Chesapeake Pagan Community Bylaws
(Created June 10, 2003, revised January 27, 2008 and June 13, 2015)
Section One: Membership (adopted October 4, 2003)
1.1: Membership Criteria (adopted October 4, 2003)
Individuals who were accepted as members prior to the enactment of this revision of
the bylaws will remain members for six months from the adoption of these bylaws, by
which time they must meet all of the criteria listed below to remain members, except
that people who participated in the vote to approve this Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation and placed their names on the membership list at that time do not need
to be approved by a Corporation business meeting.
An individual must meet the following criteria before acceptance into membership.
In order to remain a full member, each member must pay the current membership fee each year. Failure to pay the fee for the current period, or a request to put your membership fee on hold, puts your membership on hold temporarily. Members on hold may not vote. Members on hold may pay the fee for the current period, or request to resume membership (if their fully paid membership has been put on hold), which resumes full membership. Members who remain on hold for a period of more than three years cease to be members, and must start the application process over again from the beginning to become a member again.
A member may be removed by a two thirds majority vote at a Corporation business meeting or by a two thirds majority vote of the trustees. Should a member who has been removed reapply for membership, the fact that they were previously removed must be announced at the meeting where they are seeking reacceptance.
Membership resignations must be presented in writing to the secretary or in person at a corporation business meeting. Members who have resigned in the past six months may resume their membership by announcing their desire to rejoin in writing to the secretary or in person at a corporation business meeting. The Council can require that such a request be treated as a new membership application if they act within four weeks of the original request.
1.2: Membership Dues (adopted June 7, 2003)
Our membership dues are $20 per person per year.
Section Two: Privacy (adopted October 15, 2006)
The Corporation's membership records are its own private property. Information therein may not be sold, borrowed or disclosed to other organizations and individuals, nor published or distributed to Corporation members, without the expressed consent of each member involved. Trustees, as an implicit function of their office, may use the membership records for purposes benefiting the Corporation. Any an all copies in the possession of these officers must be returned to the Corporation upon resignation, impeachment or the end of the term of office.
Officials of federal, state and local government agencies may examine the membership records as part of their normal duties for enforcement of federal and state laws.
Any member in good standing who wishes to absolutely withdraw from membership in the Corporation may request that the member's own data be stricken from the membership records. This does not apply to individuals who are prohibited or banned from participating in activities by the Corporation.
The Council of Trustees may publish a directory, for use by Corporation members, containing information that each individual members has explicitly authorized for release in such a directory.
Section Three: Code of Honor (adopted June 7, 2003)
As a free member of a free spiritual society, I acknowledge freedom’s responsibility as implied in the venerable law, "an’ it harm none, do as ye will." In the spirit of freedom, I agree to honor the following code of responsibility.
The Code of Honor is intended to provide guidance, and should not be considered a rigid collection of laws. Respect for others does not mean we should allow them to do anything, whenever it pleases them, and sometimes it is necessary to criticize what others believe or intefere with their activities. Balance and moderation are important considerations when practicing the Code in our personal lives.
Section Four: Vision Statement (adopted June 7, 2003, re-approved October 4, 2003, revised June 13, 2015)
Chesapeake Pagan Community, a non-profit religious corporation, is a group of people on diverse spiritual and religious paths within the Pagan and Pantheist family of religions. Our mission is to organize community events, workshops and rituals open to the public in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore area.
Chesapeake Pagan Community's diversity encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices. Our strength is in the union of our diverse paths. We respect each other's individual differences as we strive to keep our practices mutually supportive.
CPC cooperates with other local and regional organizations in support of their activities and events.
We welcome people of all ages and orientations equally at our events. Chesapeake Pagan Community organizes local seasonal celebrations and gatherings. We believe in the power of community to affirm our relationship with the Divine.
In order to make a spiritually safe and comfortable environment within Chesapeake Pagan Community, we exclude drugs, drunkenness, scourging, pain and animal sacrifice at our events. Violence in any form has no place at Chesapeake Pagan Community events.
We work with the media to educate the public about Pagan and Pantheist relgious and spiritual paths. We respond to media inquiries and support Pagan and Pantheist religiou rights.
We consider the Earth to be a living being and we acknowledge the intrinsic value of all Nature. We pledge to live responsibly on our planet and encourage sustainable environmental practices that support the web of life.
Section Five: Advertising (adopted January 24, 2004)
The trustees may distribute information from other organizations and individuals for the benefit of the Corporation’s members. The Corporation must be compensated for any commercial advertising in its publications or commercial advertising it distributes that is not part of a publication.
Section Six: Fee Schedule (Adopted January 24, 2004, revised June 13, 2015.)
Membership for one year and renewal for one year costs $10.00. The price of registration for gatherings and other activities will be set by the Council, or by committees managing those activities.
