817 SW Adams, Peoria, IL 61602
PREAMBLE For the purpose of this organization, "Natural Earth Religions, Pagan/Wiccan" shall be defined as referring to any positive, life affirming and earth-based religion, ethic or philosophy, whether practiced solitary or in a group, consistent with the ideals and behaviors generally accepted to be stated in the Principles of Natural Earth Belief, the Earth Religion Anti-Abuse Resolution of 1988 (Appended) and other such declarations of principle or an adherent to such a religion ethic or philosophy.
ARTICLE I - NAME OF ORGANIZATION The name of the organization shall be "Temple Of The Phoenix". We are duly recognized "doing business as" the "Temple Of The Phoenix" in the City of Peoria, State of Illinois, in the United States Of America.
ARTICLE II - ADDRESS The address of the organization is 817 SW Adams, Suite A, Peoria, Illinois 61602.
ARTICLE III - OFFICIAL EMBLEM The official emblem used for the Temple Of The Phoenix be a Ankh with a Pentagram overlaid with a phoenix intertwined with the dual snakes of healing. (Copy attached)
ARTICLE IV - MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Temple Of The Phoenix, is to collectively weave a stronger web, among the Natural Earth Religion community and between these cultures and others who journey a different path. The Temple of the Phoenix is a not-for-profit organization spearheaded by a group of citizens to help bring understanding and acceptance to all Natural Earth Religions in the area. With a total "open-door" policy we will be offering those of different religions and paths a non-judgmental and safe place to meet in a welcoming environment. A place where everyone can come together to network, grow in spirituality, learn, and make friends.
ARTICLE V - HISTORY The Temple Of The Phoenix was founded in Illinois in 1993 by Rev. Kaye Berry who recognized the importance of creating a unified Native American/Pagan//Natural Earth Religion community and fostering an awareness of our ways through education, information, resources and positive visibility.
ARTICLE VI - WHO WE ARE We are a collective group of all Natural Earth Religions: Wiccans, Native American, Pagans and another 200 traditions all under the Natural Earth Religion umbrella acting as a networking group in the Central Illinois Area, 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 Native american/Pagan/Natural Earth Religion community. The time, talent, services and donations of our members and contributing sponsors provide all the Temple Of The Phoenix sponsored events and activities.
ARTICLE VII - PURPOSE AND FUNCTION . provides information on our web site and we: promote involvement in the Pagan/Wiccan/Natural Earth Religion community by actively supporting all Natural Earth Religion activities, and the traditions thereof. assist individuals who are relocating to a new area and those new to Pagan/Wiccan/Natural Earth Religion establish a connection with others of like-minds provide a listing of natural earth religions -friendly professionals on our web site publish a monthly newsletter educate the general public about our religious belief systems and to help bring about religious tolerance, to promote religious tolerance, harmony and respect through community service, education, lectures, classes and providing open celebrations, and a weekly TV. program present a positive public image provide clergy services. Assist all members with food pantry services, when available scholarships, funding for utility services. To be an active member in the Central Illinois Chapter of The Interfaith Alliance
ARTICLE VIII - BELIEFS, PRINCIPLES AND ETHICS Members of the Temple Of The Phoenix 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.
We, the undersigned, as adherents of Native American/Pagan/Natural Earth Religion, 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 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 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 the Temple Of The Phoenix. Sub-section: No Member shall intimidate another, nor exchange personal information, ie: phone #?s, address?s, No Member shall ask another members for such information, nor shall a member give out personal information, under any circumstances. This includes and is not limited to guests of any events we sponsor. We wish to create an intimidation free environment. Section 2 - Teachers It is our belief that those who teach about any religious belief system teach only what they know. Teachers will have to receive formal training (4 years) themselves and have successfully completed the required pre-requisites before teaching others (apprentice programs available). The Temple Of The Phoenix course taught by a member in good standing in the Native American/Pagan/Natural Earth Religion community and has verified training and successful completion of the necessary pre-requisites.
ARTICLE IX - MEMBERSHIP Those seeking membership in the Temple Of The Phoenix 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 may be of any age . Memberships are renewable on an annual basis. Members (individuals and groups) are expected to volunteer 2 hours per month/per person at the Temple of the Phoenix.
Section 1 - Levels of Membership
Individual Membership -These memberships shall be general and entitled to one vote per membership at a 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, discounts to some of the Temple Of The Phoenix sponsored events, classes and lectures. These memberships shall be general and entitled to one vote per membership at the Temple Of The Phoenix 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: $30.00 Tiers of Individual Membership
Group/Coven Membership - Membership shall be for local groups/covens of three or more people that meet regularly on a face to face basis to conduct religious gatherings/ceremonies. The members wish to foster both unity among the Native American/Pagan/Natural Earth Religion community and promote awareness to the communities in which we live, by assisting with educational and community-based functions. 3 hours per month usage of the temple for personal gatherings. 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 the Temple Of The Phoenix mailed to an address provided, a membership packet, invites the Temple Of The Phoenix sponsored events, classes and lectures. Annual Dues: $10.00 per person
Family Membership ? Membership shall be for families (maximum 2 people). Family shall consist of at least one adult person and one child under 13 years old. These memberships shall be general and entitled to one vote per membership at the Temple Of The Phoenix 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, discounts to some of the Temple Of The Phoenix sponsored events, classes and lectures . Annual Dues: $40.00 per family
Adults, 2: 2 adults living in the same household. These memberships shall be general and entitled to one vote per person at a 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, discounts to some of the Temple Of The Phoenix sponsored events, classes and lectures. These memberships shall be general and entitled to one vote per membership at the Temple Of The Phoenix General Membership meeting. They are individuals who choose to participate principally as the volunteer manpower needed to support Council objectives reflective of our mission.?
