GOSH's Bylaws
Preamble:
1. The Grove of the Seven Hills, hereafter referred to as the Grove, is a local affiliate of Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship, Inc., also known as; A.D.F.; is the legal structure for a Neopagan Druid religion based on the beliefs and practices of the ancient Indo-Europeans, adapted to the needs and sensibilities of modern people. We are a nonprofit religious, scientific, educational, artistic, and charitable corporation, organized to practice the full spectrum of legal activities practiced by any religious organization.
2. As we define it, Neopagan Druidry is a polytheistic, non-dualist, non-sexist, non-racist, scientific, holistic, and ecologically oriented faith. We are dedicated to the preservation of our Holy Mother Earth, the full achievement of human potential, the revival of the worship of the Old Gods in a modern context, and the creation of a world of peace, love, freedom, health, and prosperity for all intelligent beings.
3. The Grove supports the purpose and vision of ADF.We accept the Bylaws of the national organization.
4. The following by-laws are intended to help the Grove achieve the ideals of ADF.
Article 1: Purposes
1. The Grove will provide open public or semipublic worship opportunities on a regular basis, including all eight High Days. The overwhelming majority of Grove activities are to be open and inclusionary. Smaller groups may be formed within the Grove, and may engage in closed activities, provided that no such group excludes more than half of the Grove's members.
2. The Grove's cultural focus is Celtic-Norse.
3. Members of the Grove are not required to swear allegiance to the Grove or the Grove Patrons, Frigg and Lugh.
4. Members are encouraged to continue their spiritual development both inside and outside of the Grove.
5. Non-Indo-European ethnic focuses, pantheons, and liturgical languages are not appropriate to official ADF activities, except that local aboriginal traditions may be respectfully integrated into the Grove's official activities, according to policies set by the Mother Grove of ADF.
Article 2: Calendar
1. The eight High Days of the Druid calendar, as referenced in these by-laws and all legal documents of ADF, are as follows: Samhain, Winter Solstice (Yule), Oimelc, Spring Equinox, Beltaine, Summer Solstice, Lughnassadh, and Fall Equinox (Mabon).
2. The Grove's cultural focus is Celtic-Norse recognizes the following dates: Samhain = Nov. 1st, Winter Solstice = Dec. 21st, Oimelc = Feb. 1st, Spring Equinox = March 21st, Beltaine = May 1st, Summer Solstice = June 21st, Lughnassadh = Aug. 1st, and Fall Equinox = Sept. 21st.
3. Since the Druid year traditionally runs from one Samhain to the next, the legal and ceremonial Druid year shall run according to the legal and ceremonial dates for Samhain described previously in this article.
4. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the thirty-first day of December in each civil year.
Article 3: Membership
1. Membership in the Grove will be conferred upon an individual who has
(a) attended regular Grove meeting for 2 months,
(b) attended one public Grove ritual,
(c) been invited to join the Grove,
(d) passed his/her 18 birthday, and
(e) not been expelled from the Grove or ADF.
2. Membership may be resigned at any time by notifying the Senior Druid verbally or in writing.
3. Membership may be revoked by the Executive Officers of the Grove if an individual:
(a) has been found guilty of committing a felony, as defined by civil law and current criminological opinion, or
(b) exhibits disruptive or abusive conduct which works directly against the aims, activities or welfare of ADF, the Grove or its members.
b1)Disruptive or abusive conduct does not include: the temperate expression of disagreement, such as public or private written or verbal criticism of ADF or its leadership; vigorous debate over matters of scholarship, art, spirituality, or politics; nor mere rudeness, thoughtlessness, or lack of social skills.
b2)Disruptive or abusive conduct does include: the spreading of slander or libel against ADF or its leadership; bigoted communication or behavior; or active efforts to persuade members to quit or to dissuade nonmembers from joining; intentional disruption of public or semipublic events; inappropriate use of Grove name or materials (ritual supplies, email lists, web-sites, etc.).
4.Currently, no membership dues are required.
5. A member who has not attended a Grove function in 3 months is considered to have resigned except in extenuating circumstances to be determined by the Executive Officers.
Article 4: Voting
1. Each member shall have one vote.
2. Except as otherwise mentioned in these Bylaws, a quorum for voting purposes shall consist of a simple majority of votes cast.
