The History of the Emissary Program:
Our current Chancellor of the Emissary Program is Bill “Sol” Gurchiek.
To start off our conversation on the Emissary program I asked if he could or would define the program for those who have never heard of it.
“The emissary program, in short, is a community outreach program. We host and attend events to meet with local like-minded Heathens & Pagans and show them what AtN is all about. We hold meet and greets locally and attend things like Pagan pride events or renaissance festivals. We have an online presence as well hosting voice chats detailing the program and other fun things like book readings, blóts on IG live, and all sorts of videos across the socials. What it boils down to is reaching out with a side of recruiting the right people. Ensuring inclusive Heathens have a safe space to call home and being a voice throughout the communities we live in that we will not tolerate racism, bigotry, homophobia, or xenophobia of any kind.”
The Emissary program, although a fairly new adventure in AtN, is a great program that allows members of AtN to reach out to their surrounding community. Participating in this program allows members to be active and encourages them to facilitate events within their local communities and online. Online training as well as chat groups support our emissaries on their adventures and help to ensure positive representation in the heathen communities.
The emissary program was one of Godi Beasts’ ideas, started in June 2020. But like all of life in 2020, this was derailed with the onset of Covid. With the help of our HD Mike, the outlines were set, and the training was designed. I even got the opportunity to help with the training documents. Another team effort set the outline for our Newest Chancellor of Emissaries; Sol took the reins.
I asked Sol what got him into the role of Chancellor of the Emissaries Program.
“Well, I was an emissary for a few weeks, I saw there was an opening and had already felt that I needed, for myself, spiritually, to be a bigger part of this community. “
So, what exactly is the purpose of an Emissary?
“As Beast says, boots on the ground. Recruiting and community outreach is our main focus.”
One of the most common comments heard throughout our social media platforms is the lack of an in-person community. It is the goal of the Emissary program to help build a safe and visible community, through regular gatherings, religious study, and celebrations. Community outreach and community support are also goals of this program. Helping find resources and support for families in need. Each Emissary is asked to find their local resources and laws to best facilitate the gatherings and outreach within their community. This is how we start to build beautiful and visible places for members and friends alike.
When asked what goals he has for the future of the Emissary Program, Sol spoke of Emissaries and program leads in every state and even abroad. With plans to reach as many like-minded heathens and Pagans ensuring the growth of our visible community as well as safety in numbers.
Since joining the AtN council Sol has helped refine the program and made sure all of the emissaries are current on their training. His job includes not only keeping the program up to date but keeping the emissaries motivated and active as well as guiding and aiding them to the best possible events, rituals and gatherings as possible.
Sol’s goals for the future of this program is mostly focused on growth and increasing in-person events.
Other goals proposed for the program include guiding emissaries to learn their areas and helping not only gather like-minded people but helping them find local resources, especially for families lacking in basic needs, building places and connections of heathen-owned businesses, and creating a growing network within our shared communities.
Sol and his band of merry Emissaries can be found hosting live chats and watch parties in the Discord Server. Also, in the discord server, you can find rooms per state. If you are a member and you cannot find your state, please go to #get-roles and request your state.
If you are interested in the emissary program, or you have questions you can contact Sol directly at coep@awakenthenorth.org. You can learn more about the program on the website at https://awakenthenorth.org/emissary-portal/ and you can meet the emissaries on the web page aptly named Meet the Emissaries right here https://awakenthenorth.org/meet-the-emissaries/
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