We will provide an overview of the Ethical Society of St. Louis’ history of support for Humanist schools in Uganda in cooperation with the Uganda Humanist Schools Trust (UHST), then provide updates on progress and challenges at the schools during the past year, and finish with a call for our community to continue our support for the students and schools in the upcoming year.

Members of the Board of Trustees take to the Platform to answer questions from the congregation.

The presentation will discuss the 2024 election results (national and local) and two ethical issues associated with elections: acknowledging the election results (particularly for the losers) and listening to your political opponents. The presentation will also discuss what the election results say about opportunities for change and growth of American democracy.

Missouri KidsFirst empowers adults to protect children from abuse and neglect through community education, professional training, and child advocacy. Our speaker, Jessica Seitz, will discuss the work and mission of Missouri KidsFirst. More details to come.

The second Monday of every October is recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of St. Louis to acknowledge Native Americans. However, many St. Louisians are unaware of the rich history of Native Americans with relationships to the land and the current status of Native people. This un-awareness contributes to issue of visibility of Native Americans and numerous inequities that we see today. Eric will discuss a variety of topics related to Native history, contemporary issues, and Native perspectives to improve your knowledge of Native Americans.

Politicians fight endlessly. Why? A flaw in our voting system discourages leaders from working together. But there is an easy fix, which families, nonprofits, and businesses use all the time to find common ground. Reformer Benjamin Singer helped pass the innovation into law in the City of St. Louis. Benjamin will share how Show Me Integrity discovered the solution and made it a reality, and how this one simple change can incentivize leaders to bring the St. Louis region and Missouri back together, stop bickering, and serve the people.

Am I doing enough? How do I justify self-care when others are suffering? How do I balance personal well-being with the moral imperative to take meaningful action? In this talk, we’ll look at how American individualism and superhero narratives shape our understanding of what counts as “doing something,” and we’ll re-anchor ourselves in collective strategies for long term change and growth.

Come learn from our diverse and exceptional panel of both long-time and new lay leaders. They will discuss the impact of volunteering and leadership in their own life and in our community.

In a polarizing world of politics, how can congregations be supportive in eliminating misinformation and disenfranchisement to clear the way for positive community changes?

Rev. Brian, an ordained clergyperson in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, will explore the Pastafarian Path to enlightenment. This spiritual journey does NOT require that you earnestly confess your transgressions and restrict your sex life to the “missionary” position; retreat into silence, meditating on your breath with a silly smile; endure a month’s days of starvation and evenings of gluttony; refrain from drinking alcohol, coffee, Coke and Pepsi and wear church sanctioned underwear; or sacrifice your son’s foreskin for your religious beliefs. Do you think life is absurd? Do you think this is funny? Yes? Congratulations—you have found The Way!