Membership Structures
The Decision Making Process
Lines of Communication

These pages were updated October 2008

Membership Structures

Just as the ongoing creation of The Druid Network is founded wholly upon Druidic and pagan principles, so have we endeavoured to base its structure upon the same tenets, reaching for the vision of a web of connections, each person's energy, like breath, flowing effortlessly into and expressed through the Network, nourishing the individual and the whole.

The Network claims no hierarchy but for administrative purposes the following categories of membership are defined within the Constitution.

Members

Anyone over the age of eighteen, who agrees with the principles and practice of the Network, may apply for membership for the cost of joining, and can avail themselves of all the benefits available to members.

All members are encouraged to contribute their inspiration, energy, expertise and creativity by getting involved with online and non-web projects.. These members play a vital role in supporting the Network's project coordinators in the various areas the Network is involved in. Whilst not eligible to attend meetings of the Network, these members who contribute further may be invited to do so when their expertise may aid the decision making process. Their deeper involvement within project areas means that they help to steer and direct the Network within those specialised areas. Their collective voice is heard through the coordinator that is responsible for that area.

Coordinators

Those wishing to be even more deeply involved in the Network may apply to become a project coordinator, either to fulfil any vacancy that arises, or to propose a new project. The Trustees may also invite anyone they feel would further the objects of the Network to coordinate an area of the Network's work. It is expected that the diversity of skills and knowledge provided by these coordinating members will provide the incumbent Trustees with a pool from which future Trustees will be garnered.

Coordinators are eligible to attend general meetings and therefore be directly involved in the decision making process of the Network. The Trustees decides all applications for coordinating and editorial roles.

Honorary Members

In recognition of service to the Network, the Trustees may confer Honorary Membership on individuals when it is deemed appropriate. Acting in a consultative role these members, through their experience and expertise, pour their creativity and energy into the collective pool.

Trustees and Officers

These members are individuals who have been chosen and accepted in accordance with the Constitution. Being Trustees of the Network, they are responsible for its management and administration within the framework defined by the Constitution and other governing documents.

In other words, in order to ensure there is cohesion and coherence, and that the tenets and objectives are clearly expressed, these members oversee the work of the Network as a whole.  Like key junctures of the web, with countless threads stretching out in every direction, their roles are to keep the Network rolling upon its unique course, inspirational, viable and productive.

The Constitution requires that there be a minimum of three Trustees. Though they may be coordinators of various Network projects, their role as Trustees requires that they are also focussed upon the broader wellbeing of the organisation.  To see a current list of Network Trustees see the Constitution.

The Trustees can be reached by email.

NOTE : As a further leveller, removing unnecessary distinctions between members, all members - whether they are contributors, coordinators, Trustees or simply subscribers - pay the subscription fee for the Network.

Non Members

Most importantly, although The Druid Network's work is only made possible by its extensive team of coordinators and contributors, our focus is not simply on those who subscribe to the members' database. The vast majority of all we do is for the wider Druid community and those interested in the tradition, regardless of whether or not they decide to join.

 

The Decision Making Process

The decision making process and conduct of meetings is fully defined within the Constitution; for increased accessibility, this is a simplified view of that process.

Once again it must be stressed that the Network has no hierarchy, all positions within the Network are ones of responsibility not authority. All members have their part to play within the Network and all voices will be heard, but it is up to the individual to voice their opinion or share their inspiration and this is openly encouraged.

It is assumed that members subscribe to The Druid Network because they agree with the aims, objectives and tenets that are clearly stated both within the Constitution, on our introductory pages and throughout the website. These provide the framework that guides all the Network’s activities and provides a sound reference when decisions that affect the Network are being made.

Decisions within the Network may be broadly split into three areas:

• Individual Project Areas
• Those affecting the Network in general
• Administrative Decisions

Individual Project Areas

Decisions that affect individual project areas (eg. Environment, Ethical Living, Rites and Rituals) are the responsibility of the coordinator for that area.  Theirs is the vision and energy that direct these areas and they autonomously make decisions that affect their own areas. Although they may approach other members and the Trustees for advice or inspiration, ultimately the responsibility rests with them, with the proviso that they operate within the framework provided by the Constitution.

Obviously, decisions involving allocation of TDN resources are discussed with the treasurer.

Decisions that Affect the Network in General

It is expected that the majority of major decisions will be made at the AGM (annual general meeting), also known as the Annual TDN Gathering. Previous to this meeting members are informed of the date, time and location of the meeting and all coordinators are invited to submit any items they would like placed on the agenda. The Trust (TRUSTEES) will then add any items they wish to discuss and finalise an agenda that is then communicated to the membership. If a coordinator submits an item for the agenda that the Trust (TRUSTEES) considers to be in contravention of the Constitution they may choose to discuss this with that member, prior to the meeting, to establish clarity.

The Druid Network aspires to be neither democratic nor autocratic. Decisions made within the Network are made using the principle of Honourable Relationship; this may be defined as honest, responsible and respectful interaction based on a commitment to good communication. Using this principle in practice involves all members at a meeting having time to state their views on a proposal with those views being heard and considered. In this way it is expected that general consensus and acceptance will emerge rather than holding a vote on every item that can leave a large proportion of those present dissatisfied with the outcome. If agreement cannot be reached within the available time, then postponement of the decision is preferable to an inharmonious ballot. Only in extreme circumstances will a ballot be considered necessary.

All agreed proposals are assessed by the Trustees to ensure their compliance with the Network’s Objects (clearly stated in the Constitution), financial viability and legal compliance. If the Trustees reject a proposal then a clear explanation will be provided. In accordance with the tenets of honourable relationship, the Trustees will not refuse to ratify an accepted proposal without justifiable reason.

The criteria which form the basis of all decisions made by the Trustees can be found in the statement of the Trustees' governing ethos.

It is acknowledged that there is a possibility of an issue arising between AGMs and if it is considered of a serious nature, requiring the input of members, then a Special General Meeting may be called to address this.

Administrative Decisions

The Trustees meet face to face at least once a year and at other times by electronic communication. Decisions made are those that enable the smooth day-to-day operation of the organisation together with ensuring all legal obligations are met. Once again the principle of Honourable Relationship governs the decision making process. An edited version (for the sake of brevity) of Minutes of Trustees Meeting is available to members. Where appropriate, more information can be made available on request.

Working closely together while at the same time honouring our individuality and autonomy, all of us at the Network are creating something vibrant: a robust and sacred working space within which we can explore and develop our own Druidic and spiritual path. Like wooden staffs hewn of different trees along the way, each one of us allows the every other to walk our talk with better strength, integrity, clarity and resolve.

Lines of Communication

Within any organisation there will be times when disagreements arise. In many cases this is due to a breakdown in communication and so here we set out the simple lines of communication that may help to solve these problems at an early stage. Contact details are available on the Contact page of the website.

If a problem arises ...

On the Forums : the first point of contact will be the Forum Guardians who will collectively try to resolve the dispute.

In a Project Area : the coordinator for that particular area is the first point of contact.

With the Administration : if a member feels aggrieved with a decision of the Trustees then they should in the first instance approach those Trustees for clarification before involving the wider membership.

Amongst the Membership : if disagreements between individual members cannot be resolved by honourable discourse then the Trustees may be approached to help resolve the problem.

Trustees : if there is a disagreement with an individual Trustee, then the other Trustees or the Head of The Druid Network may be approached.

In all other cases the Trustees should be approached.

It is hoped that in the fostering of Honourable Relationship between all members that the majority of misunderstandings will be resolved at an early stage.