Greetings everyone!
I am a member of a local Pagan group called Guardian-Elm Circle, and we have decided to open membership up internationally through our website. We are a group specifically for Pagan teens, though any Pagans of any age may join.
On another note, we would also appreciate anyone who may be willing to take the role of a leader within Guardian-Elm Circle. We (the founders) have only been Pagan for around two years, and we understand and respect that there are people with better experience and leadership qualities in the Pagan community. If anyone here (regardless of age) would be interested in helping run our online community of Pagan teens, please contact us and let us know - it would be very much appreciated!
We would also welcome any feedback on our site - let us know what you think!
You can visit our site here:
http://www.guardianelmcircle.webs.comBrightest Blessings,
Orion
I took a look a brief look at your website. It looks great..well done!
I reviewed your class list offered, and it looks like what you would find in a Wicca 101 book, which is fine, nothing wrong with that. I'm wondering what your source material is for these classes and if that source material is made known to the students taking said classes. I'm only asking as I question what exactly a 15 year old or 17 year old can offer a student as far as teaching and mentoring goes.
When I was that age, I read every book I could get my hands on, and taught myself a system that worked best for me. When friends would inquire about it, I would tell them about the things I have read, tried, liked and didn't like. I showed them how I put it together in a way that worked for me. At that age, I was in no position to teach or mentor, just answer questions to the best of my ability, share my feelings on what I was reading about/learning and by letting them know what books I was reading, let them explore such topics for themselves.
Now, I'm not saying what you're doing is inappropriate, I don't have enough details to make any assumptions. I just hope that when someone comes to your website for classes, it's made clear where the information comes from, so they have a better understanding of your background, and that they know what their learning is what it is and what it's not, and that it's certainly not gospel.
As for looking for a leader. Take plenty of time with this. This should be someone who joins your site and spends a lot of time with you guys, getting to know you and vice versa. It should be someone who guides naturally, not do it my way because it's the correct way, and also doesn't rely on their long list of titles to show all you 'little people' how expert they are. Make sure it's a perfect fit.
Good luck!