Council By-Laws

ARTICLE I - NAME OF ORGANIZATION
The name of the organization shall be Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. (Wiccans Interested in Creating Community Awareness). We are duly recognized "doing business as" the Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. in Rochester and the State of New York.

ARTICLE II - ADDRESS
The address of the organization is Post Office Box 357, North Greece, New York 14515.

ARTICLE III - OFFICIAL EMBLEM
The official emblem used for Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. shall be a pentagram with a willow branch entwined around the circumference with the end on the right hand side trailing downwards.

ARTICLE IV - MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. is to collectively weave a stronger web, both among the Pagan community and between these cultures and others who journey a different path.

ARTICLE V - HISTORY
Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. was founded in Rochester, New York in 1996 by Debbie Guite who recognized the importance of creating a unified Pagan community and fostering an awareness of our ways through education, information, resources and positive visibility. Ms. Guite moved from the Rochester area in 1999. NEC was locally reorganized under new leadership in 2001 and opened for membership in 2002.

ARTICLE VI - WHO WE ARE
We are a collective group of Wiccans, Witches and Pagans acting as a networking group in the Northeastern United States. We are not a coven and all are welcomed to join. Our membership consists of solitaries, covens, businesses, other groups and organizations. We are a member-driven group committed to the Pagan community. The time, talent, services and donations of our members and contributing sponsors provide all NEC sponsored events and activities.

ARTICLE VII - PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. provides information on our web site and we:

• promote involvement in the Pagan community by actively supporting Pagan activities
• assist individuals who are relocating to a new area and those new to Paganism establish a connection with others of like-minds
• provide a listing of pagan-friendly professionals on our web site
• publish a quarterly newsletter
• educate the general public about our religious belief systems and to help bring about religious tolerance
• promote religious tolerance, harmony and respect through community service, education, lectures, classes and providing open Sabbat celebrations
• present a positive public image
• provide clergy services
   

ARTICLE VIII - BELIEFS, PRINCIPLES AND ETHICS
Members of Northeast Council practice a variety of positive life-affirming faiths that are dedicated to healing the people of the Earth as well as the Earth herself. As such, neither advocates or condone any acts that victimize others, including those proscribed by law. We absolutely condemn the practices of child abuse, sexual abuse, and other forms of abuse that does harm to the bodies, minds or spirits of individuals. The Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. neither acknowledges nor worships the Christian "Satan" who is not in our religious pantheons. We do not participate in or condone the desecration of any person or place.

Section 1 - Ethics
We support and uphold the "Principles of Belief" as set forth by the American Council of Witches in 1974 and "The Earth Religion Anti-Abuse Resolution," adopted in 1988.

Principles of Belief (1974)

1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross-Quarters.
   

2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
   

3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called "supernatural", but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
   

4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity-as masculine and feminine-and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither (gender) above the other, knowing each to be supportive to the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.
   

5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner of psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc.-and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magical exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
   

6. We do no recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
   

7. We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it - a world-view and philosophy of life, which we identify as Witchcraft - the Wiccan Way. 
   

8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch - but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and will without harm to others and in harmony with nature.
   

9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it.
   

10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.
    

11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.
    

12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil", as defined by Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
    

13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well being.

The Earth Religion Anti-Abuse Resolution (1988)

We, the undersigned, as adherents of Pagan and Neo-Pagan Earth Religions, including Wicca or Neo-Pagan Witchcraft, practice a variety of positive, life affirming faiths that are dedicated to healing, both of ourselves and of the Earth. As such, we do not advocate or condone any acts that victimize others, including those proscribed by law. As one of our most widely accepted precepts is the Wicca Rede's injunction to "harm none," we absolutely condemn the practices of child abuse, sexual abuse and any other form of abuse that does harm to the bodies, minds or spirits of the victims of such abuses. We recognize and revere the divinity of Nature in our Mother the Earth, and we conduct our rites of worship in a manner that is ethical, compassionate and constitutionally protected. We neither acknowledge or worship the Christian devil, "Satan," who is not in our Pagan pantheons. We will not tolerate slander or libel against our churches, clergy or congregations and we are prepared to defend our civil rights with such legal action as we deem necessary and appropriate.

(This resolution was adopted by major workshops at the following 1988 Pagan Ecumenical Conferences: Ancient Ways (California) may 27-30; Pagan Spirit Gathering (Wisconsin) June 17th.) Provided to Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. by the Pagan Community Council of Ohio.)