3. Voting will occur at regularly scheduled Grove meetings. All reasonable attempts will be made to notify the members at least 72 hours in advance if there is to be a vote. Except in extenuating circumstances (to be determined by the Executive Committee), only the votes of members present at the time of the vote will be counted.
4. Executive Committee voting will occur at scheduled Committee meetings using a "Yea/Nay" system.
Article 5: Election of Officers
1. Any member of the Grove may run for election as Executive Officer. All candidates must have passed their 18th birthdays, have access to email, and fulfill the requirements for office listed elsewhere in these Bylaws.
2. A candidate is elected by a majority of votes cast. 2/3 of the active membership must be present for the election to be valid.
3. Should there be no quorum achieved for the elections, then all incumbent candidates shall be deemed to have been re-elected.
4. Should an Officer be removed or unable to perform his/her duties, the Executive Committee may appoint someone to fill the vacant position for the remainder of the term.
5. No elected Officer will serve for more than 3 consecutive terms unless there is no other willing and qualified candidate.
Article 6: Executive Committee
***1. The Executive Committee is made up of the Senior Druid, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and any past Senior Druids who have remained members of the Grove.
2. The members of the Executive Committee may exercise all the duties, responsibilities, and privileges normally held by the Directors of a non-profit religious organization.
3. Members of the Executive Committee must be members of ADF.
4. The Executive Committee will hold meetings at least once between Samhain and Beltaine, and once between Beltaine and Samhain.
5. A majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.
6. The Executive Committee may appoint non-elected Officers who must then be ratified by a majority of the Grove membership.
7. The Executive Committee may amend these bylaws. Amendments must be approved by a quorum of the Executive Committee and by a 2/3 majority of the present membership.
Article 7: The Senior Druid
1. The Senior Druid shall
(a) preside at all meetings of the Grove;
(b) be a member of ADF;
(c) have normal executive control over the affairs of the Corporation;
(c) may perform all those other duties that would otherwise be performed by a corporate President;
(d) be responsible for articulating the spiritual vision of the Grove;
(e) be responsible for completeing any required ADF reporting.
2. An individual eligible for the position of Senior Druid must
(a) have been a member in good standing of ADF for over 1 year,
(b) have reached his or her 21st birthday,
(c) have been a member in good standing of the Grove for 2 years,
(d) have demonstrated a thorough knowledge and understanding of the tenets of Druidry and Druid ritual structure and
(e) have email access.
3. The Senior Druid will serve a term of 1 year unless s/he resigns the position, is incapacitated and no longer able to perform the duties of Senior Druid, loses membership in ADF, or is voted out by a 3/4 majority of the entire Grove membership.
4. All past Senior Druids, except those forcibly removed, shall remain an honorary member of the Executive Committee in the capacity of advisor
.Article 8: The Secretary
1. The Secretary shall
(a) keep a record of all votes and minutes of the proceedings of all meetings of the Grove;
(b)l organize all incoming correspondence for reply;
(c) perform all those other duties that would otherwise be performed by a corporate Secretary.
2. Candidates for the office of Secretary shall have the ability to take minutes and word processing skills, shall have a knowledge of all basic information regarding ADF history, policies, polytheology, etc.; shall have access to a computer and E-mail with which to perform his/her duties; and shall be a member of ADF.
3. The Secretary shall serve a term of 1 year unless s/he resigns, is unable to perform his/her duties, loses membership in ADF, or is voted out by a 2/3 majority of the membership.
Article 9: The Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall
(a) have responsibility for provision of the overall fiscal operation of the Grove: the disbursement of funds for the corporation;
(b)l have the responsibility of a CFO, including but not limited to all monies of the Corporation received or disbursed;
(c)l supervise the deposit of all monies and valuables in the name of and to the credit of the Grove.
2. Candidates for the office of Treasurer will have demonstrable organizational management skills, access to a computer and E-mail with which to perform his/her duties, and shall be a member of ADF.
3. The Treasurer will serve a term of 1 year unless s/he resigns, is unable to perform his/her duties, loses membership in ADF, or is voted out by 2/3 majority of the membership.
