Bylaws to Live By

In the last article we discussed a set of training guidelines for a working coven, all the way up through Third Degree level. But what happens when trouble comes along and you don't have things together? A working set of By-Laws can save the day. I present here our tradition By-laws complete, so those wishing to form their own group may have something to fall back on. Enjoy! The Noletirian Tradition By-Laws, Structure and Operating Procedures ~ Statement of Purpose The Noletirian tradition is a spiritual order that utilizes personal insight, learning, ritual and magickal practice to promote personal and group evolution through linking with the universal energy of Deity. Members take an active role in their spiritual development. We celebrate the uniqueness of our magickal awareness through coven and personal rituals, sabbats, esbats and discussions. We shall live in a manner which honors the Goddess and God, following the Rede. We shall explore the beliefs, traditions and practices pertaining to Paganism, Wicca and Witchcraft. We shall support one another within the Tradition and groups in healing, growth and aspirations, hold rituals on the Sabbats, Esbats and other special occasions in order to celebrate the seasons, work ethical magick, recognize Rites of Passage and honor the Old Ones. We shall honor the Earth and all Her creatures and work to heal and protect the environment. We shall provide teaching of our Ways to our members and students, provide networking and fellowship within the broader Pagan community, uphold a positive image of our Path within the Pagan and Non Pagan community, and uphold our responsibility to each other, and to the community as a whole, as we are called to do so. We shall educate the general public about Paganism, Wicca and Witchcraft. We shall also work to identify, develop and train caring and competent Pagan clergy. A. Commitment All Members of the Tradition must have fully committed themselves to this purpose in their beliefs, their activities and their lives. II. Membership Membership within the Noletirian Tradition is extended to all that seek the Old Ways. A. Levels of Membership 1. Clan Elder Rune, The Mother Coven The Mother Coven is considered the founding group of the Tradition. The name of the founding group is Clan Elder Rune (CER). 2. Daughter Circle -Any Second Generation group hived off of CER. 3. Kinship Circle -Any Third Generation (or beyond) group stemming from CER. B. Membership Roster 1. Concerning the Tradition The High Council Scribe shall maintain records of membership to include the Mother Coven, all direct lineage groups, non-direct lineage groups and fellowship. A report of these records will be distributed during the annual meeting. 2. Concerning Circles The Circle Scribe (or someone appointed if no Scribe is used) shall maintain records of membership, which shall include Apprentices and all Initiates. The records shall include dates of Initiations, Elevations, Ordinations and Induction to the Council of Elders for each member. These shall be sent to the High Council quarterly on the dates of January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. III. Administration and Operation A. The Tradition High Council The Tradition High Council is a ‘Magistrate Board’ set in place as a tool for all covens within the Noletirian tradition to make use of. The purpose of the High Council shall be to aid in the process of group formation as needed, act as a governing body in matters pertaining to the Tradition as a whole and to be a judge/jury if asked to settle disputes. 1. Membership and Leadership The High Council shall consist of the HPS and HP of the Mother Coven and one other Third Degree member to be decided upon by the HPS and HP, as well as every HPS, HP and one other Third Degree member of all Daughter groups. Also a Scribe shall be elected to sit on the Council for record keeping purposes. The Scribe will be considered in all matters as a witness and an uninterested party, and as such will have no vote in proceedings. a. High Priestess The HPS of the Mother Coven shall lead the Council. Her duties will include, but not be limited to chairing the High Council; leading any Tradition rituals or provides resources to those doing so; directs the induction of members to the High Council; represents the Tradition to the Pagan community and the general public; provides overall guidance to the membership; and exercises final authority regarding any matters concerning the Tradition. b. High Priest The HP of the Mother Coven shall lead the Council in the absence of the HPS or at her request. His duties will include, but not be limited to chairing the High Council in the absence or request of the HPS; helps to lead any Tradition rituals or provides resources to those doing so; assists in the induction of members to the High Council; represents the Tradition to the Pagan community and the general public; leads in the defense of the Tradition where worldly dangers threaten it; and supports and encourages the HPS in the performance of her duties. c. Scribe The Scribe shall be responsible for keeping minutes of Council meetings; recording rituals and ceremonies the Tradition performs; handles correspondence with the general public and with other groups and organizations as requested; maintains records of all meetings and activities; maintains the membership rosters. The Scribe shall have a computer disk and hard copy of all information. 