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| Table of Contents |
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| AREN Mission Statement |
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| To live life in pursuit of knowledge, understanding, balance
and harmony with and of all things, and all life, Spiritual
and material. To educate and assist any being in need and to
personify these ideals to the best of our Divinely Inspired
abilities. |
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| AREN Vision |
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| The Vision of the Alternative Religions Educational Network
(hereafter referred to as AREN) is to promote education on the
Positive Nature Based Religions devoted to deities of either
or no specific gender or attributes. This would include most
Pagans or Neo-Pagans, Wiccans, Druids, and many others. |
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| To develop materials to be used for such purposes, including
education of the general public and government and law enforcement
officials. To sponsor programs devoted to these purposes. |
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| To investigate religious discrimination complaints and, if
found valid, try to help in obtaining aid in solving the problems.
This includes, most of all, education for the alleged discriminatory
persons or agencies and also the forwarding of valid complaints
to other organizations, agencies, and legal advisors for direct
action if this becomes necessary. |
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| Bylaws Of AREN |
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| Our Pathway |
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| The spiritual pathway of AREN follows the 13 principles below,
based on the "Principles Of Wiccan Beliefs, adopted By The Council
Of American Witches April 12,1974." This council was formed
specifically for the purpose of adopting 13 principles that
could be accepted by most all Wiccans. This is not to be construed
that AREN is for Wiccans alone, as AREN embodies all Positive
Nature Based Religions devoted to deities of either or no specific
gender or attributes. This would include most Pagans or Neo-Pagans,
Wiccans, Druids, and many others. |
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| The following principles are modified somewhat
to align with AREN's principles and goals: |
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- We conceive of the Creative Power in the
universe as manifesting through polarity - as
projective and receptive - and that this same
Creative Power lies in all people, and functions
through the interaction of the projective and
receptive attributes within us all. We value
neither gender or attribute above the other,
knowing each to be supportive to the other.
- We recognize both outer and inner worlds,
the outer being our everyday life and the inner
sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the
Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc. -
and we see in the inter-action 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.
- We do not 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.
- We see religion, magic 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 our pathway.
- Calling oneself by any name, neither heredity
itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees
and initiations gives us any power over anything
or anyone. We seek to control the forces within
ourselves that make life possible in order to
live wisely, harming as little as possible and
in harmony with Nature.
- 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.
- We have no animosity toward any religion
or philosophy of life, however do not approve
of the extent that some 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.
- As followers of our own personal pathway
as described above, we are not threatened by
debates on the history of any pathway, the origins
of various terms, or the legitimacy of various
traditions or pathways. We are concerned with
our present and our future.
- We do not accept the concept of absolute
evil, nor are we devoted to any entity known
as "Satan" or "the Devil", as defined by some
religious traditions. We do not seek power through
the suffering of others, nor accept that personal
benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
- We believe that we should seek within Nature
that which is contributory to our health and
well-being.
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| The above principles above will be referred to
within these bylaws as the Basic Belief Structure
of AREN. |
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| Preamble and Purpose |
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| AREN upholds and embraces all parts of The Constitution of
The United States Of America, especially emphasizing those articles
and amendments that pertain to freedom of religion and right
to worship a deity of choice. |
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| AREN acts as an education, information and support center
for any persons who have been subjected to religious discrimination.
