Small Groups

We offer small groups that meet on a variety of topics, including book groups, affinity groups, and discussion groups & more! Most of these groups are drop-in, and visitors are always welcome. Information can be found on our calendar. Interested in joining a small group? Contact either the WES office (wes@ethicalsociety.org) or the small group coordinator listed on each group’s page.

Opportunities for Engagement at WES!

WES offers many teams, committees, and programs! They are grouped below in the following categories:

  • Education
  • Governance and Operation
  • Small Groups
  • Social Connections
  • Social Justice
  • Sunday Mornings
  • Other

Education

SEEK Team

This team meets monthly and works with the Director of Lifelong Learning and the SEEK Assistant to develop all levels of children’s programming and curricula for Sunday Ethical Education for Kids (SEEK) programming.  Contact seek@ethicalsociety.org for more info.

Sunday Ethical Education for Kids (SEEK) Teachers

Teams of volunteers support each of our Sunday School classes (although our nursery also has paid childcare providers).  We couldn’t have a children’s program without ample members teaching our children and youth. We need about 50 volunteers to cover each of our 13 children’s programs. Non-parents are encouraged to participate! Contact seek@ethicalsociety.org for more info.

Teen Group Volunteers

The WES Teen Group is part of the SEEK program, but needs additional support for different activities throughout the year. Teens meet during the 11:30 platform and have a rotating schedule. They also need support for trips, conferences and regular programming. Contact seek@ethicalsociety.org for more info.

Coming of Age Program Volunteers

This group is part of the SEEK program, and currently runs on an every other year basis for 6 weekend retreats with our 9th grade students and their parents. Volunteers are needed to help run programs and to help with logistics throughout the year. Contact seek@ethicalsociety.org for more info.

Governance and Operations

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees has ultimate and legal responsibility for the business affairs and policies of WES. Its seven members are elected by the congregation to two-year terms (beginning in alternate years, to maintain continuity) at the Spring annual meeting. The honor of being elected a Trustee carries with it responsibility, a commitment of time, and the satisfaction of playing a key role in the growth and constancy of the Society.  All members are welcome to attend meetings of the Board. The Trustees elect their own officers. Contact the Board President for more information at boardpresident@ethicalsociety.org.

Building Team

The building team helps maintain and improve our property. We need people who can help with all aspects of property maintenance, especially handyperson, electrical and plumbing work. Contact the WES office at wes@ethicalsociety.org. 

Stewardship Team

The Stewardship Team helps build greater support for the core funding of WES. It ensures that the various fundraising efforts throughout the year are coordinated, varied, and clearly connected to our mission. The team advises on policy issues and initiate stewardship education through the year, and creates the core messaging for the annual operating budget drive. Contact KC Slack (kcs@ethicalsociety.org).

Subject-Based Small Groups

Biology Discussion Group

Second Sundays, after the last platform of the day.

This group reads books that are both accessible to those without a science background, and of great contemporary interest. It is a drop-in group, so you are welcome at any meeting with no need to RSVP! For more information contact Paul Baker, plbaker@me.com.

Mindfulness Group

First Mondays, 7:30 – 9:00 pm

This group is for people interested in practicing meditation and living with mindfulness–or for anyone wanting to find out more about these topics. We explore both practices and ideas. Contact Trish Weil at patricialweil@gmail.com or Ann Baker at annlouisebaker@gmail.com.

Philosophy Group

First Sundays, 1:00 p.m. Eastern (primarily on Zoom).
 
An open discussion group for anyone interested in exploring philosophy, science, ethics, and other ideas. Whether you prefer to listen, participate in discussion, or occasionally present a topic, you are welcome. No background in philosophy or WES membership is required.
 
The group is collaborative, and participants are encouraged to suggest topics, share presentations, and help shape future meetings.
 
For more information, contact Lin at a.genctur@gmail.com.

