November 2003

Relations Between The BHA and Local Humanism

(also between local humanist groups themselves)

by

Barrie Berkley

Holly Hall Barn

Sandhoe, Hexham

Northumberland NE46 4LX

Tel. 01434 632936

(North East Humanists) & BHA member

barriebkly@aol.com

&

Josh Kutchinsky

12 Carlisle Road

London, NW6 6TS

Tel: 020 8969 2884

(Hampstead Humanist Society) & BHA member

josh@vilaron.homechoice.co.uk

Distribution

British Humanist Association

Local humanist groups

The humanist groups’ egroup

Relations Between The BHA and Local Humanism

(also between local humanist groups themselves)

CONTENTS 

1. Introduction …………………………………………………… p 1
2. Our aims……………………………………………………….. p 2
3. About the groups…………………………………………….. p 2
4. About the BHA………………………………………………... p 3
5. A problem and a solution in common……………………. p 5
6. Relations between the BHA and local humanism……… p 6
7. Relations between local groups…………………………… p 7
8. The way forward – recommendations……………………. p 8

Note: For convenience we have underlined the significant changes or additions from the draft report. We have also grouped the final recommendations in a new section #8 at the end of the report.

1. Introduction

(1.1) We wish to acknowledge the achievements and hard work of many humanists over the years in both the BHA and in local humanism.

(1.2) This report is the culmination of a series of actions originating from the decision at the 2002 GRAM (Groups Representatives Annual Meeting) to initiate a study to improve the communications between the BHA and local humanist groups and between the local humanist groups.

(1.3) Firstly A few words about how we went about this task. We set up an egroup open to all members of local humanist groups. We thought that the more people we could get in touch with and put in touch with each other the more useful it would be.

(1.4) Then we reviewed a number of BHA documents, protocols and booklets to make good use of previous work. From this, and from our own observations, we produced a discussion document in May this year, the aim of which was to encourage people to respond with their comments and suggestions. This document was emailed to all groups for whom we could find email addresses and posted by mail to those for whom we couldn’t. We telephoned some groups where the mail didn’t seem to get through.

(1.5) We collected views and opinions on the discussion document. We also consulted with Hanne Stinson and others at the BHA on some of the issues raised and spoke to others by phone and in person.

(1.6) The draft report was emailed to all members of the humanist groups’ egroup and distributed internally within the BHA to BHA staff and EC members. The BHA also mailed a copy to every affiliated group.

(1.7) We reviewed responses to the draft report in order to prepare this final report for presentation at this year’s GRAM on November 22^nd.

2. Our aims

(2.1) Our primary aim was to foster greater mutual understanding. We hope that this will translate into increased support for the humanist movement in all its forms. We further hope that improved communication will contribute to more effective action to promote humanism. Increasing the effectiveness of the humanist movement will be for the benefit of all those who find their personal beliefs best expressed by humanism and important for the ongoing defence of the legitimate rights of all who are atheist or agnostic.

(2.2) To act as facilitators to communication by being as open, transparent and relaxed as possible.

(2.3) To provide some insight into the present state of play with local groups and the BHA.

(2.4) To make recommendations as to how the BHA and local groups should now proceed in order to (i) improve their communications and relations and (ii) pursue their shared goals for the development and advancement of the humanist movement.

3. About the Groups

(3.1) Local groups are the only organisations providing an exclusively local social setting for the expression of individual humanism

(3.2) There are 49 local humanist groups in England, Wales & Northern Ireland, listed as affiliates by the BHA on their website. There is also a Family Network, which although not a local group is a group of humanists with local concerns and linked to the BHA. Since this study began a new local group has been formed in Huddersfield.

(3.3) We did not set out to survey these groups. However in the process of setting up the egroup we established contact with most of the groups. We can confirm that there remains quite a wide spectrum of size, health, purpose, activism and so on. We know of local groups that are increasing their membership and others that seem on the point of collapse. Many groups have conveyed to us their good wishes for the success of this venture.

(3.4) We understand that:

· Some local groups are satisfied with their relationship with the BHA and don’t ask or expect much from the BHA and don’t wish to be particularly active.

· Many local groups meet regularly and are principally concerned with providing their membership with convivial and interesting meetings.

· Others, too, are satisfied with the support they receive from the BHA but would like additional support in particular areas.

