What We Do
1. HOST REGULAR EVENTS
Humanism in Action conference
This is our annual celebration of humanist values, reason, secularism, and human rights. We feature a warm and welcoming presence, engaging and interactive presentations by renowned atheist/humanist speakers from all over North America, catered meals and refreshments, and exhibitor displays. Our conference takes place in a banquet hall in Waterloo. Discounted admission is offered to SOFREE members. Leaders of religious organizations are also invited to attend.
Winter solstice celebration
This is our annual end-of-year festive event for our members and their loved ones. Sometimes we hold this event in a banquet hall, complete with catered food, music, and games; sometimes it takes place in a dedicated event room in a restaurant and we cover some of the food and drink costs for members.
Darwin Day fest
This is our annual celebration of science, reason, and ethics, with a focus on evolution and its significance for understanding life. The format varies from year to year, ranging from film screenings to presentations by guest speakers. Enjoying a special birthday cake and lively conversation are cherished traditions of our Darwin Day festivities.
Summer picnic
This is our annual summer get-together for our members and their families and friends, and includes potluck food, music, and games at a picnic shelter in Waterloo Region. We cover the fees of picnic shelter rentals as well as some of the food and refreshment costs.
Movie nights
We show documentaries, comedies, dramas, and other films that reflect humanist, atheist, scientific, or human rights themes, and the films are often followed by a group discussion. We screen the films on a monthly basis in a comfortable meeting room offered by the Grand River Unitarian Congregation in Kitchener. We pay for the use of the room, and we provide snacks, coffee, and tea for attendees. Movie nights are complimentary for SOFREE members; guests pay a nominal admission fee.
“Humanist Hour” program
We host a monthly Zoom chat for open dialogue and meaningful connection. This space is for anyone questioning long-held beliefs, exploring life beyond religion, identifying as a humanist or atheist, unable to attend in-person events, or simply wishing to learn more about SOFREE and humanism. Our program encourages sincere curiosity and conversations grounded in respect, reflection, and our shared humanity.
2. HOST AND PARTICIPATE IN REGULAR ACTIVITIES
Fellowship brunches in Guelph
These are relaxed monthly get-togethers and usually take place at the Symposium Café and Lounge. Everyone is welcome to join us for great food and friendly conversation. Guest speakers are often featured.
Fellowship brunches in Waterloo
These are relaxed monthly get-togethers and usually take place in the Jazz Room of the Huether Hotel. Everyone is welcome to join us for great food and friendly conversation. Guest speakers are often featured.
Participation in annual multicultural festivals in southern Ontario
We usually rent a booth at multicultural festivals taking place in Guelph, Kitchener, and Hamilton, displaying materials on humanism, atheism, secularism, and information about SOFREE. Our booth is managed by SOFREE volunteers and friends. These multi-day festivals are a wonderful way to have a fun and relaxing time with new and longtime friends, celebrate the richness of international food, music, art, and dance, and promote the Humanist values we uphold. Positive and respectful dialogue with festival-goers is encouraged.
Participation in the World Religions Conference (WRC) in Waterloo
The WRC is hosted by the Ahmaddiya Muslim Jama’at, and SOFREE has been invited to speak and have an atheist presence at this annual conference for over 20 years. Our speakers include scientists, teachers, philosophers, authors, and community leaders, and we display materials promoting humanism, atheism, secularism, and information about SOFREE. Additionally, we contribute a humanist-themed vocal performance by way of a spoken word presentation or a song. Our booth is managed by SOFREE volunteers and friends. Positive and respectful dialogue with conference attendees is encouraged.
Pub nights in Burlington, Hamilton, and Waterloo
These are relaxed and informal social occasions, and anyone is welcome to join us at our table. Conversations about humanism, atheism, and secularism often take place alongside rounds of billiards and darts. Karaoke is a highlight of our pub nights in Burlington. We host pub night during the spring, autumn, and winter months.
3. COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES
The Dark Horse Collective
This is an online community newsletter that was launched in late March 2026 and is a joint effort by SOFREE, the Atheist Community of Austin (ACA), and the New Dawn Atheists of Brant County (NDABC). The purpose of this publication is to bring together like-minded individuals and groups to connect, exchange ideas, celebrate milestones, and elevate public discussions toward greater understanding of rational thought and humanist principles. Our goal is to cultivate a stronger, more vibrant sense of shared purpose and community. All design, editorial, and promotional work for the Dark Horse Collective is done by volunteers.
Promotion of Atheist and Humanist Communities
We support the efforts of our atheist and humanist community partners — both formal organizations such as the Halton-Peel Humanist Community, Humanist Canada, and the ACA, and informal social groups such as the New Dawn Atheists of Brant County. Several leaders of our community partners are also SOFREE members.
Who We Are
The Society of Freethinkers (SOFREE) is a multicultural organization founded on humanist ethics and secular principles. Established in southern Ontario in 1992, we advocate for the application of reason and critical thinking, uphold human rights, support secular and equitable public policies, and nurture genuine fellowship among our members and the wider secular community. SOFREE is a registered charitable organization.
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