Article 10: Other Committee Members
1. Additional Committee Members (CM), such as Bookkeeper, Chronicler, Sacrificer, Bard, etc., may be created and appointed at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
2. A CM must be over 18 years of age but is not required to be members of ADF.
3. The highest ranked member of any ADF Guild will be considered to hold that position within the Grove.
4. Only CMs who are members of ADF may vote on Executive Committee matters.
10A: Bard
1. The Bard shall be responsible for leading all chants and songs during Grove rituals and events, offering prayers to the Spirit or Deity of Inspiration during Grove rituals, organizing a Bardic Circle once every year (either as part of another event or as an event in and of itself), assisting the Senior Druid a/o Liturgist in the writing of liturgy, and other duties as agreed upon by the Executive Committee.
2. Candidates for the position of Bard shall have demonstrated musical/poetical ability; shall be a Grove Member in good standing; and shall have a basic understanding of ADF liturgy, policy, and purpose (the Bard is not required to be a member of ADF).
3. The Bard shall serve a term of one year unless s/he resigns, is unable to perform his/her duties, or loses Grove membership.
10B: Liturgist
1. The Liturgist shall be responsible for providing liturgy/ritual outline for each high Day.
2. Shall be available to provide guidance for non High Day Rites.
Article 11: Discrimination
1. Membership in the Grove, attendance at public or semipublic activities, and participation in any Study Program, shall not be denied to any person on the basis of race, ancestry, color, physical disability, age, gender, or affectional orientation, but may be denied to individuals practicing creeds inimical to Neopagan Druidry.
2. As used herein, inimical creeds shall include varieties of conservative monotheism, atheism, demonism, racism, or other such faiths, as shall be determined by the Executive Committee.
3. The Grove shall make strenuous efforts to facilitate the participation of differently-abled individuals. Nonetheless, all aspirants to any given rank or position must be able to meet all the relevant qualifications previously determined for said rank or position, unless the Executive Committee shall rule otherwise in a particular instance.
Article 12: Under Age Participants
1. Anyone under the age of 18 is considered an underage participant.
2. All persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to all Grove or Grove sponsored events.
3. Parent or legal guardian will be required to sign a release authorizing attendance at all Grove functions. Releases shall be in effect for 1 year unless revoked by a parent or legal guardian.
1. The Grove of the Seven Hills, hereafter referred to as the Grove, is a local affiliate of Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship, Inc., also known as; A.D.F.; is the legal structure for a Neopagan Druid religion based on the beliefs and practices of the ancient Indo-Europeans, adapted to the needs and sensibilities of modern people. We are a nonprofit religious, scientific, educational, artistic, and charitable corporation, organized to practice the full spectrum of legal activities practiced by any religious organization.
2. As we define it, Neopagan Druidry is a polytheistic, non-dualist, non-sexist, non-racist, scientific, holistic, and ecologically oriented faith. We are dedicated to the preservation of our Holy Mother Earth, the full achievement of human potential, the revival of the worship of the Old Gods in a modern context, and the creation of a world of peace, love, freedom, health, and prosperity for all intelligent beings.
3. The Grove supports the purpose and vision of ADF.We accept the Bylaws of the national organization.
4. The following by-laws are intended to help the Grove achieve the ideals of ADF.
Article 1: Purposes
1. The Grove will provide open public or semipublic worship opportunities on a regular basis, including all eight High Days. The overwhelming majority of Grove activities are to be open and inclusionary. Smaller groups may be formed within the Grove, and may engage in closed activities, provided that no such group excludes more than half of the Grove's members.
2. The Grove's cultural focus is Celtic-Norse.
3. Members of the Grove are not required to swear allegiance to the Grove or the Grove Patrons, Frigg and Lugh.
4. Members are encouraged to continue their spiritual development both inside and outside of the Grove.
5. Non-Indo-European ethnic focuses, pantheons, and liturgical languages are not appropriate to official ADF activities, except that local aboriginal traditions may be respectfully integrated into the Grove's official activities, according to policies set by the Mother Grove of ADF.
Article 2: Calendar
1. The eight High Days of the Druid calendar, as referenced in these by-laws and all legal documents of ADF, are as follows: Samhain, Winter Solstice (Yule), Oimelc, Spring Equinox, Beltaine, Summer Solstice, Lughnassadh, and Fall Equinox (Mabon).
