Application - Lay Leader

Humanist Lay Leader Endorsement Application
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 and ensuring we receive your references in a timely manner.

Our standard procedure includes the following steps:
- Staff will check your application, references, and paid fees.
- Staff facilitates virtual interview.
- You will be notified via email with instructions for any necessary final steps.
  
  *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
Qualifications:
- Strong understanding of humanism and commitment to humanist values
- Demonstrates leadership experience; preferably in humanist groups and settings
- Plan for using endorsement (include in application, discuss in interview)
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.
Humanist Lay Leader Endorsement Requirements:
- Completed Application
- $40 Application Fee
- Active American Humanist Association Membership
- Virtual Interview
- $100 ($25 Military) Annual professional fee (After Approval)
The final decision on endorsement is made at the discretion of The Humanist Society Board of Directors, and endorsement may be denied for any reason.
Personal Information
Legal Name

First NameLast Name
Name (If different from Legal Name)
Pronouns
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Background Information
How did you hear about The Humanist Society?
Are you a member of the American Humanist Association?
How long have you been an AHA Member?
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 Here.
Are you a member of an AHA Chapter or Affiliate?
What is the name of your group?
Please describe in detail your involvement with the chapter/affiliate.
Would you be interested in joining one (if available in your area)?
Qualifications
Current profession or occupation (if applicable). Please describe your work with some precision; single word responses are too vague:
How do you define the role of a Humanist Lay Leader? In what ways do you want to function as a Lay Leader?
What qualifications (education, employment, life experiences, etc.) do you possess that will enable you to meet the responsibilities of this endorsement?
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:
REFERENCES
The Humanist Society requires three references. This helps us determine your ability to serve in this role.

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 lay leader.

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 certificate.
If you are a member of, or certified with, any of the below organizations, please check all that apply.
Upload Scans/Photos of your certification/membership with the organization you selected above.

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

Important Note - Your chosen references will recieve an automated email to the address you provide once you submit your application.

We will not reach out to them further and it will be your responsibility to make sure they submit their references to us in a timely manner.

Lay Leader Reference Form
Reference 1
Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Indicate special qualifications of this reference (if applicable):
Reference 2
Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Indicate special qualifications of this reference (if applicable):
Reference 3
Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Indicate special qualifications of this reference (if applicable):
Social Media Disclosure

The Humanist Society’s Ethical Code of Conduct asks all endorsed Humanist Professionals to represent authentic humanism and uphold humanist values in their public and professional presence.

As part of the endorsement process, The Humanist Society may review publicly available information, including professional websites or public social media profiles, to ensure consistency with our Ethical Code of Conduct.

Please share links to any public professional or celebrant-related accounts you would like us to review (optional). Only publicly accessible information will be considered.

You are not required to share personal or private accounts, and you will not be asked for passwords or login information.
Social Media Handle
Acknowledgements
I understand I need to pay my application fee and AHA membership dues before my application will be considered. (Links to Pay Above)
Ethical Code of Conduct
I acknowledge I have read and will abide by the Ethical Code of Conduct.
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.
Virtual Interview

Once you schedule an interview, you will receive an email with the link for your virtual meeting.
Should be Empty:

Humanist Lay Leader Endorsement Application

Personal Information

Background Information

Qualifications

REFERENCES

Reference 1

Reference 2

Reference 3

Acknowledgements

Virtual Interview