House Of Akasha Bylaws

Bylaws

By-Laws
Application for membership.
Article I
Section1

I.        Application Process
    A.        A written application for membership shall be placed with the Chancellor or the secretary of the council.
    B.        An applicant must have attended at least 6 House of Akasha functions in 6 months. Shall Include, but not limited to:
            1.        A minimum of six (6) Open rituals
            2.        Classes held by House of Akasha
            3.        Council meetings

C. Applications must include the applicant’s full legal name. No information will be shared with anyone outside of the

council. Applicant can specify the name he / she want to be known by on the application form.

D. Applicants must accept the constitution, by-laws, and basic statement of faith and spiritual principles of the House of Akasha.

E. If a member in good standing takes a sabbatical from House of Akasha membership for less than a year they may be

reinstated upon payment of dues.

F. If a person has been in non-member status for a year and a day or more they must reapply for membership.

II. Reception of new members.

A. New members of the House of Akasha shall be welcomed at the next service and shall make public statement of their

acceptance of the principles of the House of Akasha as a guide to live by.

B. Dedication may be done after membership status has been active for a year and a day.

III. Class of Membership

A. Officers and members of council of the House of Akasha or any congregation of the House of Akasha will be known as House

of Akasha Elders.

B. Elders of the church are charged with the overall business management of the House of Akasha under the leadership of the

Chancellor.

C. The spiritual and educational needs of the membership are attending by the Clergy known as Priest or Priestess who are

ordained in accord with the provisions of these by-laws.

D. From among the Clergy, the council will appoint one Priest and one Priestess to serve the congregation at the discretion of

the council in the position of High Priest and High Priestess.

E. Together the High Priestess and High Priest are known as the senior clergy, each equally responsible for the spiritual and

educational needs of the

congregation and community.

F. All members in good standing may be voted into any office of the House of Akasha in accord with the provisions of these by-

laws.

IV.        Membership Dues
    A.        Dues are $10.00 per month
            1.        Dues can be paid in advance at the annual rate of $100.00
            2.        Dues shall be paid monthly by the end of each month.

SECTION 2

I.        Children of Members

A. Children of the members of the House of Akasha and its constituency shall be nurtured under its spiritual care when so

desired by the child.

B. At the age of 16 children may apply for membership with the sponsorship of a guardian or parent

C. Applicants 18 or over may apply without sponsorship.

SECTION 3

I. Responsibility of Membership

A. All members accept responsibility for their own actions

               1.        Shall not be disruptive
            2.        Shall not be abusive either emotionally or physically
     B.        Members respect the faith of all people and the right of all to choose a path which is correct for them

1. Members shall be free to follow whatever path they choose outside of the House of Akasha provided such

pursuit is not injurious to the House of Akasha or its members either by action or association.

        C.        Dues will be paid each month by each member or for the entire year at a reduced rate.
            1.        Failure to pay for 90 days will result in either a lapse or termination of membership.
     D.        Members understand and respect that all House functions are Celtic in Nature
            1.        House of Akasha honors Celtic deities during ritual.
     E.        Members shall dress accordingly
            1.        NO SKYCLAD
            2.        Formal Rituals: Samhain Imbolg, Ostara and Mabon

a. Assigned formal Ritual wear of a tabbard and robe must be worn by all assisting in the main roles of circle. i.e. all

those who will call quarters, cast circle, aspurger, smudger and HP & HPS. These items will be provided by HOA.

b. All who participate in circle shall be dress appropriately and respectfully.

All Attendees – Robe or Cloak

Men- Breeches and Tunic

Women- Blouse and Skirt or Dress

c. No jeans, shorts, t-shirts or other similar casual wear should be worn during ritual. Participants should ask a

member of the council if they have questions about appropriate attire.

3. Informal Rituals: Yule, Beltaine, Litha and Lughnasadh

a. Assigned formal Ritual wear of a tabbard and robe must be worn by all assisting in the main roles of circle. i.e. all

those who will call quarters, cast circle, aspurger, smudger and HP & HPS. These items will be provided by HOA.

b. All who participate in circle may dress in whatever fashion they choose that is respectable and appropriate. i.e.

can include sarongs, skirts, and tank tops. During the warmer seasons shirts are optional for male attendees. Any attire

for formal rituals is also appropriate. Participants should ask a member of the council if they have questions about

appropriate attire.

c. No jeans, shorts, t-shirts or other similar casual wear should be worn during ritual. Participants should ask a

member of the council if they have questions about appropriate attire.

SECTION 4

I.        DISCIPLINE
    A.        Members who willfully neglect their duties as outlined in Section 3 above shall be admonished by the council.
            1.        If this admonition is not heeded, they shall be dealt with as erring members.

