Saturday, May 6, 2023
3:30pm-4:20pm
This panel discussion features representatives from several successful humanist chapters across the USA. They’ll discuss proven strategies for membership and growth, marketing and advocacy methods for promoting humanism in the community, creative ideas for expanding equity and diversity, how to build operational effectiveness, as well as challenges along the way.
Matthew Elisha is an AHA member and currently IT/Communications Committee Chair for Jefferson Humanists, a chapter of the AHA located in Golden, Colorado that was founded in 2014. Matthew was the president of Jefferson Humanists for four years and has been actively involved in various leadership positions in the chapter, including board member, vice president and activity leader. Though he came to humanism late in life, Matthew is dedicated to the tenets of humanism and works to practice the Ten Commitments in his everyday life. His vision is multiple chapters of AHA in every state, each with their own dedicated humanist community center.
Ellie Haylund serves as president of HumanistsMN as well as chair of the marketing team. Her involvement in the organization began in 2015 and she was elected president in 2022. Passionate about bringing visibility to the concept of humanism, she focuses on cultivating the next generation of humanists. She enjoys live music, crafting, reading, and video gaming. Ellie lives in Minneapolis with her husband and fellow HMN board member, Nick, along with their two rescue dogs, Wally and Tater Tot.
Jocelyn Williamson is a lifelong atheist and Humanist, who is also an endorsed Humanist Celebrant who serves on the Humanist Society board. She currently holds the position of President at the Florida Humanist Association, and is a co-founder of the Central Florida Freethought Community (CFFC), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization comprised of freethinkers, Humanists, atheists, and secularists who prioritize reason and compassion as guiding principles. Additionally, Jocelyn serves as a Florida Representative for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, State Director for the American Atheists, and represents Humanism on the Interfaith Council of Central Florida’s Council of Traditions. She loves kayaking, hiking, and all things science fiction.
