Humanitarian Accountability

In years past, the pagan community has kept silent on its doings. This was mainly to avoid discrimination from other groups. Now, though, the time has come for pagans to speak up in order to avoid discrimination. It is time for the community to come together, not under one dogma or creed, but as simply Pagans and Humans to show the rest of the world that we are a growing, living community that does indeed play a large role in the workings of society. The best way for the community to do this is to come together in order to present tangible contributions to mankind. Many have heard the adage that getting Pagans to do something as a group is akin to herding cats, but it does not have to be that way. If only differences can be put aside so that one common goal is focused on, all things are possible.
A hospital would be an excellent starting point for such a project. While it is true that if such an institution were to be successful in the current social climate many steps would have to be taken to ensure its success. The fact that this would be run by and heavily backed by pagans, means that it would have to be a top of the line facility. The most cutting edge technology would have to be utilized. The very best doctors and nurses would have to be obtained. This would be a facility where someone who was about to go into surgery would be able to have their coven, shaman, holy person, or loved ones come in to perform healing circles or whatever their particular spiritual leanings hold as appropriate so that they feel more at ease before procedures. As an extension of the initial hospital, hospices could be opened. That way those who are at the end of their lives have areas to go, or people to come to their home to help them who will be sensitive to their lifestyle choices. That way, people would be able to be as comfortable as possible in their last days.
Domestic abuse centers could be the next step. Providing places where all people, women, men and children, could go for shelter without fear of being turned away because of their religion. Places that would have nurses on staff at all time to care for small injuries and a fully functioning shelter so that people could stay there while they got their lives in order. A program that would help these people find work if they had none and a new place to live would also be run out of the center.
There are so many other directions this movement could go in. Food banks for those in need could be opened, substance abuse centers, relief organizations. All of these things are possible. The pagan community simply needs to come together to accomplish them. Many may say that this is simply a political activity and therefore it is unnecessary. They are right that this is partially political yet it is also, at its roots, humanitarian. This is a way for the pagan community to at once help our fellow man and to show that we are indeed a driving force in the world and we can do great things.