· Some local groups are very active, involved in ceremonies, campaigns and promotion.

· Some local groups seem to see a natural relationship in which they are active on behalf of the BHA, whilst others see it more as working alongside the BHA and other organisations.

· Some groups seem to be in trouble and are hanging on by their fingernails.

· Some individuals believe that the BHA is not doing as much as it could.

Note: We have established from the BHA that BHA members who have concerns about some aspect of BHA policy, organisation or structure should contact the BHA's Executive Director or other BHA staff in the first instance (the BHA thinks that many issues can probably be resolved by informal discussion, and generally welcomes members' suggestions). Members who are dissatisfied with the outcome of such discussions should raise the matter more formally with the Executive Director, who may agree to raise their concerns with the Executive Committee of the BHA.  Members who are still not satisfied may contact the EC Chair and/or ask for an item to go on the EC agenda.  If all this has failed to address the member's concerns, the last resort would be to propose a motion to the AGM to be put to the general membership.

(3.5) A number of local groups have a strong e-presence with well-produced and managed websites.

(3.6) Local groups often include a significant number of dormant members who nonetheless are activists in a most important way: they demonstrate their solidarity with the humanist movement by paying their subscriptions and making donations.

(3.7) The humanist groups’ egroup currently has a membership drawn from 41 groups plus the Family Network which is linked to the BHA. All and any members of local groups were invited to participate and so the 52 members of the egroup may not therefore be people who are engaged in running their local group. (Note: The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) is not affiliated to the BHA as was suggested in the draft report and it has never been affiliated.)

4. About the BHA

(4.1) The BHA is the only organisation whose prime function is the promotion

of humanism in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

(4.2) Hanne Stinson (Executive Director) who has been with the BHA for just about 2

years has said that she recognises there have been some tensions between the BHA and local groups. She has also tried to find out more about local groups: why people join them? What they did? How they saw their position? How they saw the BHA? The BHA, she says, acknowledges the independence of local groups and has no problem with that independence. She is determined to make a difference. She has nailed her campaigning colours to the mast when, quoting Harold Blackham, she said: “Humanism is about the world not about humanism” (Southern Regional Humanist Conference 2003).

(4.3) It would be surprising if BHA members, staff, trustees and Executive Committee did not wish that somehow national and local humanism could be combined to a greater extent to create an active and engaged union of like-minded people meshing their talents and their national and local knowledge in a radical campaigning activism.

(4.4) Hanne has told us that the BHA, within its means, is keen to support and assist local groups.

(4.5) The BHA currently supports local groups in several ways:

· BHA staff and EC members visit many local groups and give profile-raising and interesting talks.

· It publicises local groups and their activities

· It is prepared to promote local groups to BHA members by general and targeted mailings

· It provides free leaflets and briefings and sells books and publications at discounted prices

(4.6) The BHA’s current position is one of openness to any suggestions that come from local groups. There is a desire to improve the way local groups are represented in BHA publications and on its website. The BHA has offered to consider further ways it might promote local groups to BHA members.

(4.7) There are few of us who may not be aware of the following points. We repeat them because we believe them to be both true and relevant.

· The financial position of the BHA in relation to its present commitments is severely constrained.

· BHA staff are highly talented and they work for the BHA as hard as they do because of their belief in the importance to the humanist movement and to this country of the promotion of humanism and the support of humanists.

· There are problems in allocating existing funds or resources to any new initiatives (as this would require making cuts elsewhere.)

· Even finding the time to just consider new initiatives might be difficult.

· The BHA has set affiliation fees for groups at a level conducive to attracting and maintaining membership, related to the size of the group.

· The BHA does not cover all its costs associated with group affiliation from the affiliation income and it has no plans to do so. There is also no proposal by the BHA that income from affiliation fees should exceed the overall expenditure on all affiliated groups taking into account overheads, staff time etc.

All the above circumstances might, understandably, contribute to heightened sensitivities.

(4.8) We find that the work done, by the BHA, on behalf of its membership, is carried out with considerable professionalism and to great effect. Improvement is always possible for everyone, but as was said at the recent BHA conference, the BHA is certainly punching above its weight and possibly beyond its means.

