"HUMANITIES" is the bi-monthly newsletter of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), a Federal agency established by an Act of Congress in 1965 "for the encouragement and support of national progress and scholarship in the humanities." Typical newsletters include articles on major grants awarded, reading lists, and other current items of interest. The lead article in this issue describes the NEH State Based Programs designed to relate the humanities to public issues. The underlying philosophy of the program is that the humanities can contribute to an understanding of contemporary public concerns which affect all Americans as citizens. The objectives, philosophy, organization, and funding are described. Other brief articles are included on NEH Grant Profiles and National Public Programs. The last article comprises a profile on Eric H. Erikson, the 1973 Jefferson Lecturer. The newsletter is free to those who wish to add their name to the mailing list. (SJM)