Bylaws | Whispering Lake Grove, ADF

Table of Contents

Article 1: Nature of the Organization
Article 2: Discrimination
Article 3: Calendar
Article 4: Annual Meeting
Article 5: Membership
Article 6: Voting
Article 7: Election of Officers
Article 8: Executive Committee of the Council of Elders
Article 9: The Council of Elders
Article 10: Removal of Elected and Non-Elected Officers
Article 11: Public and Financial Record
Article 12: Donations and Allocations
Article 13: Creation of Study Groups and/or Guilds, Committees and Other Subgroups
Article 14: Complaint and Conflict Resolution
Article 15: Resignation, Suspension and Banishment of Members
Article 16: Indemnification
Article 17: Non-Profit Nature of the Corporation
Article 18: Affiliation
Article 19: Custodian and Dissolution
Article 20: Performance of Public, Semi-Public and Private Ritual
Article 21: Amendments

Article 1: Nature of the Organization

Whispering Lake Grove (hereinafter referred to as ‘Grove’) exists as a chartered subsidiary, branch, and/or division of Ár nDraiocht Féin, a Druid Fellowship, Inc., (hereinafter referred to as ‘ADF’) and as such agrees to abide by and follow the bylaws and policies of the ADF Mother Grove.
Whispering Lake Grove identifies its operating location and mailing address as Erie, Pennsylvania, and as such agrees to abide by and follow and shall further be governed in its operations by the laws, institutions, and governing bodies of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Whispering Lake Grove will provide open meetings, instruction, ritual worship, research, and fellowship activities to areas of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Western New York and Northeastern Ohio and will serve interested and participating individuals from these areas in manners consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and shall not act contrary to the laws of the states of New York or Ohio.
The use of undue and/or unnecessary pressure to participate in the rituals, social activities, scholarly activities or any other such activities and/or events of Whispering Lake Grove or the use of undue and/or unnecessary pressure to donate funds or items to Whispering Lake Grove shall fall outside of the goals, purposes and aims of Whispering Lake Grove and the Mother Grove of ADF.
The Grove shall primarily explore, research and institute or implement traditions consistent with the Irish Celtic and Norse-Teutonic Pagan pantheons, practices and/or traditions. This will not exclude the exploration of any other Indo-European Pagan pantheons, practices or traditions.

Article 2: Discrimination

Membership, rank, office and/or position in Whispering Lake Grove, attendance at public or semipublic activities sponsored by Whispering Lake Grove, and participation in any Druidic open public discussion, education, scholarly or social forum, shall not be denied to any person on the basis of race, ancestry, color, physical disability (except as outlined in Article 2 section 6), age, gender, or affectional orientation, but such membership may be denied to individuals practicing creeds inimical to Neopagan Druidism as defined in Article 2 section 3.
Membership within the Grove, and particularly members serving as clergy, serving on the Council of Elders or in other such positions of responsibility and trust, shall be granted only to practicing Neopagans, who are not simultaneously practicing a creed inimical to Neopagan Druidism.
As defined by the Mother Grove of ADF and as used herein, “inimical creeds” shall include varieties of conservative monotheism, atheism, demonism, racialism, or other such faiths, as shall be determined by the Mother Grove of ADF.
Proven communication or behavior of a virulently racist, sexist, homophobic, heterophobic, anti- Semitic, or otherwise bigoted manner, shall be grounds for expulsion from Whispering Lake Grove, as described in Article 15. Such behavior does not include strong verbal statements about the theology, history, or psychological characteristics of other religions.
All organizers of public and semipublic activities sponsored by Whispering Lake Grove shall make strenuous efforts to facilitate the participation of differently-abled individuals.
All aspirants to any given office or position must be able to meet all relevant qualifications previously determined or established for said office or position, unless otherwise determined by the Council of Elders depending upon the position sought, the circumstances or the particular instance.

Article 3: Calendar

Whispering Lake Grove shall follow the eight Druidic High Days as set forth in Article 4 of the ADF Constitution.
The name and legal definition of these holidays are as follows: Cross Quarter – November 1st; Solstice – December 21st; Cross Quarter – February 1st; Equinox – March 21st; Cross Quarter – May 1st; Solstice – June 21st; Cross Quarter – August 1st; and Equinox – September 21st.
Whispering Lake Grove shall celebrate these High Days within one week prior to or after the aforementioned dates. The Grove Senior Druid and Chief Liturgist will be responsible for the creation of a Liturgical Calendar to be mutually agreed upon by a majority of the voting members of the Council of Elders.
Whispering Lake Grove shall define its legal and ceremonial year beginning on the first day of November and ending on the thirty-first day of October in each civil year as in accordance with Article 4.3 of the ADF Constitution.
The fiscal year of Whispering Lake Grove shall further fall in accordance with the Mother Grove of ADF and according to Article 1.1 of the ADF Bylaws shall commence on the first of January of each and end on December 31 of each civil year.

Article 4: Annual Meeting

Whispering Lake Grove shall hold its annual meeting at a date and time closest to the holiday of Lughnasadh and as agreed upon by the Council of Elders.
All officers on the Council of Elders shall make reports regarding Grove activities for the previous year during the annual meeting.
Elections for the offices of Senior Druid, Assistant Senior Druid, Treasurer, Secretary and Members at Large shall be held in accordance with Article 7.
Quorum for the Annual meeting shall be two-thirds (2/3) of the total number of votes to be cast in presence and through proxy and absentee ballot in accordance with the voting as described in Article 6.

