American Ethical Union

07/10/2026

🎉 The Movement that put "Deed Before Creed" on the map turns 150, and we're throwing a party right where it started!

The 111th Assembly (July 24–26) returns to the New York Society for Ethical Culture for four days of speakers, workshops, and connection, plus a Saturday banquet honoring two remarkable honorees: Dr. Arthur Dobrin, receiving the Felix Adler Lifetime Achievement Award, and PBS, receiving the Elliott-Black Award.
A century and a half of deed before creed, and we're just getting started. 💛

Read the full story at aeu.org: https://aeu.org/2026/07/american-ethical-union-celebrates-150-years-of-ethical-culture-at-the-111th-assembly.

07/03/2026

The 111th American Ethical Union Assembly is coming to New York City!

Join Ethical Culture members and friends July 24–26, 2026, at the New York Society for Ethical Culture as we gather around this year’s theme: “150 Years of Eliciting the Best: Then, Now and Always.”

The Assembly schedule is now available, and registration is open. We hope you’ll join us for a weekend of reflection, connection, community, and Movement-wide celebration.

Learn more and register: https://aeu.org/111th-aeu-assembly-2026

06/24/2026

One hundred and fifty years in, the work is the same as it was at the start: to gather, to act, and to keep asking what an ethical life requires.

Our latest AEU story reflects on where this Movement has been, what has endured, and how each generation continues the work of living ethics out loud.

Through reflections from Ellen McBride, Steve Serling, and Carolyn A. Parker, this piece explores community, ethical action, education, and the ongoing call to place “Deed above Creed.”

See the first comment to read the full article.

Photo of the 150th Ethical Culture Anniversary Gala from New York Society for Ethical Culture

05/15/2026

Today marks 150 years of Ethical Culture! 🎉

What began in 1876 with Felix Adler’s bold vision for ethical living has grown into a movement rooted in human dignity, reason, compassion, and action. Across generations, Ethical Culture has called people together to ask how we can bring out the best in one another and help build a more just and caring world.

In honor of this anniversary, we’re sharing a video from our We Are Ethical Culture course exploring the origins of the Ethical Culture Movement and the vision that continues to guide us today.

As we celebrate this milestone, we honor where we began and recommit to the shared work ahead: practicing ethics in community, strengthening human connection, and helping create a more just and caring world.

Happy 150th anniversary, Ethical Culture!

04/10/2026

What does Ethical Culture look like in practice?

It looks like welcoming someone at the door, stepping in when needed, and choosing each other, again and again.

We invite you to read the story of the members and friends who made the 110th Assembly possible. ✨

Link in the first comment.

03/18/2024

ICYMI: The deadline to submit workshops for the AEU 2024 Assembly has been extended to April 15!

Activists and organizations are invited to submit a workshop proposal for the American Ethical Union’s 109th Assembly, “Mindful Stories: A Ritual of Care,” July 26-28, 2024. Submissions must be received no later than April 15, 2024.

03/07/2024

Check out our March newsletter for updates about the AEU Assembly, the Presidents' Council, and Immunity to Change Workshops.

In her Letter from the President, Khandra Sears reflects on how we are connected throughout the Ethical Culture movement: "Our Societies connect us to the broader movement and to each other in our relationship with the AEU. Societies have looked to the AEU to offer connections and growth opportunities through our annual Assembly, Ethical Education for young people, and training for our lay and professional leadership. I hear and see the joy people express when they reminisce about Assemblies past, Youth of Ethical Societies (YES) conferences, Lay Leadership Summer School, and other experiences where we can build relationships and grow together."

This has not been an uncommon question lately. It’s a question that I find myself sitting with daily. And it’s a good question to ask ourselves. I think many of us see the value of giving to our home Societies. That’s where we devote most of our time within the Ethical Culture movement. They a...

03/07/2024

Activists and organizations are invited to submit a workshop proposal for the American Ethical Union’s 109th Assembly, “Mindful Stories: A Ritual of Care,” July 26-28, 2024. Submissions must be received no later than March 15, 2024.

Workshop Themes: Ethical Education, Ethical Action, Ethical Humanism

Visit our website for more information about workshop submissions.

Activists and organizations are invited to submit a workshop proposal for the American Ethical Union’s 109th Assembly, “Mindful Stories: A Ritual of Care,” July 26-28, 2024. Submissions must be received no later than March 15, 2024.

12/15/2023

December is a month that moves us toward Winter’s balance of light and dark with short days and full nights. For many, it’s a time to mark the rhythm of our days, years, and seasons.

December is also a time to turn toward each other and gather together in celebration and remembrance of our interconnection. Our All-Societies Platforms have become one place we connect with each other as an Ethical movement.

Join Audrey Kindred, the American Ethical Union, and Societies from across the country on December 31 at 11:00 AM ET for the next All-Societies Platform: Human-I-Tree.

Human-I-Tree is an original vision grown through community engagement at the New York Society for Ethical Culture by Audrey Kindred‘s collaboration with artists, activists, and children of all ages. It honors how every breath we take as humans is integral to the life of trees. Audrey brings Felix ...

11/29/2023

Are you looking for connection and reflection with a group of folks who are seeking to deepen their community of practice?

This past year, Arthur Dobrin, Leader Emeritus of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, led a weekly, year-long Colloquy gathering of participants from around the country. Arthur has generously offered to facilitate a similar group in 2024.

Arthur’s weekly 2024 Colloquy is available to anyone who is affiliated with the Ethical Movement. Gatherings will be held on Zoom each Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM ET with the first taking place on January 3rd.

Visit aeu.org for more information and to register: https://aeu.org/2023/11/2024-colloquy-with-arthur-dobrin-starts-january-3/

Are you looking for connection and reflection with a group of folks who are seeking to deepen their community of practice?