Section 2 - Teachers
It is our belief that those who teach about any religious belief system teach only what they know. Teachers should have received formal training themselves and have successfully completed the required pre-requisites before teaching others and be prepared to show proof if asked. Northeast Council of W.IC.C.A. provides a Wicca 101 course taught by a member in good standing in the Pagan community and has verified formal training and successful completion of the necessary pre-requisites.

ARTICLE IX - MEMBERSHIP
Those seeking membership in Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. shall complete an application and pay annual dues. In seeking to be inclusive, we do not wish to open ourselves to the destruction of our group by those on self-serving power trips, or to philosophies and practices contrary to those principles. In seeking to exclude those whose ways are contradictory to ours, we do not want to deny participation with us to any who are sincerely interested in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or cultural origins or sexual preference. Members must be 18 years of age or older and if asked, be prepared to show proof via document accepted by U.S. government agencies.. Memberships are renewable on a yearly basis. Members (individuals and groups) are expected to volunteer 10 hours per year at a community-oriented organization listed by Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. as welcoming our participation. These organizations were identified through verbal contact and each were asked if they would accept volunteers from the pagan community.

Section 1 - Levels of Membership

Individual Membership -These memberships shall be general and entitled to one vote per membership at an NEC General Membership meeting. They are individuals who choose to participate principally as the volunteer manpower needed to support Council objectives reflective of our mission. Members will receive a “Member Packet”, a membership card, 10% discounts to all Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. sponsored events, classes and lectures. These memberships shall be general and entitled to one vote per membership at an NEC General Membership meeting. They are individuals who choose to participate principally as the volunteer manpower needed to support Council objectives reflective of our mission. Annual Dues: $10.00

Tiers of Individual Membership

Supporting Member - Actively involved to promote NEC Goals and Objectives by attending at least six (6) General Membership Meetings per year, plus the mandatory General Membership Meeting held each November; volunteering services (perhaps by serving on a committee, organizing a volunteer activity, assisting with the newsletter, community outreach, etc.) Will have voting privileges.

Affiliate Member - Believes in the ideals of NEC of W.I.C.C.A. and supports our goals and objectives, may be interested in serving on a committee and/or participating in events; however, not able to devote time to meetings and not interested in voting privileges.

Group/Coven Membership - Membership shall be for local pagan groups/covens of five or more people that meet regularly on a face to face basis to conduct religious ceremonies. The members wish to foster both unity among the Pagan community and promote awareness to the communities in which we live, by assisting with educational and community-based functions. These memberships shall hold full voting rights, as one vote per group, either in Terra Space or Cyber Space. Individuals within these groups/covens may hold individual memberships; however, such memberships shall be voted as part of the group vote not as separate votes. Groups/Covens will receive one copy of our newsletter “Reflections” mailed to an address provided, a membership packet, 10% discounts to all Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. sponsored events, classes and lectures.  Annual Dues: $15.00

Family Membership – Membership shall be for families (maximum 4 people). These memberships shall be general and entitled to one vote per membership at an NEC General Membership meeting. They are individuals who choose to participate principally as the volunteer manpower needed to support Council objectives reflective of our mission. Members will receive a “Member Packet”, a membership card, 10% discounts to all Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. sponsored events, classes and lectures
Annual Dues: $15.00

Business Membership - Membership will be for business proprietors who wish to support and further the work of Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. These members are willing to assist in sponsoring Council events by providing monetary contributions or donated services to help us meet our objectives and maintain our mission. They will receive an ad in our quarterly newsletter and mention on our web site (with their permission).
Annual Dues: $25.00

Supporting Membership - Any community member or group who shares in our vision and supports Council objectives by monetary contribution, advocacy, donated services, supplies or volunteer hours may be a “Supporting Member.” Our supporting members will be recognized (with their permission) on our web site as well as in our quarterly newsletter.

Complimentary Membership - Those who successfully complete the Wicca 101 course sponsored by Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. will receive an individual membership in Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. free of charge for one full year if desired.

Section 2 – Members Rights and Responsibilities
All supporting members of Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. are expected to fully support NEC’s goals and objectives and fully participate in all such programs that fall within the normal scope of their membership levels. Members are also expected to adhere to a code of ethics as set forth by Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. Article VIII. Members or groups/covens of members found to be in violation of this Article shall be subject to revocation of membership. Members shall abide by the Bylaws as set forth in this document.

