News
December 2026: No Prophets by Jared Huffman
We are reading No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism by Jared Huffman for our October book club meeting at 4 pm on Sunday, December 27th.
October 2026: On Courage by Julia Angwin & Ami Fields-Meyer
On Courage explores how ordinary people around the world have stood up to authoritarianism, often at great personal risk. Through inspiring true stories and practical lessons, they show how individuals can find the courage to resist oppression, defend democracy, and make a difference—even in the face of fear.
Adopt A Highway
Today 10 volunteers enjoyed a lovely morning cleaning up a section of Azalea Drive as part of the Adopt A Highway program. We picked up 20 bags of trash (a record) as well as lots of boards, boxes, and construction material. We even found a dishwasher rack! This was our last scheduled pick-up of...
Pumpkin Carving (2026)
SHL members gathered in Diane and Lee’s backyard on Saturday, October 24, 2026 for a fun evening of pumpkin carving for spooky season! Participants transformed ordinary pumpkins into glowing works of art. The finished jack-o’-lanterns were as varied as their creators, including traditional...
Lowcountry Orphan Relief
For Q4 2026, SHL’s Charity of the Quarter is Lowcountry Orphan Relief, a local nonprofit working to support children experiencing abuse, neglect, poverty, homelessness, and other difficult circumstances. When a child is going through a crisis, something as simple as a new outfit, a pair of shoes,...
Trivia
The 8 player team "Bet It All" did just that last night, and won first place at Mex 1's Trivia Night. We finally beat Just Me, the one-man team! It did take all 8 of us to beat him, but we had a great time showing off all our vast knowledge. Come on out next month and join the fun!!
West Farm Corn Maze
It was a beautiful day for fall fun! On Sunday, October 18, 28 humanists of all ages gathered at West Farm in Moncks Corner for our October Member Gathering, and the kids were out in force! The corn maze provided plenty of opportunities to get turned around, consult maps, and debate which way to...
Coco
For our November movie club we are watching the 2017 Disney Pixar film Coco at Deb and Rob Britt’s home on James Island at 7 pm on Friday, November 6, 2026. Movie club is normally held on the first Sunday of the month, but we are having our Day of the Dead celebration on that day. If you’ve never...
Walk Through the Holiday Lights with SHL!
Join the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry for one of our favorite holiday outings: the Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Walk at James Island County Park! Before the regular Festival of Lights season gets underway, we’ll get to experience the displays on foot rather than through a car...
Charleston Pride 2026
October is LGBTQ+ History Month, and Charleston celebrates pride. It also helps that it isn’t usually sweltering in October like it is in June. Charleston Pride held its annual parade and Pride Festival on October 17th. That date also coincides with the No Kings national day of action, and this...
October 2026 Park Circle Cares
From the Food Bank to the hands of our neighbors! On October 18, 2026, eight SHL volunteers joined community partners at Park Circle Cares to distribute fresh, nutritious food to local families. Among the bounty of apples, cabbage, squash, sweet potatoes, and other produce were apples that some of...
Lowcountry Food Bank (October 2026)
Eleven humanists rolled up their sleeves at the Lowcountry Food Bank on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, helping prepare food for neighbors in need. Our crew packed Backpack Buddies—bags of food for schoolchildren who may not have enough to eat at home—and bagged fresh apples for distribution. Another...
Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theater
Seven Happy Humanists had a great time at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theater last night. While most of us were content to sit back and watch the show, two members participated in the play “Fred Isn’t Dead…Yet!” Rob had the crowd laughing uproariously at his impersonation of a mobster...
Cleaveland, Carroll: Charleston should dump law that criminalizes peaceful protest
Charleston City Paper, Sept 16, 2026 The city of Charleston in July 2021 adopted its First Amendment Demonstration Ordinance without public comment. It requires police permission for a demonstration of 25 people or more. Violating it — or simply proceeding without a permit — is a criminal offense...
Is AI going to kill us all? How worried should we be?
Recent incidents and warnings from AI insiders have raised an unsettling possibility: Could increasingly powerful artificial intelligence eventually escape human control? Are fears of an AI catastrophe science-fiction hype, or a genuine existential risk? And with so much uncertainty, how worried is it rational to be? Join us on Thursday, November 5, 2026 to discuss our AI anxieties or lack thereof.
What is a cultural treasure that you want to evangelize about?
What book, movie, album, artwork, or other cultural treasure has had a lasting impact on you—and deserves a wider audience? Join us on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 for a little secular evangelizing as we share the works that moved, challenged, delighted, or changed us, and make the case for why others should experience them too.
SNAP Back Hunger Packing Party: A Big Success, A Step Forward
Look what you did!💙On Saturday, October 3rd, after weeks of fundraising, shopping, and preparation, just over 20 wonderful people came together with SHL to pack meals for children facing hunger. Together, we packed hundreds of nutritious meat-based and vegetarian meals, no-cook meals, and healthy...
Commentary: Marion Square is a park but also not a park. That’s a problem.
Post & Courier Oct 1, 2026 In 1911, U.S. Sen. Augustus Bacon willed a tract of land to the city of Macon, Ga., to be used as “a park and pleasure ground” for white people, controlled by a whites-only board of managers. Eventually, the city argued that the park could not continue to be...
Verity
10 friendly infidels participated in our October 4, 2026 movie club. The movie selection was Verity, and we had dinner afterward at Rio Chico Mexican Restaurant in West Ashley.
Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life, Love & Memory
There are many ways to remember the people who have mattered in our lives. On Sunday, November 1, the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry will come together for a special Day of the Dead celebration devoted to remembering and celebrating those we have loved and lost—friends, family members, or...
My Sister’s House
We raised $935 dollars for My Sister’s House, our Q3 2026 Charity of the Quarter. My Sister’s House, a Charleston-area nonprofit providing shelter, support, and resources to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Domestic violence can affect anyone, and leaving an abusive situation is...
October 2026 Calendar of Events
📦 October 3 — SNAP Back at Hunger Packing Party 🎞️ October 4 — Friendly Infidels Movie Club going to see Verity 🤔 October 6 — Freethinkers’ Forum: What is a cultural treasure you would evangelize about? 🩸 October 10 — LC Period Pixies Packing Party 📫 October 11 — Postcard Party at Saffron 🪧...
A Weekend of Connecting and Healing
Gayle Jordan, executive director of RfR, providing an orientation to the Fall Excursion. The Recovering from Religion organization (RfR) held its annual Fall Excursion in Gatlinburg, TN, this past weekend. This was the first one I’ve attended, as I’m a recently trained volunteer. There were about...
Join us for Fall Fun at the West Farm Corn Maze
Last year, SHL tabled at the Charleston Black Pride Expo. On my way to the expo, I drove past West Farm and spotted the corn maze. I asked Bonnie Cleaveland if she wanted to check it out after we finished tabling, and after a very fun afternoon of drag shows, off we went! We tackled the maze,...
