The AHA Chapter Program

The Chapter designation is for groups interested in a high level of humanist identification and involvement, and for those in substantial agreement with the AHA’s policies, goals and mission. We also have a lower level of connection called Affiliates, with whom we agree to promote each other, but nothing further.

What we ask of Chapters:

  • The democratic decision to be a chapter, and ongoing democratic governance.
  • Provide us public contact information.
  • Have five AHA members in good standing.
  • Provide us an updated list of local members and contacts for use in an annual membership appeal.
  • Adopt Humanism and Its Aspirations as values for the group.

What benefits we provide Chapters:

  • FREE: tabling materials! Use our order form here to submit your request.
  • The opportunity to apply for program grants annually – ranging from $250 to $2,500 – from the Chapter Grants Fund. The Chapter Grant Fund Application is currently open and accepting submissions through January 31, 2022. Learn more and apply here.
  • Annually, the AHA national staff will assist in mailing to current national members in the Chapter’s surrounding area for membership drives.
  • Access to the AHA’s professional staff for assistance with fundraising, PR and organizing strategy.
  • A list of local press contacts for your groups media outreach.
  • New and renewing AHA members will be encouraged to join a local group.
  • Chapter contact information will be publicized on the AHA’s website, on official documents, and at the annual national conference.
  • Will receive regular communications from the AHA that include recommended political and social actions.
  • Will have low cost and often free access to AHA resources below, including pamphlets, magazines, and books.
  • Access to a speakers bureau, accessible via the AHA’s website. Click here for information about our featured speakers.
  • The AHA can provide Chapters with a non-profit, educational purpose, tax exemption. Chapters can use this designation to accept tax-deductible donations and to apply for a sales tax exemption in their state.

We also provide the following resources to our Chapters:
Grassroots Manual [Note this is from 2016 and will be updated]

A comprehensive guide for local group leaders on ways to maintain and run a local Humanist group. Includes sections on running meetings, planning public debates and speakers, activism, fundraising, strategic planning, and education. The AHA plans to periodically update the manual.

Download the PDF here (433KB)
02_manifestoHumanism and Its Aspirations: Humanist Manifesto III

Humanism and Its Aspirations is the most up-to-date and concise iteration of the humanist worldview. We include the full, four page document as well as a wallet-sized card with main principles of Humanist Manifesto III listed out for easy reference and discussion.
03_magazineThe Humanist

The AHA’s magazine of critical inquiry and social concern. The magazine’s cover stories and articles focus on a broad range of issues that are of interest and concern to humanists.
05_brochureAHA Introductory Brochure

General information brochure about the American Humanist Association. Includes a membership form, which can be detached and mailed in.
02_manifestoHumanist Manifestos I and II

Six-page reprint of the first two Humanist Manifestos: Humanist Manifesto I (released in 1933) and Humanist Manifesto II (released in 1973).
07_stickersAHA Stickers

These stickers are always a huge hit! They are perfect tabling items for local festivals and fairs. You can stick them on your water bottle, car, laptop or notebook to show your support for the humanist movement.
09_bookmarksHumanist Press Bookmarks

This bookmark promotes Humanist Press, AHA’s book publishing arm and online bookstore. These bookmarks are a wonderful giveaway item at your group’s next tabling event.
10_pathsPaths to Humanism Brochures

The recent American Humanist Association series of brochures, Paths to Humanism are a great outreach tool to those who are not yet identifying as humanists/atheists. They vividly illustrate that numerous religious traditions share many principles and values that are the basis of and common to humanism. Many people find humanism from a wide variety of paths and some are not ready (or may never be ready) to set aside the faith identity of themselves and their family. There are eleven different brochures that explain how one can be a good-without-god humanist, and retain their religious identity if they so choose. These brochures are a wonderful resource that local groups should place on their table at public festivals and fairs. Learn more here.