*Update: On behalf of Ritualcravt - $460 was donated to this fund. Please stay tuned as our classes (virutal and online) come back in full swing
This is a Part 2 from our “Why Save the Bats?” Blog, but one we feel very important to elaborate on. Three months have passed since our fundraiser, and even though Covid has continued to restrict some of our classes and capabilities of meeting in person, we haven’t forgotten our commitment to our community. During this time we have been working and collaborating with fellow taxidermists, while continuing to bring accessibility to education and learning.
We felt the objective of this scholarship, beyond raising money for resources for individuals in need, was also to start and inspire conversation. A conversation geared to be continuous and never ending because there is always room for progress. Learning is never ending, just like in science; we continue to study to learn to be better.
Why is this important for a natural-science shop? Getting into taxidermy is difficult. Beyond the financial investment that not everyone has, but also old ways of thought surrounding protecting trade secrets. This includes the natural sciences and spiritual community. Not only speaking of the wall you hit with academia, but the restriction of sharing knowledge, gatekeeping, and accessibility to all; this can shun the average enthusiast, hobbyists, and people not dedicating their entire career to the craft. The boys club, cut throat industry of competition, and enforced false dogma of leaders of the community. Education can be expensive, and being a hobbyist or just wanting to add to your practices should be just as valued. There is no one form (form, hah, taxidermy jokes) for anyone; so why force an idea of one right way upon taxidermy and naturalists? Getting the correct information is what’s most important - especially in a field where chemicals or rituals can harm you or others around you!
This is where a group of taxidermist folk have stepped in trying to break the stereotype; the stereotype of what a naturalist even looks like! We continue to work with them on social media and more; sharing resources, sharing information of what we have learned along the way, sharing our privilege (more to be announced)!
It all started (for us back in 2017 with Open Circle Gatherings! As a result of increased segregation and lack of mental health resources, a rise of hate towards LGBTQ+ and BIPOC… we realized our own privilege and that our community needed a safe space willing to nurture and share knowledge and our passion for the natural sciences. It’s simple beginning was a monthly gathering of like minded folk. It then grew to a community sharing knowledge, empowerment, support, and that community quickly turned into a family. Since pandemic and Black Lives Matter, we have been conscious that we need to expand this concept and be actively supporting those who are marginalized and lend them a helping hand accessing the same information and resources.
Our fundraiser was specifically geared towards classes and opportunities at Oracle and our local community. Funding teachers of Black, Indigenous, People of Color or LGBTQ+ background, and exclusive aid for BIPOC or LGBTQ+ folkx, and fellow organizations we believe in. Our commitment is to share our privilege, help guide, mentor, connect people, and aid folkx on their journey. And because we believe ‘science is magic’, this includes guiding people on their spiritual journey as well. While getting Scholarship aid is exclusive to folkx mentioned above, we believe the mentorship is open to everyone. Links to more resources can be found here or follow us on instagram for more resources, free tutorials, and links to other individuals who share our goals. If you qualify for our scholarship please fill the form below with the title Scholarship along with where you would like to be consider for future classes at Oracle.
More links to our Taxidermy Group and more to be announced; But in the mean time, there are so many other leading taxidermists that are taking this same pledge. And if you are in the Northeast - here is another scholarship run by Gotham Taxidermy that is geared specifically for taxidermy. More to come and thank you for believing in us.