B. Member Conduct

1. Member conduct that brings discredit on the House of Akasha shall be counseled.

a. If he or she does not heed this counsel, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the council.

b. If he or she fails to heed the counsel of the council, the issue may be brought before a congregational business

meeting.

c. Appropriate action shall then be taken with due regard for the welfare of the individual as well as the House of

Akasha.

2. House of Akasha members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner respectful of the feelings and opinions of

their fellow members. We respect each individual’s right to pursue their own path. However, when attending House of Akasha

functions and Rituals, members must refrain from any activity, speech, or mode of dress that may reasonably be deemed

offensive or inappropriate by their fellow attendees. This is especially true of those situations where children are present.

II. Grounds for Suspension or Expulsion

A. The Council, by a 2/3 vote, shall investigate a member’s conduct when there is evidence that s/he:

1. Has confessed or been found guilty of committing an unlawful act with victim(s)

2. Has engaged in disruptive or abusive conduct which works directly against the aims, activities or welfare of the House of

Akasha and its members.

B. Disruptive or abusive conduct includes, but is not limited to:

1. Falsehoods uttered against the House of Akasha and its leadership, either verbally or in written form.

2. Bigotry in any form

3. Active efforts to persuade members to resign or discourage non-members from joining.

4. Physical and/or emotional abuse

C. Disruptive or abusive behavior does not include:

1. Temperate expression of disagreement including public, private, written or verbal criticism of the House of Akasha or its

leadership.

2. Vigorous debates over matters of Scholarship, art, spirituality or politics.

3. Circulation of petitions to House of Akasha members

III. Notice for Suspension, expulsion or resigning members

A. The House of Akasha Council shall call, send written notice by registered mail to the member’s last known address, and/or

1. The notice shall inform the member of the investigation, the accusations, the accusers and any evidence.

2. The member shall have 15 days to respond to his/her defense by coming before the council.

3. Failure to respond shall constitute acceptance of the Councils decisions regarding the investigation.

IV. Actions Against Erring Member

A. After considering the evidence and the member’s response, the Council by a two-thirds vote shall:

1. Suspend or expel the member

a. Suspended, expelled or resigned members may not hold office or act in any way as a House of Akasha

representative.

b. Expelled or resigned members may not participate in any House of Akasha study programs.

2. Ban a suspended or expelled member from:

a. Attending and House of Akasha activities including public worship or functions.

b. From rejoining House of Akasha

B. The council may, at their discretion, solicit input on the subject of an erring member from other members.

IV. Non-active members.

A. The House of Akasha council shall have the responsibility of contacting non-active members prior to each annual meeting to

determine their intention with regard to membership.

B. Elders and Board members are required to attend 70% of all meetings and rituals.

C. Regular members need to be present at 50% of rituals and 70% of functions to be considered for eligibility of Elder or Board

Member.

D. Members must attend 50% of all HOA functions annually, of which 4 must be rituals.

Section 5.

I. Removal of membership.

A. Request for withdrawal from membership in the House of Akasha shall be made in writing to the chancellor or the council.

B. All requests for removal from membership of any member will be verified with the member and will be so honored.

C. Membership may also be withdrawn from non-active members who have not had contact with the House of Akasha for a

period greater than fifty one percent of one year, per section 4IVc above.

Section 6.

I. Nonmember friends.

A. The House of Akasha as a part of its total constituency shall enroll nonmember friends.

B. The House of Akasha and its clergy shall serve them in all of their spiritual needs, and they shall be encouraged to consider

this as their home congregation.

C. They shall be kept informed of the activities of the House of Akasha.

ARTICLE II Clergy
Section 1.

I. The clergy of the House of Akasha shall include those members that have studied within the House of Akasha for a period of one
year and one day, or whose experience, within the House of Akasha or as an individual, is deemed by the council to be sufficient, and have
accepted a calling to the clergy

A. On request of any member of the House of Akasha that meets that requirement, the Chancellor or the council may give an

examination.

1. Such examination may be written or oral and may include any such material as the council may from time to time

establish as requisite knowledge of the clergy of the House of Akasha.

2. Any member requesting admission to the clergy that does not meet the requirements of the examination will be

guided and aided by the Chancellor until they are accepted.

a. They shall by virtue of their call be members of the House of Akasha and will be known as Priest or Priestess.

Section 2.

I. Duties.

A. The clergy shall be devoted to the service of the House of Akasha, teaching what they know, administering ceremony, and

faithfully giving themselves to the needs of the House of Akasha.

