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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 Society Platform: Thinking Outside of the Box: What If These Aren’t the Worst of Times?

    • Sunday, November 30, 2025
    • 11:00 AM
    • Zoom


    November 30 AEU All-Societies Platform
    Thinking Outside of the Box: What If These Aren’t the Worst of Times?

    Hosted by Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture

    Sunday, November 30
    11:00 AM ET / 11:00 AM ET

    Laura Flanders is the host and executive producer of Laura Flanders & Friends, a nationally syndicated TV and radio program which reports on progressive change-making in the worlds of arts, politics and economics. In New York, Laura Flanders & Friends is seen weeknights on CUNYtv and WLIW, and heard on WBAI and WNYE. Nationally, you can find the show on close to 300 PBS stations and on YouTube as well as wherever you get your podcasts. Laura is also the author of several bestselling books and a contributing writer to The Nation Magazine. Follow @lauraflanders on social media or subscribe at lauraflanders.org.

    You must register to listen to this speaker with the AEU. You can do that by registering at this: American Ethical Union All-Society Zoom Platform  through this link. https://aeu.org/2025/10/save-the-date-nov-30-all-societies-platform-with-laura-flanders/


    Show details

  • Platform: How to find Comfort and Coziness in our our world today

    • Sunday, December 07, 2025
    • 11:00 AM
    • Green Hedge School


    Come join us for a platform filled with ideas on how we can find comfort and coziness during these ethically difficult times.

    Several cultures have traditions that center around making this season cozy, warm, and inviting, and on spending the time nurturing family relationships and friendships that otherwise get lost in the hustle and bustle of  year end activity.

    Melissa Sinclair will lead through a short discussion followed by activities to help us practice this important part of life when we take down the stress and find comfort in good company, hot drinks, and engaging activities.

    You are highly encouraged to bring a pair of slippers, a warm blanket, as well as your knitting, a cozy book, a puzzle, drawing materials, etc. 

    There will be collection of puzzles, adult coloring books, and simple crafts to do if you don't having anything to work on during platform or if you want to try something new to feel cozy.

    This will be an in person platform, only.

    Show details

  • Winter Festival - Winter Solstice celebration

    • Sunday, December 21, 2025
    • 11:00 AM


    We are happy to be able to celebrate the Winter Solstice in person and on the actual date this year!

    There will be music, poetry, crafts as well as a potluck lunch. 

    Details of how to sign up will be sent in the newsletter soon.

    This is an in person platform only.

    Show details

  • Gen Z - Opening the Door to The Next America, Bobbi Bowman

    • Sunday, January 18, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Green Hedges School, Vienna VA


                         Gen Z - Opening the Door to The Next America

    Generation Z is the most historic generation this country has seen in over 400 years. Why? Because it’s the last generation where White People (not-Hispanic) are the majority of  the U.S, population. We are now at an historic moment in our demographic history. No country has ever undergone the historic demographic change the USA will undergo in the next 20 years. How did we get here?


    About the speaker:

    Bobbi Bowman worked as a news reporter, editor and publisher for more than 40 years at newspapers including The Washington Post, USA Today and the Detroit Free Press. She retired from the newsroom in 2012 and became a  graduate student in History at George Mason University.

    She also received the prestigious Ida B. Wells award in 2009  for her work at the American Society of News Editors that changed the conversation on newsroom diversity to a conversation on reaching new audiences created by the changing U.S. demographics. She lectures frequently to journalists and others about the U. S.  in the midst of its  most important demographic change in 400 years. This is The Story of 21st Century America

    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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