Affiliating to the BHA

The BHA believes that local membership is important to the growth of Humanism, and are keen to work closely with groups in developing publicity, membership services, lobbying and campaigning.

What does affiliating to BHA mean?

Through the affiliation scheme we are able to support the growth and development of Humanism locally, and groups are able to support the BHA by providing an active local presence, promoting humanist and secular views, and sometimes by campaigning at a local level.

Local humanist and secular groups are independent of the BHA but can affiliate. Affiliated groups remain autonomous but receive a number of benefits. It is not the case that every member of a local group must be a member of the British Humanist Association, although local groups should encourage their members to join. Local groups should be generally supportive of the BHA's policies and work areas and should not act in such a way as to bring the organisation into disrepute.

Benefits of affiliating to British Humanist Association

Resources

• free web hosting from the BHA
• ten or more free copies of each bi-monthly issue of BHA News
• other information and campaigns resources in your bi-monthly pack
• the Groups Network newsletter by email
• a free copy of each new BHA publication

Publicity

• listing on the BHA website Groups pages
• listing on the public BHA Groups’ Google Map
• inclusion in material sent to all new BHA members
• your website or website news feed on our Netvibes page
• promotion of local humanism on BHA forms and publications
• being able to state affiliation to the national humanist organisation on your headed paper and other materials
• use of the ‘Happy Human’ affiliated group images

Other Support

• cover under BHA Public Liability Insurance for your meetings and events
• discounts on bulk orders of publications and other products from our shop
• advice and support from the BHA as appropriate
• we can work with you to send occasional mailings of your group's material to BHA members and supporters in your area by arrangement

Local groups also have the right the right to submit motions to general meetings of the BHA.

How to affiliate

If you run, or are thinking of running, a local humanist group and want to affiliate to the BHA then please get in touch with groups@humanism.org.uk or call 020 7079 3580.

Let us know:

• who you are
• where you are
• details about your existing group;
• or any progress you may have already made towards starting a new group

Things to consider

If you are thinking about leading a new group, consider:

• do you have the time and ability to market your group and find like-minded people locally? (it's never as easy as simply booking a room and hoping people turn up!)
• will you be able to commit to furthering the interests of your group for at least a year?
• are you able to talk easily and knowledgeably about humanist ideas to an audience?
• do you know like-minded people already who can help with the marketing, finance, events planning or social aspects of running a group?
• have you read our Groupwise document for further tips about starting a new group (see the Resources page)