The Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH) was incorporated in 1989 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization in Maryland. Our purpose is to promote scientific literacy and critical thinking, to provide a forum for humanists and others to explore humanist principles and how they relate to all aspects of human experience, and to study the significance of humanism throughout history. Secular humanists are distinguished by an emphasis on scientific methods of knowing, separation of church and state, and a commitment to the pursuit of humanist goals outside religious frameworks. WASH sponsors several chapters in Maryland, DC, and Virginia for the promotion of Secular Humanist activities within specific communities.

What WASH Offers

• A member who has paid dues to WASH is automatically a member of all chapters and is welcome at all WASH events.
• WASH has no paid employees. We depend on the dedication and efforts of our volunteers without whom, we would not exist.
• Intellectually stimulating programs.
• Social and recreational events, including an annual dinner, summer picnic, hikes and the occasional group trip.
• Informal discussion groups for exploring topics of interest to humanists.
• WASHline, our lively monthly member newsletter, including articles, program schedules, book and movie reviews, and more.
  Internet resources – an informative web site, and a number of e-mail list servers.
• Connection to the larger humanist community through formal and informal alliances.
• Service to the public and the media as a source of information about humanist perspectives on issues of contemporary concern.
• A copy of the WASH Bylaws are available here.

If any of these things appeal to you, we invite you to learn more about secular humanism, and the Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH). If you want even more good reasons to join WASH read “Why WASH?”