Pagan Charity Org supporting Cat Rescue

[MorningDove030202]

Ok, I'm trying to get some varried opinions here, and posting this in critter chat might be biased, but I bet it would have been moved here anyway.......

What do you think of a Pagan Charitiable Organization dedicated to the welfare of cats that holds fundraisers for local no-kill cat organizations, fosters kittens in conjunction with these established shelter groups, has one or two "Blessing of the Cats" rituals a year and maybe has some kind of Shrine to Bast with Bast themed rituals?

Does that sound like something you would participate in? Would you be more or less interested in participating in a Pagan Charitaible Organization than say a Coven?

Dove

[Isil Darkmoon]

I'd be all over it in a heartbeat. And I love PAW as well. Something like this could be particularly good at making at least one small step against the "OMG pagans are sacrificing kittens!" stereotype and put it out in teh open that no, we don't sacrifice them... we love them as much (if not more) as the rest of the general public. A lot of us have volunteered privately, but something like this "out in the open" I'd love to be a part of.

[Kudzu]

I think that's a great idea! It's one I would love to participate in! I think comparing it to a Coven is apples to oranges, though. I'd participate in both!

[MorningDove030202]

It is kinda of "apples to oranges" but still, I find in my area no one wants to comit to a particular trad and form covens....however, within the tradition I am studying, Correllian Wicca, they have other kinds of groups, in adition to covens they have "Formal Shrines"
(Here's their link with a description of a Formal Shrine: http://www.correllian.com/formalshrines.htm (http://www.correllian.com/formalshrines.htm) )
which can be a group or individual who has a shrine deciated to a particular charity or cause. Local to me, I know of at least 4 other pagans who are very into cat rescue, so I thought it might be a good basis for some in person comunity, help out the local rescue groups that need fundraising badly, and also help dispell the sacrificing cats myth. So, Good Deeds, Good PR, and Good Community....... that's my idea......

Dove

[Kudzu]

It is kinda of "apples to oranges" but still, I find in my area no one wants to comit to a particular trad and form covens....however, within the tradition I am studying, Correllian Wicca, they have other kinds of groups, in adition to covens they have "Formal Shrines"

Ah, I see where you're coming from. I'm looking at it from a Traditional Wiccan point of view, and if I had to choose between a Traditional Wiccan Coven and the cat rescue organization, I would choose the Coven. But since I don't have to choose, I would gladly be a member of both! I'm quite excited by this idea. There needs to be more Pagan charities, and especially those for animals!

[Infinity]

I think a Pagan rescue place would be awesome!!

Have always thought that "when" I win the lottery, I would open such a place!

One more thought for such a place...if it is done, make sure to work with local vets for a spaying/neutering plan.

[Élistariel]

Ooh! I love the idea. But where would it be? Some places just hear the word pagan, and think the worst.UGH! We need to fix that, stupid stereotypes. I'd love to help, but I have no money to spare, and I'm probably too far away. Fooey.

[LadyAutumnCat]

I love the idea!

[Tea Leaf]

I think it is a great idea! I would love to join a group like your suggesting!

[MorningDove030202]

Well anyone can start their own formal shrine if you join the Correllian Tradition, they have an online school www.witchschool.com (www.witchschool.com) .....

I work at a pet hospital so I've got some connections with local vets ;)

Dove

[halfwaynowhere]

i think thats a great idea, i work with a no-kill rescue group already... I foster cats and everything... I would definitely participate in this once it gets going... I plan on becoming a vet, one of the reasons for that is so i can work with rescue groups... anyways, i want to stay updated on this if it gets going!

[Pandoras]

I think it's a good idea. I'm all for Pagans getting involved in the community and doing charity work, especially if it has to do with the environment and animals. Those are causes we pay a lot a lip service to.

[MorningDove030202]

The most local cat rescue group is very much Christian, it's called the Good Shepard Cat Sanctuary, and they have some volunteers that are pagan, but it's very much a hush hush thing. The president is slowly realizing that Pagans arn't bad. I'm probably going to first, finish my first degree with the Correllian Nativist Church, and then put some ads out to the local pagan community and find who would be realy interested in doing this, and then form a solid mission statement, and then go to the 2 local cat rescue groups (Good Shepard and The Cat Connection) with a letter of introduction, stating our purpose, and then maybe have an inperson meeting with them, and set up some funraising events. The religious ritual part of it will be between us members. Any ideas on doing a "Blessing of the Cats" or something special with Bast?

Dove

[MorningDove030202]

I don't think you understand. I don't want to start a new cat rescue group, I want to do fundraisers for existing cat rescue groups. I want to work with groups that need funding and food donations. I might also foster a few kittens for a cat rescue group, but the other group is handleing all the adoptions. As far as rituals go I was thinking of something in terms of a "Blessing of the Cats" ritual, or a ritual for Bast, in her honor to bless our fundraising eforts, to protect the cats in the area, and to bless our pets. Maybe make it a fund raiser, to have the pets blessed by a Wiccan Priestess and ask for donations? I've never worked with Bast before, I was just looking for things I could use in ritual.....

Dove

[halfwaynowhere]

i have been thinking about this group for awhile... i figured if it was just a group that mainly did fundraising for existing groups, those groups would register with this new organization and participate in fundraising, maybe have a very minimal dues, rescue groups never have a lot of money, but if its something they have to pay for, they may be more likely to help raise money so they can get money when they need it. have a representative from each group participate in the main fundraising stuff or something like that... I already have an idea for a fundraiser, it wouldn't bring in a lot of money, but it would bring in some, except it takes an investment to get done...

[Kaltenia]

I'm in :D