A group of humanist volunteers in an informal group portrait shot. There are six people standing in a park infront of a bench smiling at the camera. Some hold up glasses of wine.

Humanist Society interview series: Gillian Stewart on the rewards of volunteering

June 10, 2025

Our Charity

To mark Volunteers’ Week, we spoke with a longstanding humanist celebrant and volunteer with Fife Humanists, Gillian Stewart, about what it’s like giving her time to the cause.

Hi Gillian! Please can you introduce yourself?

Hi, I’m Gillian. I was first introduced to the concept of humanism when I was working at Rachel House Children’s Hospice and considering a new career. Discovering humanism felt like coming home. I finally had a name for what I’d felt for so long, and I knew that I wanted to explore it further.

After applying to become a celebrant I began my training in the spring of 2004. Over the last 21 years I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of conducting many funerals, weddings, and naming ceremonies.

How did you start volunteering with Humanist Society Scotland?

Through my celebrant colleagues, I became aware that there was a local humanist group that met on a fairly regular basis to discuss topics of interest. I began to attend the group, and over the years that followed I became more involved in organising events, booking venues, contacting various speakers, and chairing meetings. The Fife group has gone through various changes over the years, but it’s a credit to all those involved that it is still going.

Picture of Gillian in a garden setting wearing a grey floral suit and holding a folder. She smiles at the camera. She has a white necklace and earrings and shoulder-length brown hair. — Gillian conducting a wedding in St. Andrews

Discovering humanism felt like coming home. I finally had a name for what I’d felt for so long, and I knew I wanted to explore it further.

What do you find rewarding about volunteering with us?

It’s been really satisfying (albeit at times frustrating!) being involved in organising group events. But you’re never on your own. There’s always someone else there to share the load. Our volunteer coordinator Lara Celini is a wonderful source of support and encouragement. And it’s been very enjoyable meeting the various members of our local group who have come and gone over the years. I’ve also attended events run by other local groups.

As I have spent a lot of time getting to know humanist celebrants, it’s been really interesting meeting members of Humanist Society who are not involved in the ceremonies side of things. It’s also been very interesting listening to everyone’s perspectives on the various topics that we’ve discussed and debated. At times this has challenged and broadened my views.

I’ve also helped to staff stalls at a variety of Humanist events, such as wedding fairs. I’ve spoken about humanism at a couple of groups, such as the Ladies Probus, and it’s been great to be able to introduce humanism to a wider audience.

What would you say to people looking to get involved in volunteering?

It’s a great way to meet folk, and an opportunity to socialise with like-minded people, although we don’t always agree on everything! Seriously though, if you are considering it, I would encourage you to go for it. You have nothing to lose and plenty to gain. Maybe I’ll see you at one of our humanist events in the future!

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