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Northern Virginia Ethical Society


"Act so as to bring out the best in others, and thereby in yourself"
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Welcome to NoVES!

NoVES is a  Humanist congregation. We follow principles of Ethical Culture, a movement begun in 1876 by Felix Adler.  Our life goal is to act so as to bring out the best in others and thereby in ourselves. In so doing we strengthen our relationships with one another, and build a more humane world.

We invite you to visit us on a Sunday morning.  You might find the kind of caring, welcoming community you didn't even know was out there - just waiting for you to become part of it!

Affiliations 

   

The American Ethical Union (AEU)                              https://aeu.org/

NoVES affiliates with the AEU along with more than 20 other Societies across the country from New York to Silicon Valley. 

Each of these Societies share the culture of Ethical Humanism and work to implement Humanist values in their communities.  

 

American Humanist Association

       https://americanhumanist.org/

Founded in 1941 and located in Washington D.C., the American Humanist Association advocates progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, freethinkers, and the non-religious. The AHA has over 34,000 members and supporters and over 230 local chapters across the country. 

For Inspiration:

"I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept!"  Angela Davis   

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest." - Elie Wiesel 

"We are not hapless bystanders. We can influence whether we have a planet of peace, social justice, equity, and growth.."  James Wolfensohn

Change isn't a grand event , but a constant practice. Embrace the transformative power of your own agency. 

    Inclement Weather Announcement

PLEASE NOTE!  Due to inclement weather we have changed the order of our platforms.  This Sunday,  February 1st will be ZOOM only. The February 8th platform will be in person and feature our young member, Evie Nyilasi.    Please check the calendar below for details and zoom link.  Watch for a notice from NoVES through email, website, Facebook or Meetup to confirm the status of the meeting.

   

Edwin H Wilson, author of the 1st Humanist Manifesto 

What is Humanism? 

Why do we believe in our human potential?

Humanism 101

For the first time ever, the American Humanist Association has created a new video series on humanism! These are  short, watchable videos that actually explain what humanism is, featuring some of your favorite people in the humanist space.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Gb8MNhOZ4lbLPv1Cqtu3c41gMNjCSXc 

Be sure to watch them all!

Empathy is considered a fundamental aspect of human nature. It is both inate and nurtured, so it can be cultured and grown.  Empathy plays a critical societial role by allowing us to share experiences, needs and desires with others thus strengthing our connection with those we trust.  

Join the fourth nationwide "No Kings" protests on March 28, 2026. Tell the government that we want peace and empathy restored in our streets. . 

Watch this space for more details about time and locations. 

Actions you can take individually to spread empathy: 

Sign up for the newsletter from your elected representatives.  If they have a town hall - attend it and ask questions.  Find out when the School Board meets and attend that meeting. Ask about LGBTQ policies. Watch for actions from the Board of Supervisors, and visit their office to discuss your opinion. 

Or consider these options

  1. Make a donation to a local food pantry or clothing drive
  2. Plant a tree  or clean up a park area.
  3. Donate blood
  4. Volunteer to drive someone from Assisted Living out for shopping. 
  5. Hold conversations with friends about current events. Try to listen with empathy. 
  6. VOTE in every election =  Next election June 16, 2026. Mark Warner is facing three challengers  in a primary for his Virginia Senate Seat.

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Announcements 

New Bylaws Adopted June 8, 2025

At our General Membership Meeting on June 8, 2025, the members present approved changes to the Bylaws that end Board term limits. You can view this updated version of our Bylaws in the Members only section.  

Volunteers Needed

  • Do you enjoy weddings? Consider being a NoVES officiant. Contact Randy Best if interested.
  • Do you have time to spare to deliver a meal, provide a ride, or just be a companion to a fellow member in need? If so, contact Iris Woodard with the Caring Committee.
  • Sunday Sound System Setup team, Bookkeeper, Platform Committee, Festival Planning, and Publicity committees- contact Chris Van Dyke or any board member if you are interested and can help out. 

Directions to Sunday Platform

Green Hedges School

415 Windover Avenue NW

Vienna, VA

Driving Directions: Take the Nutley Street North exit from Route I-66.  At the fourth light, cross Maple Avenue (Route 123) and start watching your odometer.  At 0.2 miles, you will see a driveway with “Watch for Turning Vehicles” and “Green Hedges” signs.  There will also be an Ethical Society sign next to the driveway.  Turn right into the driveway, park in the lot, and take the nearest entrance into the building. Do not turn onto Windover.

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