Article 5: Membership

Membership in Whispering Lake Grove is open to all individuals interested in Druidic beliefs and traditions and the related study, implementation and development of those traditions and practices in modern society in ways consistent with the bylaws and policies of ADF.
Membership is open to all individuals over the age of majority as defined by Pennsylvania law and such age is statutorily defined as 18 years of age.
Persons under the statutorily defined age of majority may attend Grove events and/or hold membership status within Whispering Lake Grove, ADF, so long as they have written and notarized permission from at least one parent or legal guardian, unless the Council of Elders shall rule otherwise.
Such minor individuals are forbidden under these bylaws and the bylaws of ADF from holding any office position on the Council of Elders, in any guild, special interest group or in any other leadership position until they attain the age of majority.
The following membership categories shall be used to establish involvement in the Grove and shall be further used to determine voting rights within the Grove:
Voting Member- Individuals shall be deemed Voting Members of Whispering Lake Grove, ADF when they possess a current paid membership to ADF and are current in the monthly payment of the established annual donation as set forth in Article 5 Section 7. Voting members must attend and participate in nine (9) Grove ritual events during each year. Said members will receive all Grove publications and shall be permitted to vote in all Grove elections and other business. Voting Members are eligible to hold any office in the Grove, providing they meet the criteria for said office. Voting members are eligible to be members of the Council of Elders.
Voting members may apply to the Council of Elders for exemption from the attendance requirements only in the cases of military service or school obligations. Exemption approval is at the discretion of the Council of Elders.
Full Member – Individuals shall be deemed Full Members of Whispering Lake Grove, ADF when they possess a current paid membership to ADF and are current in the monthly payment of the established annual donation as set forth in Article 5 Section 7. Said members will receive all Grove publications, however shall not be permitted to vote in Grove elections or other business unless they meet the criteria of a Voting Member. Full Members are not eligible to hold office in the Grove or membership on the Council of Elders.
Local Member- Individuals qualify as Local Members of Whispering Lake Grove, ADF through the monthly payment of the local annual donation and by not paying any dues to ADF. Said members will receive all Grove publications, however shall not be permitted to vote in Grove elections or other business. Local Members are not eligible to hold office in the Grove or membership on the Council of Elders. Local Members are not permitted to participate in ADF study programs, e.g., the Dedicant Path and the Study Programs.
The Grove Senior Druid, Secretary, and Treasurer shall keep all records of membership in Whispering Lake Grove as well as voting classes and rank.
Further all Voting, Full and Local Members of the Grove shall pay per month an annually determined amount in local membership dues. Said dues payments shall be collected during the business meeting of each and every month.
Membership standing and/or qualifications for membership along with the amounts designated as local dues are subject to annual review commencing at the first meeting of the fiscal year. Membership in Whispering Lake Grove, ADF is non-transferable.

Article 6: Voting

Voting activity in Whispering Lake Grove shall be restricted to only Voting Members in good standing as defined in Article 5 of these bylaws.
Voting in the Grove will follow a weighted voting system as described to follow:
Original Chartered Members- Voting Members whose names appear on both the Provisional and Full Grove charters and were involved in the formation of Whispering Lake Grove through the various aspects and trials of formation shall be given one vote for each year of membership in the Grove until such point when said member has acquired ten (10) votes.
Chartered Members- Voting Members whose names appear on only the Full Grove charter and joined the Grove following the attainment of the Provisional Charter shall be given one vote for each year of membership in the Grove until such point when said member has acquired seven (7) votes.
General Members- Voting Members whose names do not appear on the Provisional or Full Grove charter may earn one vote per year until such time as five (5) votes are acquired.
Voting Members of Whispering Lake Grove whose names appear on the Provisional Grove charter shall be given one vote for each year of membership in the Grove until such a point when the member has acquired seven (7) votes and those whose names do not appear shall be given five (5) votes until such a time when Whispering Lake Grove is a Full Chartered Grove. In the event that the Grove should lose its Full Charter voting shall revert to the criteria as outlined within this clause.
Each Voting Grove member shall have one vote after they have attended nine (9) Grove ritual events within a one-year period. The voting year will be calculated from the member’s date of obtaining Full Grove membership. This will be their one vote for that year. For every year thereafter they will be awarded one vote per year until such time that they have reached the maximum votes allowed for their membership category.
Members shall be permitted to split their votes among candidates or other such choices, but may not use fractional (1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc.) votes.
The Secretary, Senior Druid and Treasurer shall work in conjunction to maintain a correct and accurate voting roster that indicates the number of votes each member has as well as whether or not the member is current in their dues.
In the case of a member having a scheduled medical procedure, vacation or other such viable reason, but not to include incarceration, said member may submit in writing to the Secretary following Summer Solstice a request of an absentee ballot.
The Secretary in conjunction with the Nominating Committee, see Article 7, shall prepare an absentee ballot to be mailed via U.S. Mail not less than 30 days prior to the election at the Annual Meeting.
Members voting by absentee ballot shall have the ballot post marked not later than the date of the Annual Meeting and the Secretary shall not accept said ballots more than three (3) days following the Annual Meeting.
Proxy votes may be assigned to Voting members who are to be present at an annual or special meeting, through the signing of the proxy statements, and are valid only for the annual or special meeting marked thereon.
If election or referendum choices are combined with a proxy statement, the person receiving the proxy must cast those votes given him or her according to any electoral choices marked on the combined ballot/proxy statement. If a given Voting member sending in such a proxy has not made any such electoral choices, the person receiving the proxy may cast those votes according to his or her best judgment.
The Secretary in conjunction with the Nominating Committee shall be responsible for the development of a proxy statement, based upon the format used by the Mother Grove, that shall be mailed via U.S. Mail not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting.
No proxy statements will be accepted at any point following the Annual Meeting.
The Council of Elders shall within 30 days prior to the Annual meeting select three Voting Members, individuals not involved as candidates in the said election, to serve as judges to the election. Said judges will include either the Secretary or Assistant Senior Druid (depending upon which office is up for election), one member at large (an officer or other voting grove member) and one non-officer. Said judges shall assist in the vote count and shall sign a statement verifying the fair and just outcome of the election.

