Humanist Society | ENDORSEMENT APPLICATION

The Humanist Society sincerely appreciates your interest in our endorsements for humanist professionals. Please be sure you understand the expectations and requirements for each endorsement you are applying for.

Applications are processed on a rolling basis, and the application process typically takes 2-4 weeks to review, approve, and issue credentials. You can speed up the process by paying your fees in a timely manner and ensuring we receive your references.

Our standard procedure includes the following steps:

Staff will check your application, references, and paid fees
Staff schedules and completes phone interview
Your application, references, and summary of the phone interview will be reviewed by the Humanist Society Endorsement Committee for a vote on your endorsement
The Committee reviews applications on a weekly basis on Fridays, and has one week to review and vote on applications.
You will be notified of the Committee’s determination the following week, and instructed on any necessary final steps.

*If you are looking to renew your existing endorsement, you can do that here.

**You must pay your application fee online or mail a check before your application will be considered. Checks should be made payable to "The Humanist Society" and mailed to:

The Humanist Society
1821 Jefferson Place NW
Washington D.C. 20036

Endorsement Requirements (All endorsement levels):

Application Fee (Associate Celebrant $75, All Other Endorsements $40
Completed application
American Humanist Association Membership ($35 introductory)
Three complete references
Phone Interview - scheduled by THS staff
Approval from THS Endorsement Committee
$100 Annual professional fee (after endorsement is approved)
*Associate Celebrants are not charged an annual fee
The final decision on endorsement is made at the discretion of the Humanist Society endorsement committee, and endorsement may be denied for any reason. If qualifications are not met, the committee may recommend a different endorsement or additional training.
Initial Endorsements are valid for 2 years (except for 90-day Associate Celebrants)

How did you find The Humanist Society?*

I am applying for the following endorsement(s):

I understand I need to pay my application fee and AHA membership dues before my application will be considered. (Links to pay, above)*

Agreed

Associate Humanist Celebrant

This introductory endorsement level is a one-time celebrant status valid for a 90-day period to officiate one or a few humanist ceremonies, usually weddings. If after 90 days you want to continue with this endorsement we encourage you to apply to become a Humanist Celebrant, in which case, your application fee and reference requirement will be waived. Associate Celebrants are granted the rights equivalent to ordained clergy allowing them to legally perform weddings under the jurisdiction of the law within their state and subject to clergy confidentiality.

Qualifications:

Understanding of humanism and commitment to humanist values
Understanding of associate celebrant role

Humanist Celebrant

Humanist Celebrants may legally perform weddings as well as preside over memorials, coming-of-age, child welcomings and other life milestone ceremonies. Humanist Celebrants have the rights equivalent to ordained clergy, allowing them to legally perform weddings under the jurisdiction of the law within their state and subject to clergy confidentiality.

Qualifications:

Strong understanding of humanism and commitment to humanist values
Public speaking experience strongly preferred
Ability to perform minimum of one ceremony per year
Understanding of Humanist Celebrant role

Initial Humanist Celebrant endorsement is valid for a 2-year period. Renewal is required following 2-year initial endorsement, which is then valid for a 5-year period.

By the time of 2-year renewal, celebrants must have performed at least 2 ceremonies (of any type). Similarly, by the time of your 5-year renewal, celebrants must have performed at least 5 ceremonies (of any type).

Those less familiar with Humanism or unsure about fulfilling the role of Humanist Celebrant should consider the Associate Humanist Celebrant designation.

Associate Humanist Chaplain

Individuals endorsed as Associate Chaplains are seeking or currently serving in chaplain roles, but do not meet all the qualifications for chaplain status. Associate Chaplains have completed or are currently enrolled in a Master’s of Divinity (MDiv) program or educational equivalent, but have not necessarily completed their required CPE or supervised ministry. Associate Chaplains might take volunteer or part-time roles as they explore careers in chaplaincy, or might work in settings that don’t require board certification or traditional chaplain qualifications.

Qualifications:

Completed (Or currently enrolled in) MDiv or equivalent education* from accredited institution
- Possible equivalencies: MA Religion/Religious Studies, MA Theology/Theological Studies, Masters of Social Work, MA or MS Psychology, MA Leadership Studies
- (5+ years of full-time work experience in relevant fields may qualify as an MDiv equivalency for the Associate Chaplain endorsement)
Demonstrated experience providing emotional and spiritual support for crisis, grief, and/or trauma
Strong understanding of humanism and commitment to humanist values
Ability to work in interfaith settings
Understanding of Associate Chaplain role
Plan for using endorsement (include in application, discuss in interview)

Lay Leader:

Individuals endorsed as a Lay Leader are acknowledged for their leadership with the humanist community. Lay Leaders are representatives of humanism acting within the bounds of the Humanist Society’s statement of ethics and code of conduct. They have demonstrated a commitment to serving the humanist community and/or representing humanism within interfaith settings. Lay Leaders might organize meetings and discussion groups of local humanists, might work with interfaith coalitions, or might coordinate community service and other volunteering initiatives.

