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Northern Virginia Ethical Society (NoVES)

Sunday Platforms

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The platform of an Ethical Society is itself the altar; the address must be the fire that burns thereon.

Felix Adler, Founder of Ethical Culture




What to Expect

Our platform meetings typically feature a thought-provoking talk on a topic of ethical interest, along with responses, music, a story for children of all ages, and more. We meet from mid-September through mid-June (see topic listings below).

Our Sunday School is devoted to teaching children how to make ethical choices, with a thoughtful, age-specific curriculum and a friendly, supportive environment.

All are welcome to attend a Sunday meeting and to bring children along for Sunday School. Casual, comfortable dress is the norm, we want you to feel at home.

We follow the more formal part of our meetings with a coffee and conversation time hosted by our members -- a chance to continue the conversation about the topic, to get to know each other, to learn from each other, and to find others with shared values and concerns.

A few times each year, we have inter-generational festival celebrations instead of talks at the Sunday platform meeting. In these events, we celebrate the natural flow of the seasons, honor the universal human concerns behind holidays, and enjoy a shared meal together.

Each Sunday, we pass the basket, giving members and friends an opportunity to help support the Society and its values. Half of all undesignated donations are given to a charitable or service organization or project; the Ethical Action committee selects and announces each week's recipient organization or project.

Sample Sunday Program

 10:30-11:00Gathering  and Greet Your neighbors
 11:00 AMOpening Words and Music   
 Welcome 
 11:10 AMStory Time (kids gather up front)  
 11:15 AMKids go to Sunday School
 Music
 11:20 AMPlatform Speaker Introduction
 11:20 AM-11:50 AMPlatform Address  
 Music  
 Response Period and Sharing of Responsibility (collections)
 Announcements 
 12:00 PMClosing Words  
 12:15Conclusion of Sunday School  
 12:00 PM-1:00 PMSnacks and Social Time

Upcoming Topics

  • All-Societies Platform: 150 Years of Ethical Culture Celebration

    • Sunday, May 31, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • On-Line Event


    Please join NoVES and over 20 Ethical Societies across the country for this "All Societies" event.

    150 Years of Ethical Culture Celebration!
    What does Ethical Culture look like today?

    A Special 2-Hour All-Societies Platform

    May 31, 2026 11 AM -1 PM Eastern
    from Philadelphia Ethical Society & Ethical Society of St. Louis

    Featuring Highlights From

    The New York Society for Ethical Culture
    Anniversary Gala

    This All-Societies Platform explores how Ethical Humanism continues to evolve through community, justice, and shared responsibility. During this gathering we will be in conversation with watch parties at Ethical Culture societies around the country. Hundreds of Ethical Culture members and friends nationwide will celebrate the legacy we inherit and the future we’re building together.

    You can find the link to register here:

    https://aeu.org/2026/05/may31-all-societies-platform-150-years-of-ethical-culture-celebration/

    Show details

  • What About Artificial Sweeteners?

    • Sunday, June 07, 2026
    • 10:30 AM
    • Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Avenue, Vienna, VA

    "What About Artificial Sweeteners?" .  This talk by Margaretha Backers-Netherton, RN BSN, will review the history, uses, benefits and negative effects of these widely used chemicals. 

    Please join us for Sunday Platform at Green Hedges School, Vienna, VA After the meeting, we will plan to go out to lunch together at Vienna Thai restaurant.  

    For those who cannot come in person, this is the zoom link:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85147568797?pwd=2TQNpZPubvub435R7H9cEaKWrTWgaS.1 


    Margaretha Backers-Netherton, RN BSN

    Falls Church, VA

    Margaretha is a board certified member of the National Society of Health Coaches.  She holds degrees in Biology, Education and Nursing and has experience as an ER, Home Health and Wellness Nurse. She works with employees of various business and organizations to improve their health and presents programs at various communities and veg fests throughout the country.  She has been a vegan for over 30 years and holds a Plant Based Nutrition Certification from Cornell, certified as a Food for Life Instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, has a Master Fitness Certification from the Cooper Institute and has two daughters and a grandson.

    The charity NoVEs will be collecting for in June is City Wildlife.  If anyone has gently used linens, towels or cloths the animals always need them. If anyone has furs they're ashamed to have, they are welcome to turn them in for the rescued animals to bed in.  They're always in need of recycled newspapers also.

    Show details

  • 2026 NoVES Virtual Membership Meeting

    • Sunday, June 14, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • virtual- online only

    NoVES Virtual Membership Meeting

    Every member is needed to attend our virtual annual membership meeting.  Agenda items include voting on new board members, approving a budget for the 2026 - 2027 season and discussing the future of NoVES.  Non-members are welcome to join but will not be able to vote.  We need to hear from all our members and hope you will make time to attend this important online meeting! 

    Use this  Zoom Link to participate  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88010148102?pwd=N2E3b25YdkNhaCtROUt6OG0rRUJZZz09 

    Show details

Directions to Sunday Platform

Green Hedges School

415 Windover Avenue NW

Vienna, VA 22180


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.

Questions or platform topic recommendations? Contact the Platform Committee


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