AREN offers and encourages others to offer educational services
to any Person, Group or Entity who desire information about
those who follow the Basic Belief Structure of AREN. |
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| To facilitate unity and harmonious relations between all
persons and groups who follow the Basic Belief Structure of
AREN. |
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| To provide information on numerous "Alternative Positive
Nature Based Religions" that adhere to the Basic Belief Structure
of AREN, to all persons, groups, public or private, members
news media, public bodies, state, federal and local governments,
especially where such action shall insure that such described
followers of Alternative Positive Nature Based Religions enjoy
official, non discriminatory moral and legal standing among
other religions and in society at large. |
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| To publish either by print or electronic media newsletters,
magazines, articles, tracts and other materials of a religious
and/or educational nature as shall further these causes. |
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| To charter groups and to aid in the establishment of anti-discrimination,
education, information and support groups as chapters of the
parent organization. |
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| To promote mutual counsel, education information, support
and defense against discrimination among all Alternative Positive
Nature Based Religions who follow the Basic Belief Structure
of AREN. AREN shall undertake no defense of any such person,
persons or groups in which the situation may have resulted from
abuse of any sort or other criminal felonious actions. |
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| To acquire and administer such funds and properties as it
may receive, earn, or be granted by gift, donation, trust, estate,
payment of membership dues or any other legal source by which
such income may be derived. These funds are to be used first
to pay such expenses as are incurred by AREN in the discharge
of its activities as outlined in this Preamble, then to the
payment of any salaries, if such salaries should be authorized
by The Board Of Directors, as may be due. The remaining funds
shall be invested by the Treasurer in a manner that is most
beneficial to AREN and is consistent with generally accepted
accounting practices. Such investment may be but are not limited
to the acquisition of, real properties, savings accounts, certificates
of deposit, stocks, bonds, money market accounts, T-Bills as
long as such title and ownership rests in the name of AREN. |
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| To conduct meetings, maintain records and engage in such
business as is provided for in this Preamble and in the Bylaws. |
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| To exercise all such powers as are granted to all Religions
under the Constitution of The United States, The Bill of Rights
and all Civil Rights Legislation as well as all rights granted
by common usage and custom. |
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| AREN shall maintain membership records which are confidential
and the property of AREN, except where such confidentiality
shall endanger the safety and welfare of any Human Being. |
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| Article I. LOGO |
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| The logo shall consist of a white owl in landing position on a background of an ancient scroll accompanied by the word AREN. |
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| Article II. FISCAL YEAR |
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| The Fiscal year of AREN shall be from January First (1) till
December Thirty First (31) of any given calendar year. |
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| Article III. MEMBERSHIP |
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| Membership in AREN shall be open to, and is primarily for,
all members of Positive Nature Based Religions which adhere
to the Basic Belief Structure of AREN. However, other groups
or individuals may make application for membership based upon
a desire to further the cause of Religious Anti-Discrimination
and education so long as the religious ideology is consistent
with the Basic Belief Structure of AREN. Those who do not fall
within these guidelines may apply for membership but will be
judged on a per case basis. |
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| All applicants for membership shall receive a copy of the
Mission Statement of AREN. Applicants applying through the U.S.
Postal Service are required to provide their signature and date
on the application and agree to the membership agreement. Applicants
applying over electronic media are required to accept the membership
agreement as stated in the electronic application. Failure to
provide AREN with a signed copy, a written signed statement,
or a marked agreement over the electronic application accepting
said membership agreement to the Board Of Directors shall be
grounds for termination or refusal of membership. |
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| Section 1. Classes of Membership |
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| AREN shall have four classes of membership: |
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- Individual
- Family
- Group/Coven
- Honorary
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| Individual: These memberships shall be general
and entitled to one vote per membership, except as provided
for with chapter members, either in terra space or cyberspace.
Such matters in which this voting right is exercised is determined
solely by the Board of Directors. |
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| Family: These memberships shall be for families
of three or more. They shall hold full voting rights, as one
vote per family, either in terra space or cyberspace. Such matters
in which voting rights are exercised is determined solely by
the Board of Directors. |
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| Group/Coven: These memberships shall be
for groups of five or more people who meet regularly on a face
to face basis to conduct either religious ceremonies, education
or anti-discrimination civil rights business. These memberships
shall hold full voting rights, as one vote per group, either
in terra space or cyberspace. Such matters in which this voting
rights are exercised is determined solely by the Board of Directors.
