What can we do?

[richardcranium]

I have a couple of pagan friends in my area. What can we do to promote the positive image of our paths?

[Rosabelle]

this probably sounds babyish, but why don't you go visit somewhere? like stone henge (ok..you might not be in england.um.hehe)sorry
Rosabelle

[Sunsong]

As a Christian who has been with this Community from the start I can say that the best way for you to convey the positive message is to be just that...positive.

I have watched this palce twist and turn and i have always had a good feeling about it and know that it will probably head up some good programs.

Call me a closet Pagan or whatever..( *wink* ) but I really just see myself as a spiritual person who wants the same company. And here I am.

[Semele]

Well, maybe not but I do love the tolorance and interest you display!!! Nice to have you around to keep us on our spiritual toes.
Semele

[Wyrdsister]

MM all,

I know this will sound wishy-washy, but what about being a person that can be seen as a personal role model? Actually "living wicca/paganism" will probably provide the best example of how positive paganism really is. Sure, this may not seem like a wide-reaching action, but we all have to start somewhere. If you become the person you want to be and truly live your beliefs, then those around you will not only get to know you but they will come to understand what paganism really is and what it's really about.

Just my two cents (actually, about 1 cent US...) ;)

Wyrdsister

[Shatav]

I've actually been in this situation on a small scale. While I was in college, I was one of two practicing pagans and the leader of a group called the Alternative Religion Discussion Group, in which everyone was welcome to come and discuss religion and philosophy.

The first thing we did, was as Wyrdsister said, live true and be a positive role model by example. It's funny how many people would sit and talk about me behind my back, but as soon as they approached, found me a very nice and open person, with many values and issues in common with all religious perspectives.

Secondly, though this may not be a viable option for you, on all the holidays, we would have presentations where we would discuss the holilday, what it represented and whatnot. You'd be suprised how many people came when they thought a witch was going to be talking about witchcraft. ;)

Just my 2 cents.