Article 7: Election of Officers

The Council of Elders shall appoint a Nominating Committee of three Voting Members as defined in Article 5 Section 5(a), chaired by an Officer of the Executive Committee who is not a candidate in the election. Said committee members may not be candidates or have a conflict of interest with serving on the Nominating Committee.
Prior to Summer Solstice, written notification of available offices shall be distributed to the Voting Members of Whispering Lake Grove, ADF and the Nominating Committee will compile a list of eligible nominees for said available offices.
Nominations of candidates for open offices may be made by any Voting Member. Members desiring to be placed on or to place a candidate on the ballot must notify the Nominating Committee in writing within one week following Summer Solstice. The Nominating Committee chairperson will be responsible for contacting all nominated members for their acceptance of the nomination prior to placing them on the ballot.
In the event or occurrence that there are no nominees or parties interested in being a candidate, the Senior Druid shall solicit volunteers for all offices that have no candidates.
Elections shall be held at the Whispering Lake Grove Annual Meeting by casting a written ballot and according to the voting procedures outlined in Article 6; except in the case of Non-Elected Officers described in Article 10 Sections 9-15 of these bylaws.
In the event of a tie vote the winner will be selected or determined by the drawing of lots under the supervision of a member of the Council of Elders.
The newly elected officer’s term shall begin at Samhain following taking an “Oath of Office” during a special ritual held prior to the Grove’s Samhain ritual. Each newly elected officer will be responsible for writing an “Oath of Office” with guidance from the Chief Liturgist.
For the purposes of electing officers and particularly members to the Executive Committee, a quorum shall be defined as 60% of voting members and shall include proxy/absentee votes.
Proxy and absentee votes shall be distributed and collected by the Secretary. It shall further be the duty of the Secretary to distribute all proxy and absentee ballots more than thirty (30) days prior to the election and he or she shall accept said ballots for three (3) days following an election.
The term of office for Senior Druid and Assistant Senior Druid shall be two years with elections occurring on even years. The term of office for Treasurer and Secretary shall also be two years with elections occurring on odd years. The term of office for Members at Large shall be one year. A Member at Large will be elected for each fifteen (15) Voting Members of the Grove.
Voting members may attend annual or special meetings via electronic communications devices if such are available.
Except as may be noted elsewhere in these bylaws, all references to voting by the voting members assumes weighted votes as described in Article 6 Section 2 of these bylaws.

Article 8: Executive Committee of the Council of Elders

Elections for all officers of the Executive Committee of the Council of Elders will be held annually, as described in Article 7 and restated below.
The Executive Committee shall be defined as a body of elected officials that represents and serves as the steering committee for the Board of Directors for the Whispering Lake Grove, ADF.
Members of the Executive Committee may not under any circumstance hold more than one office on the Executive Committee, but may simultaneously hold additional offices on the Council of Elders.
The Executive Committee in conjunction with the other voting members of the Council of Elders shall possess the authority to conduct ongoing and/or daily business of the Grove and is responsible for reporting such business to the membership at large during the Grove’s monthly business meeting.
The Executive Committee shall appoint replacements to any vacant position in the event of a vacancy and shall create and/or set the events and business calendar for the Grove by quarter.
Any individual serving on the Executive Committee must have and make available publishable contact information (i.e. e-mail address, telephone number, physical address or any other relevant contact information). All individuals serving on the Executive Committee must be Voting Members in good standing as described in Article 5.
In the event an amendment to these bylaws results in the addition of a new elected position, then the Executive Committee shall appoint a provisional holder to that office, and such provisional term shall last until the following Samhain.
If an amendment to these bylaws results in the abolishment of an existing position prior to the expiration of the term of the current officeholder, then that officer shall remain a member of the Council of Elders until his or her original term of office has expired.
The positions comprising the Executive Committee and the definition of their duties and qualifications shall be as set forth as follows:

a. Senior Druid

This individual shall serve as the Administrative leader of the Grove; and shall provide Spiritual leadership for the Grove and articulate the spiritual vision in the event that the Grove membership does not include an ADF Clergy person.
The Senior Druid shall be deemed to act in a manner corresponding to the president or chief executive officer of the local corporation of the organization.
The Senior Druid shall preside at all business meetings of the Grove; shall be a member of all committees organized by the Grove, whether participating or not, and may choose to attend any meetings or events of the Grove or its subgroups.
The Senior Druid is responsible for compiling a quarterly report on the state of the Grove in accordance with ADF and to be sent to such officers as ADF shall appoint for the purpose and shall be responsible for reviewing any and all quarterly reports compiled by officers of the Grove to aid in such reporting to the Mother Grove.
The Senior Druid shall create or supervise the creation of an annual budget for the Grove. The Senior Druid shall be responsible for public relations and community networking for the Grove or the delegation of public relations tasks, as needed.
The Senior Druid will also fulfill all obligations stated elsewhere in these bylaws.
The Senior Druid shall serve as a representative on the ADF Council of Senior Druids.
The Senior Druid must be a Voting Member in good standing and shall serve in office for a period of two (2) years to be elected in even years.
The Senior Druid and Chief Liturgist shall be responsible for the creation of the Liturgical Calendar for the Grove.
The Senior Druid may assist members of the Grove with the ADF Dedicant Path and Study Programs, and therefore must be well versed in the requirements of both. The Senior Druid may review completed Dedicant’s documentation prior to submission to ADF as deemed appropriate by the ADF Preceptor. The Senior Druid must have completed, submitted and have had approval for their ADF Dedicant Path documentation to act in this capacity, as well as have completed any additional reviewer training deemed necessary by the ADF Preceptor.
Each Senior Druid who serves at least one full term may take the title of Senior Druid Emeritus. This title will permit them to attend and speak, but not vote at any Council of Elder meeting and maintain membership on said Council as a non-voting member. A Senior Druid Emeritus may continue to be a member of the online Officer’s list providing they regularly attend meetings of the Council of Elders.