SNAP Back At Hunger Program Pivots to Feed Hungry Kids
Over five million Americans have lost access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) since the Trump Administration made massive cuts to the program last year–about two million of those are children. In fact, 62% of all SNAP recipients are families with children. In South...
November 2026: How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
We are reading How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence by Michael Pollan for our November book club meeting.
The meeting will be held at the We Are Family Community Center located on the second floor at 3265 N. Carolina Ave in North Charleston.
September 2026: Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie
Winner of the 1981 Booker Prize and the prestigious “Booker of Bookers” Prize, Midnight’s Children follows Saleem Sinai, born at the exact moment of India’s independence in 1947. As his life becomes entwined with the fate of the new nation—and with other children born in that same midnight hour—Salman Rushdie weaves history, magical realism, and family saga into one of the most acclaimed novels of the twentieth century.
Sept 2026 Adopt-A-Highway
Nine SHL volunteers spent Sunday morning, September 27, 2026 cleaning up our adopted stretch of highway, collecting more than 18 bags of trash along the way. It was a beautiful morning to be outside, with roadside wildflowers and pea pods in bloom and butterflies providing some much more welcome...
Paddling into the Moonlight
Sixteen people signed up to join SHL for a Full Moon Kayak Tour on Saturday, September 26, including several people who were new to our group. We joined a much larger tour organized by Charleston Outdoor Adventures, so once everyone was on the water, it wasn’t always easy to tell exactly who was...
SHL Leads the Walk to Fight Hunger in Fundraising
The Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry (SHL) raised $1,651.30 for the Lowcountry Food Bank’s 6th annual Walk to Fight Hunger and was recognized as the event’s top fundraising team.* Helping others is fundamental to our humanist values. We believe in our responsibility to one another and in...
Sept ’26 Feminist Magic Market
SHL was back at the Feminist Magic Market in Park Circle on Saturday, September 26, 2026 for another afternoon of meeting people, talking about humanism, and letting our neighbors know there is a vibrant secular community for them here in the Lowcountry. It was an especially busy day for SHL....
Six Events. One Big SHL Weekend.
After a long, sweltering Charleston summer, fall may finally be here—and SHL has a big weekend planned to take advantage of it. With clear skies and mild temperatures in the forecast, we have six different opportunities to spend time in community with your fellow humanists, five of them outdoors....
Karaoke, Pizza, Cake & Love
Our September Member Gathering on the 20th turned into something a little more memorable than usual when Terri and Keith invited SHL to their home for an afternoon of pizza, karaoke, cake, cheesecake, homemade peach ice cream—and, almost incidentally, their wedding.
September 2026 Park Circle Cares
SHL volunteers were back at Park Circle Cares on September 19, 2026 for our monthly service activity, joining volunteers from across the community to distribute fresh produce, groceries, and other necessities to local families. The food truck from the Lowcountry Food Bank had a new driver who...
A Blooming Good Time
Seven SHL members gathered at the Keith Summey Library in North Charleston for our September Craft and Chat on September 14, 2026—although, through a bit of accidental mis-coordination, we managed to split ourselves into two groups in adjacent rooms! This month’s gathering included a special...
September 2026 SINO Protest
The heat index was in the upper 90's in downtown Charleston this afternoon, but that didn’t stop a dedicated group of activists from showing up for our monthly pop-up protest! On the second Sunday of each month, SHL partners with Silence Is Not an Option (SINO) to stand up for democracy and speak...
Walk to Fight Hunger
SHL is proud to be an Event Partner for the Lowcountry Food Bank’s 6th Annual Walk to Fight Hunger! Walk with us, donate to the team, or do both. For humanists, helping others is fundamental to our values. We believe in our responsibility to one another and in building a more compassionate and...
Charleston Meal Pack for 9/11 Day 2026
SHL volunteers joined hundreds of community members at the Charleston Gaillard Center for Charleston’s first 9/11 Day of Service meal-packing event. Together, volunteers packed an incredible 138,000 meals for the Lowcountry Food Bank, turning a day of remembrance into a day of service and...
Poll Workers are Heroes!
With early voting for the general election coming up Monday, October 19, I feel the need to remind folks that counties are having a critical shortage in poll workers. A few months ago, gearing up for the primaries, I wrote about the importance of poll workers. You can find that article here.In...
Happy Humanist Hour at Taco Boy (September 2026)
Sixteen Happy Humanists shared a meal at Taco Boy on September 8, 2026. Join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for conversation and community at our Happy Humanist Hour.
Lowcountry Food Bank (September 2026)
Eleven humanists worked with other community volunteers at our monthly shift at the Lowcountry Food Bank on September 8, 2026. Most of us boxed up food items to be distributed to senior citizens. We packed 164 boxes full of cereal, shelf-stable milk, canned fruits and veggies, dry goods, and...
Labor Day BBQ to Benefit My Sister’s House
Leah and Jon hosted SHL in their lovely home for a Labor Day BBQ to benefit My Sister’s House on September 7, 2026. Eighteen humanists gathered for good food, great company, and brought donations for our Q3 Charity of the Quarter, My Sister’s House. Celebrate Labor Day with Secular Humanists of...
Coyote vs Acme
Sixteen friendly infidels participated in our September 6, 2026 movie club. The movie selection was Coyote vs. Acme, and we had dinner afterward at Chef Loong Dim Sum.
Should progressives be buying guns and gas masks?
Political violence, democratic backsliding, climate disasters, and other crises have prompted many people to prepare for uncertain futures. As secular humanists committed to reason rather than fear, how much preparation is rational? Should progressives be buying guns and gas masks? Join us as we explore these questions together.
September 2026 Calendar of Events
Wow! Can you believe everything we’ve got going on this month? We are so proud of how our community has grown, and all the volunteers who have stepped up to create all these opportunities for us to build community beyond belief, exercise progressive values, and defend separation of church and...
5th Sunday Brunch at Vickery’s (August 2026)
21 humanists brunched together at Vickery's in Mt Pleasant on August 30, 2026. We had good food, great company and had a few new friends. Brunch with us any time there are five Sundays in a month. That's why we call it 5th Sunday Brunch!
SHL tabled at film screening hosted by PFLAG and College of Charleston Special Collections
SHL tabled at an event hosted by PFLAG Charleston and the College of Charleston Special Collections on Saturday, August 29, 2026. They screened a short documentary film, Dawn: A Charleston Legend, about Dawn Langley Simmons, one of Charleston’s pioneering transgender women and a trailblazer whose...
My Experience at the World Humanist Congress
As someone that is relatively new to being a Humanist, I was excited to attend the World Humanist Congress to see what Humanism looked like outside my Lowcountry group. As it turns out, it was very similar, just on a much larger scale.I’m not going to talk too much about the travel part of the...