Qualifications:

Strong understanding of humanism and commitment to humanist values
Demonstrated leadership experience; preferably in humanist groups and settings
Plan for using endorsement (include in application, discuss in interview)

Humanist Chaplain

Chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support within secular institutions such as a hospital, nursing home, prison, military unit, school, police department, university and/or humanist community. Individuals endorsed as Chaplains have completed a Masters of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent degree and the necessary units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or supervised ministry. Chaplains are encouraged to pursue certification through a national chaplaincy board.

Qualifications:

MDiv or equivalent degree* from accredited institution
- Possible equivalencies: MA Religion/Religious Studies, MA Theology/Theological Studies, Masters of Social Work, MA or MS Psychology, MA Leadership Studies
- (Work experience alone will not meet educational equivalency standards for the Chaplain endorsement.)
At least 800 hours (2 units) of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), supervised ministry, internships, or direct work experience in chaplaincy
- Note: Many different kinds of supervised work experience may meet this requirement for the purposes of our endorsement. However, employers and national chaplaincy boards may hold narrower standards for CPE and possible equivalencies
Demonstrated experience providing emotional and spiritual support for crisis, grief, and/or trauma
Strong understanding of humanism and commitment to humanist values
Ability to work in interfaith settings
Understanding of Chaplain role
Plan for using endorsement (include in application, discuss in interview)

Initial Humanist Chaplain endorsement is valid for a 2-year period. Renewal is required following 2-year initial endorsement, which is then valid for a 5-year period.

Please note: Employers and national chaplain certification boards set their own standards for chaplains.

*MDiv Equivalencies

In accordance with industry standards, MDiv equivalency is defined by the Association of Theological Seminaries (ATS) as “72 graduate semester hours or comparable graduate credits in other systems that represent broad-based work in theology, biblical studies, and the arts of ministry and that include a master’s degree and significant ministerial leadership. Ministerial experience alone is not considered the equivalent of or a substitute for the master’s degree.”

Due to the secular nature of humanist chaplaincy and lack of humanist oriented graduate programs, the Humanist Society has identified other graduate degrees that we consider equivalent to an MDiv for the purposes of our endorsement. Please note that ATS, graduate schools, and national chaplaincy certification boards do not necessarily accept these as equivalencies for an MDiv.

Possible equivalencies: MA Religion/Religious Studies, MA Theology/Theological Studies, Masters of Social Work, MA or MS Psychology, MA Leadership Studies
Applicants who hold other graduate degrees that they believe to be equivalent to an MDiv may request approval within the endorsement application

Legal Name*

First NameLast Name

Pronouns*

see http://americanhumanist.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/aha_personalpronouns.pdf

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

Email*

example@example.com

Name of Spouse or Partner (if applicable)?

Previous Residence (if changed within the last 10 years)?

List in chronological order all institutions of collegiate standing, and location, that you have attended. Include dates of entering and leaving, degrees received or those for which you are a candidate.*

Please note other programs and/or areas of study completed or not-completed:

Current profession or occupation (if applicable). Please describe your work with some precision; single word responses are too vague:*

Are you a member of the American Humanist Association?*

YesNo

If yes, how long?

NOTE: AHA membership is a requirement for endorsement, and you will be expected to maintain your membership for as long as you are endorsed with the Humanist Society.

If you are not already an AHA member, please join.

Are you a member of an AHA Chapter or Affiliate*

YesNo

If yes, what is the name or your group?

Please describe in detail your involvement with the chapter/affiliate.

If no, would you be interested in joining one (if available in your area)?