Section 3 – New Membership and Renewals
New Memberships - Individual memberships received after May 1st of the current year will be prorated at $5.00 for the remainder of the year. Renewal of Membership - From August to November the NEC Member Services Director will be actively seeking renewals from members. Letter will be sent out to current members in mid-August and a post-card reminder in September with a November 1^st deadline for renewals. 

Section 4 – Revocation of Membership
Revocation of membership shall be for good cause shown after the organization has attempted by personal mediation to resolve complaints made to the Executive Board. If the conflict proves to be irreconcilable after good faith attempts at private mediation an open hearing of the combined Executive Board shall be held for the sole purpose of determining whether membership should be revoked for the good of the organization.

Section 5 – Complaint Procedure
Complaints regarding members of Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. shall be made to the Executive Director in writing. The complaint will be investigated within 30 days of receipt of such complaint. In the event the Executive Director is unavailable the Member Services Director shall take over this responsibility until such time the Executive Director is available.

Section 6 – Dues
Dues shall be published on the web site, on the application form and in our brochure. The amount of annual dues shall be reviewed yearly by its members. There shall be no provision for refund of dues by Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. to any person, coven/group, business or organization, unless it is proven that such dues were obtained by fraudulent means.

ARTICLE X - ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The organizational structure starts with the Council Body comprised of all members. The Council Body drives this organization’s objectives as a united Pagan community and meets them as well in the spirit of community. Assisting the Council Body with their selected endeavors will be the Executive Board comprised of the Directors. Directors will maintain operations, planning, organizational functions and act as liaisons between the Council Body, Chairpersons and Coordinators. Local Chapter Representatives may be voted in to office by the Council Body as the need arises, to guide and establish new Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. chapters.”

A “member in good standing” shall be defined as one who upholds Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. Bylaws as defined in Articles VII and VIII. Only those persons who have been a supporting member of Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. for two (2) consecutive years in “good standing” will be eligible to run for any elected office.

Section 1 - The President
Our President and Founder, Debbie Guite resides in Deland, Florida. It is the consensus of the present members of Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. that she remain in the office of President until such time that she asks to be relieved of this responsibility. At that time an election will be held for a new President. The term of President shall not be more than two years, not to exceed two 2-year terms in office. The Executive Director reports directly to the President.

Section 2 - Council Body
The Council Body will consist of all active members in good standing within the organization. Four member levels have been identified in Article X. The Council Body as a collective group will be the driving force of the Council and its direction.

Section 3 - Directors
Directors are individuals responsible for the organization, planning and operations of the Council, allowing the Council Body to serve in the community by implementing objectives consistent with our mission. Four areas have been identified, and specific responsibilities assigned.

Executive Director - Oversees the Directors, liaison to the President of Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A., trained in Mediation and holds ordination as Pagan clergy.

Member Services Director - Responsible for maintaining the function of the Council's Members and related benefits. Responsibilities include: handling membership inquiries; processing member applications; mailing informational packets to new members; maintains accurate membership records; oversees member benefits; member of the Executive Board. 

Community Affairs Director - Responsible for helping to coordinate outreach to local and pagan communities. Responsibilities include: liaison to: the pagan community, groups and businesses, outreach to public agencies (police, fire, city offices); outreach to colleges and universities; member of the Executive Board.

Media Director -Publishing of Newsletter, Media Packet and Brochure, Designs NEC information flyers as well as informational packets for media, notification to media of NEC Events; member of the Executive Board. Financial Director -Maintains all financial records and prepares Statement of Accounts to membership; member of the Executive Board.

Section 4 - Coordinators

Community Outreach Coordinator (Ordained Minister)
Performs Rites of Passage, visits those who are hospitalized, liaison with area hospital Chaplains; liaison to area pagan organizations. 

Communications Coordinator - Assists Executive Director, Media and Community Affairs Directors with publishing/ distributing newsletter, media packets, brochures, flyers and press releases. 

Education Coordinator - Coordinates writing of rituals, lectures, classes and workshops - notification to the public, copying of rituals. Events Planning/Organization Coordinator - Maintains NEC Calendar of Events, NEC timelines, Assists Community Affairs Director. Volunteer Coordinator - Organizes and implements volunteer activities, notification to members of volunteer activities in conjunction with Events Coordinator.