B. They shall provide the House of Akasha with an accurate record of their ministerial acts and present a written report to the

congregational annual business meeting.

C. They shall practice good administrative procedures and cooperate with the House of Akasha council.

D. They shall be ex officio members of the council and all committees of the House of Akasha.

E. All clergy of the House of Akasha are expected to perform those rites and services normally expected of ministers whenever

asked to do so.

Section 3.

I. Co-operation.
The clergy shall, both in word and precept, work in harmony with the Chancellor, the council, and the membership of the House of Akasha.

Section 4.

I Ordination.

A. The clergy shall be ordained at a regular or special House of Akasha business meeting, the purpose of which shall be announced

two weeks in advance. The clergy shall be nominated and accepted by council.

Section 5.

I. Charges against a Priest or Priestess.

A. Charges against a clergyman shall be submitted in writing to the House of Akasha council, charging a clergyman with indiscretion,

immorality, doctrinal error, unethical behavior, or disloyalty to the House of Akasha.

If in the judgment of the House of Akasha council there is substance to the charges, the council will offer a hearing where the

accused and accuser may state their points.

Once each case is stated, the accused and the accuser and any available witnesses or testimony is heard, the Council will make a

decision regarding what action to take.

The decision of the council will be final.

ARTICLE III Officers

Section 1.

I. Qualifications.

A. Officers of the House of Akasha shall be members in good standing who are active in the support of the total works of the

House of Akasha.

B. They shall serve both as corporate officers of the House of Akasha and of the House of Akasha council.

C. Authority

1. The Council shall have the general management of the business and affairs of the House

2. The Council shall exercise all the powers that may be performed by the House under the statutes, Articles of

Incorporation and Bylaws.

3. The Council is the supreme authority of the House and may overrule the decisions, policies and practices of all groups within

the House of Akasha, including guilds, councils, special interest groups, committees or any other group.

Section 2.

I. Duties.

Chancellor.

1. The Chancellor is the President of the House of Akasha.

2. The Chancellor shall preside at all business meetings of the House of Akasha and of the council.

3. The Chancellor shall take care to confer with the senior clergy in preparing the agenda for such meetings, and to utilize

the counsel that the clergy may give by virtue of training, experience, and calling.

4. The Chancellor shall be responsible for leadership of services.

5. The Chancellor shall have executive control over the House and may perform all duties normally performed by the

President of a non- profit corporation.

6. The Chancellor shall be a member, whether participating actively or not, of all committees organized by the House of

Akasha

7. The Chancellor shall be responsible for articulating the spiritual vision of House of Akasha.

8. The Chancellor shall not be considered impeccable or infallible on any topic.

9. Chancellor shall be voted into office by majority of 2/3 vote of House of Akasha members.

Vice-Chancellor

1. The Vice-Chancellor shall assume the duties of the chancellor in his or her absence.

2. The Vice- Chancellor shall assist the Chancellor in his or her duties.

3. The Vice –Chancellor shall undertake other tasks as assigned by the chair, the council, or the clergy.

4. The Vice- Chancellor shall replace the Chancellor in the event the Chancellor is unable to serve.

5. The Vice- Chancellor shall perform all those duties that would otherwise be performed by a non-profit corporation Vice

President.

6. Vice-Chancellor shall be voted into office by majority of 2/3 vote of House of Akasha members.

Scribe / Secretary

1. The Scribe shall keep and preserve the minutes and voting records of all congregational business meetings of the

House of Akasha and meetings of the council.

2. The Scribe shall conduct and preserve all official correspondence as shall be delegated.

3. The Scribe shall also be responsible for the documents of House of Akasha as well as the records of membership.

4. The Scribe shall periodically and upon request, distribute summaries of these records to the members through various

media.

5. The Scribe may perform all those duties that would otherwise be performed by a non-profit corporation Secretary.

6. The Scribe shall be appointed by the Council of the House of Akasha.

Purse Warden / Treasurer

1. The Purse Warden shall be responsible for all funds committed to him or her and shall make disbursements as

authorized by the House of Akasha or the council.

2. The Purse Warden shall also present a written report of the receipts and expenditures to each regular meeting of the

council and to each congregational business meeting.

3. The Purse Warden shall be responsible for keeping the Corporation’s financial records according to the generally

accepted accounting principles for non-profit corporations.

4. The Purse Warden shall propose budgets to the Council.

5. The Purse Warden may perform all those duties that would otherwise be performed by a non-profit corporation

Treasurer.

6. The Purse Warden shall be appointed by the Council of the House of Akasha

Member’s Advocate(MA)

1. The MA shall represent the individual members of the House of Akasha at large, with special attention given to the

needs of minority factions not otherwise represented.