Social Justice

Earth Ethics Action Team

The Earth Ethics Action Team is an environmental advocacy and stewardship group that meets monthly to plan and coordinate a wide range of activities at WES that focus on earth ethics. Earth Ethics sponsors environmental film showings, coordinates letter writing on various climate change legislation and other environmental issues, and works on congregational issues with Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light and with UUSJ (Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice). They also actively work to make WES a greener facility. Contact  Rich Reis, rreis@verizon.net, Linda Silversmith, lindas@capaccess.org, Ann Baker, 2beans@earthlink.net, or John Kester, John.Kester@earthlink.net.

Washington Interfaith Network

WES is a member of the Washington Interfaith Network, a group of congregations and other organizations working together to change the District of Columbia and put people and neighborhoods first. A new team is working on gun violence and police accountability. We welcome all WES members and friends to join us in our vision for greater economic justice, more jobs, and better opportunities for the children and youth of the District. Contact the WES office, wes@ethicalsociety.org.

Sunday Morning

Celebrations Team

This group of artists, musicians, and other creative types help make our celebrations come alive. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm! Primary focus is the Winter Festival, the Humanist Seder, and the Spring Festival. Contact the WES office, wes@ethicalsociety.org.

Chorus

The WES chorus sings at Sunday platforms and seasonal celebrations, throughout the year. Music is chosen to thematically enhance these services and events. The chorus performs two Sundays per month, September through June, and rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings, 7:15-9 pm at WES from late August through mid-June. The chorus is open to adults who love singing and wish to enjoy the unique fellowship of a chorus.  No experience is necessary. Contact music@ethicalsociety.org for more information.  

Green Team

WES is committed to reducing waste as much as possible in our activities and throughout our building.  The Green Team provides clean-up so we can use real dishes instead of paper or plastic products at our Sunday coffee hour and at events throughout the year. Volunteers are always needed!  Contact Ann Baker to add your name to the list of rotating volunteers. Contact Ann Baker, annlouisebaker@gmail.com.

Sound Team

Volunteers manage the sound system on Sunday mornings and at special events, and record the platforms and festivals for distribution as MP3s on our website.  Contact John Pfeifer, jpfeifer@gmail.com.

Welcome Team

One of the highest profile groups in our community is our Welcome Team, who welcome members and visitors on Sundays each week and help ensure a positive Sunday morning experience. Contact Alex Abbott.

Other

American Ethical Union Officiants

Officiants are lay-leaders who have been trained and certified by the American Ethical Union as legally authorized to perform wedding ceremonies on behalf of the Ethical Society. They may also perform Naming Ceremonies and Memorial Services. Contact the WES office, wes@ethicalsociety.org.

Auction Team

The auction is one of WES’ most laughter-filled evenings…and one that raises important funds for the work of the congregation! Held each year in November, it features donated goods and services and social events at members’ homes. The Auction Team pulls all the donations together, plans a fun theme, and throws a great party. Contact the WES office, wes@ethicalsociety.org.

Community Relations Committee (CRC)

This committee supports open and direct communication at WES, creating opportunities to build community through our interactions. Members of the committee staff the Feedback Center, found outside the Main Hall after platform every Sunday. You can leave a comment–compliment, suggestion, concern–at the Feedback Center and the CCLS will ensure your feedback gets to the right person! Contact crc@ethicalsociety.org.

Lay Leadership Development Team (LLDC)

This committee, elected by the membership, identifies resources to nurture the long-term vitality of our lay leaders, inspires more volunteerism at WES, conducts or facilitates regular leadership training opportunities, familiarizes members with the various leadership positions, and nominates candidates for the Board of Trustees. Contact lldc@ethicalsociety.org.

Pastoral Care Associates

The Pastoral Care Associates are members of WES, specially trained by WES to provide confidential care and support to members in crisis or transition– such as illness, death, hospitalization, and welcoming a baby or child. They also work with the entire WES  community to offer practical support. You can find a Pastoral Care Associate staffing a table outside the Main Hall after every Sunday’s platform; look for the sign with the big blue heart. Contact the WES office, wes@ethicalsociety.org.

Personnel Team

The Personal Team works, with the Senior Leader, on personnel policies for WES staff. Contact the WES office, wes@ethicalsociety.org.