Pagan Elders Survey

This is an informal survey for a paper I, M. Macha NightMare (Aline O'Brien) am writing exploring the concept of eldership in contemporary Paganism. Use of the word "elder" in this survey means elder in the sense of a formal role within a group, organization or religious community.

Responses will be collected until January 15, 2012. Thanks to all who help by responding.

1. Do you feel that there is a need for elders in Pagan communities? If so, how do you think elders should be comprised? Check as many as apply.

Do you feel that there is a need for elders in Pagan communities? If so, how do you think elders should be comprised? Check as many as apply. Tradition-specific elders General elders (from more than one tradition) Triads of elders	Councils of elders No need for elders at all
Comments on why you made the choice(s) you made.

2. Have you ever consulted elder(s), or have you wished there were someone to consult, on a matter of spiritual, ethical, personal, interpersonal, or community concern to you?

Have you ever consulted elder(s), or have you wished there were someone to consult, on a matter of spiritual, ethical, personal, interpersonal, or community concern to you? Yes	No
If you answered yes, please explain.

3. Have you ever served your community in the capacity of elder? If so, for how long and for what purpose(s)? Check all that apply. Use text box for additional comments.

Have you ever served your community in the capacity of elder? If so, for how long and for what purpose(s)? Check all that apply. Use text box for additional comments. For a single matter requiring resolution For a designated period of time (months, years)	For an open-ended period of time Never/not applicable
Additional comments on your experience

4. If you think having recognized, designated elders has value to our communities, how do you think they should be chosen? Check all that apply. Use text box to add other selections criteria.

If you think having recognized, designated elders has value to our communities, how do you think they should be chosen? Check all that apply. Use text box to add other selections criteria. Chronological age

Years in Paganism

Combination of chronological age and years of involvement

Public or semi-public involvement in the particular tradition

Public or semi-public involvement in the Pagan movement as a whole

Breadth of experience (Pagan and general)

Contributions to Pagan culture (books, liturgy, songs/chants, art, service, etc.)

Teaching

"Seasoning"

Evidence of maturity

Evidence of wisdom

Evidence of fairness

Evidence of concern for health and safety of community

Long-range perspective

Other criteria and comments

5. What functions do you think elders should perform? Check all that apply. If there are other functions you think elders should perform, please add them in the space provided.

What functions do you think elders should perform? Check all that apply. If there are other functions you think elders should perform, please add them in the space provided. Resolve disputes Counsel persons with dilemmas Call for public accountability	Have authority to demand redress of grievances Have authority to banish anyone Serve as a listening circle
Other functions of elders

6. If you come from a non-Pagan religious tradition of origin or from an ethnic community, did that religion or community have recognized elders?

If you come from a non-Pagan religious tradition of origin or from an ethnic community, did that religion or community have recognized elders? Yes	No	Not applicable
Additional comments on your experience

7. A bit about yourself.

A bit about yourself. City/Town:
State/Province:
ZIP/Postal Code:
Country:

8. What is your age?

What is your age? Teen/young adult

25-35

35-50

50-65

65+

9. How long have you followed a Pagan path?

How long have you followed a Pagan path? New to 3 years

3 to 5 years

5 to 10 years

10 to 20 years

More than 20 years

Lifelong

10. We know how diverse the contemporary Pagan population is. As what kind of Pagan do you most identify yourself? (For purposes of this survey, I am including Heathens within the overall term "Pagan.") Feel free to specify what your tradition is, i.e., Gardnerian, ATF, Georgian, Unicorn, Feri, Dianic, Reclaiming, etc.; or ADF, OBOD, etc.; Troth, Asatru, Norse, etc.; Julian, Hellenic, Celtic reconstruction, etc. Check all that apply.

We know how diverse the contemporary Pagan population is. As what kind of Pagan do you most identify yourself? (For purposes of this survey, I am including Heathens within the overall term "Pagan.") Feel free to specify what your tradition is, i.e., Gardnerian, ATF, Georgian, Unicorn, Feri, Dianic, Reclaiming, etc.; or ADF, OBOD, etc.; Troth, Asatru, Norse, etc.; Julian, Hellenic, Celtic reconstruction, etc. Check all that apply. Pagan

Witch or Wiccan

Druid

Heathen, Asatru, Odinist, Theodist

Reconstructionist (please specify below)

African Diaspora (please specify below)

Pagan blend (combining Neo-Paganism with another religion, i.e. Jewitch, Quagan, Buddheo-Pagan, NA Pagan)

Other ethnic Pagan (please specify below)

"Eclectic"

Comments

Pagan Elders
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