Humanists International held its annual Members’ Showcase on Friday, 24 April 2026, a 90-minute virtual event dedicated to celebrating the achievements of its Member organizations.
The showcase aimed to strengthen global humanist solidarity and facilitate the exchange of practical knowledge that Member organizations can apply within their own communities. The event opened with remarks from Maggie Ardiente, President of Humanists International, who welcomed Members joining from across the globe and emphasized the importance of continued international collaboration.
Chief Executive Gary McLelland followed with key updates on the organization’s strategic priorities, including ongoing work on a new report examining the instrumentalization of freedom of religion or belief. He also noted that preparations are well underway for the upcoming World Humanist Congress in Ottawa, Canada this August, which will take place under the theme “Humanism As Resistance.”
Member organizations share impact
This was followed by a series of rapid-fire presentations from Member organizations, each sharing updates on their recent work and successes.
- From the American Humanist Association, Executive Director Fish Stark presented the “Humanist Creator Fund,” an initiative designed to support digital content creators and shift cultural narratives. Stark reported that funding 30 videos reached approximately 3 million subscribers and contributed to a 10 percent increase in membership within a year.
- Representing Freethought Lebanon, Co-founder Mazen Abou Hamdan provided updates on the Free Thought Hotline, capacity-building programs and the organization’s significant milestone of achieving legal registration.
- From Humanist Alliance Philippines International (HAPI), Chief Finance Officer Diosa Marie Aguila-Aguirre shared updates on successful grant-funded initiatives, including secular children’s books and the expansion of their multilingual website. A moment of remembrance was also held in honour of Mary Jane Quiming, a former Humanists International board member and HAPI leader.
- The Secular Humanist Society of Peru was represented by Project Coordinator Piero Gayozzo, who highlighted how grant-funded initiatives have addressed local needs. These included the Editorial Fund, Young Humanists Meetings and efforts to extend outreach beyond Lima.
- Advocacy for Alleged Witches in Nigeria, represented by Program Manager Dooyum Dominic Ingye, showcased its work addressing the violent stigmatization of individuals accused of “witchcraft.” Its three-level intervention model combines community engagement, media advocacy and legal support to protect vulnerable individuals and challenge harmful beliefs.
- From Uganda, Freedom Center Uganda member Aaron Nuwamanya outlined key achievements supported by Humanists International funding. Since 2018, the organization has grown to 180 members and developed programs focused on critical thinking education for youth, humanist cafés and LGBTI+ rights advocacy.
The Members’ Showcase reaffirmed the strength and diversity of the humanist movement, demonstrating how Member organizations and grant recipients are using humanist values to address urgent social issues.
President of Humanists International, Maggie Ardiente said: “Your work on the ground is critical to the growth of humanism around the world, and it is amazing to see what we can achieve when we share knowledge and experience with each other. This work is possible because of your membership dues, and the generous support of humanist organizations and individual donors around the world that have gone above and beyond in their giving.”
Photo by Diva Plavalaguna on Pexels.