Business Membership - Membership will be for business proprietors who wish to support and further the work of the Temple Of The Phoenix. 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 monthly newsletter 2?x1? and mention on our web site (with their permission). Annual Dues: $35.00
Section 2 ? Members Rights and Responsibilities All supporting members of the Temple Of The Phoenix. are expected to fully support the Temple Of The Phoenix 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 the Temple Of The Phoenix. 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 the 1st of the month thru the 15th shall begin at the first of that month. Memberships that are received after the 15th shall start on the first of the next month. . Renewal of Membership - Member Services Director will be actively seeking renewals from members, 6 weeks before the membership expires. . Letter will be sent out to current members , a post-card reminder for 1st 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 the Temple Of The Phoenix 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 semi-annual dues shall be reviewed yearly by its members. Sub-section: Sponsors to the Temple Of The Phoenix, Gold Phoenix: $80/month, Silver Falcon: $55/month, Bronze Fire: $30/month
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 Native American/PaganNatural Earth Religion 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 chapters.? A ?member in good standing? shall be defined as one who upholds the Temple Of The Phoenix Bylaws as defined in Articles VII and VIII. Only those persons who have been a supporting/sponsor member of the Temple Of The Phoenix 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, Rev. Kaye Berry , It is the consensus of the present members of the Temple Of The Phoenix 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. Thereafter the term of President shall be a 2 year position. The Executive Director reports directly to the President. The President shall be waived of all dues into the Temple Of The Phoenix. The President has the final word in all actions of the Board of Directors. Can either accept or reject any/all Board actions/decisions. Section 2 - Council Body The Council Body will consist of all active members in good standing within the organization. Three 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. Three areas have been identified, and specific responsibilities assigned. Executive Director - Oversees the Directors, liaison to the President of the Temple Of The Phoenix, 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/Wiccan/Natural Earth Religion 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 the Temple Of The Phoenix information flyers as well as informational packets for media, notification to media of the Temple Of The Phoenix 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)(President) Performs Rites of Passage, visits those who are hospitalized, liaison with area hospital Chaplains; liaison to area pagan/wiccan organizations. Visits incarcerated inmates upon demand. 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 the Temple Of The Phoenix Calendar of Events, the Temple Of The Phoenix 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. Process?s any/all other papers from the board. Pay shall be $10.00 per hour, max of 20 hours a week. Website Updates - Maintains general event updates on the Temple Of The Phoenix web site, the Temple Of The Phoenix yahoo mail maintenance. School of Wicca Peoria web pages. 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/Wiccan/Natural Earth Religion community and a member of the Temple Of The Phoenix 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 the Temple Of The Phoenix 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 four (4) years per position. 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. 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 President and 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 the Temple Of The Phoenix in a specific area. Committees may be created as needed by Directors with the approval of the Executive Board. A Committee shall be comprised of not more than 3 members in good standing with the Temple Of The Phoenix. Section 1 - Committee Members The Temple Of The Phoenix 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 at least three persons : the President, the Executive Director, Member Services Director, and at least one Council Body member not involved in the dispute in question. The Council Body Member shall be chosen by the Board. The ad hoc committee shall resolve any problem within a reasonable period of time. 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. 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. 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. 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 June 1st to May 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 the Temple Of The Phoenix shall be used to fund the business operations of the Temple Of The Phoenix Reimbursement for Expenses - the Temple Of The Phoenix 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. The treasury shall not be used to reimburse Council Body members for supplies used during open Sabbats. Section 3 - Donations Donations collected at all celebrations shall be turned over to the financial Director within 24 hrs, by the individual(s) sponsoring the event . 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 Sabbats will be written by the Financial Director. All money collected at open Sabbats shall be deposited into the Temple Of The Phoenix checking account. Monetary donations will be given to the Financial Director who will write a receipt for the money and deposit money into the Temple Of The Phoenix checking account not more than 24 hours 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 Temple Of The Phoenix checking account in a timely manner (not more than 2 days after collection). Section 5 - Monetary Support of Events The Temple Of The Phoenix financially supports various area Pagan/Wiccan/Natural Earth Religion 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 fourth week in October. 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 on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 5pm, 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 monthly 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 Temple Of The Phoenix yahoo e-group to all members. The Council Body will revise and update the Temple Of The Phoenix 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 semi-annual dues. Proselytizing, soliciting and/or recruiting the Temple Of The Phoenix member base is prohibited. Use of the organization?s e-group, e-list, the Temple Of The Phoenix meeting places, the Temple Of The Phoenix 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 the Temple Of The Phoenix 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. Section 2 - Electors At a general meeting of the Council Body, an elector is a member in good standing, attending in person. At an extra-ordinary meeting of the organization, an elector is a member who meets voting criteria established by the Temple Of The Phoenix in these Bylaws, to vote at the previous general meeting.