Reply #142: I apologize if I misunderstood the thrust of your posts, CB...

[Hekate]

It was your seeming to hang on to the argument put out by the phony "persecuted Christians" that irked me and made me think you were in that category.

I'll switch from being an irritable crone to offering some unasked-for advice on forming a club -- we also have teachers and school administrators at DU who would know more than I, but I have participated in forming community groups so I know a bit.

By now you must have gotten the message loud and clear that religious clubs at public schools are protected activities, within certain limits. For clarification, read the links to the ACLU site.

If you really want to start a club for Wiccans on your campus, more power to you and good luck. Start by doing your homework

You will need to be very clear on your objectives as well as your rights, because you will encounter opposition from the ignorant (both left and right). Write up a plan that includes these things.

AFAIK all clubs need a faculty advisor, so make a list of those you think might be sympathetic before beginning to approach them. Research your school's rules regarding clubs in general, and then research your school board's opinions on same.

If your district and school have banned religious clubs because of past controversy or fear of controversy, include language in your plan that points up Constitutional protections -- and the ACLU's advocacy on behalf of (especially) Christian groups, to forestall arguments that you may be advocating solely for yourself.

Do a little research online regarding the Unitarian Universalists and CUUPs (the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans). The UUs are not pagans as such, but shelter a pagan group. You may find friends in places you didn't suspect.

I have to run now, but will check back much later tonight.

I wish you well in your endeavor.

Hekate