Section 5 - Support Staff

Recording Secretary - Records, prints and distributes General Meeting Minutes, agendas and annual report.

Website Updates - Maintains general event updates on NEC web site, NEC yahoo mail maintenance.

Consultant - Performs web site maintenance, on call as needed for expertise/knowledge; available to directors.

Section 6 - Executive Board
The Executive Board shall consist of no less than three (3) members at any given time. Executive Board members must currently be in “good standing” in the Pagan community and a member of Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. in “good standing” as defined in Article VIII and IX for two (2) consecutive years. This board shall act in the capacity of mediation, breaking tie votes, revising NEC Bylaw amendments, organizational structure and creating committees as needed and/or as required by the general membership. The terms of Executive Board members may not be more than two (2) years with no restriction on number of terms as voted by the membership in a general election. A general membership election will be held and voting commenced at the end of a Director’s term to fill Executive Board vacancies. One (1) Executive Board member must be an original founder of the organization and/or the author of the original Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. Bylaws only for the first five (5) years starting from the date Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. began accepting memberships into the organization (August 2002 – August 2007).

Section 7 - Resignations, Terminations and Absences
Resignation from the Council must be made in writing and received by the Executive Director. A Council member may be dropped for excess absences from mandatory meetings for more than three (3) unexcused absences from Council meetings in one (1) year (one year is defined as November 1st to October 31st). A Council member may be removed for good cause (reasons reviewed by the Executive Board, Directors and Council Members) by a three-fourths vote of the Council Body. Executive Board vacancies and Director vacancies occurring prior to the end of office shall be filled by appointment by the Executive Board with a three-fourths vote within a reasonable period of time. Coordinator vacancies occurring prior to the end of the person's term of office shall be filled by appointment by Council members with a three-fourths vote. Dues are not refundable.

ARTICLE XI - COMMITTEES
Committees shall be comprised of members who wish to serve Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. in a specific area. Committees may be created as needed by Directors with the approval of the Executive Board. Committees shall be comprised of not more than 15 members in good standing with Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A.

Section 1 - Committee Members
NEC committee members shall be appointed by Directors. Those wishing to be on a specific committee shall inform the Director of that committee in writing.

Section 2 - Coordinators
Committee members shall vote on the Coordinator for their specific committee. A quorum vote of three-fourths of those on the committee will be the determining factor.

Section 3 - Absence
In the absence of attending members, the Coordinator of each committee is invested with the authority of the committee to make the required decision and submit the finished work to the Directors for all work set before the committee at a regularly scheduled and announced meeting of the committee.

ARTICLE XII - AD HOC COMMITTEES (Convened as Needed)

Section 1 - The Arbitration
Committee shall consist of three persons only: the Executive Director, Member Services Director, and a Council Body member not involved in the dispute in question. The Council Body Member shall be chosen by the Council Body. The ad hoc committee shall resolve any problem within a reasonable period of time.

1. If a Council member cannot be found, the Executive Board, as a last resort after a thorough polling of qualified Council members, may bring in an outside impartial arbitrator who has agreed to serve and to be bound by all applicable restrictions and/or privileges of a regular member. This will be accomplished with the clear understanding that such rights do not extend beyond the Arbitration Committee and do not apply beyond the matter of business set before the current Arbitration Committee. 
   

2. The Arbitration Committee may be created or disbanded as needed by a referral from the Executive Director or at the request of one or more parties of a dispute, in writing addressed to the Chair of the Arbitration Committee.
   

3. The Arbitration Committee shall be bound to uphold Robert's Rules of Order and of due process as established in the legal courts of law to the best of the Committee's ability to maintain such understandings within reasonable applications.
   

4. The results of the Arbitration Committee are confidential and considered binding on all parties. All parties shall sign any documents bearing a final agreement of said parties negotiations.

ARTICLE XIII - FINANCES
The Fiscal Year shall be from November 1st to October 31st of each year. Accounts for the conducting of the general business of the organization shall be established by the Financial Director as well as other fiduciary accounts as may be needed for the purposes of the organization as stated by the Bylaws. The books and accounts of the organization shall be kept in conformance with "GAAP" Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Section 1 - Reports
The Financial Director shall prepare a monthly statement and annual report of finances for the General Membership. All bank statements shall be mailed to the Executive Director.

Section 2 - Uses of the Treasury
The treasury of Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. shall be used to fund the business operations of Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A.