b. Assistant Senior Druid

This individual shall provide Administrative leadership for the Grove and may provide Spiritual leadership for the Grove in the event that the Grove membership does not possess an ADF Clergy person.
The Assistant Senior Druid shall preside at all business meetings of the Grove in the absence of the Senior Druid.
The Assistant Senior Druid shall assist the Senior Druid with all administrative tasks, as needed, and shall be deemed to act in a manner corresponding to the vice president of the local corporation.
The Assistant Senior Druid will oversee the creation and distribution of all Grove publications and literature.
In the event that the Senior Druid should resign, become incapacitated or be removed from office, the Assistant Senior Druid shall become the acting Senior Druid until Samhain at which time an election for the office shall be held, as described in Article 10 section 5.
The Assistant Senior Druid must be a Voting Member in good standing and shall serve in office for a period of two (2) years to be elected in even years.
The Assistant Senior Druid will be responsible for the creation of new member and perspective membership informational packets and for the submission of these packets to the Council of Elders for review, approval and distribution.

c. Treasurer

This individual is responsible for keeping the Grove’s financial records according to generally accepted accounting principles for nonprofit organizations and shall be deemed to act in a manner corresponding to the function of treasurer of the local corporation.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the organization of fund-raising or delegation and supervision of fund-raising.
The Treasurer shall sign all checks, drafts and other instruments for the Grove and shall have custody of all moneys of the Grove received or disbursed. The signature of the Treasurer and Senior Druid shall be required for all withdrawals over two hundred (200) dollars.
The Treasurer shall deposit all moneys and valuables in the name of and to the credit of the Whispering Lake Grove, ADF in such banks or other financial institutions as designated.
The Treasurer shall have accounting and/or general financial record-keeping skills necessary for the functions of the office and is responsible for compiling a monthly report and a quarterly report of financial activities to be sent to the Senior Druid and the membership.
The Treasurer shall ensure the timely filing of any required tax documents and the completion of any necessary independent audits.
The Treasurer is responsible for the preparation of an annual financial report at the close of the fiscal year and will assist the Senior Druid with the development of an annual budget for the Grove.
The Treasurer at their expense will obtain a criminal background check (Act 33 clearance) within 90 days of election to the office. Failure to obtain said clearance will result in immediate and automatic removal from office. A copy of this clearance will be maintained by the Grove Secretary.
In the event that the Senior Druid and the Treasurer are intimately related, the signature of another officer of the Executive Committee shall be required and said officer shall bear no intimate relationship to the Treasurer.
The Treasurer shall be a Voting Member in good standing and serve in office for a period of two (2) years to be elected in odd years.

d. Secretary

This individual is responsible for keeping all minutes of the proceedings of all meetings of the Grove and its committees (to be submitted by the committee chair person) and shall be deemed to act in a manner corresponding to the function of secretary of the local corporation.
The Secretary shall send proxy and absentee statements and/or mail ballots to all Voting members, as necessary. The Secretary shall be responsible for collecting all proxies and absentee statements and shall count votes as described in Article 6.
The Secretary shall keep all membership, member vote totals and subscription records and adhere to any requirements for confidentiality specified by members.
Upon request the Secretary shall provide the minutes of any official Grove meeting to any member of the Council of Elders, the Grove or the ADF Mother Grove.
The Secretary is responsible for the organization of all incoming correspondences for reply and the reply thereof and may perform other duties that would otherwise be performed by a corporate secretary. All written correspondences shall be brought to the attention of the Grove at the monthly business meeting for review and comment.
Candidates for the office of Secretary shall have the ability to take minutes, possess typing skills and maintain Internet access.
The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping attendance records for all Grove rituals, workshops and meetings, as well as a record of all Grove holdings and other property. The Grove Secretary will maintain records for the Grove Lending Library.
The Secretary shall forward a copy of all attendance records to the Senior Druid following each Grove event.
The Secretary shall be a Voting Member in good standing and serve in office for a period of two (2) years to be elected in odd years.

e. Members at Large

One Member at Large will be elected for each fifteen (15) Voting Members of the Grove. A maximum of three (3) Members at Large may be elected and serve in this capacity.
This individual shall act as facilitator and ombudsperson ensuring that all members have a voice and opportunity to participate in Grove matters and advocate to the Senior Druid and/or Council of Elders on behalf of the membership at large.
Members at Large are responsible for the creation and implementation of membership polls as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee or Council of Elders. Members at Large may also have additional responsibilities as assigned by the Council of Elders.
Members at Large must be Voting Members as defined in Article 5 and shall serve as non-voting members of the Executive Committee.
Individuals nominated to be Members at Large must have been Voting Members of the Grove for a period of no less than two (2) years.

Article 9: The Council of Elders

The Council of Elders shall be defined as a body of elected and non-elected officials that represent and serve as the Board of Directors for Whispering Lake Grove, ADF. The Council of Elders is the ultimate authority on all matters pertaining to Grove operation and policy and shall be responsible for the oversight of all Grove officers and members and as such look after, protect, sustain and ensure the general welfare of the Grove.
The Council of Elders is comprised of Elected Officers, Appointed Officers, Grove Clergy and Non-Elected Officers selected by a challenge system. See Article 10 Sections 9-15. Membership on the Council of Elders is also open to former officers and ritual officiates. See Article 9 Sections 3 & 5.
Voting members of the Council of Elders shall include: the Senior Druid, Assistant Senior Druid, Treasurer, Secretary, Grove Clergy, Chief Liturgist, Chief Bard, Chief Seer, Preceptor and Youth Activities Coordinator. The Preceptor position shall be filled and vacated by appointment of the Council of Elders.
Voting members of the Council of Elders may hold more than one office, however may not cast more than one vote. Weighted voting will not apply for decisions made on the Council of Elders.
Non-voting members of the Council of Elders shall include former Grove Officers who have served for at least one full term and are current Voting Members of the Grove, Members at Large and all ritual officiates who have attained third circle status and are current Voting Members.
The term of office for Non-Elected Officers of this Council shall last until the office is vacated by resignation or successfully challenged or in the event of reappointment of the Preceptor by the Council of Elders. See Article 10 Sections 9-15.
The Chief Liturgist, Chief Seer, Chief Bard, and Grove Clergy shall be required to provide one public workshop each year.
The positions comprising the Non-Elected Officers of the Council of Elders and the definition of their duties shall be as set forth as follows:

