Aiming to bring attention to many alternative faiths, and dispel negative stigmas they carry, Central Michigan University's Open Grove Society raises awareness of religious diversity.

The registered student organization meets at 8 p.m., Thursdays in Anspach 155, to examine different religions and beliefs, and enhance student’s education in religious diversity.

Meetings consist of presentations and discussion on religions chosen to be featured ahead of time during the agenda-setting first meeting of the semester. The group discusses the chosen topics in roundtable discussions, that compare religions but also contextualize them with social issues such as government and politics.

Open Grove Society President and Redford junior Alayna Zaydel said the organization provides a welcoming environment to people of all faiths. She said the group avoids prevalent religions such as Christianity and Judaism, hoping to focus on "non-mainstream" religious practices such as Wiccan and Paganism.

“We are W.E.I.R.D. -- Working to Educate In Religious Diversity,” Zaydel said. “The impact that we make varies, but everyone who participates in our group has taken away something valuable. We all want to understand and accept the beliefs of people around the world, past and present.”

While discussing various religions, the organization also focuses on presenting non-mainstream and, often times, unknown religions. Zaydel practices paganism, a religion that may not be widely known; however is accepted and talked about in the Open Grove Society.

Zaydel said she joined the organization three years ago because she was able to connect with others that shared similar beliefs and were open to her religion.

“This RSO gave me a place to finally feel comfortable about expressing my own religious beliefs, which is a common experience for members that don't adhere to mainstream religious systems,” she said. “In our culture, there aren't a lot of opportunities for a community open to people in minority religions, and that is what Open Grove Society provides.”

The organization is available for all, asking that members attend to learn and maintain the respectful, open-minded environment they have created.

“One of our main goals is to dispel misconceptions people may have about any religions,” said Kyal Lalk, treasurer and Remus sophomore. “We encourage anybody, regardless of what they believe, to attend and just to learn something new. Maybe they have heard negative things about a religion and we can help show them that it’s not like that.”

Providing Librarian and Historian work for the RSO, Coldwater sophomore Alex Cornell holds the e-board position of Archivist. Cornell said he has learned entirely new religions and information, and that education is always a big part of living in this world.

“As a citizen we have the right to practice what we want to practice. The world itself is very big, and the less you know about the world the bigger and scarier it seems,” he said. “The more you can learn and know about these little pieces of cultures and religions, then the better the world can seem. Knowledge brings peace and understanding, it is always necessary for people to get along and have a better time with each other.”

Aside from its meetings, Open Grove Society hosts the Psychic Fair each semester.

Those interested in joining can check the group's OrgSync page, or email opengrovecmu@gmail.com