Flourishing honoured three humanists at its first general meeting.

The first annual meeting of Flourishing was held with a suitable mix of seriousness and lightness. Vice-chairman Sævar Finnbogason set the tone at the beginning and sang and played a beautiful song by a well-known pop band on guitar. Kristian Guttesen was a special guest at the meeting and recited an original poem by himself. The formal program then began.

Regular items of the general meeting

Chairman Svanur Sigurbjörnsson read his address and the board's report. He expressed satisfaction with the first year and that it was a special milestone and cause for celebration for the association to now have this important year of development behind it. If we look at the main development steps, they are as follows:

• A founding group formed, ideology, code of conduct and articles of the society established at the founding meeting 23.3.2025

• April: registration of the company as a general organization and obtaining a social security number and bank account.

• May: domain name purchased and website set up

• July: The activity service is officially launched. The association chose a temporary logo after a competition.

• September: Participation in a peace march under the banner of the association and the UN peace dove.

• October: The society was officially introduced to the public with the opening of a Facebook page and an interview with chairman at Samstöðinn on Oct. 8.

• The association rents facilities at the ReykjavíkurAcademy, Hafnarstræði, Reykjavík. Holds an open introductory meeting.

• Seminar on alcohol sales and sporting events.

• November: The society applies for registration as a life-stance association with the state.

• A discussion circle on matters of the heart and thought-provoking topics called "Flourishing-seeds" has been launched.

• December: First ceremony - a funeral - officiated by a celebrant of Flourishing.

• Reflection published here on the symbolic meaning of the winter solstice.

• February: Seminar on the Dialogue Method in Learning and Teaching.

• March: The first wedding under the banner of Flourishing - March 14. Celebrant: Jóhann Björnsson

The company's treasurer, Júlía Linda Ómarsdóttir, presented the annual accounts. The results for the year 2025 were negative by 67 thousand ISK due to various start-up costs that were incurred. The audited annual accounts were approved.

The board's financial and operational plan included the following: seminars or forums will be held more online to increase the number of people who can participate or observe. The plan is to develop courses for young people and hold courses in celebrant services. The biggest event ahead is a seminar on "Flourishing as a goal in education" and the awarding of prizes in the association's essay competition on May 29th. Auditors were elected: Ingrid Kuhlman and Jón Magnús Guðjónsson.

No legislative changes or board elections were on the agenda this time.

Honorary recognitions for important work in the interests of humanism in Iceland

In Chairman Svanur's address on the occasion of this item, he said:

"Idealistic work is not, as a rule, undertaken in order to receive praise and recognition, but rather to build things of importance and to enjoy good companionship along the way. … Although these good people do not seek titles and honours, it is nevertheless important for every association to practise gratitude and to show respect to those who carry the burdens and break new ground. … We in Flourishing therefore bestow our first formal honour and expression of thanks upon individuals who have carried out important work in the service of the ideal – humanism.

The Board of Flourishing has decided to honour three humanists who long ago earned such recognition, and thus there is no reason to delay.”

Steinar Hardarson

Steinar Harðarson has been one of the pillars of humanism in Iceland over the past twenty years. He has been a constant, rock-like presence in all aspects of humanist activity—civil confirmations, board service, and officiating ceremonies—from the moment he first stepped through the door. His unwavering courage, loyalty, perfect attendance, contributions, encouragement, understanding, sound judgement, and humanist mindset have made him a cornerstone of humanist work.

He was among the first six celebrants of Siðmennt. He always stood his post, and it is rare indeed that he ever declined to take on a ceremony—something of great value when numbers were few and the service was being established in 2008. Steinar has a distinctive, dignified, and graceful style when it comes to conducting civil confirmations. The ceremonies he has led are especially memorable and bring warmth to the heart. It did not detract that he wore the Icelandic national costume exceptionally well, adding a further note of dignity to the occasion.

Steinar is consistently encouraging, and it is particularly memorable how he persuaded the board of Siðmennt to have the courage to hold ceremonies for members of the Alþingi at the opening of parliamentary sessions; he himself then became the first to deliver a reflection at such an occasion.

Bjarni Jonsson

Bjarni Jónsson is a humanist through and through. He possesses unwavering drive and formidable executive energy. Bjarni is highly adept in communication and has a strong appreciation of the value of relationship-building and dialogue with diverse stakeholders when it comes to advancing the ideals and causes of humanism. There is a certain nuclear energy in Bjarni and when he sets his course towards worthy aims, he explores every sound avenue to see them realised.

He is endowed with courage, patience, foresight, and resilience that have few equals in voluntary and civic work. The values of humanism run deep within Bjarni, and he is willing to sacrifice his own time for the advancement of the whole and for the construction of a new and meaningful reality. Humanism in Iceland owes him—above all, without detracting from the contributions of others—for the legal progress achieved in the country, which subsequently manifested in a marked increase in wedding ceremonies, civil confirmations, and membership growth within Siðmennt.

The trust that people have come to place in humanist activities in Iceland has, to a significant extent, been built through the remarkable perseverance in advocacy and practical initiative that Bjarni has demonstrated.

Karolina Geirsdottir

Every association needs steadfast individuals who always stand watch. This certainly applies to Karólína Geirsdóttir.

She comes from Netherlands, which in many respects is a cradle of humanism; indeed, Humanists International was founded there in 1952, and its founding declaration is known as the Amsterdam Declaration. We were fortunate that Karólína developed a fondness for Icelandic horses, later married an Icelandic man, and put down roots here.

In Mosfellsbær, she lived in a welcoming home which she opened for meetings and gatherings of atheists and humanists. At that time, it was by no means a given to be open about one’s atheism, and many people came “out of the national church closet” at meetings hosted by Karólína. She was an unwavering participant and a source of encouragement, both within SAMT and on the board of Siðmennt for many years, including serving as treasurer.

She demonstrated support, goodwill, and resilience, and had a wealth of experience and understanding of human life to share with a society that was taking its first steps and striving to break out of an environment marked by a kind of moral religiosity and limited awareness of alternative worldviews in Iceland. In her presence, everyone felt at ease, and she sustained a spirit of humour. Without Karólína, what was achieved would have been far more difficult.

Their contributions will be described in greater detail on a dedicated page to be published on the association’s website shortly.

The Board of Flourishing extends its heartfelt thanks to Steinar, Bjarni, and Karólína for their decades of work in the service of humanism and for the societal development that has accompanied it.

Below are a few photographs from the general meeting.

Finally, there was a celebration and the birthday song was sung - Flourishing has turned one year old. Júlía Linda brought us a home made cake, Unnur cookies and Svanur non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Cheers!