A Very Humanist New Year

In the wake of a tumultuous 2021, we are all looking toward 2022 with understandable trepidation. As humanists, we hope humankind will see a period of relief after the storm for families suffering through the pandemic with food insecurity and economic hardship.

We yearn for a year in which we see favorable outcomes of the social justice movements of 2021, and in which we see more efforts toward combating climate change to avoid the natural disasters we suffered through last year, too.

We want to work toward a new year marked by positive change.

What good things can we realize together in 2022 if humanists work together?

If we keep operating and expanding our food security projects, more hunger will be avoided this year.

If we take action in our own communities or support the organizations that do, we join the fight to help struggling families and reduce homelessness.

“This year I want to do more volunteer work. It’s actually my resolution. As a humanist taking action to help others is really important to me,” Jasmine, a humanist mom from Maine confided.

“As a humanist I’d like to see us as a nation paying more attention to issues that really do matter to everyone on the planet like climate change,” added Bruce, an Arizona humanist.

If we show our support for legislative commitments to lower emissions, and use sustainable products and services ourselves, we’re giving our planet and people a chance to see more new years.

If we show our support for BLM and police accountability, the terrible trend of police violence, in particular toward people of color, may slow its pace in the coming year(s).

This year let’s volunteer our time and energy, raise our voices in solidarity, and commit to putting humanism in action.

Do some research and find out what charitable organizations in your community are planning this year.

Check out ideas for organizing events to fundraise for your own community’s people in need.

Support local campaigns of candidates with humanitarian agendas.

The pandemic, protests, and chaos of 2021 is behind us. In 2022, let’s help one another pick up the pieces and have a Very Humanist New Year!

Cassandra Brandt is a single mom from rural Arizona.  A former traveling tradeswoman, she now lives with quadriplegia and writes and advocates full time.

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