Darwin Day Lecture: Twists and Turns in Teaching Evolution over the Years (Grand Rapids)
2025-03-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | Calkins Science Center Auditorium #348, 226 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49503
NOTE: Due to the weather, this event has been rescheduled to March 12th at 7:00-8:30 PM!
Join us for our Darwin Day lecture. This year’s talk is titled “Twists and Turns in Teaching Evolution over the Years” by Glenn Branch, Deputy Director, National Center for Science Education.

Controversies over the teaching of evolution in the public schools have rocked the nation over the past century. Evolution’s foes have consistently used the same arguments, but their ambitions have shifted, from banning the teaching of evolution through balancing it with a supposed alternative to blunting it by misrepresenting evolution as scientifically controversial. In his talk, Glenn Branch of the National Center for Science Education will discuss the causes, history, and consequences of these controversies, with a special emphasis on events in Michigan.
Glenn Branch is deputy director of the National Center for Science Education, a nonprofit organization that defends the integrity of American science education against ideological interference. He is the author of numerous articles on evolution education and climate education, and the co-editor, with Eugenie C. Scott, of Not in Our Classrooms: Why Intelligent Design is Wrong for Our Schools (2006). He received the Evolution Education Award for 2020 from the National Association of Biology Teachers.

Event Location
Calkins Science Center, Grand Rapids Community College
226 Bostwick Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Join us at Graydon’s Crossing after the event!
1223 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Parking Information
Meter parking is free after 7:00pm.
Public Parking in Campus Ramps: first 30 minutes free | $2.00 per half hour | Evening/Weekend max $6.00.
General Event Parking on Campus: $3.50 for events less than 3 hours | $6.00 for events lasting more than 3 hours.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Cost: FREE / Suggested Donation $5. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at www.michiganhumanists.org/donate

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2025-03-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar, 221 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, 49440, United States
Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar – 221 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets at various pubs, bars, etc. This month we’ll be meeting at a new venue – Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar at Core Plaza, inside the historic Lumberman’s Bank building. Three of the five planned restaurants are currently open and there is a wide selection of drinks available. Join us this month and enjoy the fellowship and free-flowing conversation. Look for the Michigan Humanist table signs. And don’t worry if you don’t drink. Consumption of alcohol is not expected or required.
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for non-theists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets each month on the second Thursday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Skeptics in the Pub (Detroit)
2025-03-15 17:30 - 20:30 | HopCat, 4265 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids)
2025-03-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits, Kentwood, 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE, Kentwood, 49512
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub will be held at Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits.

Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the third Friday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Café Inquiry (Online) - Gambling Addiction
2025-03-23 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
Gambling has been called a hidden addiction because it can go on for years without showing any visible signs. Yet millions of Americans develop serious gambling disorders. Fortunately, awareness of the problem is growing. March is “Problem Gambling Awareness Month”. In honor of this, we will discuss Gambling Addiction at our next Café Inquiry. For background, this article from USA Today discusses gambling and public health. The American Psychological Association examines concerns about the risks of developing gambling disorders, particularly in young people. This half hour podcast from the Naked Scientists discusses problem gambling in England and approaches to prevention and treatment. You can listen to the entire podcast or individual sections. The section from 13:20 to 19:47 about the gambling industry is particularly interesting. If you prefer to read, there is also a transcript on the page. Finally, this 25 minute podcast tells the story of a woman who developed a severe gambling addiction and the challenges she faces recovering from it. Hope to see your virtual selves there!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Skeptics in the Pub (Flint)
2025-03-28 18:30 - 21:30 | Grand Blanc Tap Bar & Grill, 3021 E. Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, 48439, United States
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Flint) meets each month on the fourth Friday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2025-03-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Wealthy Street Bakery, 610 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Science Fiction has long been a genre which has explored Humanist values. Join us as we read and discuss everything from classic sci-fi to newly published works. This month’s book is “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanist table signs.
Sci-fi Book club (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the fourth Friday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Bowling Night (Detroit)
2025-03-29 18:30 - 20:30 | The Garden Bowl, 4140 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48201
Join the group for a night of bowling fun! Meet the group at lanes 4 & 5. Cost: ~$20 per person for bowling. Please RSVP to Andrew Cyburt at cyburt.andrew@proton.me if you plan to attend.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) Government Programs vs. Charitable Giving
2025-04-13 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Join us in our new venue!! We’re now meeting in the choir room on the second floor of Fountain Street Church! See below for further information.
We’ve all heard the claims. Government is inefficient. Government social programs are wasteful. Private charities do a better job helping people. But the data may not support these statements. Join us IN PERSON at the next Café Inquiry as we look in depth at charity and charitable giving throughout history and explore the transition from private charity to government programs. This somewhat lengthy 2014 article from Democracy deconstructs the myth of a time when private charity fulfilled all public needs. Here is a 2012 article from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities that debunks the claim that most federal low-income spending goes to “overhead” or “bureaucrats”. Finally, to balance things a bit, an article from the Foundation for Economic Education that claims that private philanthropy is much more effective than government programs. There are problematic claims in the article that undermine its premise which we’ll discuss. See you there!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. ( Not the big double doors. The smaller doors to the west. There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Living Without Religion Support Group (Grand Rapids)
2025-04-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Join us in our new venue!! We’re now meeting in the choir room on the second floor of Fountain Street Church! See below for further information.
Living Without Religion is a support group for those who are recovering or have recovered from religion. These people know your struggles, and can offer support. We will share experiences, resources, and solidarity to help deal with all the problems related to leaving religion and moving onward in your life.
If you have left your religion, are thinking of leaving, or would like to support others in similar situations — this is the space for you. You are not alone in your search for a secular lifestyle. Questions and stories will be shared, friends will be made, and discussions will be had.
Living Without Religion is always free and open to anyone who meets the above criteria.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of a main hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Living Without Religion (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the second Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/
Contact: Randy Kuipers, livingwithoutreligion-grandrapids@michiganhumanists.org

Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids)
2025-04-18 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits, Kentwood, 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE, Kentwood, 49512
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub will be held at Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits.

Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the third Friday.
__________________
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Detroit)
2025-04-19 17:30 - 20:30 | HopCat, 4265 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
_____
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Flint)
2025-04-25 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-05-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Grand Blanc Tap Bar & Grill, 3021 E. Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, 48439, United States
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Flint) meets each month on the fourth Friday.
__________________
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2025-04-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Wealthy Street Bakery, 610 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Science Fiction has long been a genre which has explored Humanist values. Join us as we read and discuss everything from classic sci-fi to newly published works. This month’s book is The Ministry of Time by Kalian Bradley.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanist table signs.
Sci-fi Book club (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the fourth Friday.
_____
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Long Lake Work Day
2025-04-26 09:30 - 17:00 | Long Lake Outdoor Center, 10370 Gun Lake Rd, Middleville, MI, United States
Please RSVP to Cindy at volunteers@michiganhumanists.org if you are able to help at our annual Long Lake Workday on Saturday, April 26. Michigan Humanists members will be at the Long Lake Outdoor Center from 9:30am-5pm, or until projects are completed. When you RSVP to Cindy let her know when you might arrive, and how long you think you may be able to stay. This helps us plan the projects we can get finished, and utilizes everyone’s time wisely.
We will spruce up the campground for summer use, including by us for our Secular Summer Retreat in July!
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (ONLINE) - Ethical Objections to Charity
2025-04-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
Ethical Objections to Charity
Charity is seen as a selfless act of kindness and compassion motivated by a desire to improve the lives of others. But some people argue that charity is sometimes carried out badly, and some think it brings bad results even if it is done well. Join us ONLINE at the next Café Inquiry as we explore some of the ethical objections to charity. As time permits we will also take a look at some of the potential pitfalls of government assistance. For background reading, this article examines some of the arguments against donating to international causes. This blog post looks at some of the ways philanthropy can go wrong. As a bonus, here are two articles – one from the Heritage Foundation and one from Bloomberg reporting on the same results from a basic income pilot program. It’s instructive to see how the reporting on the results varies based on the underlying bias of the organization doing the reporting. Join us for what should be a thought-provoking discussion!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2025-05-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar, 221 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, 49440, United States
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) will be held at Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar.
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets at various pubs, bars, etc. This month we’ll be meeting again at Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar at Core Plaza, inside the historic Lumberman’s Bank building. The five restaurants are currently open and there is a wide selection of drinks available. Join us this month and enjoy the fellowship and free-flowing conversation. Look for the Michigan Humanist table signs. And don’t worry if you don’t drink. Consumption of alcohol is not expected or required.
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for non-theists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets each month on the second Thursday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) - Social Media Use by Kids
2025-05-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Location – Fountain Street Church – 2nd Floor Choir Room
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
The Netflix miniseries “Adolescence” explores the effects of social media use on teens. Worldwide there is growing concern about these negative effects. The U.S. Surgeon General has said that social media is contributing to a mental health crisis in this group and has called for warning labels on social media platforms. A WHO report last year also expressed urgent concern about the rise in problematic social media use by youth. At the next Cafe Inquiry (live), we will discuss what is known about these negative effects and examine some of the solutions that have been proposed. Here are a few suggestions for exploring this topic beforehand. If you have the time and inclination, watch the intense 4 episode Netflix series “Adolescence” mentioned above. Social media use plays a role in the show. This brief article from AP News talks about the previous Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for warning labels on social media. Here is a 6 minute recording (and transcript) of an interview with Vivek Murthy on “All Things Considered”. This short article talks about the World Health Organization’s concerns about social media use among adolescents. This article from Yale Medicine has information and suggestions for parents. This audio clip and article from NPR discusses exposure to pornography from the internet and social media. Finally, this longer 2020 article from the Canadian Medical Journal discusses some of the research on social media effects on kids. Hope to see you there!
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Living Without Religion Support Group (Grand Rapids)
2025-05-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Living Without Religion is a support group for those who are recovering or have recovered from religion. These people know your struggles, and can offer support. We will share experiences, resources, and solidarity to help deal with all the problems related to leaving religion and moving onward in your life.
If you have left your religion, are thinking of leaving, or would like to support others in similar situations — this is the space for you. You are not alone in your search for a secular lifestyle. Questions and stories will be shared, friends will be made, and discussions will be had.
Living Without Religion is always free and open to anyone who meets the above criteria.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of a main hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Living Without Religion (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the second Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/
Contact: Randy Kuipers, livingwithoutreligion-grandrapids@michiganhumanists.org

