The New York Society for Ethical Culture

Member Retreat at Stony Point
2026-10-16 - 2026-10-18 | Stony Point Retreat Center, 17 Cricketown Rd, Stony Point, 10980, United States
Details TBA!

Sunday Platform
2026-10-18 11:00 - 12:15, 2026-10-25 11:00 - 12:15, 2026-11-01 11:00 - 12:15, 2026-11-08 11:00 - 12:15 (America/New_York) | Ceremonial Hall (4th Floor), 2 W 64th St, New York, NY, 10023, United States
Free in-person and online!
Speaker and details TBA!
Community lunch follows, free for first-time guests and families participating in the Young Ethical Explorers Program.
Join Online
Join link TBA.
Monthly Collection
The New York Society for Ethical Culture
About Sunday Platform
Sunday Platform is our most important and long-standing community event. These gatherings educate, stimulate personal growth, inspire reflection and action, and strengthen our community. Sunday meetings begin with music, followed by greetings and a talk given by a Society Leader, member, or guest. Platforms cover a variety of topics that reflect current events, pressing social issues, and Humanist philosophy. Each Sunday meeting is followed by a luncheon and social hour.
To watch previous Sunday Platforms, visit our Videos page and YouTube channel.

Young Ethical Explorers
2026-10-18 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-10-25 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-11-01 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-11-08 11:00 - 12:30 | Adler Study (514), 2 W 64th St., New York, NY, 10023, United States
Newcomers are always welcome!
10:30am: Peace-play on the rooftop playground (weather permitting)
11:00am: This week’s activity
12:30pm: Community Lunch
1:30-2:30pm: Peace-play on the rooftop playground (weather permitting)
How to Join
To join, please RSVP to Youth Programs Director Audrey Kindred at ethicalfamilies@nysec.org.
About Young Ethical Explorers
Young Ethical Explorers is the New York Society for Ethical Culture’s Humanist Sunday school for ages 3-11. Sessions raise issues of personal identity and integrity, appreciation and respect for others, and knowledge of religions, philosophies, and social concerns. Topics are explored in an age-appropriate way through discussion, storytelling, dramatization, music, art, games, and field trips.
RSVP is essential to guarantee your place and for planning purposes. If you are enrolled for the season or are members of Ethical NYC your spot is guaranteed. To RSVP as a guest, become a member, or enroll in season, please contact Audrey at ethicalfamilies@nysec.org. Newcomers and visitors are always welcome!

Mindful Mondays with Dr. Frank Corigliano: Exploring Psychology, Science, and Ethics
2026-10-19 14:30 - 15:15 | Online
Join Society Member and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Frank J. Corigliano on the first and third Monday of every month for a 45-minute online session exploring participant-driven topics in psychology and science from an ethical perspective. This program is open to everyone, and we welcome you to join us for a thought-provoking discussion!
Join Online
Click to join at start | Zoom ID 838 1778 1084 | Passcode [REDACTED]
(Photo by Edward Jenner)

Midweek Meditation (Online)
2026-10-20 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-10-27 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-11-03 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-11-10 17:00 - 17:45 | Online
A midweek meditation for relaxing body and mind led by Society member Larry Hurst. Begins promptly at 5:00pm.
New Participants: Please join 10 minutes early to introduce yourself, otherwise you will not be allowed to enter. The meeting waiting room will close 5 minutes after the session begins, with exceptions made only for regular attendees.
To join, please email meditation@nysec.org.
(Photo by Nicollazzi Xiong)

The New York Philosophy Club
2026-10-21 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-11-04 19:00 - 22:00 | Ceremonial Hall (4th Floor), 2 W 64th St, New York, NY, 10023, United States
​We discuss the night’s topic in three half-hour sessions, speaking with new groups each time.
​Most guests stay much longer afterwards to continue their most fulfilling conversations.
​No previous experience required. We aim to bring together the broadest range of people and perspectives.
>>> RSVP Here
​nyphilosophy.org | @philosophy.nyc

Chair Yoga for Everyone
2026-10-23 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-30 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-11-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Adler Study (514), 2 W 64th St., New York, NY, 10023, United States
We’re delighted to introduce a new weekly wellness program at the Society: Chair Yoga led by experienced instructor Sara Jane.
Trained in India in 2009, Sara brings a deep, compassionate approach to teaching and a gift for meeting students exactly where they are. Her classes are gentle, accessible, and tailored to the needs and requests of participants.
Sessions may include:

Balance and stability work
Stress-reduction techniques
Gentle movement to ease physical or emotional discomfort
Practices that support healthy aging
Deep relaxation

Whether you’re new to yoga or returning to your practice, you are welcome! These sessions offer a calm, welcoming space to reconnect with your body and breath.
No equipment is needed—just come as you are, and feel free to bring a friend!
PRICING
Members: $10/class
Non-members: $20/class
4-Session Package: $60
(Must be used within a two-month period. Sessions do not need to be consecutive.)
>>RSVP on Eventbrite
Your Instructor
Sara Jane has been practicing yoga and meditation for more than two decades. Trained in India in 2009, she brings a deep, compassionate approach to teaching and a gift for meeting students exactly where they are.

Humanist Happy Hour
2026-10-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Elliott Library (507), 2 W 64th St, New York, NY, 10023, United States
Every first and fourth Fridays stop by gathering of NYC’s Humanist, atheist, agnostic, and secularist groups for drinks, snacks, and great conversation. We hope to see you there!
BYOB (no liquor). Snack potluck. Donations warmly encouraged to support this program: Give online here.

