Elon Musk has said “the fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy.” As humanists, we reject that outright. Captain G.M. Gilbert, a psychologist who observed the Nazi defendants, said “Evil, I think, is the Absence of Empathy.” It’s time to stand up for empathy. It’s time for Humanists to Move America towards a more empathetic future. It’s time for ACTION.
We’re calling on AHA local groups to help us support those most impacted by the government’s drastic budget cuts and hateful orders with local events during Secular Week of Action (Friday, April 25 to Sunday, May 4). Groups can choose one or more of these actions to apply for a supplemental grant:
- Food and/or Supply Drive up to $500 – Collect needed food and/or supplies and arrange a direct distribution event or volunteer at your local food bank.
- Nature Cleanup up to $200 – Clean up a local park, highway, stream, beach, etc. that could use some love and restoration.
- Propose Another Action up to $200 – Create another action that will help you support more people in your community to address their immediate needs. This might include painting a community center, volunteering at a retirement home, providing childcare at a PTA meeting, writing positive notes to gender-affirming patients, or so much more. We’d love to help make your group’s ideas a reality.
For assistance, see our planning guide, Supply Drive Toolkit, Cleanup Toolkit, and other event toolkits available on the Secular Week of Action website (weekofaction.org), where you will also share your event and report on it afterwards. Remember to share public events so we can add to SWoA website and help get you volunteers.
Timeline
- SWOA Grants are being replaced in 2026 for The American Empathy Project – $100K in grants will be awarded. Applications open February 9th.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Chapters or Affiliates of the American Humanist Association as of March 24. Groups don’t need to be 501c3 non-profits. Grant funds may be used for advertising, venues, staffing, materials, refreshments, and technical needs of service events. Grant funds may not be donated to another nonprofit or used for honorariums.
For questions or assistance with applications, contact AHA Organizing Director Jake Via jvia@americanhumanist.org