Why should individuals give?

Because I'm psyched that the Community Center is finally going to happen. - Maeve

I want to make our community center a reality. - Norma Zarpak

A survey taken over a decade ago said that there were approximately 11,000 Pagans in the DC, MD, and VA region. How many Pagans do you know in the DC region? Not 11,000, that is for sure. When putting Facebook advertisements out there, Facebook estimates the ad will hit more than 6,000 people in DC, MD, and VA who have identified themselves as Pagan. This number does not include those who are not listed as Pagan on Facebook or those Pagans who are not even on Facebook. So, a figure upwards of 11,000 Pagans in the DC region just might be right.

What if there was a place to connect those thousands of Pagans with the rest of the community? There are dozens of groups in this area offering open circles, classes, and socials. There are dozens of teachers and practitioners offering their services. What if there was one place everyone could connect?

Our spiritual needs vary from person to person and tradition to tradition. What if there was one place in the DC, MD, and VA region where you could go when you needed something. Be it connecting to like-minded people, exploring various paths, finding a new book, discovering a new teacher, or just reaching out and being accepted...what would you do have such a place that could potentially connect you to a vibrant community of people with like interests?

I'm not Pagan. Why should I give?

Paganism is a very broad set of traditions and eclectic practices. Many folks feel connected to Pagan ideals or practices through the ancient roots of all religions. Paganism is closely related to many faiths and schools of thought, both Eastern and Western in their roots. This center will be a home to many religions alternative to the main stream. The community center marks a very important step for religious equality and continued acceptance of religious diversity in the world.

And, because of our relation to many Eastern and Western traditions, and the fact that we're just curious sorts of people in general, the center is sure to house a wide range or programming of interest to Pagans and non-Pagans alike.

The DC Pagan community is tired of meeting in living rooms, party rooms, and rented church basements. Our board members are tired. We've heard it from many members of the community that they are tired. We refuse to cart our ritual supplies to a remote location anymore! Others don't bother to start a group, because there isn't anywhere to hold their meetings.

We're not going to be held hostage by library hours, ridiculous fees, and worrying about the space finding out that we're Pagan. And, instead of dumping our money into hotels and other corporations, wouldn't it be more rewarding to our community to rent space from a Pagan organization?

I don't live near DC. Why should I give?

I made a goal to to start giving out periodically to a organization this year, then I find this group when I was reading a article on The Cauldron. As a Pagan, nothing is better than giving back to the very religion that help me during some of my toughest time. - Friend of the Hearth, California

Because Pagans in DC ROCK!
- Peter Dybing, Virgin Islands

Though area leaders often focus on local and regional needs, Washington, DC is one home to the national voice of Paganism. This soley because of our proximity to the Nation's Capital. The DC Pagan community center project is a stepping stone in Pagan religious equality. A short ride down 16th Street in the NW corridor of Washington, DC will give you a wide view of churches of dozens of faiths. Many of these buildings house national headquarters for the country's religious traditions. Pagans do not have anything close to physical representation in the District of Columbia. By default of its location, this community center will be a home to the national Pagan voice.

We have members in 6 states (red), as well as supporters who have made contributions from 6 other states (yellow).