Section Seven: Rights of the Corporation
7.1: Corporation Name (adopted January 24, 2004)
The Corporation reserves the exclusive right to represent itself with the name,
Chesapeake Pagan Community. Only activities and publications sponsored by the
Corporation may be advertised as such. No other individuals or organizations may claim
to represent the Corporation or advertise affiliation with the Corporation except as
specifically authorized with express, written permission.
7.2: Negligent or Illegal Behavior (adopted January 24, 2004)
Participants at any Corporation-sponsored activity are responsible for their actions.
The Corporation may demand compensation from any individual whose illegal or negligent
behavior causes damage for which the Corporation or its members are held accountable.
7.3: Restrictions on Attendance (adopted July 29, 2007)
The Corporation has a right to decide who may attend its meetings and activities and
can restrict attendance, with or without cause, at an event or meeting through vote,
consensus, or the written policies of its activities. When any two of an event coordinator
and a trustee, or two trustees decide that an individual be ejected or not remain in the
room or an event, it is the duty of the President and the facilitator or event coordinator
to enforce that decision. Neither the Corporation, nor the President, nor the meeting
facilitator, nor the event coordinator can be considered liable to an individual for
prohibiting that individual from participating in activities sponsored by the Corporation.
Section Eight: Record Keeping and Finances (adopted July 29, 2007)
The Council of Trustees will keep record of the Corporation's finances in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Any person designated to keep financial records for a project or event must keep detailed records of any and all financial transactions to the specifications of the Treasurer or Secretary, and provide copies to the Treasurer upon request. Financial statements must be approved in a Council meeting before distribution to the members.
The Council must approved any effort to enter into contract negotiations on behalf of the Corporation. Only the President or a trustee designated by the President may negotiate contracts on behalf of the Corporation. Corporate banking and borrowing resolutions must be witnessed by at least two trustees, who are not authorized by these resolutions to sign checks, notes or other contracts with the bank. At least one other trustee must witness a written contract made on behalf of the Corporation by the President.
A trustee who suspects irregularities in the Corporation's financial records or violations of the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws may instruct banks to refuse withdrawals, checks and loans until the matter can be discussed at a Council meeting. The trustee who executes such authority must immediately inform all other trustees of this action. If the President is unable to perform duties or is suspected of complicity in any irregularities or violations, any trustee may convene a Council meeting or a Corporation business meeting without the President's permission.
Section Nine: Code of Honor and Certification (adopted July 29, 2007)
The Chesapeake Pagan Community Code of Honor and the definition of Pantheism from the Articles of Incorporation must be printed on every application for membership. The application must also solicit certification from the applicant that the applicant is a Pantheist, as defined by the Articles of Incorporation.
Certification
Chesapeake Pagan Community defines Pantheism as belief in nature deities, deity in nature or nature spirituality. I agree with and accept this definition to define my own spiritual path.
Section Ten: Business Meetings and General Operations of the Corporation (adopted January 27, 2008)
10.1: Meeting Agenda
The agenda of the Corporation business meeting is set by the President, and presented to the members
by the Secretary. The President may accept agenda items suggested by members, but may at her/his
discretion reject any of these items. Committee reports, of which the President is advised before setting
of the agenda, must be included in it, as well as any report by a trustee. Members may discuss issues not
listed on the agenda after all agenda items have been discussed, unless the President agrees to discuss
the item earlier.
Items submitted within one week of the meeting date such as committee reports or a proposal which, in the opinion of the President require the entire membership's opinion or consent, may be postponed by the President until the next business meeting.
10.2: Moderating Debate and Disruptive Behavior
The President may preside at a Corporation business meeting, or delegate this task to a discussion
leader. Moderating debate with time limits and other rules to assure a well-run meeting and protect the
rights of members are part of the President or discussion leader's responsibilities.
Any threatening or disruptive act may be considered as interfering with the rights of other members. A person whose behavior interferes with the rights of other members may be ordered to cease and desist from such behavior by the President or discussion leader. The President or discussion leader may also take action to eject from a meeting any person who disregards any such order. Criticism of an officer's performance or behavior is an essential element of free speech. Any member may raise criticism or praise of the past performance of trustees, other officers, and committees at a business meeting. Criticism may not be interpreted as disruptive when expressed at appropriate times in the meeting's agenda, and presented in a calm, rational manner.
If a person is expelled from a meeting for threatening or disruptive behavior, any member present at the meeting may request an immediate vote to bar that person from attending the next meeting. A simple majority of the members attending the meeting will decide this issue. Trustees are not exempt from such a decision. Such a vote may also be requested subsequent to the current business meeting, prior to the following meeting or at the beginning of the following meeting. It will then be considered the first item of business on the meeting's agenda.