a. Chief Liturgist

This individual shall be responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of existing and new rituals, rites of passage, hand-fasts, requiems and other ceremonial proceedings within the parameters of ADF’s history, policies, poly-theology, etc. or for delegating an apprentice to perform said duties.
The Chief Liturgist will work with the Grove Preceptor to establish educational and liturgical continuity. The Chief Liturgist in conjunction with the Grove Preceptor will oversee the Grove Performance of Public Liturgy Training program.
The Chief Liturgist in conjunction with the Preceptor will be responsible for facilitating all practicum assignments and for the review of all student submissions.
The Chief Liturgist is responsible for the submission of all public and semi-public ritual text to the Grove Website.
The Chief Liturgist shall serve as a resource for other Grove members seeking liturgical information and shall assist the Senior Druid in construction of a Liturgical Calendar.
The Chief Liturgist must be a Voting Member in good standing; must have a thorough understanding of and be practiced in liturgical design and must have demonstrated competency in language skills; familiarity with the Irish Celtic and Norse-Teutonic pantheons’ myths and lore and relative acquaintance with the myths and lore of other pantheons as determined through the judging of the challenge event.

b. Chief Bard

This individual shall be responsible for coordinating and overseeing all musical/poetic/theatrical elements of ritual including; chants, drumming, seasonal enactments, storytelling etc.
The Chief Bard will be responsible for leading the performance of all songs, chants and other musical effects during Grove ritual or for designating an apprentice to perform said duties.
The Chief Bard shall assist other officiate members of the Council of Elders in the development and implementation of existing and new rituals and other ceremonial proceedings within the parameters of ADF’s history, policies, poly-theology, etc.
The Chief Bard may facilitate workshops, as needed and will serve as a resource for Grove members on information concerning ritual chant and song, storytelling, drumming etc.
The Chief Bard must be a Voting Member in good standing as defined in Article 5 and able to provide original music and/or poetry and should be familiar with musical styles of different cultures and how they could be utilized within ritual. The Chief Bard must be familiar with the Irish Celtic and Norse-Teutonic pantheons’ myths and lore and have relevant acquaintance with the myths and lore of other pantheons as determined through the judging of the challenge event.

c. Chief Seer

This individual shall be responsible for coordinating and overseeing all sacrifice for public and semi-public ritual and performance of divination during Grove rituals or for designating an apprentice to perform said duties.
The Chief Seer shall perform divination for the purpose of spiritual guidance to the Grove and its membership and interpret all divination performed, as needed.
The Chief Seer must be a Voting Member in good standing as defined in Article 5 and must be highly skilled in the divining arts; must possess a thorough understanding of and be practiced in divination with Ogham and Runes; and have a thorough knowledge and practice of at least one established/recognized system of divination as demonstrated through the judging of the challenge event.
The Chief Seer will serve as a resource for Grove members on information concerning divination and will be responsible for keeping a Grove Book of Omens. This book will be available within a timely manner to all Grove members upon request. The Chief Seer will be responsible for submitting all omen interpretations to the Grove website.
The Chief Seer shall be responsible for ensuring that appropriate items of sacrifice are available for rituals. The Chief Seer shall advise Grove members and guests of expectations for and meaning of personal sacrifices, as needed.
The Chief Seer shall assist other officiate members of the Council of Elders in the development and implementation of existing and new rituals and other ceremonial proceedings within the parameters of ADF’s history, policies, poly-theology, etc.
The Chief Seer may facilitate public workshops, as needed.

d. Preceptor

This individual shall be responsible for the development and facilitation or the delegation of the development and facilitation of all educational materials for public, semipublic and private training, classes and/or workshops for the Grove and will work in conjunction with the Chief Liturgist to establish educational and liturgical continuity.
The Preceptor must have the skills necessary for the planning, organization and implementation of educational materials and must have demonstrated competency in teaching to be determined by the voting membership of the Council of Elders.
The Preceptor must be familiar with the Irish Celtic and Norse-Teutonic pantheons’ myths and lore and have relevant acquaintance with the myths and lore of other pantheons.
The Preceptor will assist members of the Grove with the ADF Dedicant Path and Study Programs, and therefore must be well versed in the requirements of both. The Preceptor must have completed, submitted and have had approval for their ADF Dedicant Path documentation to be considered for this position.
The Preceptor shall keep records as to completion of the ADF Dedicant Path documentation and Study Programs by Grove members and may review completed Dedicant Path documentation prior to submission to ADF as deemed appropriate by the ADF Preceptor. The Preceptor will hold monthly Dedicant meetings, as requested by the membership.
The Preceptor shall serve as a voting member of the Council of Elders and must be a Voting Member of the Grove in good standing as defined by Article 5. This position shall be filled and vacated by appointment of the Council of Elders.

