| Humanist Mutual Aid | |
| Abbreviation: | HuMAN |
| Formation: | 2013 |
| Type: | 501(c)(3) non-profit |
| Status: | Active |
| Region Served: | Worldwide |
| Key People: | Phil Zuckerman (Executive Director) Karen Zelevinsky (Board President)Hank Pellissier (Founder, Program Director) |
| Website: | https://thehuman.team/ |
Humanist Mutual Aid Network (HuMAN) is a 501c3 non-profit in California. HuMAN was founded by Hank Pellissier, who stated in an interview that the organization "works toward a world with humanist values that respects science, secular education, sustainability, kindness, peace and democracy".[1] The nonprofit provides secular support to at-risk populations internationally, via educational opportunities, technological solutions, health assistance and small business grants. HuMAN's work funds secular education, humanist students, women's collectives, orphans, safe houses, and helplines. It also offers internships in Africa & India Development.[2]
HuMAN's original name was the Brighter Brains Institute, founder Hank Pellissier launched its activities in 2015 by starting the "world’s first atheist orphanage" in Muhokya, Uganda.[3] The director - Bwambale Robert Musubaho - was orphaned himself at the age of five; he renounced religion in the early 2000s after researching his doubts and finding community on the internet.[4] HuMAN raised enough money via crowdfunding to also build two ‘humanist’ primary schools and a secondary school near the orphanage. The Freedom From Religion Foundation described the schools as "groundbreaking".[5]
HuMAN expanded its secular activities throughout western Uganda, building classrooms for a remote school in the Rwenzori mountains,[6] and constructing another humanist secondary school in Kanunga, the site of a 2000 Christian cult massacre. Brighter Brains Humanist Secondary School in Kanunga included a Richard Dawkins Science Laboratory[7] and a Christopher Hitchens Freethinker Library.[8] Funds were partially raised via promotion in the UK publication THE FREETHINKER.
In 2020–2021, BBI changed its name to Humanist Global Charity and expanded internationally. Later in 2023, HGC changed its name to Humanist Mutual Aid Charity (HuMAN)
The article "Giving without God" by Barry Duke mentions HuMAN as a charity making a difference, debunking the myth that nonbelievers are not charitable. While religious individuals donate to congregations, nonbelievers contribute to secular causes, supporting education, healthcare, and human rights. Nonbelievers prioritize evidence-based giving, addressing global issues like poverty, hunger, and inequality, and demonstrating compassion and empathy beyond religious affiliations. The article mentioned HuMAN as one of those outstanding charities making a difference in the lives of the impoverished. The Humanist Mutual Aid Network (HuMAN), embodies "goodness without God" through various projects, including:
HuMAN focuses on helping the "poorest of the poor", particularly non-believers, in its ninth year of operation.[9]
HuMAN provides about $100,000 a year for humanitarian aid projects. In addition to founding and supporting several humanist schools and orphanages in Uganda,[5] HuMAN has funded sixteen humanist clinics that provided free medicine, works to dispel belief in witch doctors in superstitious communities,[10] and distributes sanitary pads (AFRIPads) in Africa, India, and Nepal. HuMAN has partnered with women's collectives and LGBTQ organizations to emphasize equality and provide sex education, family planning, and birth control.HuMAN has also supported humanists in practicing non till and regenerative Agriculture. The funds provided for the humanist mutual aid group in Chad have enabled them to use the Zai traditional method of farming in planting fruit trees in N'djamenna Chad, they have also cultivated maize with the same method[11] and planted a staggering 3000 bean plants that can cause nitrogen fixation on their arid soil.[12] This will help contribute to Chadian effort in Combating Food insecurity.
Building and funding Safe Houses is an initiative that encourages the provision of safe havens for Nigerian atheists, freethinkers, and irreligious people facing persecution. These safe houses are Established by humanists and funded by HuMAN, it offers temporary accommodation, food, and support to raise awareness and advocate for their rights. The initiative has helped numerous individuals in Nigeria, sparking conversations about human rights and freedom of thought.[13]
Witch Camps in Ghana refer to settlements where elderly women accused of witchcraft are forced to flee for safety. These camps, often lacking necessities are home to over 1,000 women who have faced violence and persecution. Efforts are being made to address the issue, but the women continue to face stigma and marginalization. Humanitarian organizations, including the Humanist Global Charity, provide essential education to residents of witch camps, focusing on vital skills like personal hygiene and fundamental scientific knowledge, with a specific emphasis on understanding and preventing prevalent diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and HIV.[14]
The Apna Atheism United Library in Bihar, India, a co-funded project of HuMAN and Atheism United, aims to foster curiosity and scientific temperament in rural areas. This unique initiative provides access to books and promotes critical thinking, encouraging villagers to question and explore new ideas. The library has become a hub for knowledge and discussion, empowering the community.[15]
HuMAN funded The Appalachian Community Meal Project. This was established as the first no-barrier dry pantry in Berea, Kentucky. This innovative project provides free food and essentials to those in need, without requirements or restrictions. The pantry aims to combat food insecurity and promote community development, serving as a model for future initiatives.[16]
In 2023 HuMAN and the Moneyless Society installed another dry food no-barrier in Berea, expanding its no-barrier food access initiative. These pantries provide free dry goods to those in need, aiming to combat food insecurity and promote community development. HuMAN's efforts have increased food availability and accessibility in the region.[17]