New organization influenced by 'humanist' philosophy
Jared Buker REPORTER
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Features
Among Youngstown State University's colorful assortment of student groups is a new organization known as the Humanist Objective League of Youngstown, which is looking to grow and develop in the exercise of morality and ethics.
Chris Cotelesse, YSU student and founder of HOLY, said it wasn't easy getting the group going.
"I began trying to put HOLY together when I moved here at the end of last summer, but I didn't know anyone. I hung up flyers, but only two people responded, and you need at least six to register a student group."
Cotelesse said he met some like-minded people during the fall semester. He created a Facebook group over winter break, and by the first week of spring semester, the group was registered.
Humanism as a philosophy emphasizes human rights above all things, and it holds no expectations of reward or punishment after death.
"You don't need a thundering command from the sky to be moral," Cotelesse said. "We want to be good people, and the only consequences that concern us are those that pertain to mortal life."
Other prominent members of the humanist group include Vice President Jimmy Frohman and charter member Danamarie Donatelli, who was one of the first to respond to Cotelesse's efforts.
"I never wanted to be a humanist," Donatelli said. "I think I always was one; it just took a while for me to figure out what it was exactly."
Donatelli added that most people are surprised by her preferences.
"My family has yet to come to terms that I will never find God," Donatelli said.
Though the organization is still young, members plan to spend time at Dorothy Day House on Belmont Avenue and feed the Youngstown homeless. They will work in conjunction with the TimeBank Mahoning Watershed, a group that provides incentives for community-building projects.
Dr. Scott Leonard, YSU English professor and the group's faculty advisor, sees great potential in this humanist endeavor.
"The current officers are a bright and energetic group. I'm sure they will make a difference," Leonard said.
Leonard said he hopes they can build a strong and lasting organization that will continue to have a university presence long after its current founders are gone.
Editor's note: Chris Cotelesse is a reporter at The Jambar; however, an interview with him was essential due to newsworthiness and relevance to the story.
Chris Cotelesse, YSU student and founder of HOLY, said it wasn't easy getting the group going.
"I began trying to put HOLY together when I moved here at the end of last summer, but I didn't know anyone. I hung up flyers, but only two people responded, and you need at least six to register a student group."
Cotelesse said he met some like-minded people during the fall semester. He created a Facebook group over winter break, and by the first week of spring semester, the group was registered.
Humanism as a philosophy emphasizes human rights above all things, and it holds no expectations of reward or punishment after death.
"You don't need a thundering command from the sky to be moral," Cotelesse said. "We want to be good people, and the only consequences that concern us are those that pertain to mortal life."
Other prominent members of the humanist group include Vice President Jimmy Frohman and charter member Danamarie Donatelli, who was one of the first to respond to Cotelesse's efforts.
"I never wanted to be a humanist," Donatelli said. "I think I always was one; it just took a while for me to figure out what it was exactly."
Donatelli added that most people are surprised by her preferences.
"My family has yet to come to terms that I will never find God," Donatelli said.
Though the organization is still young, members plan to spend time at Dorothy Day House on Belmont Avenue and feed the Youngstown homeless. They will work in conjunction with the TimeBank Mahoning Watershed, a group that provides incentives for community-building projects.
Dr. Scott Leonard, YSU English professor and the group's faculty advisor, sees great potential in this humanist endeavor.
"The current officers are a bright and energetic group. I'm sure they will make a difference," Leonard said.
Leonard said he hopes they can build a strong and lasting organization that will continue to have a university presence long after its current founders are gone.
Editor's note: Chris Cotelesse is a reporter at The Jambar; however, an interview with him was essential due to newsworthiness and relevance to the story.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Anna
posted 2/04/10 @ 11:07 AM EST
It's so good when new positive organizations appear. I hope this one will be lasting one.
Hannah
posted 2/15/10 @ 11:54 PM EST
If you are into the humanist objectiveist movement You should check out the Ayn Rand Institute, or at least read Atlas Shrugged awesome institute and book. (Continued…)
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