Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville

Annual Meeting
2026-06-21 14:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC
The Annual Meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville will take place on Sunday, June 21, 2026, 2:30 – 4:00 PM at 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC. A potluck meal will follow the meeting. All are welcome to attend (only members may vote).
An agenda will be available in advance of the meeting.
Board members will be elected. If you wish to serve as a member of the EHSAsheville Board, please let any current board member know.

"A Glimpse into the National Ethical Service and Our Ethical Imperative to Stand Up for Children’s Rights” by Audrey Kindred
2026-07-05 11:00 - 12:15 | Zoom
In lieu of Colloquy, we will join the New York Society for Ethical Culture for a program on “A Glimpse into the National Ethical Service and Our Ethical Imperative to Stand Up for Children’s Rights” presented online only by Audrey Kindred. Sunday July 5 | 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM. All are welcome.
RSVP to Join on Zoom
Audrey Kindred introduces us to the work of the National Ethical Service, the AEU’s mission to the United Nations, and its work on children’s rights.
Audrey Kindred is a well-known intergenerational educator, lifelong artist, and activist.

Ethical Culture: Kindred has been an educator for the Ethical Culture movement for over 20 years. She serves as the Youth and Family Programs Coordinator / Director of Ethics for Children for the New York Society for Ethical Culture.
Mindful Movement & Wellness: Holding a master’s degree in Educational Curriculum and Instruction, she has integrated dance, movement, and yoga into public schools and alternative education environments like the Brooklyn Waldorf School.
Climate Justice Education: She developed an embodied eco-arts curriculum called “Humanitree,” which uses metaphoric, scientific, and artistic engagement with nature to grow climate-conscious citizens.
Publications & Ceremonies: She co-authored a course called “Humanist Family Life Ceremonies” with Ethical Leader Emeritus Dr. Anne Klaeysen, published by the American Humanist Association’s Center for Education.

“Levers of Change: Humanist Policy, Politics, and Advocacy in the Time of Christian Nationalism” by Rachel Deitch
2026-07-19 14:30 - 16:00 | Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC
“Levers of Change: Humanist Policy, Politics, and Advocacy in the Time of Christian Nationalism” will be presented by Rachel Deitch at the Sunday, July 19, 2026, meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville. The program will take place from 2:30–4:00 pm at 227 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC. Rachel will join live via Zoom from Washington, DC, and will be featured on a large screen. Attendees are invited to gather in person at our regular meeting location. All are welcome.

Active engagement in the political landscape is essential for individuals and organizations committed to strengthening their communities. As an organization dedicated to creating a more just and humane world, the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville recognizes both the importance—and the responsibility—of civic participation.
In this program, Rachel will lead a discussion on how humanists can effectively engage in the political and electoral process. While nonprofits operate within certain legal limitations, there remains a wide range of permissible activities—including advocacy, education, and public engagement—that can meaningfully influence issues of shared concern.
Rachel will also introduce the work of the Center for Freethought Equality, including its mission, how it collaborates with local organizations, and ways individuals and groups can become more informed and engaged. The program will offer attendees an opportunity to better understand how national and local efforts can align to advance shared values.
Rachel Deitch is the Policy and Political Director at the Center for Freethought Equality (CFE) and the American Humanist Association (AHA). She oversees the organizations’ work to create a more humanist world through public policy, as well as CFE’s political program to increase humanist representation and influence at all levels of government.
Rachel is a seasoned strategist, advocate, policy wonk, and coalition builder. Most recently, she served as Director of Federal Policy at the National Coalition of STD Directors, where she founded and co-chaired a coalition of 65 national public health, sexual health, and LGBTQ organizations during the mpox public health emergency, bridging the gap between advocates and the White House. And prior to that, she worked at the AHA and CFE as Director of Policy and Social Justice.
Rachel holds a Master of Theological Studies in Religion, Politics, and Ethics from Harvard Divinity School and a BA in Religious Studies from Occidental College. She resides in Washington, DC., serves on the board of her local Planned Parenthood, and enjoys being an active Humanist celebrant.

