PaganDASH - I'm Pagan - Count me IN!

This is an issue that I have been following closely and asked Jon Randall, the organizer, to submit an article for publication on The Druid Network website. It feels to me an enormously important issue, and one that we as Druids can only benefit from. So here is an enthusiastic prod of encouragement to get involved in PaganDASH ...
Bobcat /|\

 

I’m Pagan – Count me IN!

In 2011 there is to be a Census in the UK. It’s time for Pagans of ALL paths to be counted.

In 2001 we were able for the first time, to write in our religious affiliation on the Census form. A campaign was started by a number of diverse groups to write Pagan in the 'religion other' section. Whilst in the main people did, we lost the individual path identity and some resented this. Furthermore, due to the way the Office of National Statistics (ONS) counts religious affiliation responses, Pagans ended up having our number diluted across a number of categories. Even though many wrote Pagan, the campaign didn’t reach all Pagans. This means that every time we are asked the question 'how many of you are there?' we cannot come back with a simple answer.

This doesn’t need to happen!

The ONS wants to count us. They have a 'mandate of inclusion' which means they are actively looking for ways to include us in their figures. Looking at the raw data that was provided last time to us gave us some startling insights. However, as mentioned, by just writing Pagan on your form, we lose the data for various paths, and our diversity – but there is a simple solution – one that's worked elsewhere.

Pagan Dash (Tradition)

In Australia in 2001 there were 10,000 Pagans in the census. Just five years later, with this initiative, their numbers are being counted as nearer 70,000. So if we can do the same here, and get more accurate numbers it will go a long way to getting the recognition we have fought for, and deserve.

All you need to do is put down your religion as: Pagan - <insert your chosen path>

Some examples :

  • Pagan – Druid
  • Pagan – Wiccan
  • Pagan – Witch
  • Pagan – Asatru
  • Pagan – Neo-Shaman

A number of Pagan organizations, groups and magazines are already behind us. We can show strength through unity with diversity. Each of the partners in this project have committed themselves to getting the message out to their membership, and to the wider Pagan public.

Why do we need to 'stand up and be counted?'

For too long we have known that there are significant numbers of people who identify as Pagan. The estimates have been from 20,000 to 140,000 or more. But we’ve never had any really accurate figures for a number of historical reasons. We now have the chance to know just how many of us are there. Why do we need to know?

In the 2001 census some 30,000 people wrote Pagan. An additional 10,000 Pagans wrote their path specifically (Druid, Wiccan, witch etc.). Combined, this made us the seventh largest faith in the UK. While this number is significant, in the course of speaking to Pagans at various moots, events etc, we found there were approximately only one in five who had expressed their beliefs. This leaves a significant number not accounted for, or even counted. As a further problem the Heathens were originally counted with the Atheists in the results – which did not please them one bit!

If figures for British Pagans rose as much as those in Australia, we could be looking at 280,000 Pagans. In the 2001 census, there were 150,000 Buddhists, and just 270,000 Jews (http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=954). Imagine how this would change the way Pagans were treated in Britain!

The ONS have confirmed that Paganism will not have a separate tick box in the 2011 census - this is a good thing! It means that Pagans will be able to ascertain far better data about Paganism in the UK than if a single tick box without subgroups was used. Each Pagan will now be able to define their path as they wish it to be collected - using the PaganDASH method. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is going to spend money to ensure that we are all counted and that we are able to reach the Pagan audience.

If the Office of National Statistics has our true numbers:

  • Paganism will be officially recognized as a serious religious choice,
  • The government can see that we vote and there are enough of us to make a difference,
  • Pagan organizations can show they are representative,
  • We can achieve more representation within the local and wider community,
  • Pagan organizations will have credibility when dealing with both businesses and the government to provide the services you need.

This means it will be easier for us to be heard, our religious / spiritual sensitivities taken into account - and especially at those times when it is really important: in hospitals and hospices, for our children in schools, in the military and police and other places of work, in courts and prisons, when dealing with social workers and health visitors, at times when we face prejudice and discrimination.

So, what can you do to help?

Tell your friends!
Get your Pagan organization involved.
Bring it up at your next moot.
Put a link on your website to www.pagandash.org
Give us your ideas about how to get the word out ..

If you want to get involved just Contact Jon at admin [at] pagandash [dot] org

PaganDASH.org would like to thank the Pagan Awareness Network of Australia and Morgan ..Akasha for the use of their original project idea.