e. Youth Activities Coordinator

This individual shall be responsible for the development and implementation of youth religious education programs and for the coordination of youth activities to include: participation of youth in public, semi-public and private ritual.
Materials developed under this program will be reviewed by the Council of Elders to coordinate the appropriate time(s) for children to participate in the high day and other ritual celebrations. Program materials will be reviewed and approved by the Council prior to the implementation of the materials.
The Youth Activities Coordinator will ensure that materials are provided to all families with children to help them integrate religious practice into their daily lives, as well as, to celebrate the eight high days.
The Youth Activities Coordinator is not responsible for providing childcare services, but shall investigate and determine the availability and necessity of child care services as it relates to Grove activities.
The Youth Activities Coordinator will be required to obtain Act 33, 34 and Act 151 clearance within 90 days of obtaining this position. Act 33, 34 and 151 clearance will be obtained at the expense of the Youth Activities Coordinator. Failure to obtain this clearance will result in immediate and automatic removal from office. The Secretary will maintain copies of original clearances. The Youth Activities Coordinator must be a Voting Member in good standing as defined in Article 5.
The Youth Activities Coordinator must be familiar with the Irish Celtic and Norse-Teutonic pantheons’ myths and lore and have relevant acquaintance with the myths and lore of other pantheons.

f. Grove Clergy

Grove Clergy will formulate and articulate the theology and liturgy of ADF and act as spiritual advisers to the Grove’s membership and leadership.
Individuals fulfilling the role of Grove Clergy must be Consecrated or Fully Ordained ADF Clergy Members and must hold current ADF Clergy credentials.
Grove Clergy shall assist members of the Council of Elders in the development and implementation of existing and new rituals and other ceremonial proceedings within the parameters of ADF’s history, policies, poly-theology, etc, as the Chief Liturgist deems necessary.
Grove Clergy may participate in an advisory capacity and as non-voting members of the Council of Elders.
Grove Clergy have an obligation to ensure that sacrifices are made at the proper times and in the proper way.
Grove Clergy have engaged in training, and will provide training and service to the membership of the Grove.
While we acknowledge that our members can establish their own relationships with the Kindred, Grove Clergy can, through their training and dedication, aid members in developing and maintaining those relationships
Grove Clergy may also review and approve ADF Dedicant program submissions.

g. Webmaster

This individual is responsible for maintaining and updating the Grove website.
The Webmaster is responsible for reviewing website content on a regular basis and contacting all relevant parties to obtain updates, as necessary.
The Webmaster may development new pages and recommends website changes and additions. All new pages and website changes must be approved by the Council of Elders.
The Webmaster must have internet access and the skills necessary for time management, organization and implementation of website design. This individual must have demonstrated competency in web design determined by the voting membership of the Council of Elders.
The Webmaster shall serve as a member of the Outreach Committee and must be a Voting Member of the Grove in good standing as defined by Article 5. This position shall be filled and vacated by appointment of the Council of Elders.
All guilds, special interest and study groups shall be supervised by the Council of Elders. The Council will appoint the most appropriate member from the Council to provide the supervision dependent upon the focus of the group.

Article 10: Removal of Elected and Non-Elected Officers

Any Elected or Non-Elected Officer may resign from office at any time by submitting a written and signed letter of resignation to the Senior Druid.
Upon resignation of an Elected Officer, the Executive Committee may appoint a suitable replacement. In the event that a suitable replacement is not available the Senior Druid will assume the responsibilities for said office and its functions.
In the event of the resignation of a Non-Elected Officer, he/she may recommend a suitable replacement for their vacancy. The recommended individual must then successfully complete a challenge event. If no recommended replacement can be found, the Chief Liturgist will be responsible for the function of the vacated office.
In the case of the resignation of the Senior Druid, a copy of the written and signed letter of resignation must be submitted to the Assistant Senior Druid and also be submitted to the ADF Arch Druid.
In the event that the Senior Druid resigns from office, the Assistant Senior Druid will fill the vacancy until formal elections can be held. In the event that the Assistance Senior Druid is unable to fill the vacancy the Secretary will assume the role of Senior Druid until formal elections can be held. Should this occur on an odd year or at the beginning of the Senior Druid’s term, a special election for the position of Senior Druid shall be held at Lughnasadh to elect a new Senior Druid, whose term shall commence on Samhain of the odd year and continue through the regularly scheduled election. Should this happen in an even year or near the conclusion of the Senior Druid’s term, the Assistant Senior Druid shall serve out the completion of the term until the regularly scheduled election.
An Elected Officer who is deemed to not be fulfilling the requirements of his/her office as stated in Article 8 of these bylaws shall be notified in writing by the remaining officers, and if efforts are not taken to continue the proper function of said office, the officer may be removed by a 2/3 majority vote of the Grove voting membership.
Said officer shall be sent a formal written notification, including the location and time of the vote, thirty (30) days prior to the vote.
Individuals who have been removed from office by this process may not run for any Grove office for three years unless the Council of Elders deems otherwise. Once the Council of Elders rescinds its prohibition, the individual can run for any Grove office.
Non-elected officers may be removed from office through a formal challenge to their position and by the inability to win the challenge event.
Any Voting Member of Whispering Lake Grove may challenge a Non-Elected Officer for their position, providing the member holds equal officiate rank to the officer being challenged.
The intent to challenge must be submitted in writing to the Senior Druid who shall notify the Non-elected officer being challenged and entire Grove membership of the challenge event within 14 days of receiving the written intent to challenge. The challenge event shall consist of a task or a series of tasks as defined by the Voting membership of the Council of Elders to be demonstrated and/or performed by the challenger and the current Non-elected officer of the position being challenged. The Non-Elected Officer being challenged may not be involved in the task selection process. The challenge task or tasks shall be demonstrated before the entire Grove membership and shall be voted upon by all Members of the Council of Elders, including non-voting member.
The Council of Elders will be responsible for arranging the event challenge within 30 days of notification of the challenge and shall create the challenge task to be used to determine qualification for the position.
The Non-elected officer and challenger(s) must complete the assigned task/challenge and deliver and/or demonstrate the skill for the entire Grove membership within 30 days of notification of the assigned challenge task.
All Members of the Council of Elders with the exception of the Non-elected officer being challenged will cast a vote based upon how successfully the challenge task or tasks were completed in order to determine the outcome of the challenge. Should a 2/3 vote not be attained the current officer shall remain in their position.
The requirements of any office are considered to include: behaving in a manner that exemplifies the standards of behavior placed on any member of Whispering Lake Grove, as expressed elsewhere throughout these bylaws and shall not bring shame, embarrassment or unfavorable publicity to the Whispering Lake Grove, its officers, members or to ADF.

