We all do it: we have values that we hold dear and we act in ways that aren't in accord with those values.  Or we have what feel like conflicting values: we believe we have to give up on some of our values in order to live by others. Felix Adler, the founder of Ethical Culture, called this the "pain of divided conscience."  Yet most of us long to walk our talk, to be able to make choices more easily that fulfill our and values.  How do we live with the reality that we want this, and that it's difficult to figure out how to make some changes?  Jone Johnson Lewis, NoVES Leader, is the speaker.

Ever thought about being a non-consumer for one year?  Living with what you have?  Reducing the amount of shiny plastic in your life? Hear from Helene Shore (a NoVES board member) to find out what this experiment was like for a middle class, school teacher from Fairfax, Virginia.  

When we see a dog -- our own pet or another dog -- do we really see that dog? Or do we see memories of other dogs, other interactions with that dog, ideas about what dogs should be?  The same with other people: do we see them as they are in that moment, or do we see them primarily through the filters of our assumptions, thoughts, experiences?  Perceiving the world mostly through our filters can mean we don't really relate to what's in front of us. We worry about what might happen.  We get involved in our own stories about what's in front of us, instead of really experiencing or appreciating what's there.  How might we become more aware in the moment, less in thrall to patterns and pressures in our minds?  Jone Johnson Lewis, NoVES Leader, is the speaker.

Edgar Aranda-Yanoc

President of the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations

Catherine Bordeau is the Leader of the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” (Dr. Seuss)

A purpose of an Ethical Society is to help individuals grow to our unique selves -- the "truer than true" You.  We're called human beings, not human doings -- who we are is the foundation of what we do, and what we do helps shape who we are.  "Who we are" is about our unique best, though, not just some way we now are: "who we are" is always open to change, and to more choice than we may recognize.  Jone Johnson Lewis, NoVES Leader, will explore the interrelationship of who we are and what we do.

Penny Gross

Fairfax County Supervisor representing Mason District in Annandale

Howard Radest

Dean Emeritus of the Humanist Institute , former Executive. Director American Ethical Union

Part Earth Day, part Spring Solstice (a little late) celebration, this day is one of our intergenerational festivals, with fun, food and fellowship.

We are meeting at Blueberry Hill on this date, not at Green Hedges! Green Hedges School is having an Open House for prospective students this Sunday.

Merle Morrow, author of So Am I: What Teaching in a Prison Taught Me

Leader Jone Johnson Lewis reflects on the learnings that parenting brings to our lives -- humility, compassion, responsibility, juggling, much more.

Northern Virginia Ethical Society is a democratic organization -- the members' votes elect a board, set major policy, and approve the financial plans for the year.  Please join us and "see how the sausage is made."

On what people believe strongly in, without or against evidence.

This week includes a reflection from Leader Jone Johnson Lewis and our Sunday School graduation, celebrating the unique individuals who have been part of our RE program and whose lives are moving onwards.