What we’re about
Explore a humanist community of freethinking people who focus on personal growth, social justice and compassionate relationships.
We meet to reflect on ethical living, get inspired to action, and to connect with each other person to person. We have many other opportunities to learn together, for example to understand racism, to practice compassionate communication, or to learn permaculture or mindfulness practices. We also promote action, for example marching together for climate justice with thousands of others, cooperating with other organizations on peace or anti-racism, and aiding members in their own activism with ideas, tools, and a supportive community.
If any of those sound like you, we should meet! We're the Brooklyn Ethical Society, a community of individuals and families united by a belief in human worth. Founded in the 19th Century, Ethical Societies believe that bringing out the best in others brings out the best in themselves as well. We also believe in science, reason, humanity, and you.
We are a community of communities, with members from different traditions, backgrounds, races, family configurations and sexual orientations.
The Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture meets on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Do you have children? We also have an Ethics for Children program, from 6yo through teens, from 10:00 a.m. on those same Sundays. We are at 269 4th Avenue, in Park Slope. We are also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/EthicalCultureBrooklyn .
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Humanist Happy Hour - Environmentalism269 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Meet other humanists from Brooklyn and beyond!
Humanist Happy Hour is a monthly gathering for chatting about anything on your mind... from the heights of philosophy and humanism, down to day-to-day life in the city :)
Bring your favorite beverage and discussion topic! We'll provide light refreshments and snacks.
This event is also a Newcomer Reception for those just learning about Brooklyn Ethical and Ethical Culture in general. Come meet the community and learn more about our Sunday Platforms and other events!
This Month's Discussion
Environmentalism seeks to moderate humanity's impact on the Earth's ecosystems, with the goal of protecting and ensuring the sustainability of the natural environment. (Wikipedia)
What has been your relationship with nature and other living beings? Have you experienced changes in an ecosystem, either positive or negative? How can we balance human progress with the principles of conservation?
This discussion is part of a series on the 10 Commitments (American Humanist Association).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is it?
We're hosted by the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. Here is their address:
269 4th Ave (between Garfield Pl and 1st St)
Brooklyn, NYWe're near these subway stations:
- Union St. (D, N, R, W) (2-minute walk)
- 4 Av-9 St (F, G) (11-minute walk)
- Grand Army Plaza (2, 3, 4) (12-minute walk)
When is it?
You can find us hanging out on the 2nd Thursday of every month, from 7 PM to 9 PM (and potentially later!)Do I have to bring a drink or snack?
Feel free to come on by whether or not you can bring anything! We do provide drinks and snacks. But we encourage BYOB if you can simply because your contribution can help add some personality and variety to the snack table ;)What can I expect?
Interesting conversation about everything from philosophy and ethics to current events! We're an open-minded group and love to have a variety of viewpoints represented.We also have access to an extensive board game library thanks to the Prospect Park Board Game Club. (Check them out on Meetup at https://www.meetup.com/prospect-park-board-gaming-club/).
I have another question...
Feel free to post your questions as a comment on the main group page or any event page!
See you there!
- Songwriter Circle @ Brooklyn Ethical269 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Play and listen to original music!
The Songwriter Circle at Brooklyn Ethical is a monthly gathering dedicated to musical expression and creativity. Everyone from beginners to pros are welcome to share songs in progress, exchange feedback, and jam together!What to expect?
We'll take turns sharing songs we've written ourselves and discussing the art of music and songwriting from a learner's perspective.Feel free to bring your instrument of choice, but if you just have your singing voice, that's great too. We can also play recordings on our lovely sound system; this is a great option for music that can't easily be performed live.
We'll have two rounds of sharing, then a rest break. Then one or two more rounds depending on available time and energy.
Drop by any time from 7 to 9 pm! We do have the space until 10 pm so if there are a lot of us, everyone can have a chance to share. RSVP is not necessary but encouraged!
What to share?
- A song you or a friend composed
- A song that you have adapted from another song
- An interesting/creative cover of a song
- Standalone chord progressions or lyrics
- Questions or thoughts on the creative process
- Requests for help, feedback, jamming, sing-along, etc.
Does it cost anything?
We don't have an attendance fee. We do ask for a $10 donation or whatever you can give to help pay for the space. All proceeds go to our host, the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture.Frequently Asked Questions
Where is it?
We're hosted by the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. Here is the address:269 4th Ave (between Garfield Pl and 1st St)
Brooklyn, NYWe're near these subway stations:
- Union St. (D, N, R, W) (2-minute walk)
- 4 Av-9 St (F, G) (11-minute walk)
- Grand Army Plaza (2, 3, 4) (12-minute walk)
When is it?
We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, from 7 PM to 9 PM/10 PM (ending time varies based on attendance).Do I have to bring a song that I've written?
No, you don't have to :) You're welcome to simply bring your ears if you like! Discussion during turns is encouraged, so you can always use your turn to talk or ask questions about the composition or writing process.I'm shy...
My song is bad...
I just started writing music...
Our hope is to create a comfortable space for performing original music, even if it's terrible :) You will find all levels of skill and composing ability here. It is more important that you practice with us, and not worry about being "perfect"!I have another question...
Feel free to post your questions as a comment on the main group page or any event page!See you there!
- Life and Death Discussion GroupLink visible for attendees
The Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture is presenting this discussion group on Death and Dying, via Zoom, on the 4th Thursday of each month, from 6:30 to 8:30. We invite people from all backgrounds and ages to join us to talk about this often difficult subject. In so doing we hope to lessen the fear and isolation that surrounds this inevitable event in everyone’s life. We aim to create a safe place where all ideas are welcome, all fears can be expressed, all hopes can be supported.
To attend, please RSVP at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-and-death-discussion-group-tickets-429485311127 - Humanist Happy Hour - Ethical Development269 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Meet other humanists from Brooklyn and beyond!
Humanist Happy Hour is a monthly gathering for chatting about anything on your mind... from the heights of philosophy and humanism, down to day-to-day life in the city :)
Bring your favorite beverage and discussion topic! We'll provide light refreshments and snacks.
This event is also a Newcomer Reception for those just learning about Brooklyn Ethical and Ethical Culture in general. Come meet the community and learn more about our Sunday Platforms and other events!
This Month's Discussion
Ethical/moral development is the process of discovering your sense of right and wrong, and developing your ability to act in accordance with these values. (Wikipedia)
What values are most important to you in your daily life? Do your ethics come from experience or intuition? How do you seek to resolve moral dilemmas, and how have these dilemmas sparked change and reflection?
This discussion is part of a series on the 10 Commitments (American Humanist Association).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is it?
We're hosted by the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. Here is their address:
269 4th Ave (between Garfield Pl and 1st St)
Brooklyn, NYWe're near these subway stations:
- Union St. (D, N, R, W) (2-minute walk)
- 4 Av-9 St (F, G) (11-minute walk)
- Grand Army Plaza (2, 3, 4) (12-minute walk)
When is it?
You can find us hanging out on the 2nd Thursday of every month, from 7 PM to 9 PM (and potentially later!)Do I have to bring a drink or snack?
Feel free to come on by whether or not you can bring anything! We do provide drinks and snacks. But we encourage BYOB if you can simply because your contribution can help add some personality and variety to the snack table ;)What can I expect?
Interesting conversation about everything from philosophy and ethics to current events! We're an open-minded group and love to have a variety of viewpoints represented.We also have access to an extensive board game library thanks to the Prospect Park Board Game Club. (Check them out on Meetup at https://www.meetup.com/prospect-park-board-gaming-club/).
I have another question...
Feel free to post your questions as a comment on the main group page or any event page!
See you there!