Article 11: Public and Financial Records

Whispering Lake Grove through the combined efforts of the Secretary, Senior Druid and Treasurer shall compile and maintain the public record of the Grove as required under Pennsylvania statute.
Said public record shall be trusted to the possession of the Secretary and shall contain membership rosters, meeting minutes, treasury reports, quarterly reports, liturgy scripts and any other such documents that are used to run the organization.
Any member or nonmember may, with proper written notice, view the complete public record of the Grove and copies may be obtained at cost to the individual requesting the information.
Any such requests to view the public record of the Grove shall be honored at a mutually agreed upon time with arrangements to be made within five (5) days of the Grove Secretary receiving the written request to view the public record.
All members of Whispering Lake Grove, ADF and ADF are entitled to see the accounting records. The Treasurer shall make these available upon request and shall make balance sheets and other similar reports regularly available.

Article 12: Donations and Allocations

An amount specified at a date no later than the Grove Annual Meeting by the Council of Elders, and ratified by the membership, shall serve as the annual suggested donation to Whispering Lake Grove and is to be paid monthly.
The annual suggested donation entitles members to privileges stated in Article 5 and 6 of these bylaws, and any other services/publications not stated in these bylaws that are determined to be due to members of the Grove.
A percentage of the income of the Grove, at the discretion of the Council of Elders, shall be given as a donation to the support of ADF on a quarterly basis. This donation may take the form of either a direct payment of funds or a contribution in-kind of goods or services.
The annual budget shall be prepared by the Senior Druid and Treasurer and approved by a majority vote of the Council of Elders.
The Council of Elders shall allocate all funds for Grove expenses not exceeding one-hundred dollars. Expenses greater than 10% of the Grove’s current account balance are subject to review by the entire Grove membership.
The Treasurer shall be responsible to disperse all allocated funds in accordance with their duties as set forth in Article 8 Section 10 Subpart c.

Article 13: Creation of Study Groups and/or Guilds, Committees and Other Subgroups

Grove members are encouraged to form study groups with the approval of the Council of Elders. This article does not apply to the ADF Dedicant Path or Study Program meetings.
Closed groups are those special interest groups which limit their membership based upon specific criteria established by that group and approved by the Council of Elders. Closed groups shall consist of no more than half of the grove membership unless gender specific.
Appropriate topics for these study groups shall fall under the beliefs within the Preamble of ADF.
All guilds, study and special interest groups shall be supervised by the Council of Elders in accordance with Article 9.
The following subgroups may be created within Whispering Lake Grove and shall function as described below:

a. Guilds

Any Voting Member, who will henceforth be known as a guild organizer, may institute the formation of a guild with the approval of the Council of Elders.
The guild organizer will publish an announcement of guild formation to the general membership inviting the participation of interested persons.
The guild organizer will submit proposed guild bylaws for the approval of prospective guild members and the Council of Elders.
At minimum these bylaws will contain defined roles in the Whispering Lake Grove community, including specified service to same, provisions for leadership elections, guild entry requirements and due process.
All guilds shall file quarterly reports on the state of the guild to the Senior Druid.
Appropriate guilds shall honor the spirit of the Preamble of ADF and/or the bylaws of ADF Guilds. International correspondences between other guilds are highly encouraged.

b. Committees

Committees may be formed at will during any business meeting but must have the approval of the Council of Elders and these groups must have a purpose and a result, therefore, at least three persons must be on a committee and a report on progress must be made at every business meeting, or a brief report may be sent to the Secretary for recording in the minutes.
Upon formation each committee shall have a defined purpose and shall be defined as either standing or ad hoc.
Standing committees shall continue to operate until dissolved by a vote of the Council of Elders.
Ad Hoc committees must be renewed at each grove business meeting.
Each committee must include a chairperson appointed by the committee who shall serve as the liaison for the purposes of reporting activity to the Council of Elders and in the monthly Grove business meetings.

c. Study Groups and Other Subgroups

Study groups and other subgroups may be formed during any business meeting but must have a written statement of purpose.
Membership in these subgroups may be restricted, but cannot consist of more than 50% of the Grove membership, with the exception of men or women spirituality groups and are not required to submit reports.
These groups must not act contrary to these bylaws.
ALL of groups within Whispering Lake Grove MUST follow the ADF bylaws.

