1. To defend the secular state. We take the liberties and security of our secular state too much for granted. Join the Humanists to defend our freedoms!

2. To meet like-minded people. Join a local Humanist group for companionship and stimulating discussions. We are many and you make one more!

3. To serve the community. Humanist groups provide celebrants for non-religious ceremonies: weddings, funerals and namings. You, too, can train to become a celebrant and perform an important public service.

4. To promote a rational outlook. Our planet faces severe problems of overpopulation, pollution and global warming. We need a rational account of our world and our place in it, if we are to confront those problems effectively.

5. To join in Humanist campaigns. You can help to garner public support on a range of issues, for example, inclusive schools instead of segregated schools; stem cell research; dying with dignity; an end to religious privilege in education and the media; and acceptance of the non-religious minority in civic ceremonies.

6. To help build a modern, high-profile Humanist organisation which can represent the Humanist outlook wherever it should be heard. Every single person who adds their contribution to the common effort carries the Humanist movement another step forward. You can make a difference!

7. Because there is no good reason not to, if you accept the points above. If you agree that the Humanist outlook makes sense, then the cause deserves your support. Nothing will change unless people make it change.

Contact the Belfast Humanist Group (028 90 867 239 or 028 90 248 550) and ask for details of membership and meetings.

Or visit the website www.humanists.net/belfast for details and email contact.