August 2026 Trivia Night
Twelve happy humanists, split into two teams, gathered to play trivia on August 25, 2026. One team unfortunately didn't win, but Team Noodly Appendages came in third!
August 2026: Shame-Sex Attraction, author event with Lucas Wilson
On Sunday, August 23, 2026, the SHL book club was joined virtually by Lucas Wilson, author and editor of the book Shame-Sex Attraction, a collection of first-hand survivor accounts of so-called “conversion therapy”.
Game Day at Hoodie Cat (August 2026)
Nineteen humanists and friends—15 adults and four kids—gathered at Hoodie Cat Game Lounge on August 22, 2026 for an afternoon of board games, card games, and good company. Tables filled up quickly as players tackled everything from cooperative games to friendly competition, with plenty of...
Why I Love Tabling at the Feminist Magic Market
Every time the Feminist Magic Market rolls around, I look forward to it. If you’ve never tabled with SHL before, I want to tell you why.
Secular Sip & Mingle (August 2026)
Twelve humanists got together at Stems & Skins for our monthly Secular Sip & Mingle on August 17, 2026. Over drinks, snacks, and plenty of conversation, members and friends enjoyed a relaxed evening connecting with fellow humanists. Secular Sip & Mingle is one of our most informal...
August 2026 Park Circle Cares
Volunteers from SHL joined other community members for Park Circle Cares’ monthly food distribution on August 15, helping provide food to more than 130 local families. We also continued our partnership with Lowcountry Period Pixies, distributing 400 packs of period products alongside the food....
Lowcountry Food Bank (August 2026)
A dozen humanists worked with other community volunteers at our monthly shift at the Lowcountry Food Bank on August 11, 2026. Some of us bagged sweet potatoes, while others worked the cardboard compactor, but most of us packed more than 900 backpack buddies--healthy snacks that are sent home with...
August 2026 Craft and Chat
Four humanists gathered for our monthly Chat and Craft on August 10, 2026. They got together at Edmund’s Oast downtown and worked on origami, cross-stitch, and crochet projects. Connecting with humanist friends while being creative is a great way to relax, build community, and enjoy good...
LC Period Pixies Packing Party (August 2026)
Several SHL volunteers joined with dozens of other community volunteers for the Lowcountry Period Pixies Packing Party on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the Wando Mt Pleasant Library. We put together hundreds of Period Packs for distribution in the community. We ran out of supplies in less than an...
Stay and fight, leave the United States, or hunker in place?
As concerns about authoritarianism and Christian nationalism grow, many Americans are asking uncomfortable questions. If democracy were truly in danger, would you stay and fight, leave the country, or hunker down? What do secular humanist values have to say about that choice? Join the Freethinkers’ Forum on Thursday, August 6 to explore these questions.
Dispatches from NaNoCon: Building Community Without Religion
My wife Ann and I attended NaNoCon 2026—the annual Nashville Nones Conference—which began on July 31 near Nashville, Tennessee. It was 3 days of community, education, and advocacy with non-religious folks from Tennessee and beyond. The overall mood was optimistic, tempered with some sobering...
The Odyssey
Eleven friendly infidels got together to watch The Odyssey on Sunday, August 2, 2026. After the film we were joined by several additional friends who skipped the film, and had a great dinner at Zen Asian Fusion.
August 2026 Calendar of Events
🎞️ August 2 — Friendly Infidels Movie Club: The Odyssey🤔 August 6 — Freethinkers’ Forum: Stay and fight, hunker in place, or leave the United States?🩸 August 8 — Lowcountry Period Pixies Packing Party🧶 August 10 — Craft & Chat Group🍎 August 11 — Volunteering at Lowcountry Food Bank🍽️ August 11...
July 2026 Photo Album
Making art at our Iconography Art Class. See more photos from the event below.Eleven freethinkers gathered for this month’s Freethinkers’ Forum for a lively, thoughtful, and sometimes provocative conversation marking the 250th anniversary of the American experiment in democracy on July 2,...
July 2026 Trivia Night
Sadly, there was no Trivia for our July 28, 2026 Trivia Night. We showed up ready to compete, but the trivia master cancelled. So we had dinner and enjoyed a fun night out with friends anyway.
July 2026: Enshittification by Cory Doctorow
A provocative examination of how Big Tech platforms transformed the internet from a vibrant, user-focused space into an increasingly frustrating ecosystem built around extraction, manipulation, and dependency. In *Enshittification*, Cory Doctorow explains how deliberate policy and business decisions created this decline—and argues that with the right reforms, we can reclaim and rebuild a better, more humane internet.
Fight for the First March & Rally
SHL members joined dozens of local activists at the Fight for the 1st march and rally on Saturday, July 25, 2026 to protest the city of Charleston’s restrictive 1st amendment ordinance. The march started at the Aquarium Garage, then proceeded down Calhoun Street, turning down Meeting Street to...
Period Packing Party with Charleston Black Pride, PFLAG Charleston and All Saints Lutheran Church
Four Secular Humanists answered the call from our friends at PFLAG Charleston and Charleston Black Pride for a Period Packing Party on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The event was held at All Saints Luthern Church, and Pastor Ginger and several members of their congregation worked with us to assemble...
Iconography Art Class
The seven artsy humanists who participated in the Iconography Art Class had a phenomenally fun time working with Master Artisan / Instructor, Alan Rabon, embellishing portraits of ourselves, our families, or our pets into Icons.
Bad Faith 2026: Christian Nationalism In Power
We had a great turnout for our screening of Bad Faith 2026. 27 people attended the screening, including at least 10 people new to our community who found the event through Mobilize. After the film we had a very empowering discussion about what we can do to preserve our democracy and protect the...
July 2026 Park Circle Cares
At least 9 SHL members joined many other volunteers to serve the community at the monthly Park Circle Cares food distribution on July 18, 2026. Join us on the 3rd Saturday of every month to fight food insecurity.
Happy Humanist Hour at TBonz (July 2026)
15 Happy Humanists gathered at TBonz Gill & Grill for dinner out with good company on July 14, 2026.
Lowcountry Food Bank (July 2026)
Nine humanists joined other community volunteers at the Lowcountry Food Bank for our monthly shift on July 14, 2026. We sorted donations and helped bag oats.
July 2026 Craft and Chat
It is even more fun to get your craft on with your Humanist friends! This month our crafters worked on some ornaments at our Craft and Chat on July 13, 2026.
Secular Sip & Mingle at Stems & Skins (July 2026)
We had a great turnout for our Secular Sip & Mingle at Stems and Skins Wine Bar in Park Circle on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Old friends and first-time participants shared drinks, a few bites, and stimulating conversation. Sip & Mingle is a casual, low-stakes way to meet new people, socialize,...
