practice infrastructure, progressive policies, and people-first design that advances complete streets, traffic calming, and more equitable access to encourage a happier, healthier and stronger community.
- G.T. Humanists Bike Ride to Suttons Bay
Sunday, June 13, 11 a.m.
Darrow Park, Bay Street, Traverse City
We’ll meet at Darrow Park to ride up the Leelanau Trail to Suttons Bay, where we’ll have lunch and then ride back to town. Those who only wish to bike one-way have the option of taking the BATA bus back.
- G.T. Humanist Paddle on Pickerel Creek
Saturday, June 19, 2 p.m.
Grass Lake State Forest Campground
Join the Grand Traverse Humanists for a paddle trip up the little-known Betsie River tributary of Pickerel Creek! This creek is a particular favorite of the trip leader, Linnaea–it’s a beautiful area and feels very remote. The launch is located at Grass Lake Campground. Details here: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx…The creek has no current to speak of, so this will be an out and back paddle. No shuttle required, as we’ll paddle out and return the same way. To paddle the full distance, at one point it will be required to get out of your boat to get over a beaver dam. Linnaea will assist anyone that needs help. Those who do not wish to go over the dam can turn around at this point and could also explore the nearby Grass Lake.
A few pointers and safety tips are always good to keep in mind:
*Bring water, a change of clothes in a dry sack, sunscreen, a snack or sack lunch, and appropriate, securely fastened footwear that you don’t mind getting wet. Flip flops not recommended, and bare feet are unacceptable.
*Bring your PFD/flotation device. Even if you don’t wear it, you’ll need to have one with you.
*Children and dogs are welcome, but must be controlled. There is a lot of wildlife on this waterway, and we don’t want to disturb it any more than necessary!
*Don’t forget your paddle (and kayak/canoe)!
*MOST IMPORTANTLY: THERE’S NOWHERE TO STOP ON THIS RIVER! Therefore there is nowhere to get out and go to the bathroom! Plan accordingly. There is an outhouse at the launch site.
We’ll meet at the launch site at 2 PM. The launch is at the far east end of the campground.Email Linnaea at lmelcarek@gmail.com to RSVP.
- G.T. Humanists Meeting: Great Lakes, Protection vs. Profit
Monday, June 14, 7 p.m.
7670 East Shore Rd., Traverse City
Barb Stamiris will present a program on the Line 5 oil pipeline (which runs through the Straits of Mackinac) and discuss why many believe it should be shut down.Governor Whitmer has recently filed a lawsuit ordering a shutdown of Line 5. Her recent opinion piece for the Washington Post can be read here:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/gretchen-whitmer…/…Barb became an environmental activist in the 1980s when she realized that her home was within a 10 mile radius of the Midland nuclear plant under construction. In 1984 she testified before Congress about problems with the plant, which never opened and was instead converted into a gas-fired steam recovery power plant.
A retired teacher, Barb now focuses on Line 5 as member of the oilandwatererdontmix.org Steering Committee and works with FLOW (For Love of Water). She is a board member of NMI Environmental Action Council and Leelanau League of Women Voters.
This meeting will take place in person at Mark Elliott and Heather Kingham’s back patio. They ask that you please be vaccinated if you decide to attend. In case of rain, it will happen as a virtual Zoom meeting.
- G.T. Humanist Meeting: The Student Secular Movement
Monday, May 10, 7 p.m. via Zoom
Kevin Bolling, executive director of the Student Secular Alliance, will present a program via Zoom, called “The Next Generation of the Secular Movement: Are You Ready?”
The next generation in the United States is more secular and social justice-oriented than previous generations. Kevin will share about the mindset of millennials and Generation Z, and what the Secular Student Alliance is doing across the county about the current tactics of conservative religious campus ministries, and what local secular groups can do to encourage and engage the upcoming generation.Register in advance for this free meeting by clicking here; once you register, you will receive your own unique Zoom link to join the meeting.
- Humanist Bike Ride
Sunday, May 16, 11 a.m., at Darrow Park in Traverse City
For those of us fortunate enough to already be fully vaccinated, meet at Darrow Park for an inaugural GTH bike ride for the 2021 season. We’ll ride through town via the TART-through-to wn route, then pick up the trail to pedal east to Red Mesa Grill for lunch. They have outdoor dining. Contact person is Mark Elliott: text or call 231-392-1215.