(4.9) Members and affiliates of the BHA have every reason to be proud of their achievements and the growing influence of the BHA, but also to be concerned as to how this can be continued and developed. We have been informed that BHA staff and Executive Committee are also concerned with these issues and give them considerable attention. We have detected little serious questioning of the direction in which the BHA is proceeding beyond one or two dissenting voices. Such voices though can often be expressing some very worthwhile ideas and come from people no less deeply committed to our shared values and goals. The BHA accepts the importance of listening to those who dissent and also acknowledges that such dissent may come from people equally committed to the advancement of humanism.

(4.10) Special mention should be made of the BHA Ceremonies Network. The importance of ceremonies to the humanist movement is we find generally acknowledged. It is commonly thought that many people first hear of humanism after taking part in a humanist ceremony. The BHA has reported that the Ceremonies Network is flourishing. We are aware that there are some BHA accredited officiants who have concerns and that there are some (a small number) who though still performing ceremonies are no longer BHA accredited. However, it is not appropriate to cover the general subject of ceremonies in this review. We would simply wish to note that this is a matter of concern to all humanists and we would hope that differences can be resolved and, if not, that the relationship between individuals (and individuals and the BHA) can be reconciled.

5. A problem and a solution in common

(5.1) Both the BHA and some local groups would have many of their problems resolved if they could increase their membership.

(5.2) To be able to meet all reasonable demands made of the BHA (and to achieve the objectives shared by the BHA and groups) a substantial increase in membership would need to go hand-in-hand with a fund-raising campaign.

Affiliated local groups recognise that it is for the BHA to decide its priorities and how best to achieve them but also have a genuine interest in seeing an increase in the membership of the BHA, and in seeing the BHA achieve a more secure long-term financial basis.

(5.3) Growth in the membership of local and national humanist organisations should be a common goal.

(5.4) The benefits of local groups affiliating to the BHA has been well expressed by a local group as:

· Recruitment opportunities for both parties

· Publicity for national organisations through local activity, and publicity for local organisations through national publications

· Discounts on purchases of books for sale

· Local group influence on national policy making

· National knowledge, experience, information and advice can enhance the quality of local activity; local knowledge etc can enhance national activity

· Authority by association: the national body is able to demonstrate it is truly national; the local body is able to show that it is part of a wider movement

(5.5) Everyone should recognise the importance of encouraging the formation of new local groups. It will always require an individual (or two or three) to form the nucleus of a new group. Since beginning work on this enquiry a new group has been formed and is in the process of affiliating to the BHA. It has at last count 6 members.

The BHA has made it clear to us that it is keen, willing and able to help a group (new or existing) by contacting BHA members living in the local area. The BHA is also keen to help with advice, literature, publicity etc. Other local groups by e-communication can help with advice and support. Groups within the geographical “neighbourhood” might be able to assist in a less ‘virtual’ way.

Everything that can be done should be done to nurture the seeds of future recruitment for local and national humanism.

(5.6) Local groups need to produce suitably designed publicity leaflets/material promoting membership of their group to BHA members. The BHA has offered to send local group promotional material to members of the BHA living within the local group area. The BHA has done this for some groups already.

6. Relations between the BHA and local humanism

(6.1) We are confident that the development of better communication, transparency and openness between the BHA and local humanism (which appears to be happening) will lead to increased trust and confidence and to benefits for all.

(6.2) There are untapped resources within local humanism that could be made available to the BHA. As an example consider the next BHA annual conference: the BHA should encourage and welcome participation by its members and affiliates to come up with ideas for venues, for themes, for speakers, for fund-raising initiatives etc. This can be done at very low cost using volunteers, via the BHA website, a conference egroup and Humanist News. We have been informed that the Birmingham Group was involved, both in finding the venue and in putting the programme together for this year’s conference.

There are many other examples where the BHA can extend its collaboration with local humanists and benefit from a reserve of resources, skills and talents. Devising better methods for reaching and motivating potential volunteers are required.

(6.3) The BHA is committed to playing a key role in promoting, encouraging and facilitating the growth of local humanism. In doing so it promotes the BHA and strengthens its relationship with its local group membership.

(6.4) Local groups recognise that the responsibility for running the BHA so as to meet its stated objectives and the policies it adopts in relation to staff, to subscription rates, to the allocation of resources etc. are solely a matter for the BHA and its members.