2. The Grove's cultural focus is Celtic-Norse recognizes the following dates: Samhain = Nov. 1st, Winter Solstice = Dec. 21st, Oimelc = Feb. 1st, Spring Equinox = March 21st, Beltaine = May 1st, Summer Solstice = June 21st, Lughnassadh = Aug. 1st, and Fall Equinox = Sept. 21st.
3. Since the Druid year traditionally runs from one Samhain to the next, the legal and ceremonial Druid year shall run according to the legal and ceremonial dates for Samhain described previously in this article.
4. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the thirty-first day of December in each civil year.
Article 3: Membership
1. Membership in the Grove will be conferred upon an individual who has
(a) attended regular Grove meeting for 2 months,
(b) attended one public Grove ritual,
(c) been invited to join the Grove,
(d) passed his/her 18 birthday, and
(e) not been expelled from the Grove or ADF.
2. Membership may be resigned at any time by notifying the Senior Druid verbally or in writing.
3. Membership may be revoked by the Executive Officers of the Grove if an individual:
(a) has been found guilty of committing a felony, as defined by civil law and current criminological opinion, or
(b) exhibits disruptive or abusive conduct which works directly against the aims, activities or welfare of ADF, the Grove or its members.
b1)Disruptive or abusive conduct does not include: the temperate expression of disagreement, such as public or private written or verbal criticism of ADF or its leadership; vigorous debate over matters of scholarship, art, spirituality, or politics; nor mere rudeness, thoughtlessness, or lack of social skills.
b2)Disruptive or abusive conduct does include: the spreading of slander or libel against ADF or its leadership; bigoted communication or behavior; or active efforts to persuade members to quit or to dissuade nonmembers from joining; intentional disruption of public or semipublic events; inappropriate use of Grove name or materials (ritual supplies, email lists, web-sites, etc.).
4.Currently, no membership dues are required.
5. A member who has not attended a Grove function in 3 months is considered to have resigned except in extenuating circumstances to be determined by the Executive Officers.
Article 4: Voting
1. Each member shall have one vote.
2. Except as otherwise mentioned in these Bylaws, a quorum for voting purposes shall consist of a simple majority of votes cast.
3. Voting will occur at regularly scheduled Grove meetings. All reasonable attempts will be made to notify the members at least 72 hours in advance if there is to be a vote. Except in extenuating circumstances (to be determined by the Executive Committee), only the votes of members present at the time of the vote will be counted.
4. Executive Committee voting will occur at scheduled Committee meetings using a "Yea/Nay" system.
Article 5: Election of Officers
1. Any member of the Grove may run for election as Executive Officer. All candidates must have passed their 18th birthdays, have access to email, and fulfill the requirements for office listed elsewhere in these Bylaws.
2. A candidate is elected by a majority of votes cast. 2/3 of the active membership must be present for the election to be valid.
3. Should there be no quorum achieved for the elections, then all incumbent candidates shall be deemed to have been re-elected.
4. Should an Officer be removed or unable to perform his/her duties, the Executive Committee may appoint someone to fill the vacant position for the remainder of the term.
5. No elected Officer will serve for more than 3 consecutive terms unless there is no other willing and qualified candidate.
Article 6: Executive Committee
***1. The Executive Committee is made up of the Senior Druid, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and any past Senior Druids who have remained members of the Grove.
2. The members of the Executive Committee may exercise all the duties, responsibilities, and privileges normally held by the Directors of a non-profit religious organization.
3. Members of the Executive Committee must be members of ADF.
4. The Executive Committee will hold meetings at least once between Samhain and Beltaine, and once between Beltaine and Samhain.
5. A majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.
6. The Executive Committee may appoint non-elected Officers who must then be ratified by a majority of the Grove membership.
7. The Executive Committee may amend these bylaws. Amendments must be approved by a quorum of the Executive Committee and by a 2/3 majority of the present membership.
Article 7: The Senior Druid
1. The Senior Druid shall
(a) preside at all meetings of the Grove;
(b) be a member of ADF;
(c) have normal executive control over the affairs of the Corporation;
(c) may perform all those other duties that would otherwise be performed by a corporate President;
(d) be responsible for articulating the spiritual vision of the Grove;
(e) be responsible for completeing any required ADF reporting.