Individuals within these groups may hold individual memberships
however such memberships shall be voted as part of the group
vote not as separate votes. |
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| Honorary: These memberships are reserved
for such persons that provide extraordinary help and assistance
to AREN and or the Positive Nature Based Religion Community
in general. Such memberships are not subject to assessment of
dues or fees and unless actively serving on the Board Of Directors
or other such committee, such memberships shall be non voting. |
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| The rights, other than voting rights, and duties of these
various membership classes shall be detailed in Section 3, Membership
Rights and Responsibilities. |
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| Section 2. Membership Dues |
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| Membership dues shall be determined by the Board of Directors
and any such persons who may be appointed by the Board of Directors
from time to time for advise and council. Said dues shall be
effective when ratified by a simple majority. |
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| Dues shall be published on all World Wide Web Sites maintained
by AREN and on any World Wide Web Site where AREN where membership
is solicited, and shall be designated on the membership application
form. Dues may be adjusted and or waived in their entirety from
time to time by the Board of Directors of AREN for persons or
organizations who provide or have provided services for AREN. |
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| Dues shall be reviewed on an annual basis both as to the
amount and as to such persons or organizations who provide or
have provided services for AREN. There shall be no provision
for refund of dues by AREN to any person or organization, unless
such dues were obtained by fraudulent means or is voted on by
the Board of Directors by a majority vote. Dues shall run from
the date of joining to the same date the following year. |
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| Membership is conditional upon receipt of a completed membership
application and applicable dues and such application is subject
to verification by The Board Of Directors or such persons as
they may designate to form a Membership Committee. |
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| Section 3. Members Rights
and Responsibilities |
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| All members, officers and representatives of AREN are expected
to fully support AREN and fully participate in all such programs
as fall within the normal scope of their membership classifications.
Members are also expected to adhere to a code of ethics that
espouses the Basic Belief Structure of AREN. AREN expects its
members shall represent these ideals in their daily lives and
in all interactions. Any member or group of members found to
be in violation of this shall be subject to revocation of membership
immediately. |
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| Members are those individuals who support the Mission Statement
of AREN and wish to stand up and be counted as members of AREN
and proud of it. Members may be asked, from time to time, to
distribute flyers, post notices, and lend aid in common AREN
goals. |
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| Members may not maintain a AREN Bank Account, charge or access
dues, fees or levies on members. Any funds received from members
must be forwarded to the AREN Treasurer who will issue a receipt
for such funds both to the Members and to the remitter. |
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| Section 4: Board of Directors
and Executive Staff |
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| Directors |
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| The Directors shall be responsible for the general management
and supervision of the business and affairs of AREN
except with respect to those powers reserved to the members
by law, the articles of organization or these bylaws. The Board
of Directors may from time to time, to the extent permitted
by law, delegate any of its powers to committees, subject to
such limitations as the Board of Directors may impose. |
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| President |
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| The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of AREN and as such shall have charge of the affairs of
AREN subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors
and shall preside at all meetings at which he or she is present.
The President shall also have such other powers and duties as
customarily belong to the office of President of an organization
or as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. |
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| Vice President |
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| The Vice President shall be the Assistant Chief Executive
Officer of AREN and as such shall have charge of
the affairs of AREN subject to the supervision of
the Board of Directors and shall preside at all meetings at
which he or she is present if the President is absent. The Vice
President shall also have such other powers and duties as customarily
belong to the office of Vice President of an organization or
as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. |
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| In the event the National President becomes unable to serve
in full capacity, whether temporarily or permanently, the Vice
President will take on such duties of the President as outlined
by the bylaws. The Board of Directors reserves the right to
replace the Vice President while serving as the President Pro
Tempore by a majority vote of those present within a given period
of time, restoring him/her to the position of Vice President
or as designated by the Board of Directors. |
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| Secretary |
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| The Secretary shall record all proceedings of the members
and directors in a book or books or through electronic means
to be kept therefor and shall have custody of the seal of AREN. Such proceeding records will be made available
to any Director or Executive Staff member with proper notice
in writing within 5 days. |
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| The Secretary shall assume the duties of President when such
is unable to serve if the Vice President is also unable to serve. |
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| Treasurer |
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| The Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer of AREN. The Treasurer shall also have such powers and duties
as customarily belong to the office of Treasurer or an organization
or as may be designated from time to time by the President or
the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall maintain the bank
account of AREN and shall furnish a financial statement to the
Executive Staff at least once per calendar year or upon reasonable
request. |
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| The Treasurer shall assume the duties of President when such
is unable to serve if the Vice President and Secretary are also
unable to serve. |
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| Director of Membership |
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| The Director of Membership shall record the names of all
