Membership

We’re a team of passionate thinkers and doers, committed to building a purposeful, thriving community. Collaboration and curiosity underpin everything we do. Our policies and actions are straightforward, thoughtful, and tailored to members’ needs. We believe great outcomes stem from clear steps, open collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

Therefore, we have organised our community (Bromley Humanists) into a tiered membership (multi-level structure) that balances financial support with Functional effort and contribution. We want to recognise those who support us and contribute more without making the community feel like a rigid organisation.

Associates and Non-member Volunteers

These are students (over 18), newcomers (including new volunteers), or individuals interested in supporting our work, attending our events, and using our facilities, but who are not yet ready to become members. There is no fee to join as an associate member or volunteer. They can attend all regular meetings and some other events and courses, or use most of our resources, but cannot vote or hold responsibilities. Associates (including non-member volunteers) receive our newsletters and periodicals. 

Standard Membership

Standard members form the core of the Bromley Humanists community.  They regularly attend most of our events and pay the standard dues (£5 per month).  Standard membership grants full voting rights (one vote per person) and eligibility for committee positions (holding office).  They can also host guests and receive priority booking for events.  Guests pay standard fees when payment is required.

There is a £1-per-month concession option for full-time students (over 18) and individuals in financial hardship, which also grants them standard membership and voting rights. Just select the concession rate on the membership application form (no question is asked).

Some members often donate money in addition to their regular membership fees and commit to a set number of volunteer hours or a specific service role (e.g., event planning, maintenance). They are the backbone of our community. They will be recognised as Active Members and receive an Active Member Certificate. When they complete a set number of volunteer hours per month, they may be exempt from paying for certain paid events. They may also be given priority for certain positions, leadership elections, and internal decision-making committees.

Honorary lifetime Members

These are long-term members who have made significant, lifelong contributions (such as Denis Cobell and Dorothy/Diana Elvin). They do not pay a monthly membership fee and are welcome to all our events free of charge (their guests will pay the standard fee). They have full voting rights for life and often serve on current working committees and boards as honorary members and advisors. They will receive permanent recognition on our virtual “Wall of Fame” and all-access passes. Details of the selection process for honorary members will be published later. 

Patron Members (The Supporters)

Individuals who provide significant support to Bromley Humanists, whether financial or otherwise, are considered patron members (or simply patrons).  They may be celebrities or public figures who lend their name, time, or financial backing to our cause or campaigns.  In all cases, they have only one vote, preventing any celebrity or single large donor from exerting undue influence over the organisation.  They may receive certain benefits, such as free attendance, and can serve in unpaid roles (for a limited period).  These details will be decided later. 

Conditions for Membership or Volunteering

Bromley Humanists is pro-reason and pro-human rights, not anti-religious. We defend everyone’s right to practise their faith, or none at all, safely. We want everyone to have equal rights, whether religious or not, but we believe that no religion should be privileged over others by the state or public services. There are no tests, oaths, holy books, or written doctrine. Anyone can join Bromley Humanists, as long as they agree with the charity’s purposes (objects) and the basic idea that humans can live ethical lives without religion. They do not need to be atheists or agnostics, or to give up the religious cultural heritage they grew up with, to be a humanist. 

Please complete the BH Application Form to begin your membership. 

We’ll send you more information when we receive your application.