2. An individual eligible for the position of Senior Druid must
(a) have been a member in good standing of ADF for over 1 year,
(b) have reached his or her 21st birthday,
(c) have been a member in good standing of the Grove for 2 years,
(d) have demonstrated a thorough knowledge and understanding of the tenets of Druidry and Druid ritual structure and
(e) have email access.
3. The Senior Druid will serve a term of 1 year unless s/he resigns the position, is incapacitated and no longer able to perform the duties of Senior Druid, loses membership in ADF, or is voted out by a 3/4 majority of the entire Grove membership.
4. All past Senior Druids, except those forcibly removed, shall remain an honorary member of the Executive Committee in the capacity of advisor
.Article 8: The Secretary
1. The Secretary shall
(a) keep a record of all votes and minutes of the proceedings of all meetings of the Grove;
(b)l organize all incoming correspondence for reply;
(c) perform all those other duties that would otherwise be performed by a corporate Secretary.
2. Candidates for the office of Secretary shall have the ability to take minutes and word processing skills, shall have a knowledge of all basic information regarding ADF history, policies, polytheology, etc.; shall have access to a computer and E-mail with which to perform his/her duties; and shall be a member of ADF.
3. The Secretary shall serve a term of 1 year unless s/he resigns, is unable to perform his/her duties, loses membership in ADF, or is voted out by a 2/3 majority of the membership.
Article 9: The Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall
(a) have responsibility for provision of the overall fiscal operation of the Grove: the disbursement of funds for the corporation;
(b)l have the responsibility of a CFO, including but not limited to all monies of the Corporation received or disbursed;
(c)l supervise the deposit of all monies and valuables in the name of and to the credit of the Grove.
2. Candidates for the office of Treasurer will have demonstrable organizational management skills, access to a computer and E-mail with which to perform his/her duties, and shall be a member of ADF.
3. The Treasurer will serve a term of 1 year unless s/he resigns, is unable to perform his/her duties, loses membership in ADF, or is voted out by 2/3 majority of the membership.
Article 10: Other Committee Members
1. Additional Committee Members (CM), such as Bookkeeper, Chronicler, Sacrificer, Bard, etc., may be created and appointed at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
2. A CM must be over 18 years of age but is not required to be members of ADF.
3. The highest ranked member of any ADF Guild will be considered to hold that position within the Grove.
4. Only CMs who are members of ADF may vote on Executive Committee matters.
10A: Bard
1. The Bard shall be responsible for leading all chants and songs during Grove rituals and events, offering prayers to the Spirit or Deity of Inspiration during Grove rituals, organizing a Bardic Circle once every year (either as part of another event or as an event in and of itself), assisting the Senior Druid a/o Liturgist in the writing of liturgy, and other duties as agreed upon by the Executive Committee.
2. Candidates for the position of Bard shall have demonstrated musical/poetical ability; shall be a Grove Member in good standing; and shall have a basic understanding of ADF liturgy, policy, and purpose (the Bard is not required to be a member of ADF).
3. The Bard shall serve a term of one year unless s/he resigns, is unable to perform his/her duties, or loses Grove membership.
10B: Liturgist
1. The Liturgist shall be responsible for providing liturgy/ritual outline for each high Day.
2. Shall be available to provide guidance for non High Day Rites.
Article 11: Discrimination
1. Membership in the Grove, attendance at public or semipublic activities, and participation in any Study Program, shall not be denied to any person on the basis of race, ancestry, color, physical disability, age, gender, or affectional orientation, but may be denied to individuals practicing creeds inimical to Neopagan Druidry.
2. As used herein, inimical creeds shall include varieties of conservative monotheism, atheism, demonism, racism, or other such faiths, as shall be determined by the Executive Committee.
3. The Grove shall make strenuous efforts to facilitate the participation of differently-abled individuals. Nonetheless, all aspirants to any given rank or position must be able to meet all the relevant qualifications previously determined for said rank or position, unless the Executive Committee shall rule otherwise in a particular instance.
Article 12: Under Age Participants
1. Anyone under the age of 18 is considered an underage participant.
2. All persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to all Grove or Grove sponsored events.
3. Parent or legal guardian will be required to sign a release authorizing attendance at all Grove functions. Releases shall be in effect for 1 year unless revoked by a parent or legal guardian.