Disclosure Day
More than 20 friendly infidels came together to enjoy and discuss the new Spielberg film, Disclosure Day on Sunday, July 5, 2026. At was an entertaining thriller imagining what it would be like if it were revealed that Aliens had been visiting us for decades, and that information was suppressed by the government.
Democracy at 250: Is It Worth Saving?
On the 250th anniversary of the vote for American independence, we’ll examine one of the nation’s defining ideals: democracy. As democratic institutions face mounting challenges around the world, we’ll ask whether democracy is worth saving, how it can be improved, and whether alternatives deserve serious consideration.
July 2026 Calendar of Events
🤔 July 2 — Freethinkers’ Forum: Democracy at 250: Is It Worth Saving?🎞️ July 5 — Friendly Infidels Movie Club: Disclosure Day🍷 July 7 — Secular Sip and Mingle at Stems and Skins in Park Circle🤸♀️ July 12 — Secular Families Play Group at Mary Utsey Playground in West Ashley🪧 June 12 — Activist...
June 2026 Photo Album
Happy Pride month, y’all! Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry brought our photobooth to the most radical totally 80’s Queer Adult Prom on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Pac-Man, Rubik’s Cubes, VHS tapes, Goonies — the decorations were bodacious, the music was excellent, and the people were dressed to the...
June 2026: Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller
Jeff Hiller’s memoir is a funny, candid, and deeply relatable story of perseverance, chronicling his long, unlikely journey from struggling middle-aged temp worker to breakout HBO star. With humor and honesty, Hiller reflects on decades of setbacks, personal challenges, and hard-won triumphs, offering an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to keep chasing your dreams.
SHL Volunteers Support Two Great Community Events in One Day
Saturday, June 27, 2026 was a busy day for SHL volunteers, and we couldn't be prouder of the way our members showed up for the community. While one team was representing SHL at the Feminist Magic Pride Market, another group joined other community volunteers at the Lowcountry Period Pixies Packing...
American Humanist Association DISCOUNT
Join the American Humanist Association now, with a discount!
June 2026 Trivia Night
Ah...we were doing so well. Team Freethinkers were in the lead on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 until Final Jeopardy. We bet big and lost! But we had already opted out of prize contention to play as a single team, so the only thing really wagered was SHL pride. Maybe next month! Join us on the 4th...
June 2026 Park Circle Cares
On June 20, 2026 nine volunteers from the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry joined community partners today for the monthly Park Circle Cares food distribution, helping provide food and other essential resources to local families. SHL helped connect Park Circle Cares with the Lowcountry Period...
Period Pixies Packing Party Sat Jun 27
Lowcountry Period Pixies are assembling period packs for our community. at the Bees Ferry Library Saturday June 27th from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Please join them and bring a donation of individually wrapped pads, tampons, liners or wipes, This isn't an SHL event, but we love our Period Pixie friends...
June 2026 Makers Studio
Four crafty humanists gathered for SHL’s Maker’s Studio on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. It was an afternoon of creativity, conversation, and community. Participants spent time exploring origami and drawing, sharing ideas, and enjoying each other’s company. The Maker’s Studio is a venue to enjoy the...
Urge Congress to protect the right to record ICE agents
Since President Trump took office, he's sent federal agents into our streets in record numbers to round up and detain people en masse. The consequences have been dire. When residents have gathered to observe, record, or protest deportations and law enforcement activity, agents have retaliated – in...
Lowcountry Food Bank (June 2026)
We're on the wall of fame! At least one of us is. In recognition of our consistent service, the Lowcountry Food Bank added SHL to the wall of fame. A dozen of us came to our monthly shift on June 9, 2026. Diane and Lee got to do a new job: compacting cardboard recycling. The rest of us bagged...
The Birdcage 30th Anniversary Screening
12 movie loving humanists gathered on June 7, 2026 to enjoy the 30th anniversary screening of The Birdcage, then shared a meal at Santi’s. Such a funny movie. Tragically, 30 years later and not enough has changed, with open right-wing political hostility towards queer people. The story would fit in as well in Florida in 2026 as it did in 1996. And we miss Robin Williams!
Queer Adult Prom was totally tubular!
Happy Pride month, y’all! Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry brought our photobooth to the most radical totally 80’s Queer Adult Prom last night.
Do we have free will?
Are our choices genuinely ours, and are we morally responsible for them? Those are the central questions of free will, and the topic of discussion for our next Freethinkers’ Forum on Thursday, June 4, 2026. We will meet at 6:30 pm at the Keith Summey Library on Rivers Ave in North Charleston.
Defend Science from Political Interference
A dangerous proposal now sitting before the federal government could fundamentally change how scientific research is funded in the United States. If adopted, it would give political appointees unprecedented authority over federal grants, weaken independent peer review, allow ideological litmus...
Service to America
This article was originally published in the May 2025 issue of The Separationist. On September 10, 2014 Joe Blushtein was cleaning fish at the back of a boat as it headed back towards Marina del Rey from a day of fishing off the Channel Islands, west of Los Angeles, California. His brother Igor...
June 2026 Calendar of Events
🤔 June 4 — Freethinkers’ Forum: Do we have free will?🎞️ June 7 — Friendly Infidels Movie Club: Film, location and time TBD🍎 June 9 — Volunteering at Lowcountry Food Bank🍜 June 9 — Happy Humanist Hour at 843 Korean Restaurant in North Charleston🤸♀️ June 14 — Secular Families Play Group at...
May 2026 Photo Album
More than 30 SHL volunteers came together on May 2, 2026 for a Period Pack Packing Party as part of the American Humanist Association’s nationwide American Empathy Project. With support from an AHA grant and additional donations from SHL members, volunteers assembled over 1,200 period packs for...
5th Sunday Brunch at Tattooed Moose in Park Circle
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, eight humanists gathered at the Tattooed Moose in Park Circle for SHL's 5th Sunday Brunch. There was some delicious food, but as always, the best part was the company, and the laid-back atmosphere made for a great way to spend a Sunday morning. If you missed this one,...
May 2026 Trivia Night
The Freethinkers team of 8 questionably knowledgeable humanists took second place on May 26, 2026 at our monthly pub trivia night, once again defeated by a team of one! It was a great time. Join us every month on the fourth Tuesday at Mex 1 in West Ashley.
May 2026: Galileo’s Daughter by Dava Sobel
Dava Sobel’s *Galileo’s Daughter* pairs the scientific achievements of Galileo Galilei—whose support of heliocentrism led to conflict with the Roman Inquisition—with the intimate story of his daughter Maria Celeste, a cloistered nun whose letters reveal a close bond that sustained him through his final years.
Board Game Day: May 23, 2026
Fifteen humanists gathered for another enjoyable SHL Game Day on Saturday, May 23, 2026, spending the afternoon playing PIDG and other games. It was great to learn PIDG from the game creator and event host Jessica Stapleton. With its sharp humor and satirical take on billionaires, AI takeover, and...
