The Humanist Foundation of Quebec
What is the FHQ?
The Humanist Foundation of Quebec (FHQ) is a charitable organization founded in December 2004 to gather funds for promoting critical thinking and spreading humanist values throughout Quebec. The Foundation works closely with the Quebec Humanist Association to achieve common goals, notably by uniting members interested in humanism. The FHQ’s website details its goals, structure, bylaws, and committees, and gives information on how supporters can become lifetime donating members and benefit from tax credits.
Goals and Achievements
In a time when credulity is becoming a virtue, fostering the ability to make critical judgments about information has never been more urgent. The ever-increasing uniformity of worldview presented by media calls for a response against "political correctness," "conventional wisdom," and "journalistic objectivity." The Foundation was created to financially support a wide range of organizations that encourage, both directly and indirectly, the development of critical thinking and the diffusion of humanist values, starting from the youngest age groups.
How to Contribute: Volunteers and Donations
The FHQ is constantly seeking volunteers for its various activities, services, publications, and events at the Humanist Center. Opportunities range across web, audio, organization, editing, video, security, maintenance, and more. Donors not only help spread humanist values but also receive voting rights in the organization according to their cumulative contributions.
The Humanist Manifesto
Humanism is a progressive life philosophy that, without appealing to the supernatural, affirms our capacity and responsibility to lead an ethical, personally fulfilling life, striving for the greater good of humanity. Guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience, humanism encourages living life well and completely. The manifesto is a consensus statement, not a dogma, outlining the philosophical boundaries and positive assertions of humanism.
Affirmations of Humanism
- Commitment to reason and science in understanding the universe and solving human problems.
- Criticism of efforts to undermine human intelligence or explain the world in supernatural terms.
- Belief in science and technology as keys to improving the human condition.
- Support for an open, pluralistic society and democracy as protections for human rights.
- Defense of the separation between church and state.
- Promotion of negotiation and compromise for resolving differences.
- Advocacy for justice and the elimination of discrimination and intolerance.
- Dedication to assist the disadvantaged in becoming self-sufficient.
- A commitment to transcend parochial and tribal divisions and to work collectively for the common good.
The Challenge of Modern Humanism
Despite global trends toward secularism and free thought, official humanist movements in North America have struggled to gain mass appeal or organizational unity. Differences in philosophical roots and objectives often persist, but this diversity in thought is also a sign of the movement’s intellectual richness.
Events and Resources
The FHQ hosts major humanist conferences, makes videos of these events available online, and operates an online store with exclusive foundation-related items. These initiatives aim to foster community engagement, provide learning resources, and financially support the broader mission of promoting humanist values in Quebec.