ENDORSEMENT RENEWAL

I am renewing the following endorsement(s):*

Please note that our endorsement requirements have recently changed for our chaplain endorsement, and we also added Lay Leader and Associate Chaplain endorsement levels. Please be sure you understand the new qualifications. If qualifications are not met then you may be recommended to a different endorsement level.

Lay Leader Renewal

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 Celebrant Renewal

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).

Associate Humanist Chaplain Renewal

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)

Humanist Chaplain Renewal

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

Spouse Name (if applicable)

Previous Residence (if changed within the last 10 years)

Current profession or occupation? Please describe your work with some precision; single word responses are too vague:*

Are you currently providing chaplain services?*

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

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

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(s) are you certified (or seeking certification) through?*

APCACPECPSP

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

GraduatedEnrolledNo

Name of Seminary:

A Master of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent degree is a requirement for the Chaplain and Associate Chaplain endorsements. Do you hold an MDiv?*

YesNo

If no, do you hold any equivalent degrees relevant to chaplaincy? Reference "MDiv Equivalencies" section at top of this application for more info. Please describe your degree/program and how it applies to chaplaincy. (5+ years relevant work experience will qualify as MDiv equivalency for Associate Chaplains, but not Chaplains.)

Are you a member of the American Humanist Association?*

YesNo

If yes, how long?

If your membership has expired, please rejoin the AHA here.

Are you a member of an AHA Chapter or Affiliate?*

YesNo

If yes, what is the group name?

Please describe in detail your involvement:

If no, would you be interested in joining a humanist organization?

How do you define your role as a Humanist Celebrant? In what ways do you function as a Humanist Celebrant?*

How do you define your role as a Humanist Chaplain? In what ways do you function as a Humanist Chaplain?*

How do you define your role as an Associate Humanist Chaplain? In what ways do you function as an Associate Chaplain?*

How do you define your role as a Humanist Lay Leader? In what ways do you function as a Lay Leader?*

Please describe the ceremonies you have performed over your last endorsement period:*

On average, how many ceremonies do you perform per year? Give your best estimate.

The Humanist Society encourages endorsees to seek continuing education that will help broaden one's understanding of humanism and inform one's work. This includes (but is not limited to); books, articles, lectures, conferences, online courses, onsite courses, group facilitated discussions.

What educational opportunities have helped inform you since your last certification?*

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 the duties of this endorsement? We will try to connect you with relevant educational opportunities.*

The Humanist Society adheres to the Humanist Manifesto III. Please review the Humanist Manifesto prior to answering the following question.

How has your definition of humanism expanded and/or grown as a result of your work as a humanist professional and continuing education?*

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

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

Yes

Ethical Code of Conduct

I acknowledge I have read and will continue to 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 falsifying information will result in denial of endoresement*

Yes

ENDORSEMENT RENEWAL

PERSONAL INFORMATION

BACKGROUND INFORMATION