Hi Family and Goddess Blessings,
I have been thinking a lot about the Society and what members may want in a growing organization like AAWS. I would assume there would be a desire to network, and find people in the area to start circles and to learn from each other, but I think there may be more. I would imagine most people would like to facebook, twitter or other networking. In developing the Society one really needs to know members ideas, input and dreams. After all an organization can not be successful with out the pleasure of its members. We cannot have a successful organization without most dreams of the members fulfilled. Would you like to create Merry Meets or retreats, swap information with other members in your area? Is communication very important to you? Would you like to hear what others say about how they celebrate sabbats and esabats? If you would create an organization what would you do to make it a success? We look forward to hearing all the responses.
Blessed Be...
The problem that I have seen and experienced over several decades is that it has been truly difficult to get many Wiccans to commit (and follow through) to projects, events, causes which directly affect our religio-spiritual path(s) that will help everyone out over all within the "big picture". I recall when I started my "Social Ministry" back in 2003--no one helped me; besides, I used my own financial resources to help the homeless on the mean streets of Denver Metro. Most Wiccans whom I contacted never got back to me or exclaimed that they did not feel comfortable coming out of the Besom (Broom) Closet. Another interesting "concept" that I have run into over the years is that so many Wiccans are isolated solitary practitioners and don't want to fellowship with or meet other like-minded folks--no matter their race. I could go on and on but most of what I have to say on this topic is just water under the bridge now. One other issue is that most Wiccans just do not have the financial resources to contribute let alone to buy their personal spiritual supplies. Another issue many Wiccans have is FEAR--fear of losing their job, their dwelling, and their children; I have been run out of three jobs because I am Wiccan! And our judicial system and governement do not support us when we are let go from a job due to our religion; your former employer will lie, lie, lie that s/he let you go for other reasons. this is the kind of crap that makes a good Witch go bad--NO JOKE! That's my rant for now.
ReplyDeleteHetep
Thank you Frater Kheti for your comments. I really appreciate your input whenever you give it because of your insight, experience and your dedication to projects. Unfortunately everyone does not have your wonderful idealism and motivation (me included). I think that part of the human frailty is we want something badly but is insecure about carrying it out or seeing it through on our own. We don't mind being apart of something just as long as many people have already participated being the first to create a circle, join a circle or have it ready for the masses to join. But to start a project or being among the first of their own desire is scary.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started the African American Wiccans Egroup I thought that people would not join, and that I was the only one in the world who believe the way I did. But I wasn't because people began to join. Even then I thought it was more curiosity than belief in philosophy, because very few people commented or gave posting contributions. Those who did called themselves everything in the world but Wiccan or Witch. Later, as months went by, little by little people did confess to their desire to be Witches, or that they were Witches and a floodgates opened.
The contradiction is that we often speak about wanting to find other people of color to join circles with, and start groups with, but when the opportunity presents itself we do not do so. Maybe because deep inside we may feel that we should not participate in Paganism and that we are still afraid to go against our own culture. Perhaps it is just a matter of time. It took over a year on AAW Egroup to get confessions about being Wiccan. Perhaps it will take 10 more years for us to be comfortable about grouping and circling.
I see a renaissance of spiritual enlightenment for non-people of color. They welcome me into circles and my presence seems to validate the Pagan cause. I hope that we as people of color participate in this renaissance as they do and validate our own part of the cause. Only the Goddess knows for sure.