The Baltimore Ethical Society

Ethical Action

Ethical Culture Societies have a strong tradition of ethical action. Ethical action refers to initiatives that express our commitment to working for a better world for ourselves and our children and proclaim our belief in the worth and potential of all human beings. There are so many human needs and problems which call for a hands-on response. We're also aware of the importance of modeling an ethical approach to life, and we know that nothing contributes more to our own development as ethical human beings and to the vitality of our fellowship than an active involvement in confronting the ethical and social challenges that surround us.

Ethical action has two basic dimensions: community service and social issues advocacy. Community service is directed at helping organizations and individuals in the community. Currently, our primary community service commitment is to provide desserts for Moveable Feast, an organization which delivers meals to shut-ins in the Baltimore area, especially AIDS victims and their families. Another community service activity this year was a consciousness-raising performance of The Vagina Monologues by BES members, an event which also raised money for the House of Ruth and TurnAround, organizations which assist victims of domestic violence. And we hosted our second annual Speak Out, an oratorical contest for Baltimore City middle school students.

Our social issues advocacy efforts include active participation in Maryland United for Peace and Justice, an informational clearinghouse and educational center for statewide peace and justice activities. Other advocacy activities include card and letter writing on significant public issues aimed at political and business leaders, as well as involvement in demonstrations, conferences, workshops, boycotts, and teach-ins.

The first Sunday of each month is Moveable Treats Sunday, when members and friends bring desserts they have made or bought to BES, and we package them for distribution by Moveable Feast. Participation in Moveable Treats and in other Moveable Feast food distribution and fundraising activities has been excellent. The second Sunday of the month is Ethical Action Sunday. On that Sunday, we share half of our non-pledge contributions with designated organizations and charities. And interested members stay on after our meeting to prepare public issues cards and letters and to discuss future ethical action priorities.

We believe that even a small organization like the Baltimore Ethical Society can be a strong voice for positive change.