Mission

European Humanist Professionals exists to serve the needs of people working for the humanist movement. It was formed by humanist professionals who wished to encourage the exchange and development of skills and understanding among people working for, or under the responsibility of, humanist organisations. Anyone whose work is recognised as advancing or applying humanist principles may become a member.

There has been a rapid increase in the numbers and types of humanist professionals in recent years. Large numbers of skilled individuals now work for the humanist movement in many European countries. Professional humanists include educators, counsellors, ceremony officiants and staff-members of humanist organisations. These people are considered to be humanist professionals whether or not they are paid for their work.

Educators work at all levels of education, including primary and secondary schools, universities and training institutes. The most common area of work is moral and social education.

Counsellors work in hospitals, prisons, universities, the armed forces, homes for the elderly and other places of employment. They provide counselling, from a humanist perspective, to humanists or people without strong religious faith.

Officiants conduct humanist ceremonies, especially funerals, weddings, baby namings and coming of age ceremonies.

Staff members of humanist organisations, including national membership associations, development and human rights agencies, housing for the elderly and broadcast companies. These staff members include managers, administrators, project directors, journalists and media spokespeople.