“Niconda Forever” – Inspiration from Her Forthcoming Book - by Niconda Garcia
2026-08-16 14:30 - 16:00 | Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC
“Niconda Forever” – Inspiration from Her Forthcoming Book. Author, community advocate, and leadership consultant, Niconda Garcia will present “Niconda Forever” – Inspiration from Her Forthcoming Book at the Sunday, August 16, 2026, meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville. The program will take place from 2:30–4:00 pm at 227 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC. Niconda will present in person. We hope you will attend in person, although a Zoom option will also be available. All are welcome.
Asheville native, Niconda Garcia, brings her story to the pages of Niconda Forever, which follows one woman’s journey to embrace her authentic self and inspire others to do the same. Through reflections on her personal life – like growing up in public housing in the Mountain South and a literal trial of teen love – Niconda shares an intimate portrait of her survival as a young Black woman in Asheville. This collection of stories from a lifetime of building community, practicing radical self-love, advocating for her children, and speaking truth to power in the boardrooms of area institutions and nonprofits does more than simply reflect – it charts a path for others to follow in fighting oppression, confronting injustice and creating meaningful change.
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit, government, and healthcare sectors, Niconda Garcia helps individuals and organizations reimagine leadership, challenge systemic barriers, and build stronger, more equitable communities. Her work is grounded in the lived experience of growing up in under-resourced neighborhoods, advocating for children, working within the criminal justice and nonprofit systems, and helping others find their own voices for positive change.

AEU All-Societies Platform with Kai Bird: 'American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn’s Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump'
2026-08-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Kai Bird, the Pulitzer Prize–winning coauthor of American Prometheus, inspiration for the Oscar-winning sensation Oppenheimer, will tell about his new book, American Scoundrel, a biography of Roy Cohn— the mastermind behind the current arc of American political life, including the ascent of Donald Trump. The AEU All-Societies Platform is free to attend or stream. All virtual participants must register to receive the Zoom link.

“2026 Buncombe County Bond Referendum” – Panel Discussion in formation
2026-09-20 14:30 - 16:00 | Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC
In November 2026, voters in Buncombe County will have the opportunity to decide on two bonds: open space and housing. Should voters approve, the two bonds will support conservation purposes, including the protection of natural resources, preservation of farms and scenic landscapes, and the repair and development of parks, greenways, trails, and other outdoor recreational opportunities and increase the number of housing units in Buncombe County for people of low to moderate income.
Open Space Bond – $30 million
If approved, the average annual cost to the current median homeowner in Buncombe County would be $18.
Conservation Easements Vision
Develop a connected, resilient, and open space system that protects the region’s natural resources, supports working lands, enhances community well-being, and provides access to nature where compatible with conservation.
Public Open Space Vision
Provide a high-quality, inclusive, and resilient parks and recreation system that delivers safe, accessible, and well-maintained facilities, diverse programming, and meaningful experiences that enhance community health, connection, and quality of life for all residents.
Greenways and Trails Vision
Develop a resilient and interconnected greenway and trail system that links people to communities, nature, and recreation while enhancing accessibility, protecting natural resources, and supporting long-term health, sustainability and quality of life for all.
Housing Bond – $40 million
If approved, the average annual cost to the current median homeowner in Buncombe County would be $25.
Vision
Encourage a diversity of housing as a foundation for affordable, healthy, and thriving communities, particularly for the most vulnerable residents.

Presentation TBA
2026-10-18 14:30 - 16:00 | Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC

"How to Live a Life of Great Value" by Jim Stokely & Lynn Brailsford
2026-11-15 14:30 - 16:00 | Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC
“How to Live a Life of Great Value” will be presented by Jim Stokely and Lynn Brailsford at the Sunday, November 15, 2026, meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, 2:30 – 4:00 pm at 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC. Jim and Lynn will join us in-person for his presentation and Q&A. A hybrid Zoom option will also be available. All are welcome to attend.