Secular Sip & Mingle at The Dinghy (May 2026)
SHL members and friends gathered on Thursday, May 21, 2026 for another Secular Sip & Mingle, this time at The Dinghy on Isle of Palms. Seven people came out to relax, socialize, and enjoy good conversation in the laid-back atmosphere of the beachside dive bar. Although we forgot to snap a...
Spring 2026 Potluck Picnic
SHL’s 2026 Spring Potluck Picnic was a tremendous success, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at Wannamaker County Park on Sunday, May 17, 2026. We had an incredible turnout of 58 people, including 48 adults, 2 teens, and 8 children—along with 4 canine companions...
Park Circle Cares (May 2026)
Nine secular humanists joined other regular and new volunteers from the community to distribute food to families with our friends from Park Circle Cares on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Join us on the third Saturday of every month to fight food insecurity.
Happy Humanist Hour at Taco Boy (May 2026)
It was Taco Tuesday for 19 Happy Humanists who gathered at Taco Boy downtown to enjoy good food and good company on May 12, 2026. Have a relaxing evening and dinner out with friends at Happy Humanist Hour on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Lowcountry Food Bank (May 2026)
Twelve secular humanists worked along side volunteers from Boeing and the community to bag sweet potatoes at our monthly volunteer shift at the Lowcountry Food Bank on May 12, 2026. Volunteer with us at the food bank at 1 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
May 2026 SINO Protest
Eleven concerned citizens gathered on Sunday, May 10, 2026 for our monthly Silence Is Not an Option (SINO) protest in front of Charleston City Hall. These dedicated demonstrators reflect our ongoing commitment to speak out against the erosion of democratic norms and institutions in the United...
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Remarkably Bright Creatures, starring Sally Field, is a wonderful film adaptation of a truly delightful novel. The nine movie-loving humanists who gathered on Saturday, May 9, 2026 thoroughly enjoyed the movie and had a great time sharing conversation and reflections afterward at this special SHL...
How do you talk about death without religious belief?
In a culture where death is framed through religious language and ritual, secular humanists must develop their own ways of understanding mortality and supporting the grieving. Drawing on values like legacy, memory, and the meaning of a finite life, they face the challenge of expressing comfort and navigating loss without relying on beliefs in an afterlife.
Animal Farm
We went to the dreadful “reimagining” of George Orwell’s Animal Farm for our May 3, 2026 movie club. The film won the vote on the strength of the source material, but the film makers strayed too far from the original and muddled the moral of the story. 14 less-than-happy humanists suffered through it, and we do not recommend this animated film.
Be an Election Hero!
In case you haven’t heard, there is a shortage in poll workers for the 2026 elections. According to election officials, more than 770,000 poll workers managed the last general election but nearly 50% of jurisdictions reported difficulty in hiring people to fill those roles. This is a rather...
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Humanist Volunteers Pack Over 1,200 Period Packs
Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry (SHL) demonstrated the power of organized compassion through an enormously successful volunteer action on Saturday, May 2, 2026 as part of the American Empathy Project, a nationwide day of service organized by the American Humanist Association (AHA)....
American Empathy Project: See Photos from Our Period Pixies Packing Party
Humanist Volunteers Pack Over 1,200 Period Packs for the American Empathy Project Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry (SHL) demonstrated the power of humanist values through a successful volunteer action on Saturday, May 2, 2026 as part of the American Empathy Project, a nationwide day of service...
May 2026 Calendar of Events
🩸May 2 — American Empathy Project: Period Pack Packing Party 🎞️ May 3 — Friendly Infidels Movie Club: Animal Farm 🤔 May 7 — Freethinkers’ Forum: How do you talk about death without religious belief? 🎞️/📚 May 9 — Remarkably Bright Creatures Movie Club / Book Club Crossover Event 🪧 May 10 —...
A Plea to Eligible Voters
In just a few short weeks, South Carolina will hold its Primary Elections. This is a plea for you to participate in them. I’m going to tell you why this is important, but first let me give you some facts. Our primary voting record in this state is dismal. Statewide in 2024, only about 12.9%...
April 2026 Photo Album
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, 18 members of the SHL community made a visit to Mother Emanuel AME Church where church historian, Lee Bennett, talked to us about the history of the church. It was a small demonstration, but on Sunday, April 12, 2026 we continued to stand up against the democratic...
April 2026 Trivia Night
Twelve humanists divided into two teams for our monthly pub trivia night on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. We were the Allied Atheist Alliance (AAA) and The Non-Prophets. The Non-Prophets placed second, bested by a team with just one player. Good food, great company, and trivia! Join us every month on...
April 2026: The Truth About Immigration by Zeke Hernandez
Immigration is one of the most controversial topics in the United States―and everywhere else. Pundits, politicians, and the public usually depict immigrants either as villains who pose a threat to our economy, culture, and safety, or as victims―needy outsiders whom we must help, at our own cost if necessary. But the data clearly debunk both narratives. From jobs, investment, and innovation to cultural vitality and national security, more immigration has an overwhelmingly positive impact on everything that makes a society successful.
In The Truth About Immigration, Wharton professor Zeke Hernandez draws from nearly twenty years of research to answer all the big questions about immigration. He combines moving personal stories with rigorous research to offer an accessible, apolitical, and evidence-based look at how newcomers affect our local communities and our nation.
April 2026 Adopt-A-Highway
On Sunday morning, April 26, 2026, nine SHL volunteers gave back to the community by cleaning litter from a local roadside.
Indie Bookstore Day: Fight Fascism, Read Books
SHL is proud to have been invited by our friends at Itinerate Literate Books in Park Circle to help them celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, May 25, 2026 by tabling during some of their events. We got to spread the word about our community and values, while standing with an...
April 2026 Sip & Mingle
On Thursday, April 23, 2026 seven humanists gathered for our second Secular Sip & Mingle get together--this time hosted by SHL member Susie A. in a private space.
Q2 2026: We Are Family
Founded in Charleston, We Are Family is the state’s oldest nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ young people. Donate to ensure that LBGTQ+ youth in our community have access to the support they need to feel safe, seen, and not alone. Your contribution will fund free mental health services, affirming resources, and community programs for youth who often have nowhere else to turn—providing not just immediate care, but a path toward stability, confidence, and belonging.
Behind the Curve
Twenty round-earth truthers watched the 2019 documentary film Behind the Curve on Sunday, April 19, 2026. The private screening was hosted by Beth Balkite in the Reel Room at The Overture on Daniel Island. Following the screening we had an excellent discussion, then some of us went to dinner at...