2. Scope The High Council shall discuss all matters brought before it including: a. Major event planning for all Tradition members b. Induction of members to the High Council c. Finance and Budget (as needed) d. Networking and Affiliations e. Disputes of Daughter and Kinship Circles that seek arbitration. f. Situations brought before the Council of harm towards the tradition by any group or individual. g. Any other matter the Council decides upon. 3. Facilitation The HPS of the Mother Coven shall chair all meetings of the council. Where she is absent or chooses to delegate, the HP shall chair all meetings. 4. Method of Operation The High Council shall make decisions by consensus. When consensus cannot be reached, the Council may refer to the decision of the HPS (or in her absence the HP), who shall consider all that has been discussed and make the decision. The HPS retains the right to over rule all decisions made by the Council if she feels it is in the best interest of the Tradition. 5. Frequency of Meetings The High Council shall meet once annually, or as called by any Council member for the purpose of arbitration. 6. Record of Meetings All meetings shall be audio recorded and retained by the Tradition HP/S. The Scribe shall transcribe all information and distribute a copy to Council members and involved parties, depending upon the nature of the meeting. The Scribe shall have a computer disk and hard copy of all proceedings. IV. Grievances and Discipline Procedures All decisions made by the High Council are binding. Presenting your case before the Council implies your acceptance of their decision. Those seeking arbitration must contact the HP/S or Scribe. A. Grievance Procedures The High Council shall be called in order by the HPS to preside over disputes within a group to hear complaints and accusations of inappropriate acts befitting a Priest or Priestess, practice of baneful magick, abuse of power by leaders of a Noletirian group and any other complaints that are deemed worthy to preserve the public image or internal integrity of the Tradition. a. During such proceedings all involved parties must be notified by postal or electronic mail of the date and time of the meeting in sufficient time to attend. If an involved party cannot attend, they Council must be informed three days prior to the meeting date. If an involved party does not attend without prior notification the meeting shall be held, all sides present will be heard and a decision rendered by the Council. All involved parties will receive written notification of the decision via written notice or electronic mail. b. Concerning the complaints of charter members, the High Council may choose to meet, at the behest of the HP/S, in an online forum to hear the complaints. All matters to be decided upon by the High Council concerning individuals or leaders of Daughter or Kinship Circles shall include any case deemed worthy after due consideration has been given by the group’s own Council of Elders. A case must be brought before the Council by the group’s HP/S, unless it is a complaint against a group leader for misconduct. In such cases a member must contact the HP/S of the Mother Coven to discuss arbitration procedures. a. During such proceedings all involved parties must be notified by postal or electronic mail of the date and time of the meeting in sufficient time to attend. If an involved party cannot attend, they Council must be informed three days prior to the meeting date. If an involved party does not attend without prior notification the meeting shall be held, all sides present will be heard and a decision rendered by the Council. All involved parties will receive written notification of the decision via written notice or electronic mail. B. Discipline Procedure a. The High Council shall render discipline action in keeping with the nature of the grievance. These actions shall contain, but not be limited to assignment of community service, temporary suspension of an individual member, temporary enforcement of sabbatical upon a group leader, banishment of an individual, and banishment of a group leader. In such cases that a leader would be removed, the group Council of Elders shall appoint a new leader from a Third Degree member of that group. If none are of that rank or none are willing to accept the position, a Second Degree leader will be appointed and shall come back under the guidance of the Mother Coven until such time the leader is elevated to the Third Degree. IX. Privacy of Members A. The name, address, telephone numbers and other information relating to individual members and groups of the Noletirian Tradition shall be considered confidential and may not be disclosed to any non-member without the permission of the individual involved. B. Disclosure of confidential information may, at the discretion of the High Council pertaining to the Tradition shall be considered a violation of Tradition law and the Rede, and are grounds for banishment. X. Revising the By-Laws, Structure and Operating Procedures Any part may be amended by vote of the High Council. Signed_____________________________________________ High Priestess Signed_____________________________________________ High Priest