Lecture: Bridging the Divide - Finding Humanity in the Opposition (Grand Rapids)
2025-05-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Fountain Street Church – Chapel, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Please join us for a lecture by Wyoming, MI Council Member, Marissa Postler as she shares her experiences working with the “conservative old white dudes” on the Wyoming City Council. For more information about Marissa, check out this article from TheHumanist.com
The venue for this month’s lecture is the Fountain Street Church chapel.
Parking Information
Metered street parking is free after 7 PM.
The nearby GRCC Parking structure is available to the public.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids)
2025-05-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Broadleaf Brewery, 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd, Kentwood, 49512, United States

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2025-05-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Wealthy Street Bakery, 610 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Science Fiction has long been a genre which has explored Humanist values. Join us as we read and discuss everything from classic sci-fi to newly published works. For this meeting, we will read Babel 17 by Samuel R. Delany.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanist table signs.
Sci-fi Book club (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the fourth Friday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Detroit) *DIFFERENT DATE*
2025-05-24 17:30 - 20:30 | Mercury Burger and Bar, 2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216
*** DIFFERENT DATE *** This month’s Skeptics in the Pub will be held at Mercury Burger and Bar.
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Detroit) USUALLY meets each month on the third Saturday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (ONLINE) - When Was America Great?
2025-05-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
We keep hearing that we are returning to the days when America was great. But when was that? At the next Cafe Inquiry we will explore what qualities make a nation great, and look back at American history to identify the era when our country most embodied those qualities. If you want to explore the topic before we meet you can start with this video from The Daily Show. Here are two different commentaries on what makes America great – this one from 1944, and this one from 2015. Here is another take on the issue, and here is one columnists view of the question. Finally, if you want to see how the process of making the country great again is going you can look at this article from The Hill – but make sure you’re sitting down. Hope you can join us ONLINE for what should be a lively discussion!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) - Pronatalism: What Should We Know?
2025-06-08 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
The Pronatalist movement advocates for higher birth rates in response to declining population growth –
particularly in developed countries – as a means of staving off economic and cultural collapse. Join us IN
PERSON at the next Café Inquiry as Steve Andersen helps us delve into this movement – the policies it
promotes and the motivations driving it, economic, ideological and/or religious. This is a topic that is
getting more and more attention and should prompt a lively discussion. This short YouTube video, as well as this one, provide some context. Hope to see you there!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2025-06-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Carlisle’s Restaurant, 470 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) will be held at Carlisle’s Restaurant.
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for non-theists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets each month on the second Thursday.

Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/
