proposed pagan club in Burnaby B.C?

[MoonCookie]

MM
Hey everybody. Im planning on starting up a pagan and wiccan club/group at the British Columbia Institute of Technology this coming September. I have never undertaken something so meaningful in all my life, and a tarot reading done about a month ago has advised me that this is the path i should be taking! I am so pysched about doing this, but i still need everyone's help.
I have put this idea forward to the president of the student association at BCIT, but they are very skeptical of such a club, as it would be the first support group ever of it's kind. Before the president can put my idea forth to the council, he needs to know my goals, objectives, and learning subjects for this club. I keep saying to my friends that if this was a stamp club or something else so academically oriented, they would have given me permission already. But since they find this contoversial (goddess knows why they do, but they do?!), they are making me go thru all this red tape. My main goal is to learn from others, and share my wisdom as well. I also mentioned that it would be beneficial for such a group to be in contact with other groups in the area (i know of at least 2 in burnaby alone :)) But BCIT doesnt seem to think that this is a valid enough reason for me to start this club! Please help me! Im sorry that this post is so long, but ive tried to explain things as briefly as possible. Your suggestions and ideas for goals and subjects would be most appreciated. Thank you for reading this :) I hope you can help me:(

[Myst]

You have to understand, the school will face scrutiny and judgment if they allow this too - they aren't just being careful because they're mean. They have to look out for their asses too!

So, what are your goals, objectives, and learning subjects? What you need to do is sit down and really do a good job of this.

[MoonCookie]

Yeah, i should see it that way. i guess im just a bit disappointed in their reaction. I thot that they might take an example from Uvic who has their Thorn and Oak club, but i guess not. Im just really getting frustrated. I have told them about the above goal, but they dont seem to be listening. but im still determined. Thanks for reminding me to think a bit harder and search deeper for my goals Myst!:) Hope the weather is nice in Ontario, it's okay on the island. Suggestions are still welcome tho for the rest of you! It's not just my goals that are important for this group, im trying to get a larger perspective of what group members might want to explore.

[Myst]

Well here's what I would want to do in a Pagan group

Goals : networking and information sharing

Objectives :

- meet people, make connections
- share resources - ie. different people have different skills and could help eachother
- share information - ie. about performing weddings, laws in the area, discrimination laws, political events, etc.

Learning subjects :

- myth - greek, italian, roman, etc.
- history - witch trials, how Wicca got started, different types of Pagan groups and their roots
- divination tools and techniques
- herbcraft and gardening
- natural healing methods such as reiki
- gemstone lore

[Lavender]

Are you in contact with anyone from UVic? Perhaps they can give you some suggestions. Good luck with your club!

[MoonCookie]

Myst thank you for your input!!! :)
Im usually good when it comes to technical letters- but im just so passionate about this club that im distracted most of the time. I have all these ideas sprouting out of my head and BCIT is expecting me to put them all onto paper in an intelligent, scientific way that they could understand. Unfortunately no, im not Wildchild. I was going to contact them once i had gotten permission to start this group, for their input and advice. I think they have been around since 1995, so they would have alot of ideas to send my way.:p

[licourtrix]

The Thorn & Oak group had it a little easier from what I can see, as they were modeled after a similar group that existed at UVic. Although that might not be true, but it would help a person get a group planned out if they were basing off another.

You should try emailing Thorn & Oak to see if they can suggest anything.

(in case you need the link: Thorn & Oak (http://pacificcoast.net/~kiria/thorn_oak/index.html))

[Amethyst Rose]

I am the founder of the Society of Pagan Fellowship at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta.... if you need any help or ideas on how to get started or how to do certian things, just ask and I might be able to help. I didn't have to go through any red tape to make our club though....just filled out the same club declaration as every other club had to.....
Anyway, like I said..... if you need any help.... :)

[MoonCookie]

Yes! I need all the help i can get!! I think that is easier for universities to get groups like this started because of the varied cultures and sophistication that they are known for. All they do at BCIT is get you ready to get a job as soon as you graduate, all they teach is science, and the only english they teach is how to write and submit a technical paper. Sigh, it's a cold goddessless world within those walls! Thank you Amethyst Rose and trix!:p
Nice to hear from you again trix, i will contact them this afternoon! With all that spare time, i thot you might be on here more! :)

[MoonCookie]

Here is what i have so far..try not to mind my attempt at being p.c about somethings, or my lack of emotion...this is for BCIT afterall!!Beware, it's long!! Feel free to correct me or add stuff. Im trying to make this the best darned club/group around!! thanks for taking the time to read it too...it is long, but im planing on doing this group for 2 years and i have to be thourouh!! luv you guys!!!

My Goals for this Club:
#1. To share knowledge of wicca and other earth-based religions.
#2. To dispel some of the common myths and understandings about these religions.
#3. To support those followers in need with councelling and/or solice
#4. To have meetings every 3 weeks (give or take a few days) to discuss:
a) “Sharing Circle”- to introduce new members and deal with personal problems or events of other members.
b) Anything new we have learned or heard about that might need clarifying or expanding upon.
c) Suggestions about what to study next- if the group wants to go in a certain direction of study.
d) Possible activities for our holiday celebrations (ie. crafts, meeting place etc.)
e) A common goal to be reached at the meeting or holiday celebrations.
#5. To meet on, and celebrate the Esbats (full, and/or all 3 cycles of the moon) and the Sabats (Feb. 2, Spring Equinox, last day of April, Summer Solstice, first day of August, Autumn Equinox, Oct. 31, Winter Solstice)
#6. To meet and/or celebrate with other pagans and pagan groups in the Vancouver area, and to share knowledge with them. (every two Esbats?)

