Humanism is a world view that says reason and science are the best ways to understand the world around us, and dignity and compassion should be the basis for how we act toward others.

Winter Solstice & Tree of Knowledge

Come celebrate the winter solstice with us!
Thursday, December 21, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Unit 5-28 Currie St., Barrie (Murdoch Travel)

We will rejoice in enlightenment by unveiling our Tree of Knowledge
(dedicated to the memory of John Allen Jackson).
Help us decorate the tree by bringing a copy of your favourite book cover (or bring the book and we will copy it).
If you're not a reader, don't worry, you can still come without a book.

☕ Hot chocolate will be provided — feel free to bring a few goodies to share.
🎶 Musicians! Bring your instrument — maybe we will sing.

About us

We meet to have interesting presenters come and to discuss interesting ideas.

We meet on the last Wednesday of the month.

We meet at the Murdoch Travel office, near St. Vincent St. and Rose St. in Barrie.

Connect, Learn & Socialize

We regularly meet as a social and educational group. Sometimes we meet to expand our minds with new ideas, and sometimes we meet just to socialize. We welcome seekers, guests and prospective members as well as your feedback. All of our events are listed on our MeetUp page.

We are a community of non-believers. We invite all Humanists and Humanist-friendly people to participate with us, including atheists, agnostics, skeptics and other freethinkers.

Socials

Every other month we meet on the second Wednesday of the month at a pub or bar. No topic, no presentation, just friends meeting to catch up and chat. Check our Meetup page for details.

Monthly Presentations

We meet monthly at the Murdoch Travel office at 7pm on the last Wednesday of the month. Here, we discuss interesting ideas, often with presenters coming to speak to the group. Humanists love science and philosophy. Our meetings tend to include learning about science, talking about ethics, listening to charities and policy groups. We enjoy learning new things and trying to figure out how to make the world a better place. We pause presentations in July, August and December, and instead schedule pub nights, picnics and potlucks.

View meeting schedule on Meetup.com

Pre-Meeting Dinner

Before each meeting at 5 PM we meet at Kelsey's for dinner. Often our guest speaker attends. It's just an excuse to socialize before the presentation.

Social Media & Email

Sign up below for email reminders. This is the most reliable way to get information, along with our Meetup.com group. We also occassional post to our Facebook page and Twitter account. We also have a closed Facebook group for discussions you can participate in.

Please come by and check us out, for free. Any question? Email info@cohumanists.ca.

Get Email Reminders

A Humanist Life

We promote a positive, Humanistic lifestyle for non-religious people. We offer officiants for those who want non-religious weddings and funerals, and resources for people wanting to learn how to live a Humanistic life.

As Humanists, we believe it is our responsibility to live compassionately and ethically toward others. We only have each other. Every year we collect donations for charity and donations for the food bank.

Who We Are

We are a community of non-believers. We invite all Humanists and Humanist-friendly people to participate with us, including atheists, agnostics, skeptics and other freethinkers.

We love to learn new things and seek new perspectives on the world. This is because we want to know as many true things and as few false things as possible. Try us for free.

What We Like

Our meetings tend to include learning about science, talking about ethics, listening to charities and policy groups. We like to learn new things and figure out how to make the world a better place.

We are a social and education organization. As Humanists, we understand the need to meet with like-minded people and to be free to speak your mind. On top of our monthly meetings, we discuss ideas online via email groups and Facebook groups. Be part of our community.

Humanist Ceremonies

Humanist officiants are available to perform non-religious marriage ceremonies, memorial services, and child naming ceremonies.

Humanist officiants are licensed through Humanist Canada to perform wedding in Ontario. Below are some of the officiants in the Central Ontario area.

Humanist Officiants

Membership

We couldn't have interesting and thought-provoking presentations without the support of our members. Thank you for buying a membership and any additional donations you make.

We charge guests $5 at the door to help cover our costs. But if you would like to be a member, it's $30 for the year. This money goes toward our room rental and paying guest speakers. But we don't want you to give us any money until you know you like us. Your first 3 visits are free. Try before you buy.

There are three ways to pay. In person, by mail or by Interac email transfer.

Membership Type	Price
Individual	$30
Household	$50
Limited Income & Student	Free
Guest / Non-Member	$5 entry free First 3 visits free

Please email us with your name and email you would like subscribed to our members mailing list before you pay.

Memberships are free from 2020-2024 due to the pandemic and during our rebuilding phase.
To pay by Interac, send to treasurer@cohumanists.ca
Pay at the door with cash or cheque
Make cheque payable to "COHA" or to "Central Ontario Humanists"
Send cheque by mail: COHA Membership
c/o Shawn P. Conroy
90 Laidlaw Dr. Barrie, ON L4N 7S2

Non-Profit Corporation

We are a registered non-profit and non-prophet corporation.

As Humanists, we believe in accountability, transparency and the democratic process. We are member driven.

Executive Board

The Central Ontario Humanists (COHA) is run by a team of volunteers. Our AGMs are held at the start of the winter potluck social, usually near the start of December.

Constitution

Position	Officer
President	Shawn C.
Vice President	Vacant
Treasurer	Debbie F.
Secretary	Vacant
Membership Secretary	Vacant