Walking the Talk, 10 Pagans Who Made A Difference in 2010

This is my highly subjective list of Pagans who “Walked the Talk” in 2010. As I write this I have a list of more than three dozen names sitting next to me, what a great community. Most of the people on this list you will know, some maybe not. All have created a lasting impression on me during 2010.

10. Katrina Messenger

Connect DC is a group that focuses on public ritual. Katrina Messenger’s work with this organization has created a sense of openness and interconnectedness within the DC Pagan community. As the founder of the Reflections Mystery School, a facility member of Cherry Hill and organizer of the Sweeping the Capital Clean event Katrina has a long history of service to the community. It is however, her focus on providing public community for all Pagans that brought her to my attention as a Pagan that “Walks the Talk”.

9. Amber K

2010 has been a financially rough year for those attempting to build Pagan organizations. Ardantane Pagan Learning Center in New Mexico is no exception. Amber K could have easily given up on this mission that serves the entire Pagan community. Through these hard times she has remained steadfast, of good humor, and committed to making a difference. Her determination and ability to see the Magik in even these trying times should be an example for all Pagans who aspire to serve our community.

8. Alane Brown

When Disaster struck in Haiti Alane made it her personal business to insure that the Pagan community was motivated to provide assistance to the victims. Alane spent countless hours fundraising and making connections with a wide range of Pagan organizations. She did not stop there, she also wrote a song for Haiti fundraising and convinced a group of incredible woman to record it. When tragedy struck she took action, reflecting the best of what the Pagan community has to offer.

7. Star Foster

Ms. Foster’s management of the Pagan Portal at Patheos has manifested an open forum for Pagans of all paths. Unity in purpose, open-mindedness and respect for alternative views are hallmarks of the Pagan Portal. Patheos is a site that has Portals for all of the major faiths. Star has helped establish Paganisms place at the table of interfaith dialog for a new generation. Star puts her belief that all faiths have value into practice. She has demonstrated her ability to “Walk the Talk”

6. Iris Freemoon and the Firefly House

Many may not be aware of the Firefly House. This small organization in Washington DC represents the best in what a small activist Pagan organization can accomplish. During 2010 the Firefly House has participated (provided all the logistical support) for the Lady Liberty Leagues 25Th. Anniversary, created an online ritual for healing in Haiti that had broad national participation and has just concluded a soap drive in response to the epidemic in Haiti. Members of this community are not content to sit around and talk about current events, they take action. Firefly as an emerging tradition has much to offer the Pagan community

5. Starhawk

There could be books written on this individual. What impresses me most is that she continues to provide “literally” down to earth leadership to our community. As a Pagan who exemplifies the concept of “Walking the Talk” no list would be complete with out Starhawk.

4. Selena Fox

Circle Sanctuary with the leadership of Selena continues to make enormous contributions to the Pagan community. Salina’s relentless pursuit of rights for Pagans never comes to an end. Her work this year in supporting Pagan prisoner’s rights, establishing a Pagan cemetery and supporting Pagan soldiers overseas is a true example of “Walking the Talk”

3. Rev. Don Frew

This has been my year to become acquainted with the Work of Don Frew. Frankly, his accomplishments and intellectual approach to Interfaith Dialogue leave me in awe. His total emersion in the interfaith community has brought much change in how the Pagan community is viewed not only in this country but also internationally. If there were any one person who deserves more accolades for his accomplishments in the Pagan community I would suggest Don Frew

2. Jason Pitzl-Waters

Over the course of this year The Wild Hunt has reinforced its reputation as the premier location for Pagan centered news. It is however, Jason’s efforts in establishing the Pagan Newswire Collective that places him near the top of this list. Instead of being satisfied with his success, Jason forged ahead and gave birth to a whole new media model that will survive the advent of The Wild Hunt and bring responsible Pagan centered news too generations to come. His determination and organizing ability makes him a Pagan who “Walks the Talk”.

1. Patrick McCullom

Patrick McCollum’s efforts on behalf of the Pagan community are well known and do not to be listed here. Patrick’s actions alone leave him at the top of this list. What many do not know is that while he has some limited funding from national organizations the majority of his legal and travel expenses come out of his own pocket. Here is an individual who puts everything he has on the line in support of our community. What Rev. McCollum does is beyond “Walking the Talk” My hope is that the Pagan community will provide him with additional funding in the future.