Makers Studio at Hobcaw Brewing (April 2026)
Crafty humanists gathered at Hobcaw Brewing in Mt Pleasant on Thursday, April 16, 2026 for our monthly Makers Studio. We were joined by Free Mom Hugs to work on bracelets to give out for Pride. Join us for future Makers Studio events. We will be exploring different times and locations, so keep an...
Happy Humanist Hour at Ms. Rose’s (April 2026)
Seventeen happy humanists gathered at Ms. Rose's Fine Food & Cocktails on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, for another lively night out filled with good food, drinks, good conversation, and great company.
Lowcountry Food Bank (April 2026)
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 eight humanists worked with volunteers from Pure Insurance to pack over 900 "backpack buddies"--bags of snacks that are given to school children that may not have food at home. We volunteer at the food bank on the second Tuesday of every month.
April 2026 SINO Protest
It was a small demonstration, but on Sunday, April 12, 2026 we continued to stand up against the democratic backsliding underway in our country at our monthly Silence Is Not an Option (SINO) protest. Join us on the second Sunday of every month, at 2 pm in front of Charleston City Hall.
Visit to Mother Emanuel AME Church
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, 18 members of the SHL community made a visit to Mother Emanuel AME Church where church historian, Lee Bennett, talked to us about the history of the church.
How do you navigate being a non-religious person in a deeply religious place?
In South Carolina, where religion strongly shapes social and public life, non-believers often face expectations to conform—even in Charleston’s more diverse culture. For secular humanists, this creates ongoing challenges around authenticity and belonging while living out values grounded in reason, ethics, and respect for all beliefs.
5th Sunday Brunch & Karaoke
So. Much. FUN!!! 🎉🎉🎉 We had a fantastic time at our Karaoke Brunch, hosted by Molly and Richard on Sunday, March 29, 2026. We ate delicious food and sang our hearts out.March has five Sundays, which means it’s time for our 5th Sunday Brunch — and this one comes with a microphone. Molly and Richard...
No Kings Protest (March 2026)
More than 35 members of the SHL community showed up and stood proud today at the “No Kings” protest in North Charleston—joining thousands of neighbors in a powerful, visible stand for democracy. For two hours, from 3 to 5 p.m., an estimated 7,000 people lined both sides of Ashley Phosphate Rd in...
March 2026 Sip & Mingle
SHL’s inaugural Sip & Mingle event was held Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at The Wine Bar in Mt Pleasant and proved to be an immediate success. Fifteen people attended, including three new faces, making for a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The event delivered exactly what it was intended to: a...
March 2026 Trivia Night
The Non-Prophets, one of our two teams competing in pub trivia at Mex 1 Coastal Cantina on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, were victorious, claiming first prize. All ten Happy Humanists enjoyed a fun night out.
March 2026 Adopt-A-Highway
Nine secular humanists spent Sunday morning, on March 22, 2026 picking up trash from the side of the road, in service to our community.
March 2026: Mother Emanuel by Kevin Sacks
Few people beyond South Carolina’s Lowcountry knew of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston–Mother Emanuel–before the night of June 17, 2015, when a twenty-one-year-old white supremacist walked into Bible study and slaughtered the church’s charismatic pastor and eight other worshippers. Although the shooter had targeted Mother Emanuel–the first A.M.E. church in the South–to agitate racial strife, he did not anticipate the aftermath: an outpouring of forgiveness from the victims’ families and a reckoning with the divisions of caste that have afflicted Charleston and the South since the earliest days of European settlement.
March ’26 Feminist Magic Market
We tabled at the Feminist Magic Market in Park Circle on Saturday, March 21, 2026. In addition to raising awareness for the secular community in Charleston, our Secular Families group introduced a children's table and a photo booth.
Project Hail Mary
We went to see Project Hail Mary on opening night, Friday, March 20, 2026, as an ad hoc event. It was our largest turnout to date with 27 people at the movie and 20 attending the dinner after the film at Taste of India.
Confessions of a Former Conspiracy Theorist
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry held their monthly Member Gathering where featured speaker Coleman Watts gave an engaging talk on why people fall for cults, cons, and conspiracy theories, drawing on his own experience as a former conspiracy enthusiast who later became a skeptical commentator.
Happy Humanist Hour at 843 Korean
Fourteen Happy Humanists gathered to share a meal at 843 Korean Restaurant in North Charleston on March 10, 2026.
Lowcountry Food Bank (March 2026)
Ten secular humanists worked with other volunteers to bag sweet potatoes at our monthly volunteer shift at the Lowcountry Food Bank on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
2026 Charleston Women’s March
On Saturday, March 7, 2026 we joined activists from across the lowcountry to demonstrate solidarity with women around the world in honor of International Women's Day.
When kids are involved, how should non-believers handle religious family?
Children both shape and are shaped by the beliefs around them, making interactions with religious friends and family especially sensitive for non-believers involved in their lives. Whether as parents or mentors, secular individuals must navigate when and how to engage on these issues—and whether different boundaries should apply to friends versus relatives.
No Kings: Nationwide Day of Action
On Saturday, March 28, people across the country will take to the streets for NO KINGS, a peaceful national day of action against the authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration. Humanists know that we the people are the rescuers we need right now. In a democracy, the people...
Musical March: Across the Universe
For our March 1, 2026 meeting we watched Across the Universe, the winner of our vote for favorite musical. The private screening was hosted by Deb Britt. Thirteen musical appreciating humanists gathered, shared snacks, pizza, watched, and discussed the film.
No War with Iran Protest
Several Secular Humanists answered the call to an emergency protest in Charleston's Marion Square on Saturday, February 28, 2026 to protest the regime's illegal war against Iran.
Feb 2026 Trivia Night
Nine humanists gathered for our monthly Trivia Night at Mex 1 Coastal Cantina on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, only to find trivia cancelled. So we hung out, had tasty Mexican food and drinks and had a great time anyway.
February 2026: Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang
For more than two centuries, the United States Constitution has given us the right to a society where church and state exist independently. But Christianity has been hijacked by far-right groups and politicians who seek to impose their narrow views on government, often to justify oppressive and unequal policies. The extremists who weaponize the Bible for earthly power aren’t actually on the side of Jesus—and historically they never have been. How do we fight back against those acting—literally—in bad faith?
February 2026 Adopt-A-Highway
On February 22, 2026 eight members of the SHL community came out on a Sunday morning to be of service--doing something that actually makes the world better--picking up trash along our designated section of Azalea Drive in North Charleston. Due to inclement weather cancellations we had not been out...
Productive Dialogue in Polarized Times: Effective Persuasion
For our February 15, 2026 member gathering, Dr. Bonnie Cleaveland led an excellent workshop. We had a huge turnout, with more than 45 participants filling the auditorium at the Main Public Library downtown.
