The Wiccan Information Network

WIN

What is WIN?

The Wiccan Information Network is a project of the Wiccans Invoking Tolerance, Compassion, and Harmony Society (W.I.T.C.H.). The WITCH Society is a registered society in the province of British Columbia. The WITCH Society works to support the right of Pagans (including Goddess Worshippers) and Witches to practice their faith as they see fit, as it falls within the Craft, civil, and criminal law and does not infringe in any way on the rights of others. WITCH is working toward the return of the Wiccan and Pagan religions as respected faiths in society through education via the media and by public discussion.

The Wiccan Information Network is a non denominational Wiccan project sponsored by the WITCH Society. The WIN project is coordinated by the police liaison committee of WITCH. The WIN coordinators are responsible for coordinating the efforts of those involved in the project. WIN is made up of Wiccans from all over North America and includes many Wiccans who are law enforcement officers.

What are the objectives of WIN?

The objectives of the Wiccan Information Network are:

1. To monitor anti-Wiccan activities, groups and individuals;
2. To research occult related crime;
3. To distribute this intelligence to those in the Wiccan community that are affected by it; and
4. To liaise with law enforcement agencies in order to provide them with accurate information on Pagan religions and occult related crime.

How does WIN work?

The WIN coordinators have assigned area coordinators to specific regions in the US and Canada. WIN members forward any anti Wiccan information that they come across to their area coordinators. These coordinators investigate this information and forward it to:

1. Pagan groups in their areas affected by this information;
2. Area coordinators of other areas affected; and
3. The WIN coordinators.

The WIN coordinators analyze and collate all intelligence received and assign area coordinators to follow-up tasks if necessary. The WIN coordinators send out a monthly intelligence summary to WIN members.

What else does WIN do?

The Wiccan Information Network also:

1. Publishes information booklets and manuals for law enforcement investigators;
2. Publishes resource directories for those seeking information or speakers on Pagan beliefs or occult related crime;
3. Arranges public speaking engagements in order to brief members of the Pagan community on the subjects studied by WIN.

Do I have to join WIN to participate?

No. You don't need to join WIN to help us. All that you need to do is send us any information, newspaper clippings, articles, etc. that you feel we should be aware of. We'll make sure this information gets to the right people.

Who receives the monthly WIN intelligence summary?

Only WITCH Society members, WIN project members, selected Pagan newsletters and Pagan organizations affiliated with WIN receive the monthly intelligence summary. You cannot subscribe to it, for security reasons.

If you'd like to become a member of WITCH the current dues are $25 (Canadian) per annum, which includes notice of meetings by mail and subscription to the WITCH Society newsletter. A copy of the WITCH constitution and bylaws is available upon request if you send a stamped and self addressed envelope.

How can I become involved in WIN?

You don't have to belong to WITCH to be a part of WIN, although it is preferred. If you are interested in becoming a part of WIN you should contact the WIN coordinator with a résumé of your previous experience in anti defamation work for the Wiccan community. Organizations or newsletters interested in obtaining WIN intelligence summaries should contact the WIN coordinator in writing and send information on their constitution and editorial policies.

Donations to assist us in our work are greatly appreciated. All donations should be forwarded to the WITCH Society and all checks should be made payable to the WITCH Society.