On May 2, HumanistsMN joined humanists across the country to put empathy into action as part of the American Empathy Project. More than 40 people gathered locally for service and empathy projects. These included a cleanup at Loring Park, assembling 400 hygiene and menstrual kits for local students and youth, tying flannel blankets that are given to babies and children in need, a discussion of the book “Stranger in a Strange Land,” and collecting clothing, shoes, and jewelry for Rainbow Wardrobe.
Sponsored by the American Humanist Association, the national day of action was designed to create a ripple effect of compassion and community care and show that empathy is stronger than cruelty. The AHA made available $100,000 in grants to humanist groups across the country, and HMN received a $1000 grant to purchase supplies for its service projects.
The empathy projects were selected to be active resistance against the crisis of cruelty that threatens our neighbors’ safety, leaves kids hungry, diminishes our collective humanity, and seeks to divide us with fear and hate. In addition to fighting cruelty, the projects helped to bring communities together, with special emphasis on humanist values of generosity, care, affirmation, welcome, conservation, and respect.
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