Institute For Humanist Studies - History

History

In June 1999, the Institute for Humanist Studies, Inc., was incorporated in the State of New York. With financial support from Larry Jones, the founding president of the Institute, the organization began its work as an “educational non-profit institute,” with the purpose of providing information to policy makers and other for the purpose of advancing humanism as a life philosophy. Much of this information was made available through its on line publication – Humanist Network News. In addition to information in the form of papers, etc., the Institute also offered distance-learning opportunities through its on line “Continuum of Humanist Education” curriculum. With time, these courses were made available without cost to those interesting in them. Furthermore, through its registered lobbyist, the Institute sought to promote humanism within New York State Legislation. Intentionally avoiding a framework based on membership, the Institute understood itself as thereby being free to partner with other humanist organizations without competition for members. Based on this approach, the Institute became a founding member of the Secular Coalition for America. In addition to supporting these organizations through information, the Institute also provided grants averaging between $10,000-$20,000 to humanist organization in support of the policy efforts and programming. Those receiving grants include: Secular Student Alliance; International Humanist and Ethical Youth Organization (Belgium); Prometheus Society of Slovakia, Bratislava; and the International Humanist and Ethical Union (London).

The staff of the Institute consisted of: Larry Jones, founding president; Matt Cherry, Executive Director; Mary Ellen Sikes, Associate Director / Web Analyst; Judy Disco, Director of Administration; Dr. Tim Gordinier, lobbyist and Director of Public Policy; Duncan Crary, Director of Communication; and Marty Mulligan, Systems Administrator.

In 2008, the Institute for Humanist Studies, Inc., began conversations with the American Humanist Association (AHA) with the purpose being a partnership with the AHA. In 2009, the conversations shifted to the possibility of the AHA taking over the operations of the Institute with the exception of its lobbyist efforts. In stead, it was eventually decided in 2009 that the Institute should be reconstitute along the lines of a formal think tank, with another organization (The Humanist Institute) taking over its on line classes. It was argued a formal think tank would be positioned to provide the Humanist movement with information and other modes of assistance with the promotion of humanism in the United States and elsewhere.

A meeting was held in Arizona in 2009 to map out the reconstituted Institute for Humanist Studies Think Tank. Shortly after that meeting, a broad of directors was constituted, and Anthony Pinn was asked to serve as Director of Research. The first Programming Director was Diane Griffin, who served in that capacity during the first nine months of the Institute. The vision statement for the new Institute was drafted and approved by the Board in November 2010. This document outlined the structure and purpose of the organization. The structure of the Institute is as follows: