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{{Infobox organization
|name         = American Humanist Association
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|fgcolor      = <!-- header text color -->
|image        = Official AHA logo.jpg
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|alt          = <!-- alt text; see [[WP:ALT]] -->
|caption      = 
|abbreviation = AHA
|formation    = 1941
|type         = [[Non-profit organization|Non-profit]]
|motto        = 
|status       = 
|purpose      = Advocate for [[progressivism|progressive]] values and equality for [[humanists]], [[atheists]], [[agnostics]], and [[freethinkers]]. 
|headquarters = 
|location     = [[Washington, D.C.]]
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|membership   = 
|language     = <!-- official languages -->
|key_people       = Rebecca Hale<br /><small>(President)</small><br />[[David Niose]]<br /><small>(Immediate Past President)</small><br />[[Gore Vidal]]<br /><small>(Honorary President)</small><br />[[Roy Speckhardt]]<br /><small>(Executive Director)</small>
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|website      = [http://www.americanhumanist.org www.americanhumanist.org]
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The '''American Humanist Association''' ('''AHA''') is an [[501(c) organization|educational organization]] in the [[United States]] that advances [[Humanism]], a progressive philosophy of life that, without [[theism]] or other [[supernatural]] beliefs, affirms the ability and responsibility of human beings to lead personal lives of ethical fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.<ref>{{cite web|title=About Humanism|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/Who_We_Are/About_Humanism|accessdate=2009-06-04}}</ref> The mission of the American Humanist Association is to be a clear, [[democratic]] voice for Humanism in the United States, to increase public awareness and acceptance of Humanism, to establish, protect and promote the position of humanists in our society, and to develop and advance humanist thought and action.<ref name="FAQ">{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/AHA/Frequently_Asked_Questions|accessdate=2012-03-22}}</ref>

The American Humanist Association was founded in 1941 and currently provides legal assistance to defend the [[constitutional rights]] of secular and religious minorities,<ref name="AHLC Mission Statement">{{cite web|title=AHLC mission statement|url=http://humanistlegalcenter.org/about/mission/|accessdate=2012-03-22}}</ref> actively lobbies [[United States Congress|Congress]] on [[church-state separation]] and [[progressivism|progressive]] issues,<ref>{{cite web|title=AHA Action Center|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/Support_Humanism/Action_Center/Current_Action|accessdate=2012-03-22}}</ref> and maintains a [[grassroots]] network of 150 local affiliates and chapters that engage in [[social activism]], philosophical discussion and [[civic engagement|community-building events]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Local Group Information|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/What_We_Do/Local_Groups|accessdate=2012-03-22}}</ref> The AHA has several publications, including the award-winning bi-monthly [[magazine]] ''The Humanist'', a quarterly newsletter ''Free Mind'', a [[peer-reviewed]] semi-annual scholastic journal ''Essays in the Philosophy of Humanism'', and a weekly Internet magazine ''Humanist Network News''.<ref>List of Publications [http://www.americanhumanist.org/What_We_Do/Publications americanhumanist.org] (Retrieved 2011-10-01)</ref> AHA Executive Director [[Roy Speckhardt]] is also a regular contributor to [[The Huffington Post]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Roy Speckhardt on Huffington Post|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roy-speckhardt/}}</ref> and [[Patheos]].<ref>{{cite web|title=A Humanist View|url=http://www.patheos.com/About-Patheos/Roy-Speckhardt.html}}</ref>

==Early history==
{{Humanism}}
The American Humanist Association was founded in 1941, though its history can be traced back to 1927, when professors and seminarians at the [[University of Chicago]] organized the Humanist Fellowship and began publishing the New Humanist magazine. By 1935 the Humanist Fellowship had become the Humanist Press Association, replacing the New Humanist with the Humanist Bulletin. With the help of [[Curtis Reese]] and [[John H. Dietrich]], the Humanist Press Association reorganized itself in 1941, forming the American Humanist Association.  Along with its reorganization, the AHA began printing ''The Humanist'' magazine as the successor to the Humanist Bulletin.<ref name="FAQ" />

The AHA was originally headquartered in [[Yellow Springs, Ohio]]. Over time the organization grew in size and prominence, first moving to [[San Francisco, California]], and then to [[Amherst, New York]]. Finally, continuing with a trend toward increasing advocacy, the AHA moved to [[Washington, D.C.]], to better affect national policy and increase its social impact.

In 1952 the AHA became a founding member of the [[International Humanist and Ethical Union]] (IHEU) in Amsterdam, Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web|title=IHEU founding|url=http://www.iheu.org/about|accessdate=2012-03-22}}</ref> As an international coalition of Humanist organizations, the IHEU stands today as the only international umbrella group for Humanism, claiming millions of members from over one hundred organizations throughout the world. The IHEU acts as a Humanist clearinghouse. With memberships in the [[United Nations]], the U.N. Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization ([[UNESCO]]), the U.N. International Children’s Educational Fund ([[UNICEF]]), the [[Council of Europe]], and the [[European Union]], the IHEU aims to create growth and support for Humanism through interaction and cooperation with its member organizations.

Throughout the 1960s the AHA became actively involved in challenging the illegality of [[abortion]] and was the first national membership organization to support abortion rights.  Humanist leaders were prominent in the founding of pro-choice organizations, including the Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights (now the [[Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice]]) and the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (now [[NARAL Pro-Choice America]]). Around the same time, the AHA joined hands with the American Ethical Union (AEU) to help establish the rights of nontheistic conscientious objectors to the Vietnam War. This time also saw Humanists involved in the creation of the first nationwide memorial societies, giving people broader access to cheaper alternatives than the traditional mortuary controlled burial.

In the late 1960s the AHA also secured a religious tax exemption in support of its [[Celebrant USA Foundation and Institute|celebrant]] program, allowing Humanist celebrants to legally officiate at weddings, perform [[chaplaincy]] functions, and in other ways enjoy the same rights as traditional [[clergy]]. In 1991 the AHA took control of the [[Humanist Society]], a religious Humanist organization that now runs the celebrant program. After this transfer, the AHA commenced the process of jettisoning its religious tax exemption and resumed its exclusively educational status. Today the AHA is recognized by the U.S. [[Internal Revenue Service]] as a nonprofit, tax exempt, 501(c)(3), publicly supported educational organization.

==Adjuncts and affiliates==

The AHA is also the supervising organization for numerous Humanist affiliates and adjunct organizations.

===Feminist Caucus===
The Feminist Caucus of the American Humanist Association was established in 1977 as a coalition of both women and men within the AHA to work toward the advancement of [[women's rights]] and equality between the sexes in all aspects of society. Originally called the Women's Caucus, the new name was adopted in 1985 as more representative of all the members of the caucus and of the caucus' goals.<ref>{{cite web|title=Feminist Caucus History|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/What_We_Do/Feminist_Caucus/History|accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

The Feminist Caucus continues to be the active [[feminist]] arm of the organization. Over the years, members of the Caucus have advocated for the passage of the [[Equal Rights Amendment]] and participated in various public demonstrations, including marches for women's and civil rights. In 1982, the Caucus established its annual Humanist Heroine Award, with the initial award being presented to [[Sonia Johnson]]. Other Humanist Heroines include [[Tish Sommers]], [[Christine Craft]], Anne N. Gaylor, Patricia Maginnis, [[Fran Hosken]], Cleo Kocol, Carolyn McDade, Sherry Matulis, and Sally Roesch Wagner.<ref>{{cite web|title=Feminist Caucus Previous Work|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/What_We_Do/Feminist_Caucus|accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

In recent years, Feminist Caucus breakout sessions at AHA annual conventions have varied in focus: “Women’s Rights as Human Rights” in 2008;  “Humanism, Feminism and Women in Politics” in 2009; “From Nursery Tales to Contemporary Tech Influences on Kids and their Keepers” and “Varying Views on Porn and Prostitution” in 2010;  “Health and Sexuality in Our 50s and Beyond” in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Feminist Caucus Current Initiatives|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/What_We_Do/Feminist_Caucus/Initiatives|accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref> In 2012 the Feminist Caucus declared it would be organizing around two principal efforts: "Refocusing on passing the ERA" and "Promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."<ref>{{cite web|title=The Feminist Caucus of the American Humanist Association|url=http://thehumanist.org/september-october-2012/the-feminist-caucus-of-the-american-humanist-association/|accessdate=2012-09-30}}</ref>

===Humanist Charities===
[[File:HC logo hi res-300dpi.jpg|thumb|left|Official logo of Humanist Charities]]Humanist Charities was established in 2005 and specializes in benevolent aid and action to further the health and welfare of humankind. Its purpose includes applying uniquely Humanist approaches to those in need and directing the generosity of American humanists to worthy disaster relief and development projects around the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://humanistcharities.org/about.php |title=Support Humanist Relief Efforts |publisher=Humanist Charities |date=2012-03-02 |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref>

In 2011 Humanist Charities raised $5,000 from AHA members to donate to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.<ref>{{cite web|title=Recent Projects|url=http://humanistcharities.org/index.php|accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

At the end of 2008, Humanist Charities participated in a medical textbook drive for students of medicine in [[Afghanistan]]. The drive collected over 160 medical textbooks, which were shipped to Afghanistan via [[Nellis Air Force Base]] in [[Nevada]]. The drive sought to alleviate a chronic shortage of medical textbooks in Afghanistan caused by the systematic destruction of any materials depicting the human form, which was considered to be blasphemous, during the years of [[Taliban]] rule.<ref name="Humanist Charities Past Work">{{cite web|title=Humanist Charities Past Work|url=http://humanistcharities.org/pastprojects.php|accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref> In September 2008 Humanist Charities raised over $2,500 on behalf of an effort by the Children of the Border project, a relief and development project run by humanist Sebastián Vélez of [[Harvard University]], to expand emergency medical service and health care for expectant mothers living in the Haitian border region of the [[Dominican Republic]].<ref name="Humanist Charities Past Work" /> When [[Cyclone Nargis]] struck the Asian mainland in May 2008, Humanist Charities worked with Planet Care/Global Health Access Program, a US-based nongovernmental organization, to deliver aid to [[Myanmar]].<ref name="Humanist Charities Past Work" />

Following severe and destructive monsoon rains in India in August 2007, Humanist Charities coordinated with the International School of Humanitarian Thoughts and Practices to send over $1,000 to assist in relief efforts in the [[India]]n state of [[Himachal Pradesh]].<ref name="Humanist Charities Past Work" /> In July 2007 Humanist Charities worked with the D.R. Schools Project to help bring free, secular and non-discriminatory education to Haitian-Dominican children living in the community of [[El Mogote]], [[Dominican Republic]]. With donations totaling over $2,000, Humanist Charities was able to support the cost of the library building at the school.<ref name="Humanist Charities Past Work" />

===Appignani Humanist Legal Center===
[[File:AHLC FINAL LOGO.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Official logo of the AHLC]]The American Humanist Association launched the Appignani Humanist Legal Center (AHLC) in 2006 to ensure that humanists' constitutional rights are represented in court. Through [[amicus]] activity, [[litigation]], and legal advocacy, a team of cooperating lawyers, including Humanist luminaries such as Jim McCollum, [[Wendy Kaminer]], and [[Michael Newdow]], provide legal assistance by directly challenging clear violations of the [[Establishment Clause]] and seeking equal rights for humanists, atheists and other freethinkers.<ref name="AHLC Mission Statement" />

The AHLC’s first independent litigation was filed on November 29, 2006, in the [[United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida]]. Attorney James Hurley, the AHLC lawyer serving as lead counsel, filed suit against the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections on behalf of Plaintiff Jerry Rabinowitz, whose polling place was a church in [[Delray Beach, Florida]]. The church featured numerous religious symbols, including signs exhorting people to “Make a Difference with God” and anti-abortion posters, which the AHLC claimed demonstrated a violation of the [[Establishment Clause]]. In the voting area itself, "Rabinowitz observed many religious symbols in plain view, both surrounding the election judges and in direct line above the voting machines. He took photographs that will be entered in evidence."<ref>{{cite news | last =Jones| first =Susan| title ='Humanists' Challenge Voting Booths in Churches| work =crosswalk.com| date =2006-11-30| url =http://www.crosswalk.com/1453724| accessdate =2012-03-28}}</ref> U.S. District Judge [[Donald M. Middlebrooks]] ruled that Jerry Rabinowitz did not have [[standing]] to challenge the placement of polling sites in churches, and dismissed the case.<ref>{{cite news| title =Voting in churches is constitutional, says Florida federal court.| work=www.thefreelibrary.com| date =2009-09-01| url =http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Voting+in+churches+is+constitutional,+says+Florida+federal+court.-a0168748576| accessdate =2012-03-28}}</ref>

The AHLC is currently representing an atheist family who claims that the equal rights amendment of the [[Massachusetts constitution]] prohibits mandatory daily recitations of the [[Pledge of Allegiance]] because the anthem contains the phrase “under God.” The judge for this case, Jane Doe, et. als. v. Acton-Boxborough Regional School District et al., heard oral arguments in January 2012.<ref>{{cite news| title =Humanists in Massachusetts Superior Court argue against reciting pledge| work=www.rawstory.com| date =2012-02-14| url =http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/02/14/humanists-in-massachusetts-superior-court-argue-against-reciting-pledge/| accessdate =2012-03-28}}</ref> Unlike previous cases relating to this issue, the AHA’s lawsuit does not allege that the “under God” version of the Pledge violates the [[Establishment Clause]] of the federal Constitution, which guarantees a separation of church and state.  Instead, the court agreed with the AHLC's argument that daily recitation of the religious version of the pledge in public school classrooms discriminates against humanist and other atheist students in violation of the equal protection clause of the Massachusetts Constitution, which prohibits state discrimination on the basis of religious views.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://humanistlegalcenter.org/main/court-hears-oral-arguments-in-ahas-mass-case-against-under-god-in-the-pledge-of-allegiance/ |title=Appignani Humanist Legal Center » Court Hears Oral Arguments in AHA’s Mass. Case Against “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance |publisher=Humanistlegalcenter.org |date=2012-02-15 |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref> In November 2012 the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court permitted a direct appeal with oral arguments set for early 2013.<ref>{{cite news| title =SJC to hear case from atheist family| url =http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_22021579/sjc-hear-case-from-atheist-family| accessdate =2012-11-18}}</ref>

===LGBT Humanist Council===
The LGBT Humanist Council of the American Humanist Association is committed to advancing equality for [[lesbian]], [[gay]], [[bisexual]], and [[transgender]] people and their families. The Council seeks to improve the lives of [[LGBT]] individuals though education, public service and outreach and serve as a resource for members of the American Humanist Association, the greater freethought community, and the public on LGBT issues.<ref>{{cite web|title=LGBT Council Mission Statement|url=http://lgbthumanists.org/index.html|accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

===Humanist Society===
In July 1939 a group of [[Quakers]], inspired by the 1933 Humanist Manifesto, incorporated under the state laws of [[California]] the Humanist Society of Friends as a religious, educational, charitable nonprofit organization authorized to issue charters anywhere in the world and to train and ordain its own [[ordination|ministry]]. Upon ordination these [[Minister (Christianity)|ministers]] were then accorded the same rights and privileges granted by law to [[priests]], ministers, and [[rabbis]] of traditional theistic religions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Humanist Society's Early History|url=http://humanist-society.org/about|accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

Since 1991 the organization has worked as an adjunct to the American Humanist Association to certify qualified members to serve in this special capacity as ministers. The Humanist Society's unique ministry prepares Humanist Celebrants to lead ceremonial observances across the nation and worldwide. Celebrants provide millions of Americans an alternative to traditional religious weddings, memorial services, and other life cycle events.<ref>{{cite web|title=Humanist Society's  Services|url=http://humanist-society.org/|accessdate=2012-03-28}}</ref>

==Advertising campaigns==
[[File:Humanism.jpg|thumb|left|2008 Bus Campaign]]The American Humanist Association has received national media attention for its various advertising campaigns, with media outlets often referring to their controversial nature among local residents and religious leaders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/ad-campaign-promoting-atheism-us-draws-ire-protest/story?id=12314529#.T3MkJ9l8vTo |title=Ad Campaign Promoting Atheism Across U.S. Draws Ire and Protest - ABC News |publisher=Abcnews.go.com |date=2010-12-05 |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theblaze.com/stories/atheists-launch-naughty-not-nice-holiday-campaign-to-target-discrimination-against-non-believers/ |title=Atheists Launch ‘Naughty, Not Nice’ Holiday Campaign to Target Discrimination Against Non-Believers |publisher=TheBlaze.com |date=2011-11-21 |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theblaze.com/stories/tis-the-season-atheists-anti-religion-campaigns-gear-up-for-christmas/ |title=‘Tis the Season’: Atheists Anti-Religion Campaigns Gear Up for Christmas |publisher=TheBlaze.com |date=2010-11-10 |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref> 
[[File:Bus ad 2.jpg|thumb|right|220px|2009 Bus Campaign]]

In 2008 the AHA ran ads on buses in [[Washington, D.C.]] that proclaimed "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake",<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,450445,00.html#ixzz1prwHj5ru | work=Fox News | title='Why Believe in a God?' Ad Campaign Launches on D.C. Buses | date=2011-12-01}}</ref> and since 2009 the organization has paid for billboard advertisements nationwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/view/en/What_We_Do/Media_Outreach/AHA_in_the_News/2009 |title=American Humanist Association &#124; 2009 |publisher=Americanhumanist.org |date= |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref> One such billboard, which stated "No God...No Problem" was repeatedly vandalized.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.klewtv.com/news/69923882.html |title=Humanists replace billboard for the second time &#124; News &#124; KLEW CBS 3 - News, Weather and Sports - Lewiston, ID |publisher=Klewtv.com |date= |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref>

In 2010 the AHA launched another ad campaign promoting Humanism, which the [[New York Times]] said was the "first (atheist campaign) to include spots on television and cable"<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/us/10atheist.html?_r=1 | work=The New York Times | first=Laurie | last=Goodstein | title=Atheists' Holiday Message: Join Us | date=2010-11-09}}</ref> and was described by [[CNN]] as the "largest, most extensive advertising campaign ever by a godless organization".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/09/humanists-launch-huge-godless-ad-campaign/ | work=CNN | title=Humanists launch huge 'godless' ad campaign | date=2010-11-09}}</ref> The campaign featured violent or sexist quotes from holy books, contrasted with more compassionate quotes from humanist thinkers, including  physicist [[Albert Einstein]], biologist [[Richard Dawkins]], and anthropologist [[Carleton S. Coon|Carleton Coon]].
[[File:Dawkins ad.png|thumb|left|220px|A still of the television ad featuring Richard Dawkins]]

In late 2011 the AHA launched a holiday billboard campaign "in cities across the United States where atheists have experienced discrimination due to their lack of belief in a traditional god".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/news/details/2011-11-american-humanist-association-naughty-atheist-awaren |title=Humanists Launch "Naughty" Awareness Campaign |publisher=Americanhumanist.org |date=2011-11-21 |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref> Overall, the organization placed advertisements in 7 different cities: [[Kearny, New Jersey]]; [[Washington, D.C.]]; [[Cranston, Rhode Island]]; [[Bastrop, Louisiana]]; [[Oregon City, Oregon]]; [[College Station, Texas]] and [[Rochester Hills, Michigan]].

In November 2012, the AHA launched a national ad campaign to promote a new website, KidsWithoutGod.com, with ads using the slogans "I'm getting a bit old for imaginary friends" <ref>{{cite web|last=Duke |first=Barry |url=http://freethinker.co.uk/2012/11/14/getting-to-old-for-imaginary-friends-american-humanists-have-the-answer/ |title=Getting too old for imaginary friends? American humanists have the answers |publisher=Freethinker.co.uk |date=2012-11-14 |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref> and "You're Not The Only One." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/press/KidsWithoutGod |title=Kids Without God ad campagin |publisher=Americanhumanist.org |date=2012-11-13 |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref> The campaign included bus advertising in Washington, DC, a billboard in [[Moscow, Idaho]], and online ads on the family of websites run by [[Cheezburger]] and [[Pandora Radio]], as well as [[Facebook]], [[Reddit]], [[Google]], and [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.secularnewsdaily.com/2012/11/national-ad-campaign-promotes-kidswithoutgod-com-on-buses-and-online/ |title=National ad campaign promotes KidsWithoutGod.com on buses and online |publisher=Secular News Daily |date=2012-11-14 |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref> Ads were turned down for content by Disney, Time for Kids and National Geographic Kids.<ref>{{cite web|author=November 13, 2012 |url=http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/11/13/atheist-ad-campaign-promotes-kids-without-god-already-companies-are-refusing-to-run-ads/ |title=Atheist Ad Campaign Promotes Kids Without God; Already, Companies Are Refusing to Run Ads |publisher=Patheos.com |date=2012-11-13 |accessdate=2012-12-05}}</ref>

==National Day of Reason==
The National Day of Reason was created by the American Humanist Association and the Washington Area Secular Humanists in 2003.<ref name="About National Day of Reason">[http://www.nationaldayofreason.org/about.php National Day of Reason History]</ref> In addition to serving as a holiday for [[secularists]], the National Day of Reason was created in response to the perceived [[unconstitutionality]] of the [[National Day of Prayer]]. According to the organizers of the National Day of Reason, the [[National Day of Prayer]], "violates the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]] of the [[United States Constitution]] because it asks [[federal government of the united states|federal]], [[state government in the United States|state]], and [[Local government in the United States|local government]] entities to set aside tax dollar supported time and space to engage in religious ceremonies".<ref name="About National Day of Reason" />

Several organizations associated with the National Day of Reason have organized [[food drive]]s and [[blood donations]], while other groups have called for an end to prayer invocations at city meetings.<ref>[http://www.nationaldayofreason.org/events/index.php?id=3 National Day of Reason Events]</ref><ref>[http://www.positiveatheism.org/crt/blood.htm Center For Positive Atheism]</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/on-national-day-of-prayer-atheists-renew-call-to-end-invocations-at-tampa/1093064 |title=On National Day of Prayer, atheists renew call to end invocations at Tampa city meetings |date=May 6, 2010 |accessdate=May 7, 2011 |author=Janet Zinc |publisher=''[[St. Petersburg Times]]''}}</ref> Other organizations, such as the Oklahoma Atheists and the [[Minnesota Atheists]], have organized local secular celebrations as alternatives to the [[National Day of Prayer]].<ref>[http://mnatheists.org/content/view/15/27/ Minnesota Atheists Day of Reason]</ref> Additionally, many individuals affiliated with these [[atheistic]] groups choose to protest the official [[National Day of Prayer]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nosacredc0w.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/national-day-of-reason-may-5-2011/ |title=National Day of Reason May 5, 2011 |accessdate=May 7, 2011 |publisher=''[[WordPress.com]]''}}</ref>

== Famous awardees ==
The American Humanist Association has named a "Humanist of the Year" annually since 1953. It has also granted other honors to numerous leading figures, including [[Salman Rushdie]] (Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism 2007),  [[Oliver Stone]] (Humanist Arts Award, 1996), [[Katharine Hepburn]] (Humanist Arts Award 1985), [[John Dewey]] (Humanist Pioneer Award, 1954), [[Jack Kevorkian]] (Humanist Hero Award, 1996) and [[Vashti McCollum]] (Distinguished Service Award, 1991).

== AHA's Humanists of the Year ==<!-- This section is linked from [[Carl Sagan]] -->
The AHA website presents the list of the following Humanists of the Year:<ref name=Humanist>{{cite web|title=The Humanist of the Year|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/AHA/Humanists_of_the_Year|publisher=American Humanist Association|accessdate=1 May 2012}}</ref>

{{div col|cols=3}}
* [[Anton J. Carlson]] - 1953
* Arthur F. Bendley - 1954
* [[James P. Warbasse]] - 1955
* C. Judson Herrick - 1956
* [[Margaret Sanger]] - 1957
* [[Oscar Riddle]] - 1958
* [[Brock Chisholm]] - 1959
* [[Leó Szilárd]] - 1960
* [[Linus Pauling]] - 1961
* [[Julian Huxley]] - 1962
* [[Hermann J. Muller]] - 1963
* [[Carl Rogers]] - 1964
* Hudson Hoagland - 1965
* [[Erich Fromm]] - 1966
* [[Abraham H. Maslow]] - 1967
* [[Benjamin Spock]] - 1968
* [[R. Buckminster Fuller]] - 1969
* [[A. Philip Randolph]] - 1970
* [[Albert Ellis (psychologist)|Albert Ellis]] - 1971
* [[B.F. Skinner]] - 1972
* [[Thomas Szasz]] - 1973
* [[Joseph Fletcher]] - 1974
* [[Mary Calderone]] - 1974
* [[Henry Morgentaler]] - 1975
* [[Betty Friedan]] - 1975
* [[Jonas E. Salk]] - 1976
* [[Corliss Lamont]] - 1977
* [[Margaret E. Kuhn]] - 1978
* [[Edwin H. Wilson]] - 1979
* [[Andrei Sakharov]] - 1980
* [[Carl Sagan]] - 1981
* [[Helen Caldicott]] - 1982
* Lester A. Kirkendall - 1983
* [[Isaac Asimov]] - 1984
* [[John Kenneth Galbraith]] - 1985
* [[Faye Wattleton]] - 1986
* [[Margaret Atwood]] - 1987
* Leo Pfeffer - 1988
* Gerald A. Larue - 1989
* [[Ted Turner]] - 1990
* [[Lester R. Brown]] - 1991
* [[Kurt Vonnegut]] - 1992
* [[Richard D. Lamm]] - 1993
* [[Lloyd Morain]] - 1994
* [[Mary Morain]] - 1994
* [[Ashley Montagu]] - 1995
* [[Richard Dawkins]] - 1996
* [[Alice Walker]] - 1997
* [[Barbara Ehrenreich]] - 1998
* [[Edward O. Wilson]] - 1999
* [[William F. Schulz]] - 2000
* [[Stephen Jay Gould]] - 2001
* [[Steven Weinberg]] - 2002
* [[Sherwin T. Wine]] - 2003
* [[Daniel Dennett]] - 2004
* [[Murray Gell-Mann]] - 2005
* [[Steven Pinker]] - 2006
* [[Joyce Carol Oates]] - 2007
* [[Pete Stark]] - 2008
* [[PZ Myers]] - 2009
* [[Bill Nye]] - 2010
* [[Rebecca Goldstein]] - 2011
* [[Gloria Steinem]] - 2012
* [[Dan Savage]] - 2013
{{div col end}}

==See also==
*[[John Dewey]]
*[[Bertrand Russell]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.americanhumanist.org/ The American Humanist Association]
* [http://www.guidestar.org/controller/searchResults.gs?action_gsReport=1&npoId=396561 GuideStar - American Humanist Association] Information in GuideStar, national database of nonprofit organizations
* [http://www.americanhumanist.org/hnn/archives/?id=283&article=1 "Humanist Tax Exemption"] by [[Roy Speckhardt]], ''Humanist Network News''.
* [http://archives.lib.siu.edu/index.php?p=collections/controlcard&id=2071 Edwin H. Wilson Papers of the American Humanist Association, 1913-1989] at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Special Collections Research Center

[[Category:Humanist associations by country|United States]]
[[Category:Humanist associations]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1941]]
[[Category:Secularism in the United States]]