1. Reimbursement for Expenses - Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. reimburses routine postage and photocopying of Council and Committee members conducting Council business. The Financial Director must approve all expenditures prior to the purchase. Receipts for expenditures will be submitted to the Financial Director within 5 days of purchase along with a "Reimbursement Request" form completed by the individual requesting reimbursement. A "Check Authority" form will be completed by the Financial Director upon receiving the request for reimbursement. The receipt and "Reimbursement Request" will be attached to the "Check Authority" these documents will be presented to the Executive Director who will cut a check to the person requesting reimbursement for the expense. The Financial Director shall maintain all Check Authority Forms on file in chronological order.
   

2. The treasury shall not be used to reimburse Council Body members for supplies used during open Sabbats.

Section 3 - Donations
Donations collected at Sabbat celebrations may be retained by the individual(s) sponsoring the Sabbat for expenses incurred up to $10.00. An accounting of monies collected will be made by either the Financial Director or the Executive Director. A receipt indicating said monies were donated from those attending the open Sabbat will be written by the Financial Director. Any money over $10.00 collected at open Sabbats shall be deposited into the NEC of W.I.C.C.A. checking account. Monetary donations will be given to the Financial Director who will write a receipt for the money and deposit money into the Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. checking account not more than one week after receipt.

Section 4 - Collecting of Funds and Deposits
Monies may be generated for the treasury through donations, lectures, classes, etc. All monies received will be given to the Financial Director who in turn will write a receipt to the individual. The receipt will note specifically what it was collected for. The Director will deposit all monies collected into the Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. checking account in a timely manner (not more than one week after collection).

Section 5 - Monetary Support of Events
The Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. financially supports various area Pagan events, festivals, etc. All expenditures of this kind shall receive prior approval from the Council Body at a three-fourths vote. If a quorum cannot be reached, the Executive Board and Coordinators will conduct a vote at which a three-fourths majority will determined approval/disapproval of the expenditure.

ARTICLE XIV - GENERAL MEETING
The annual business meeting ("General Membership Meeting") of the organization shall be held once a year no later than the second week in November. All members shall attend this meeting. An agenda will be prepared and proper notification given (at least one month's notification) via the web site, newsletter and/or e-group. Minutes will be taken at this meeting and made available to all members via e-group and/or web site. This meeting is mandatory for all Executive Board Members, Directors and Coordinators.

Section 1 - Executive Board Meetings
Executive Board Meetings shall be conducted once a month or as the need arises. Anyone expected to attend an Executive Board Meeting shall be given no less than one week's notice. If a member who is asked to attend a meeting is unable to do so, written notice shall be given in advance of the meeting date.

Section 2 - Committee Meetings
Coordinators shall conduct meetings quarterly or as the need arises. If a Coordinator is unable to attend s/he shall appoint someone from the committee to act on behalf of the Coordinator. Minutes of the meeting shall be prepared and presented not more than one week after the meeting to the Executive Director.

ARTICLE XV - GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goals and Objectives shall be published annually via the NEC yahoo e-group to all members. The Council Body will revise and update Northeast Council’s Goals and Objectives annually based upon reports from the Directors at the General Membership meeting.

ARTICLE XVI - AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
These Bylaws may be amended when necessary by a three-fourths majority of the voting membership in attendance at the Annual Membership meeting held every November. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Executive Director and presented at the October General Membership Meeting to be voted on at the November meeting. The Executive Board will count the votes and announce the results at this meeting.

ARTICLE XVII - GOVERNANCE
Membership is dependent upon payment of yearly dues. Proselytizing, soliciting and/or recruiting the NEC member base is prohibited. Use of the organization’s e-group, e-list, NEC meeting places, NEC events, ritual gatherings, or membership information in order to proselytize, solicit and/or recruit shall be cause for immediate revocation of membership which includes activities such as soliciting members of NEC for other groups or covens.

Section 1 - Voting
In order to vote a Council Body member must be in good standing with the organization and be in attendance at the meeting. An absentee ballot may be submitted to the Member Services Director no later than the day of the meeting.

Section 2 - Electors
At a general meeting of the Council Body, an elector is a member in good standing, attending in person or by absentee ballot. At an extra-ordinary meeting of the organization, an elector is a member who meets voting criteria established by NEC in these Bylaws, to vote at the previous general meeting.

END OF BYLAWS
© Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A.   •   REV 01/15/2006