10.3: Arbitration
If there is a contention that one or more members are behaving unethically in conducting business for
the Corporation or in a threatening or disruptive way, the President may appoint a disinterested member
to serve as arbiter. Both parties must
take oath to whatever they hold sacred that they will abide by the decision of the arbiter before
arbitration begins. Either party may refuse a specific arbiter and request another, but the President
is not required to honor the request. If either party refuses arbitration, the President may ban that person
from attending meetings and other activities indefinitely. The President must report this decision in
writing to the next Council meeting.
After both parties agree to arbitration, the arbiter must hear both sides in a fair and unbiased manner. The arbiter may employ any venue, including face-to-face meetings, written testimony, or electronic communications while doing so. The arbiter may conduct research to verify any claim, including consulting proper legal counsel, within the reasonable limits of any budget or time constraints established by the Corporation.
The arbiter may employ any appropriate ethical principles or relevant law in making a decision, but must respect the Code of Honor and follow the arbiter's own sense of conscience. Any complaints found to be groundless or frivolous by the arbiter can be considered rejected, without need of any further action or consideration by the Corporation. The arbiter will have the authority to ban either or both parties from attending meetings and other activities indefinitely, or require lesser disciplinary action, but may not unduly demean or degrade either party.
An arbiter must report any decision made, or the fact that no decision could be made, in writing to the next Council meeting. The Council may overrule any ban or disciplinary action or choice of arbiter by the arbiter or the president if the trustees feel the action was unjust.
10.4: Trustee Convened Meetings
If a trustee has serious concerns about matters effecting the organization, a special meeting may be
convened.
The President may not preside at a meeting convened at the direction of another trustee, and may not appoint a discussion leader for the meeting. The trustee who convened the meeting will preside or appoint a discussion leader. At the beginning of this meeting, the trustee or discussion leader must request approval to lead the discussion of this issue. Any member may nominate an alternative discussion leader and request an immediate vote. A simple majority of the members attending the meeting will select the discussion leader.
Section Eleven: Policies and Procedures for the Operation of Gatherings (adopted January 27, 2008)
11.1: Policies and Decision by Event Managers
Policies and decisions made by any person managing the Corporation's activities may be overruled by
a Council meeting, or by the President.
11.2: Individuals Convicted of Certain Crimes
Chesapeake Pagan Community will not knowingly permit individuals who have been convicted of crimes
against children, or sexual abuse of adults, to participate in its activities. This policy does not require
any specific measures to detect criminal backgrounds, but the trustees are allowed to make such
inquiries and may bar attendance to an individual based on the results.
11.3: Sexual Harassment Complaints
Events lasting for more than one day will have a staff person designated to hear complaints about
sexual harassment. Participants at Corporation-sponsored events must be provided with information
explaining how to contact the designated staff person.
When contacted about an incident of sexual harassment, or other types of abusive behavior, the designated staff person will prepare a written report about the complaint to the Council of Trustees. If known, the report should identify the person who made the complaint, and the person who was the subject of the complaint.
The staff person should ask whether the complainant wishes someone to speak directly to the subject about the subject's behavior. If so, the staff person will discuss the complaint with the subject and record the subject's statements about the incident in the report. The staff member will maintain a neutral position while interviewing the subject. If the subject acknowledges inappropriate behavior, the staff member will warn the subject not to engage in this behavior in the future. If the subject denies that inappropriate behavior occurred, the subject will be advised that although the true nature of the matter cannot be determined, a complaint must be recorded.
When the staff person contacts the subject of a complaint, the complainant and subject of the complaint must both be identified by name in the report. This is important to allow the trustees to identify patterns of complaints involving the subject or the complainant.
If the Council of Trustees observes a pattern of complaints indicating a chronic problem, it may ban an individual from attending the Corporation's activities. The trustees should avoid accusing the individual of anything other than being the subject of multiple complaints. This will be considered sufficient reason for a ban.
Information in complaint reports will be considered confidential. It will not be disclosed to other organizations or the general membership of the Corporation. An exception will be made if the staff person has concerns about the safety of event participants. Confidentiality rules do not restrict the staff person from contacting civil authorities, event leaders or other staff responsible for safety at the event. Complaint reports may be disclosed to any personnel who need this information to assure the safety of event participants.
The Council is permitted to disclose information from complaint reports to its own legal counsel, civil authorities, and key staff members at future events sponsored by the Corporation. Event staff members must be advised that this information was received in a complaint report and may not be discussed with anyone who is not a staff member or trustee.
Section Twelve: Prohibited Individuals (adopted January 27, 2008)
The Corporation Secretary maintains a list of individuals who are prohibited indefinitely from attending activities sponsored by the corporation, or becoming members. Information explaining the bans is kept by the Corporation Secretary, but some of this is confidential in nature, and not available to the general membership. Copies of the list will be made available to event managers, who are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of this list.