Dr. Cleaveland’s presentation, Productive Dialogue in Polarized Times: Effective Persuasion, addressed a challenge many of us encounter regularly: how to have constructive conversations with people whose beliefs—about politics, media, or even basic facts—differ sharply from our own. Rather than offering platitudes, she grounded the discussion in psychological research and practical strategy.
February 2026 Makers Studio
About ten crafty humanists gathered at Creative Studio 1 in the Wando Mount Pleasant Library for this month’s Makers Studio on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Fiber artists brought socks, hats, and other works-in-progress, including “Melt the ICE” hats inspired by recent craftivism efforts. Others...
Happy Humanist Hour at Dragon Palace Bistro
Eighteen Happy Humanists gathered to share a meal at Dragon Palace Bistro on Daniel Island on February 10, 2026.
Lowcountry Food Bank (February 2026)
Nine Secular Humanists worked along side a huge crew of volunteers from FedEx at our February shift at the Lowcountry Food Bank, packing "Backpack Buddies"--bags of snacks that are given out children that may not have access to food at home. We prepared 1,380 Backpack Buddies, packed into 230...
February 2026 SINO Protest
Despite the cold weather, we once again exceeded the 24-person limit on the number of protestors allowed under Charleston’s unconstitutional 1st Amendment ordinance, so had to break up into multiple, independent protests, for our monthly Activist Sunday Pop-Up Protest on February 8, 2026. Midway...
Sentimental Value
We watched Sentimental Value on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The private screening was hosted by Beth Balkite in the Reel Room at The Overture on Daniel Island. 14 people attended the screening. After the film we had a great discussion in the Reel Room, then half the group went to dinner at Agaves...
Are there ethical limits that should be imposed on the pursuit of science and technology?
From early tools to modern gene editing, human progress has relied on science and technology—yet not all advances promote human flourishing. Emerging fields like artificial intelligence and genetic engineering raise complex ethical questions about privacy, inequality, and human identity, challenging secular humanists to consider whether limits should be placed on scientific and technological pursuit.
Anti-ICE Protest in Marion Square
On Sunday, January 25, 2026 more than a dozen members of the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry joined hundreds of others in Charleston's Marion Square to stand in solidarity with Minneapolis and to oppose the tyranny of the regime, and to protest against the lawless chaos ICE has unleashed...
SHL Snow Day
Our member gathering planned for Sunday, January 25, 2026 had to be cancelled due to snow in Charleston! We postponed the scheduled talk--Coleman Watts, "Confessions of a Former Conspiracy Theorist"--to our March member gathering.
January 2026: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker argues that the gatherings in our lives are lackluster and unproductive–which they don’t have to be. We rely too much on routine and the conventions of gatherings when we should focus on distinctiveness and the people involved. At a time when coming together is more important than ever, Parker sets forth a human-centered approach to gathering that will help everyone create meaningful, memorable experiences, large and small, for work and for play.
Happy Humanist Hour at La Hacienda
For our Happy Humanist Hour on January 13, 2026 we ate at La Hacienda on International Blvd in North Charleston. We had a big turnout and enjoyed good food, great company and yummy churros.
Lowcountry Food Bank (January 2026)
We had 11 volunteers for our monthly shift at the Lowcountry Food Bank on January 13, 2026. Some of us bagged or boxed sweet potatoes, while others packed Good Cheer boxes.
January 2026 SINO Protest
We had at least 50 people spread across the four corners of the intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets for our monthly Pop-Up protest in front of Charleston City Hall! Thank you to everyone who came out to show support for a free and democratic America! SHL continues its support for Silence Is...
Can secular humanism meet our spiritual needs?
If we reject the supernatural, do the needs often labeled “spiritual”—awe, meaning, and connection—disappear, or persist in secular form? Humanists respond in varied ways, finding fulfillment in art, nature, or science, or rejecting the concept entirely, raising the question of whether secular humanism can itself provide meaning, transcendence, and community.
Song Sung Blue
Come see the film Song Sung Blue with your non-religious friends from the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry (SHL)! We are going to the 3:30 pm showing at the Citadel Stadium 16 theater in West Ashley on Sunday, January 4, 2025.
After the movie those who wish will be going to dinner at Metro Diner, located at 1808 Sam Rittenberg Blvd in West Ashley for drinks, food and to discuss the film.
The January 2026 issue of The Separationist is out now!
We discuss the latest political outrage when Pete Hegseth moved to impose Christian nationalism on the military by revoking the US Army’s Spiritual Fitness Guide for “pushing secular humanism”, examining what the Army’s spiritual fitness program actually contains. Coincidently this comes out just...
Q4 2025: The Sustainability Institute
We raised $900 for The Sustainability Institute, our Q4 2025 Charity of the Quarter. We believe this was a particularly fitting choice for the fall and holiday season, as their work helps low-income families improve their housing, strengthen energy security, and enter winter with healthier, safer...
December 2025: The Project by David Graham
When President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, news spread about his implementation of Project 2025, a nearly 1,000-page document published by the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation. The debates—and anxiety—surrounding this initiative have only increased as authors of the Project assume positions of power in the second Trump administration.
2025 Highlights
Solstice Party and Potluck
We held our annual Winter Solstice Celebration and Potluck on December 14, 2025. More than 30 humanists, including several new friends, gathered to celebrate the year, share good food and great company.Let's gather to enjoy food, drink, good friends and the coming of longer days at the SHL 2025...
December SINO Protest
We had more than 20 people participate in our Pop-Up protest outside Charleston City Hall on Sunday, December 14, 2025. SHL continues its support for Silence Is Not An Option(SINO) and their monthly pop-up protests. The city enforces a restrictive and unconstitutional First Amendment ordinance...
Makers’ Studio (December 2025)
A group of crafty humanists got together for some holiday fun, making ornaments and working on other projects at our second Makers' Studio on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Happy Humanist Hour at Bahama Breeze
We shared a meal at Bahama Breeze in North Charleston on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 for our monthly Happy Humanist Hour.
Lowcountry Food Bank (December 2025)
On December 9, 2025, five members of our community showed up for our monthly volunteer shift at the Lowcountry Food Bank. Two of us helped pack "Good Cheer" boxes of food to be delivered to families in need, while the other three worked to quality check and sort donations.
Spirited
For our December 7, 2025 movie club, members nominated then voted on their favorite holiday films. Spirited won the vote and Deb & Rob Britt hosted the screening in their home. People brought snacks to share and we ordered pizza. Spirited (2022) is a musical comedy reimagining of A Christmas...
How should secular humanists relate to traditionally religious holidays?
Many secular humanists retain cultural ties to religious holidays even after rejecting their beliefs, raising questions about identity and authenticity. Can these holidays be meaningfully celebrated for their cultural and communal value without theology, or should they be set aside in favor of secular traditions?
The December 2025 issue of The Separationist is out now!