2. The MA shall serve as an Ambassador.

3. The MA shall have no vote on the Council.

4. The MA may propose motions to the Council for approval.

5. The MA shall be entitled to participate in any House of Akasha subgroup meeting.

6. The MA will be voted into office by all non-council members of the House of Akasha at the annual meeting (Samhain).

Section 3.

I. Election and tenure.

A. The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Scribe, and Purse Warden shall be elected at an annual congregational business meeting

for terms of three years. They shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.

Section 4.

I. Vacancies.

A. Such vacancies as occur among the House of Akasha officers may be filled by appointment of the chancellor, with the

concurrence of the council.

B. The appointee will serve until the next annual congregational business meeting; if an un-expired term continues beyond the

date of that meeting, the position will be filled by election as under Section 3 above.

C. Such appointive service will not disqualify a person from serving two full terms under the terms of Section 3.

Section 5.

I. Discipline.

A. Should an officer neglect his or her duties or become a hindrance to the works of the House of Akasha, that officer shall be

admonished by the council and/or the chancellor in a manner consistent with Article I, Section 4 of these bylaws.

B. Should such admonition not be heeded, a vote of two-thirds of the council, with the concurrence of the senior clergy, will be

sufficient to remove that person from office, the vacancy to be filled as under Section 4 above.

ARTICLE IV
Church Council
Section 1.

I. Qualifications

A. Members of the council shall be members in good standing who are active in the total works of the House of Akasha.

B. A member must have been present at 70% of functions to be considered for a position on the Board.

1. Rituals

2. Council Meetings

3. Any other function the House of Akasha may put on.

Section 2.

I. Size, composition, election, and tenure.

A. The council shall consist of up to thirteen (13) members, not including the clergy, who are ex-officio members.

B. Those members shall include the House of Akasha officers, elected in accordance with Article III, Section 3 of these bylaws,

and other members, elected as the chairs of administrative committees as defined elsewhere in these bylaws.

C. Members shall serve for terms of three years in such a manner that the terms of approximately one-third of the members shall

expire each year. They shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.

Section 3.

I. Duties.

A. The council in its administrative responsibility in co-operation with the clergy shall fulfill the functions defined by the

constitution and

bylaws, including the following:

B. Supervise House of Akasha membership, in conjunction with the senior clergy.

C. Assist the clergy in nurturing the spiritual life of the House of Akasha, in cooperation with the chair of the council.

D. Establish administrative and program policies in conformity with the spirit of the House of Akasha constitution.

E. Evaluate the total House of Akasha program on a continuing basis.

F. Recommend the annual budget, as proposed by the executive committee, and review stewardship opportunities for the House

Akasha.

G. Review and approve the schedule of the House of Akasha activities and personnel.

H. Appoint administrative committees and House of Akasha workers as defined by the bylaws and as the council may deem

appropriate.

II. Meetings

A. Frequency

1. The Council shall hold quarterly meetings. Meetings may occur every month.

2. The Chancellor may call a special meeting with one day notice to each Council member.

B. Meetings may be held:

1. In person at the choosing of the Council

2. By telephone when unable to meet in person.

3. Through the mail when unable to meet in person.

4. Through Electronic media such as e-mail, website, Internet Chat, etc. when unable to meet in person.

C. Privacy

1. Electronic meetings will be closed to all non-council persons unless specific members involved in an agenda topic are

invited by the council.

2. Meeting where the majority of the Council are physically present shall be open to all members interested in attending.

a. Such meeting may have closed portions if matters of extreme delicacy or personal privacy may be involved.

b. House of Akasha spiritual retreats may be closed to the non-council members.

D. Agenda

1. The Chancellor shall determine the agenda for each meeting.

2. The Secretary shall communicate meeting agendas to the membership.

3. Any member may request a position on the agenda of a House of Akasha Council meeting.

a. Arrangements for this shall be made in advance by the MA.

E. Voting

1. Two- Thirds of the Council, less any directors who have been suspended or who are incapable of communicating a

vote by proxy, shall constitute as a quorum.

2. Council members shall have one vote each.

3. Votes shall be determined by simple majority.

Section 4.

II.        Administrative committees.
Implementation of policies and programs established by congregational or council action may be accomplished through the following
administrative committees, each of whose chairs shall be a member of the council as established under Section 2 above:
a.         Finance Committee
b.        Community Service / Outreach Committee.
The council member who serves as chair of a committee assumes responsibility for directing all congregational activities that fall within
that functional category, in cooperation with the clergy.

