Each honorary member meets at least one of the following criteria: 1. is a member of Russell’s family, 2. had worked closely with Russell in an important way, 3. has made a distinctive contribution to Russell scholarship, 4. has acted in support of a cause or idea that Russell championed, 5. has promoted awareness of Russell or of Russell’s work, 6. has exhibited qualities of character (such as moral courage) reminiscent of Russell.

Past honorary members (now deceased): A.J. Ayer, Ken Coates, Peter Cranford, Lester Denonn, Paul Edwards, Antony Flew, Michael Foot, Ivor Grattan-Guinness, Paul Kurtz, Nelson Mandela, Linus Pauling, David Pears, Karl Popper, W.V. Quine, Conrad Russell, Dora Russell, Edith Russell, John Conrad Russell, Paul A. Schilpp