members of AREN and keep these names and information pertinent
to members on file in either books or electronic means. The
Director of Membership must keep all membership information
confidential. The Director of Membership is responsible for
greeting all new members according to the new membership directive
decided upon by the Board of Directors and managing their accounts
and information. All dues received by members to the Director
of Membership are to be remanded in full to the Treasurer for
proper accounting. The Director of Membership will provide the
Webmistress/master will all pertinent information to be placed
on the AREN website. |
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| Newsletter Editor |
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| The Newsletter Editor shall be responsible for all the articles in the newsletter, ACTION, and the layout and design. He/She may obtain help in any specific field when necessary. The Newsletter shall be mailed to pertinent people outside of AREN and placed in the hands of the Webmaster/mistress who shall be responsible for getting it on the web site in both online readible HTML form and PDF form for download. |
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| Research Director |
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| The Research Director is intended to be an information gatherer
for the Board of Directors, whether obscure fact, statistic,
or well known data just needs to be verified. Investigative
and computer skills, including extensive Internet research skills,
are needed for this job. |
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| Webmaster/Webmistress |
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| The Webmaster will be responsible for upkeep and maintenance
of the National AREN website. The Webmaster is required to keep
duplicate copies of all website files for security and safekeeping
and will also provide the Secretary with said files that are
kept current. The Webmaster will keep all passwords and passcodes
confidential to be revealed only to members of the Board of
Directors or Executive Staff by majority vote. The Webmaster
is responsible for all graphic design and may elicit help within
or outside AREN with Director approval. The Webmaster may, at
no time, add, subtract, or change any part of the website (with
the exception of those things needing constant update or maintenance)
without approval of the Board. |
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| Other Officers |
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| Other officers shall have such powers as may be designated
from time to time by the board of directors. |
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| Executive Staff |
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| The Executive Staff of AREN shall consist of all job titles
above within this section (4). |
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| AREN expects all members in all classes to honor the Basic
Belief Structure of AREN. The good standing of any member may
be challenged for failure to uphold any of these standards. |
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| Section 5. Resignation |
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| Any member may resign at any time by submitting a letter
of resignation bearing their official signature to AREN. Such
resignation shall be effective upon receipt either in person,
by electronic mail, or by U.S. Postal Service at the designated
location of the Membership Director. Any member who has once
resigned and wishes to rejoin AREN may reapply but must include
a statement outlining reasons for rejoining. |
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| Section 6. Removal |
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| Any member or Executive Staff member may be removed at any
time with or without cause by a majority vote of The Board of
Directors. |
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| Article IV. MEETINGS OF THE
MEMBERS |
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| Section 1. Place |
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| All meetings of the membership of AREN shall be held in The
United States Of America and, realizing the geographic diversity
of such membership, may be held either in terra space or in
cyberspace or both simultaneously, however in either event such
location shall be published no less than five (5) business days
prior to such meeting. |
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| Section 2. Annual Meeting |
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| The annual meeting of the members shall be held at a time
and location designated by the board of Directors and shall
be called by The President or such other Director as may be
needed in the event of the incapacitation of The President. |
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| Section 3. Special Meetings |
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| Special meetings of the members or Executive Staff may be
called by the President or by any Director. In such event that
a special meeting is called, a time of no less than five (5)
days notice must be given to all additional Directors, Executive
Staff, and members if their presence is desired. |
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| Section 4. Voting |
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| All policy matters for AREN are to be voted on by the Executive
Staff and the Board of Directors only. Members (individual,
family, and/or group) or representatives are to vote only when
special provisions are called for by the Board of Directors. |
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| All members of AREN, including Executive Staff and Board
of Directors are entitled to one vote. Groups and covens are
to vote as a single body. |
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| Members may vote by written proxy dated no more than one
month before any meeting requiring such vote. In the event of
emergency, the written proxy may be dated no more than one week
before such a vote is required. Such written proxy must be filed
with the Director of Membership so long as it remains a Board
of Director position. In lieu of Director of Membership, such
printed proxy must be filed with a Board of Director member. |
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| A quorum for taking a vote shall be determined by those present
and desiring to vote within the five (5) day notice period.
Those not showing up after a reasonable notice by terra space
or cyberspace means shall be counted as absent and the vote
shall be shown as abstaining. |
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| Article V. AMENDMENT |
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| These bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed, in whole
or in part, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members
present and voting at any meeting, the notice of which contains
a statement of the proposed alteration or amendment. The Directors
may also make, amend or repeal these bylaws in whole or in part,
by the affirmative vote of a majority of the membership entitled
to vote thereon. Any amendment, alteration or repeal of a bylaw
by the Directors as provided for in this Article shall be valid
and given full force and effect unless and until acted upon
by the membership. |
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