ARTICLE V Committees
Section 1.
I.        Executive committee.
A.        The executive committee, consisting of the House of Akasha chancellor, the vice chancellor, the secretary, and the treasurer,
together
with the senior clergy, shall strive to promote effective working relations and communication in the House of Akasha.
B.        The committee shall have no legislative power, but shall function in an advisory capacity to the council, unless the council or the
House of Akasha shall have assigned specific responsibilities to it.
C.        Additional responsibilities include:
1.         Annually formulate, update, and/or revise a five-year plan for the House of Akasha, presenting a report and plan to the
congregation for its review and approval at the annual meeting or at a special meeting that has been called for the purpose.
2.         After such approval has been obtained, annually prepare an implementation strategy for the then-current five-year plan, delivering
it to the semi-annual meeting of the church for its review and concurrence.
3.        Provide advice and support to the council and to the other committees of the House of Akasha, which shall have the responsibility
for implementation; and incorporate into each subsequent review of the five-year plan such changes as have been deemed necessary or
undertaken by those other committees.

Section 2.
I.        Nominating committee.
A.        The nominating committee shall consist of not less than three (3) members, including at least one member of the House of Akasha
council and one non-member of the council.
B.        These members shall be elected at a business meeting at least three (3) months prior to
the annual meeting. The senior clergy shall be ex-officio members of the committee.
C.        After being convened by the House of Akasha
chancellor, committee members shall elect their own chair and secretary.
D.        The responsibility of the committee shall include the following:
1.         Prepare a ballot for the annual meeting of the congregation listing at least one qualified candidate for each office to be filled
2.         Confirm the willingness of each candidate to serve before listing his or her name on the ballot.
3.        Present a complete ballot to the annual meeting of the congregation. This shall constitute completion of the committee assignment;
specific responsibilities are given at said annual meeting.
Section 3.
I.         Special committees and task forces.
A.        Special committees or task forces for specific purposes may be appointed by any duly constituted business meeting of the
congregation or by the council according to need, but shall be automatically terminated at the next annual meeting unless specifically
extended by said annual meeting.
ARTICLE VI Meetings
Section 1.
I.        Public services.
Public services shall be conducted regularly when deemed appropriate.

Section 2.
I.        Celebrating the Sabbats and Esbats
A.        The congregation of the House of Akasha will come together as a whole on each of the Sabbats for the purpose of celebrating the
day.
B.        The residing clergy is charged with planning the location, activities and liturgy of the celebration.
C.        The celebration of Esbats will also be determined by the clergy and will occur approximately once a month.
Section 3.
I.        Congregational business meetings.
A.        Congregational business meetings shall be held regularly and not less than semiannually, as specified in Article VIII of the
constitution.
B.        The chancellor of the House of Akasha in consultation may call special business meetings with the senior clergy or by the council.
Section 4.
I.        House of Akasha council and administrative meetings.
A.        Regular meetings of the council shall be held not less than monthly.
B.        Administrative committees, special committees, and task forces shall meet not less than at a frequency specified by the council.
C.        Their respective chairs may call special meetings of the council, the executive committee, the administrative committees, and the
task forces.
Section 5.
I.        Organizational meetings.
A.        Meetings and activities of the organizations of the House of Akasha shall be planned and conducted regularly under the direction
and supervision of the council.
ARTICLE VII General Provisions
Section 1.
I.        Quorum.
A.         Sixty percent of the membership present and voting at a business meeting properly called shall constitute a quorum.
B.         The quorum for the council, committee, and task force meetings shall be a sixty percent majority of their respective memberships.
ARTICLE VIII Amendments
Section 1.
I.        Amendments.
A.        Bylaw amendments may be made at the annual meeting or referendum by a two-thirds vote of the entire voting membership.
B.        Bylaw amendments maybe made by two-thirds vote at any regular council meeting.
Article IX
Section 1
I.        No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, Officers or other private
persons.
A.        The Corporation may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and make payments for goods, etc in accordance with
the constitution.
B.        Members may be reimbursed for expenses made for the benefit of the House of Akasha within reason or when asked to make such
purchases. A donation form should be filled out in the event a member does not wish to be reimbursed.
II.        No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise to influence legislation.
A.        The Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
1.        Intervention includes the publication or distribution of statements.
III.        Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, the House of Akasha Constitution or Bylaws, This Corporation
shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any power that are not in furtherance of the purposes of
this Corporation.
IV.        Upon the dissolution of the House of Akasha, the Council shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all liabilities of
the Corporation, dispose of all its assets of the Corporation exclusively for the purposes of the Corporation in such a manner, or to such
organizations set forth in the Constitution.

Nov 13, 2008 Amended Section 2 C.
Sept. 10, 2009 Changes

Bylaw Document