Programs
People from a wide variety of walks of life might consider themselves nonreligious. With that in mind, we offer a variety of events, programs, and ways of connecting at the Humanist Chaplaincy so that hopefully everyone can find a meaningful way to feel supported and live out their values. Though often tailored to nonreligious and Humanist community members, all are welcome to any and all of our programs, irrespective of belief or background.
SMALL GROUP REFLECTIONS
We want to offer a confidential, welcoming space for people to engage the bigger questions of life and to reflect on their personal experiences with other members of their community. Our reflection meetings open with a poem, lyric, or passage from a Humanist-identified writer, then are open to wherever the discussion leads. Past reflection meetings have explored personal identity, community, family, loss, hope, and other dimensions of life, on campus and beyond.
Small Group Reflections typically take place every other Monday evening just after 9pm in the Interfaith Center.
CASPAR COOKING SHIFTS
CASPAR is a local nonprofit dedicated to offering community-based support to people struggling with substance abuse disorders, disability, and homelessness in Somerville and Cambridge. They offer shifts at their shelters where volunteers can cook and serve hot meals for community members. It’s a great opportunity to spend an afternoon connecting with the community beyond Tufts and supporting those in need.
CASPAR shifts with the Humanist Chaplaincy are once a month on Friday afternoons. You can sign up for a shift using this Google Form.
SPEAKER SERIES
The Humanist Chaplaincy at Tufts works with the rest of the University Chaplaincy team to host speakers, panels, and workshops that help raise awareness and understanding of Humanism, values-based action, and the spiritual landscape of the world today. In the past we’ve hosted speakers who work as Humanist organizers in a variety of roles, including hospital chaplains, community organizers, and international service coordinators.
Stay tuned for updates on our next speaker event!
INTERFAITH COLLABORATION
As a part of a team of chaplains from a variety of spiritual and philosophical backgrounds, the Humanist in Residence works regularly in partnership with the rest of the University Chaplaincy to explore ways to collaborate across lines of religious difference. This can be anywhere from hosting interfaith vigils and service projects to ongoing collaboration to make sure all our programming is as welcoming, critical, and socially conscious as it can be.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming interfaith programs!
OFFICE HOURS
Alongside our community and small group programs, the Humanist in Residence is always available to meet one on one with students and other community members looking for conversation, support, or guidance. All conversations and caregiving are fully confidential, and like with all our programs, everyone is welcome irrespective of background or tradition. Typically meetings are scheduled by the hour.
Humanist Chaplaincy open office hours are officially from 1pm to 4pm every Friday in the Interfaith Center, but the Humanist in Residence is happy to schedule a meeting at a more convinient time if necessary. Feel free to email walker.bristol@tufts.edu to schedule an appointment.
TUFTS FREETHOUGHT SOCIETY
Partners with the Humanist Chaplaincy at Tufts in supporting the nonreligious community on campus, the Tufts Freethought Society is an active, welcoming student community of humanists, atheists, agnostics, freethinkers, the nonreligious, the spiritually questioning, and friends. They coordinate regular meetings, social programming, service events, social justice partnerships, and interfaith projects.
The Tufts Freethought Society holds discussion meetings every Thursday at 7:30pm in Eaton Hall. For more information, or to sign up for their e-list, visit the Tufts Freethought website.