Besides what the members in the club will share, and the direction of which the group will want to take in their independent studies; I will incorporate the following subjects into the group’s learning structure:
The Self
#1. The major earth-based religions and summaries of their teachings (ie. Druidism, Asatru, etc.)
#2. The history of earth-based religions (origination, Salem witch trials, etc.)
#3. Folklore and mythology of these religions (ie. Faerie folk, gods, goddesses, etc.)
#4. Which religion suits you? (if one doesn’t know which path to follow)
#5. The study of some goddesses and gods (ie. Diana, Apollo, Pan, Buddha, etc.)
#6. The study of each holiday (sabats)
#7. Meditation and other grounding techniques
#8. Ritual and ceremony (ie. initiation into a coven, handfastings, funeral, etc.)
#9. Casting a circle (for use in ritual)
#10. Tools of the Altar (ie. athame, censor, wand, etc.)
#11. Correspondences (seasons, time of day, winds, moon cycles, etc.)
#12. Principles of spells and meaning of some symbols (ie. spell structure)
#13. Water magick (ie. purification)
#14. Fire magick (ie. candles)
#15. Air magick (ie. incense)
#16. Earth magick (ie. herbs, flowers, trees, stones/crystals, etc.)
#17. Spirit/Ether magick (ie. Astral projection, divination, etc.)
#18. Natural healing techniques (ie. Reiki)
#19. The making of one’s own “Book of Shadows” or learning log
#20. The old arts (ie. Tarot, Astrology, Runes, etc.)
The World Around Us
#21. Wiccan/Pagan Pride (“coming out of the broom closet”)
#22. Our values, our laws (emphasis on the Wiccan Rede)
#23. Harassment and persecution (how to deal with it)
#24. The Canadian laws that protect us
Self-Expansion
#25. Wiccans/Pagans in society (Good and bad in culture)
a) Literature
b) Film
c) Art
d) Music
e) Stereotypes
#26. Recommended reading (ie. The Spiral Dance)
#27. Websites and Web Communities (ie. mysticwicks.com, witchvox.com, etc.)
#28. Religion and family (open for group discussion)
#29. Religion and science (open for group discussion)
Miscelaneous
#30. Recipes (food, or otherwise)
#31. Crafts (for holidays)
#32. Songs and chants
Club Postions (optional, but might be needed):
#1. Founder
#2. Co-founder
#3. Scribe
#4.Event Co-ordinator
#5. Treasurer
#6. Public Relations Officer

[Amethyst Rose]

I think that this all sounds pretty good, but I'd be very careful if I were you that you don't try to form a coven. A learning circle, or social group is one thing, but the points you provided kinda tend to walk the line a little bit
For example.... In would say "share knowledge of Paganism" rather than "wicca and other earthbased religions". That way you're not focused on one thing more than others, and more people will be inclined to check you out.
Also, you don't necessarily have to celebrate the holidays together, at least not do ritual (I dont' know if that's what you were talking about or not) It can be especially difficult if everyone is of a different path.....unless of course, each holiday is done by a different tradition. In my club that I made, we made the holiday rituals optional (and usually only 8 out of 40 members came).... but had parties for the rest of the group, to celebrate.
As for all the other stuff, things to learn and teach, etc. it sounds great. You certianly have your work cut out for you! :) I never made a study circle, where we could learn together..... I just created a social group.
Good luck with everything :)

[MoonCookie]

I big, hearty hug for you!!! I was so rushed, i never really got thinking about that! I really liked your suggestions, and im at work changing them this instant!! I should keep the holidays optional, not only to consider pagans who dont celebrate, but also because this skool is very demanding when it comes to study time. I'll change that too!! How did you get so wise!???
:D *hands you a mooncookie as a token of gratitude* :D

[Soulful_whisper]

Hi,

I was just wondering how the whole trying to start a club at BCIT worked out. Did you finish your program before you got through the paperwork, or was it denied? And if it didn't work out, did you end up finding another place/group to work with?

Just Curious,

Soulful_whisper
:RuNew:

[MoonCookie]

Wow! It's been awhiles since ive checked this thread out XDDD

Thank you for asking btw :)

Okay, i am theoretically in the last year of my program, and I considered joining the pride club here for inspiration (unfortunately that didnt work out too well)
I talked to the student association a couple of more times, and after that whole ordeal I just felt too intimidated to continue on with it (I'm shy and easily discouraged when it comes to things i put my whole heart into).

Thank Goddess that even with the heavy workload i get each day, i can still take an hour out of my day to meditate and add to my book of shadows....i would go insane if not for that.

[Morrighana]

:S It's too bad the student association folks weren't more open-minded. Hopefully someday, Pagans at BCIT won't be so 'frowned upon'!