Getting Here
1: 66 St-Lincoln CenterA, B, C, D, 1: 59 St-Columbus CircleM10: Central Park W/W 64 StM10, M20: Central Park W/W 63 StM66: W 65 St/Central Park WM5, M7, M104: Broadway/W 63 St
Location is subject to change for special events. Check website calendars and Meetup pages for various groups for updates and changes.
The default room is Ceremonial Hall on the 4th Floor, subject to change depending on capacity or conflict with rentals. Check for any posted signs.
Wheelchair access: Use the ramp entrance for the Meeting House on West 64th St., not the Fieldston School. Press both doorbells if the door is locked. Elevator is directly inside.
Humanist Happy Hour Partners
Our friends at various Humanist groups are cross-posting this event. Some groups have after-parties.
Center for Inquiry – NYChttps://cfi-nyc.org/https://www.meetup.com/cfinyc/
The City Congregation for Humanistic Judaismhttps://citycongregation.org/events-calendar/
Gotham Atheistshttps://gothamatheists.org/https://www.meetup.com/GothamAtheists/
NYC Atheistshttps://nycatheists.org/calendar/https://www.meetup.com/nycatheists/
Secular Humanist Society of New Yorkhttps://www.shsny.org/events-calendarhttps://www.meetup.com/shsny-org/

Say Yes to Science with Dr. Carol Portlock (Online)
2026-10-26 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-11-09 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Every 2nd and 4th Monday retired oncologist and Society Member Dr. Carol Portlock reviews new and intriguing science in multiple fields, including those relevant to COVID and beyond. Free and open to the public!
NEW: These sessions are recorded, with the video available for 30 days following each session. For access, please contact Communications Manager Ed Beck at ebeck@nysec.org.
Suggested readings
TBA
Join Online
Click to join at start | Zoom ID 840 9262 7426 | Passcode [REDACTED]

‘Coming to Terms with Challenging Times’ with Dr. Pierre Arty
2026-11-01 12:30 - 13:30 | Elliott Library (507), 2 W 64th St, New York, NY, 10023, United States
Join us for the next in our series of sessions exploring the psycho-emotional impact of the currently shifting political and social atmosphere in America and across the world. This will be a sharing of our own fears and concerns as well as our resilience and empowerment as we seek to cope. This will not be a political debate. Instead, we will share our thoughts and observations about the impacts upon us and upon society as well as our own survival strategies. In-person only.
About Dr. Pierre Arty
Pierre Arty, M.D. is a member of the Ethical Culture Social Service Board and currently serves as the Chief Psychiatric Officer for Housing Works, where he provides psychiatric supervision, direct psychopharmacological treatment for adults and those with substance use disorder, and oversees the Wellness program.
Dr. Arty was born in Cap-Hatien, Haiti and raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He received his M.D. from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and his B.A. from Columbia College of Columbia University. He is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine. He is also a Board member of World Compassion Fellowship, an international humanitarian and development organization whose mission is to provide holistic development and care for the individual, the family, and the community.
Dr. Arty is a member of the Social Service Board of NYSEC and the author of the book Life and Death and the Things in Between, published in 2017 and available on Amazon.

Mindful Mondays with Dr. Frank Corigliano: Exploring Psychology, Science, and Ethics (Online)
2026-11-02 14:30 - 15:15 | Online

Ethical Culture 101
2026-11-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Adler Study (514), 2 W 64th St., New York, NY, 10023, United States
Free in-person and online!
What is Ethical Culture?
Who started it?
What are its principles?
What does it say to us today?
For those new to it, and for those who have known about it for years, this monthly seminar is a conversational introduction to the history & philosophy of Ethical Culture.
1st Mondays, led by Ethical Culture Leader Dr. Richard Koral.
Join on Zoom
Join on Zoom Here

Poetry Circle (Online)
2026-11-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join Our Monthly Online Poetry Circle
Love poetry? Bring a favorite poem (or two) to share with fellow poetry lovers—no expertise required!
Each month, we gather online to read poems aloud, listen attentively, and explore what moves us—a single word, a striking image, or the overall feeling of the piece. You’re welcome to share a few sentences about the poet, too.
Want to share a poem?
Please send it to Elinore at elinore.nysec@gmail.com by the evening of the previous Sunday. She’ll share it on-screen so we can read it together during the session.
Not sure if it’s for you? You’re welcome to join as an observer to see what it’s like.
“Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder,
with a dash of the dictionary.”
–Khalil Gibran
Join Online
Click to join at start time

Great Literature Discussions: The Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald (Online)
2026-11-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Online
Join our twice-monthly online discussions exploring great works together. All are welcome to join and any edition or translation of the book under discussion can be used. See the full list of upcoming books here.
Moderated by Ethical NYC member Gunther Tielemans. 1st Wednesdays.
To join the discussion, please email Gunther.

Storytelling Circle (Online)
2026-11-05 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Free and open to the public online!
One of the oldest traditions around the world is storytelling — folk tales, fairy tales, historic tales, family tales. Bring whatever story you choose. Every first and third Thursday of the month we gather ’round the virtual campfire and listen. Our talented storytelling expert Doris Hart moderates.
Read about Storytelling Circle in Time Magazine!
Join Online
Click to join at start time | Zoom ID 827 6339 5135 | Passcode [REDACTED]

Colloquy
2026-11-08 09:45 - 10:45 | Elliott Library (507), 2 W 64th St, New York, NY, 10023, United States
Share your reflections on a chosen topic presented through parables, quotes and poems. There are no right or wrong answers; there is no debate – only your individual response shared in a contemplative atmosphere.
Leader Dr. Richard Koral moderates.
