Hands-on Humanism

Welcome to our 2026 program for ‘Hands-on Humanism’ held on the third Sunday of every month.

This human-centred framework of events is designed to illustrate the diverse pathways into Humanism. In this session, we explore the emerging horizon of 'Second-wave Humanism' as an evolving response to the turbulent times currently facing humanity. This local Melbourne community of Humanists Australia guides members to develop the freedom of thought necessary to arrive at their own well-informed decisions about the difference they wish to be and see in the world

Discover the many lenses of Humanism

Are you looking to create new ways of being, feeling and thinking about yourself, your values and how your purpose can be put into action? Our regular conversations help us to connect more deeply, integrate diverse perspectives, and support one another as we grow. Empowering humanity to flourish by cultivating a future rooted in dignity, empathy and reason.

Certainty closes doors, curiosity opens them

Humanists are encouraged to live wisely through intellectual humility and shared inquiry rather than fixed beliefs. Currently, we are living through a seismic shift in human history, a moment that demands both reflection and imagination. With old systems faltering as global challenges intensify, we must learn from humanity's past patterns, to make conscious present choices, whilst daring to dream of futures that have yet to exist.

Hands‑on Humanism emerged to draw together ancient wisdom, modern knowledge, and ethical ideas into the kind of joined‑up thinking and effective action society needs. By engaging together, we can move forward in values-driven practical ways, to become part of life’s long evolutionary continuum — not simply reacting to change, but instead consciously shaping it for generations to come.

What this workshop offers

In this interactive, human-hearted workshop, we focus on the evolution and key directions for 'Second-wave Humanism'. Through learning about Humanist principles, we figure out ways to practice this ethical life stance across all sectors of society at a pace and scale that feels right to you. You are invited to embark on this exciting journey together to envision how you wish to contribute, one idea, one action, one human story at a time.

Hands-on Humanism Program Leaders

Email us for more information and a copy of our annual calendar of events. Do please let us know if you can or cannot attend by messaging the event organiser, Jenny. In this way, we can keep you up to date and email you any articles summarising the event.

Jennifer Crossland

Jenny is a social innovator and creative thinking coach in life and business, Her background is in economic and community development, having previously lead a business incubation and innovation centre in the UK. Her focus is on transforming vision into action through the power of imagination. Her love of philosophy led her to Humanism and to envision ways to actively repair our social fabric at the local level. Email Jenny.

Claudia Keast

Claudia, embraces Humanists’ core values, including compassion for all - appreciating strength in diversity, within like-minded communities to transform learning into practice. Claudia has a Bachelor’s in German, Chemistry and Biochemistry with a teaching diploma and a Master’s in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Claudia’s passion is teaching English to immigrants and refugees. In her free time, she hangs out with her husband and dog Casey, her circle of friends and loves to visit Europe. Email Claudia.

How to get here

The Centre is located in the heart of the Canterbury Gardens and a short walk from Main Street shops and cafes.

Underground and ground-level parking is available onsite and accessed from Kendall Street.

Public transport

A short walk from Canterbury train station, the Centre is close to the Canterbury Road and Rochester Road bus stop on bus route 285.