The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

Overview

PAAN (the Pagans and Associates Network) started at Arizona State University in 2002 when two students organized an official Student Association for Pagans on campus. This new community reflects a larger Valley-wide interest in Paganism and Neo-Pagan practice that is centered in bookstores, shops and covens throughout the area. Prior to earning organization status, the group had been meeting in campus area coffeehouses and bookstores.

PAAN leadership is highly fluid, with prayers and rituals performed by a variety of local Priestesses and Priests. Rituals are performed in public places, in keeping with the organization's goals of publicizing Pagan practices and beliefs and correcting public misconceptions.

Public ceremonies and celebrations (such as Beltaine) educate the general public about this growing spiritual choice. PAAN speakers make themselves available to groups to explain their practice and beliefs, and the group has attracted a young, predominantly English-speaking, college-educated membership.