How do you define the role of a Humanist Lay Leader? In what ways do you want to function as a Lay Leader?*

How do you define the role of a Associate Humanist Celebrant? In what ways do you want to function as an Associate Celebrant?*

How do you define the role of a Humanist Celebrant? In what ways do you want to function as a Humanist Celebrant?*

How do you define the role of an Associate Humanist Chaplain? In what setting do you intend to work as an Associate Humanist Chaplain, and how do you plan to function?*

How do you define the role of a Humanist Chaplain? In what setting do you intend to work as a Humanist Chaplain, and how do you plan to function?*

Are you currently providing chaplain services?*

Which institution(s) do you serve (or plan to serve) as a Chaplain?*

Name and location (City, State) of the institution?*

Are you currently enrolled in, or have you graduated from a Seminary?*

GraduatedEnrolledNo

Name of Seminary:

Are you currently board-certified to practice Chaplain services? (APC, ACPE, CPSP, etc.) *Note: Humanist Society endorsement does not constitute board certification*

YesNoSeeking Certification

Which board are you certified (or seeking certification) through?*

APCACPECPSP

800 hours (2 units) of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), supervised ministry, or equivalent work experience must be completed to be eligible for our Humanist Chaplain Endorsement. Please detail how you meet this requirement. Include dates, settings, and responsibilities of your position.

What qualifications (education, employment, life experiences, etc.) do you possess that will enable you to meet the responsibilities of this endorsement? If you are applying for multiple endorsements, please separate your answers.*

In what aspects do you feel you could use improvement in order to fulfill duties of this endorsement? We will try to connect you with relevant educational opportunities.*

The Humanist Society adheres to the Humanist Manifesto III. Please read and reflect upon the Humanist Manifesto III prior to answering the following question.

To help us better understand your definition of humanism, please indicate below how you agree or disagree with the Humanist Manifesto III. Please describe with some precision; single word responses are too vague.*

Please comment on anything else about yourself that you believe would help us evaluate your application:

The Humanist Society requires three references to verify your qualifications for endorsement.

References may not be family members (including in-laws), spouses, or significant others. References should be able to affirm the candidate's qualifications as a humanist and potential celebrant and/or chaplain.

Note: Ethical Culture Leaders (AEU), Humanist Rabbis (SHJ), Graduates of The Humanist Institute (THI) and members of The Clergy Project (TCP) are not required to fill out references and may proceed to the end of the application to submit. We will reach out to the respective organization to verify your certification.

Are you a member of, or certified with, any of the below organizations?*

If yes, please attach proof of your certification here:

Browse Files

Attach a certificate.

IMPORTANT: You are required to send the below reference form link to the three references that you list. The Humanist Society will not reach out to your references for you, nor will we send reminders or follow-ups. It is your responsibility to ensure that all three references fill out our reference form on your behalf.

Reference form for prospective Humanist Celebrants or Associate Celebrants:

https://form.jotform.com/80575302484962

Reference form for prospective Humanist Lay Leaders:

https://form.jotform.com/193604927031153

Reference form for prospective Humanist Chaplains:

https://form.jotform.com/80465515284964

Reference form for prospective dual endorsees (Humanist Celebrants & Chaplains):

https://form.jotform.com/80574414184962

If you are not a member of AEU, SHJ, THI graduate or TCP, please provide references below:

Important Note - the Humanist Society will not contact your references. You are required to provide your listed references with the above link to our reference form and request that they fill it out on your behalf. (We still require the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of your references for verification purposes if the need arises.)

Name

First NameLast Name

Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number

Email

example@example.com

Indicate special qualifications of this reference (if applicable):

Name

First NameLast Name

Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number

Email

example@example.com

Indicate special qualifications of this reference (if applicable):

Name

First NameLast Name

Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number

Email

example@example.com

Indicate special qualifications of this reference (if applicable):

I acknowledge I have read and will abide by the Humanist Society ethical code of conduct*

Yes

Ethical Code of Conduct

Social Media Disclosure

The Humanist Society Ethical Code of Conduct requires that all endorsees "represent authentic humanism" and "maintain humanist values". These requirements pertain to all parts of your life, including your activities online.

As part of the endorsement process, the Humanist Society will review your public social media presence for consistency with our Ethical Code of Conduct. You are required to submit links to your personal and professional social media accounts in the below section, especially facebook and twitter. Only publicly accessible information will be reviewed.

Failure to disclose a social media account will be viewed as a dishonest violation of our Ethical Code of Conduct, and may be grounds to deny or rescind endorsement.

Please provide the direct URL links to each of your social media accounts.

I acknowledge I have read and will abide by the Chaplain covenant.*

Yes

Chaplain Covenant

I verify that all information submitted in this application is true to the best of my knowledge and that I understand that falsifying information may result in denial of endorsement.*

Yes

Please be certain that you purchase membership with the AHA and pay your application fee online or by mailed check. Your endorsement request will not be considered until we have received these fees.

ENDORSEMENT APPLICATION

PERSONAL INFORMATION

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

REFERENCES