We Can, should we?

When I was a boy my parents often reminded me that just because I can do something does not mean I should. This lesson of childhood, that everything I do can and will have have an effect on others has been a guiding principle of my life.

Recently I have witnessed a broad cross section of members of my spiritual community engage in fundraising efforts to raise funds for books, CD projects, movies, travel and building structures on Pagan land. While I hold these as worthy projects it makes me wonder how much the community can support.

It has been my pleasure to facilitate a couple of fundraising projects that addressed humanitarian crisis’s in the world. These efforts for Haiti and Japan saved lives, profoundly effected communities and demonstrated that our community can come together in a unified effort when called upon.  These efforts laid to rest the old idea that Pagans have no money and will not give when asked to. This is a very positive development.

What I am wondering is if we are as a community repeatedly called upon for financial support for projects, no matter how worthy, will we become so desensitized to these calls for funding that we are unable to marshal a response when once again disaster strikes?

So my friends, yes you can raise funds from our community. The question is should you?