We look back on what we have achieved in 2025, launching several new initiatives, building a strong secular community in the lowcountry, and we call on our entire community to help us continue to improve on these successes. We also got a short letter to the editor from Herb Silverman, a report on...
5th Sunday Brunch at Kid Cashew
We went to Kid Cashew in Mt Pleasant for 5th Sunday Brunch on November 30, 2025.
Trivia Night at Mex 1
We had an 8-person team for trivia on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Mex 1 Coastal Cantina in West Ashley. We were doing well, but bet big on the final question and blew it 🤷. We still had a ton of fun!
Remove the Regime Protest March
In solidarity with the Remove the Regime rally in Washington, D.C., SHL board member Bonnie Cleaveland organized a protest march in downtown Charleston on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Bonnie boldly pushed back against the city's restrictive first amendment ordinance to secure a permit to march in...
Nov ’25 Feminist Magic Market
On Saturday, November 22, 2025 we tabled at the Feminist Magic Market in Park Circle, spreading joy while raising awareness of our vibrant secular community in the Lowcountry.
Lowcountry Food Bank (November 2025)
11 members of our community showed up for our monthly volunteer shift at the Lowcountry Food Bank on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. We got divided to different tasks with some members writing thank you cards, some packing Backpack Buddies, and with most of us bagging oranges.
Housing, Sustainability, and Justice: Why Reconnecting Union Heights Matters
For our member gathering on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Bryan Cordell, Executive Director of The Sustainability Institute gave a presentation on the institute and Project 218: Reconnecting Union Heights.After the presentation we engaged in direct action by writing postcards to elected...
2025 Festival of Lights Fun Walk
For the second year we participated in the Festival of Lights fun walk on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The weather was great, the company even better, and it was so much fun!
Nov 2025: Mellow Mushroom in Mt Pleasant
We shared a meal at Mellow Mushroom in Mt Pleasant on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 for our monthly Happy Humanist Hour.
November SINO Protest
On Sunday, November 9, 2025, SHL continued its support for Silence Is Not An Option (SINO) and their monthly pop-up protests in Charleston. The city enforces a restrictive First Amendment ordinance requiring a permit for any protest involving more than 24 participants. In practice, this rule is...
What are the political obligations of a secular humanist?
In the wake of recent elections, secular humanists are prompted to reflect on their political responsibilities in a turbulent climate. While grounded in values like dignity and justice, translating those into action raises difficult questions about engagement, burnout, and balance—challenging individuals to define what meaningful participation looks like without sacrificing well-being.
Bugonia
Come see the film Bugonia with your non-religious friends from the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry (SHL)! We are going to the 3:20 pm showing at the Citadel Stadium 16 theater in West Ashley on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons,...
Charleston Black Pride Expo 2025
SHL had a table at the Charleston Black Pride 2025 Health, Wellness, and Talent Expo in Moncks Corner on November 1, 2025. It was a really fun event with food and entertainment, and concluded with a panel discussion about the trans experience.The Expo vendors included LGBTQIA+ advocacy...
The November 2025 issue of The Separationist is out now!
A large contingent of SHL members attended the Freedom From Religion Foundation's annual convention last month in Myrtle Beach, and we share their experiences. We've got Herb Silverman's welcoming remarks, as well as a story about what happened when Nancy Mace tried to score political points by...
Freethinkers Under 40
On Thursday, October 30th, we hosted our first-ever Reason on Tap: Young and Godless Happy Hour—a new initiative designed to create space for nonreligious adults under 40. Along with the return of programming for secular families, this marks an important step in our broader effort to diversify SHL...
Freethinkers take first at pub trivia
The Freethinkers trivia team was again victorious, tying for first place at the pub trivia competition at LG’s by the Creek in Hanahan on Wednesday, October 29th. A big shout-out to James for being our ringer, without whom we would not have done nearly so well.
November 2025: How Minds Change by David McRaney
What made a prominent conspiracy-theorist YouTuber finally see that 9/11 was not a hoax? How do voter opinions shift from neutral to resolute? Can widespread social change only take place when a generation dies out? From one of our greatest thinkers on reasoning, HOW MINDS CHANGE is a book about the science, and the experience, of transformation.
October 2025: Money, Lies, and God by Katherine Stewart
We are reading Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy by Katherine Stewart for our October book club meeting. The meeting will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, October 26th in Meeting Room B of the Main Public Library downtown. Metered street parking is free on Sundays,...
October 2025 Adopt-A-Highway
On Sunday, October 26, 2025 nine members of the SHL community worked to make Charleston a bit better by pickup up trash on the side of the road.
FFRF Convention
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) held their 2025 national convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Having the country’s largest secular advocacy organization gathering right here in the home state of the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry (SHL) created an incredible opportunity that...
We Say No Kings!
Today, all across the country Americans stood together to say, “No Kings!” We oppose the anti-American authoritarian take-over of the Trump regime and the complicity of the collaborators in the Republican party. An estimated 7 million people protested today in overwhelmingly peaceful...
Herb Sells Out!
SHL Founder Herb Silverman opened the 2025 Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) convention with a welcoming address with his usual wit and charm. He then received an award for his service to the secular community, and proceeded to sell out of the three boxes of books he bought, leaving some...
Post & Courier Covers SINO Protest
The Post & Courier did a great feature on the October 12, 2025 SINO protests, and SHL participants are featured prominently in the photos and story. https://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_sc/charleston-protest-first-amendment-permit-ordinance/article_a37a4e05-45a1-4652-876e-1726da05e833.html
Lowcountry Food Bank (October 2025)
On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 5 volunteers from SHL work at the Lowcountry Food Bank, staking boxes, and sorting donations into packages for distribution.
Happy Humanist Hour at Taco Boy
We met at Taco Boy downtown for our October 14, 2025 Happy Humanist Hour.
Oct 12th Pop-Up Protest
Cold rain couldn’t stop our committed secular activists! On Sunday, October 12, 2025, members of SHL braved the dreary weather to stand in front of Charleston City Hall in defense of First Amendment freedoms—protecting the separation of church and state, free speech, and the right to assemble....
SHL @ Charleston Pride Festival 2025
The 2025 Charleston Pride Festival, held Saturday, October 11th, may have been cold and rainy, but that didn’t dampen our spirits! We’re so grateful to all the dedicated volunteers who braved the weather to represent SHL and share our message of inclusion and humanist values. Despite the chill,...
Are some book bans justifiable?
During Banned Books Week, we defend the freedom to read and resist censorship—especially of marginalized voices—but difficult questions arise when books are linked to harm, hate, or violence. For humanists and progressives, this creates a tension between protecting expression and considering whether any limits on access are justified.
One Battle After Another
We are going to the 4:30 pm showing at the Citadel Mall Stadium 16 theater in West Ashley on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
After the movie those who wish will be going to Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano, located at 1660 Savannah Hwy in West Ashley, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.