Article 14: Complaint and Conflict Resolution

All members of Whispering Lake Grove, ADF shall attempt to resolve conflicts in a timely manner consistent with the nine virtues promoted within ADF Druidic practice.
When a conflict arises between members of the Grove, the responsibility for the initial resolution of that conflict lies with the members involved in the conflict.
Members involved in a conflict shall attempt to resolve the matter, whenever possible, independent of Grove leadership intervention. The parties involved in the conflict should make every effort to hold a one-on-one and face-to-face meeting to discuss the issues and resolve differences.
If due to the nature of the conflict, one-on-one interaction is not possible and/or attempts to resolve the conflict have been unsuccessful, the parties shall have the option to involve voting members of the Council of Elders to assist in the resolution of the conflict.
The nature of the conflict and, any and all, attempts made by the parties to resolve the issues shall be submitted in writing to the voting members of the Council of Elders. Non-voting members, with the exception of the Members at Large, of the Council of Elders may not be involved in the conflict resolution process.
Upon receipt of written explanation of the conflict, voting members of the Council of Elders will have 14 days to discuss the issues and assign one or more members of the Council to facilitate and mediate a discussion between the parties involved in the conflict.
If a Voting Member or Member at Large of the Council of Elders is involved in the conflict, they shall not be permitted to enter into discussion of the matter within the Council and shall not be assigned to facilitate and/or mediate the conflict.
The Council of Elders shall schedule a meeting between the involved parties within 14 days of receiving written documentation from the parties and attempt to facilitate a resolution.
If attempts to resolve the conflict by the Council of Elders are unsuccessful, the Council member(s) assigned to mediate the conflict will submit the original written requests for mediation and a written statement including recommendations to the remaining voting members of the Council within 7 days of the final failed mediation attempt.
The voting members of the Council of Elders shall consider all issues and recommendations regarding the conflict and following a two-thirds vote of the Council, issue a final resolution in writing to the involved parties within 20 days of receiving documentation.
Members wishing to file a complaint regarding Whispering Lake Grove, ADF, its officers, members, and/or activities may do so in accordance with the following guidelines:
All complaints must be submitted in writing to the Senior Druid to be discuss with the Executive Committee, unless the complaint is regarding the Senior Druid or a member of the Executive Committee, at which time the member in question will be excluded from any discussion regarding the complaint. Upon receipt, complaints will be treated as high priority issues.
The Senior Druid or his/her Executive Committee designee shall contact each member who submits a complaint, let the member know that he/she is investigating the matter and get details of the problem. He/she will also periodically inform the member of the status of the complaint.
The Senior Druid or his/her Executive Committee designee will keep a list of open complaints to be reviewed each quarter by the Executive Committee. Complaints may be discussed with the entire Grove membership as deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee.
Complaints will continue to be discussed by the Executive Committee until each matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the complaining member, or in cases where resolution is not possible, until the matter is closed by a vote of the Council of Elders.
Should all of the above actions or measurers fail and dependent solely upon the international ramifications of the problems, the ADF Members Advocate or Heartland Regional Druid may be contacted by either the complaining member or the Senior Druid or a designee from the Executive Committee. The ADF Members Advocate or Heartland Regional Druid shall then take measures to resolve the issues or problems.

Article 15: Resignation, Suspension and Banishment of Members

Members in good standing as defined in Article 5 may resign from membership at any time for personal reasons without prejudice and will be eligible to rejoin Whispering Lake Grove, ADF at a later date.
All resignations shall be made in writing and submitted to the Senior Druid. Resignations shall include the effective date of the resignation and an original signature of the resigning member.
Any member who abstains from contact with the Grove for a period of three months or more, without prior notification in writing to the Senior Druid, as well as any member whose membership dues lapse for a period of three months or more shall be deemed to have resigned.
Resigning members or those who shall be deemed to have resigned will lose all weighted votes, voting privileges, rank, and/or membership rights.
If a resigned member should decide to rejoin at a later date, his or her vote shall be calculated from that later date.
Whispering Lake Grove, ADF may by a two-thirds vote of the Council of Elders initiate an investigation into a member’s conduct after either that member has confessed to or been found guilty of committing felony crimes-with-victims, as defined by civil law and current criminological opinion, or having been presented with documented evidence of disruptive or abusive conduct which works directly against the aims, activities or welfare of Whispering Lake Grove, ADF, its members or officers.
Said member will immediately be sent written notification by registered mail informing them of the investigation, the accusations and any evidence pertaining to the investigation. The member will be given 20 days to respond in his/her defense.
After considering the member’s response, if any, a vote for disciplinary action may result.
Dependent upon the nature and severity of the offense, the Council of Elders will consider with a two-thirds vote whether or not to implement an immediate and automatic suspension of the member under investigation from all Grove activities, functions and meetings.
A member may be subject to disciplinary action by Whispering Lake Grove, ADF by a unanimous vote of the Council of Elders with the nature and duration of the disciplinary action to be determined by the Council.
Members suspended or banished from the Grove may appeal this decision to the voting membership at the next scheduled meeting; a vote to overturn the ruling of the Council of Elders by two-thirds of the members of the Grove eligible to vote at the meeting shall be necessary for successful appeal.
Members who have been suspended or banished may be temporarily or permanently banned from attending Whispering Lake Grove, ADF activities, including public worship and workshops. Such bans shall be published immediately in Grove publications and/or promulgated via any existing paper or electronic mailing list.
Grounds for disciplinary action against Grove members include disruptive or abusive conduct as specified below, in addition to such clear cases of abuse of authority, exploitive behavior, conflict of interest, or other offenses, as would rise to the level of actionable under law.
Grounds for banishment shall include, but are not limited to, threats and acts of violence against Whispering Lake Grove, ADF, its members and officers, purposefully being deceitful, passive/aggressive behavior, malice, theft, working to destroy the group, abuse and other crimes compounded by an individual refusing to leave when asked or creating various disruptive behavior in the Grove and bringing these issues into the larger community for the purpose of continuing and fueling the disruption.
“Disruptive or abusive conduct” does not include: the temperate expression of disagreement, such as public or private written or verbal criticism of Whispering Lake Grove, ADF, of ADF or its leadership; vigorous debate over matters of scholarship, art, spirituality, or politics; the circulation of petitions to the Council of Elders; the organizing of other members into voting blocks; nor mere rudeness, thoughtlessness or lack of social skills.
“Disruptive or abusive conduct” does include; the spreading of slander or libel against Whispering Lake Grove, ADF, of ADF or its leadership; bigoted communication or behavior; or active efforts to persuade members to quit or dissuade nonmembers from joining.
A member under consideration for disciplinary action to include suspension or banishment must be notified in writing by the Senior Druid or designee through registered mail, following a vote of action by the Council of Elders.
Such notification shall state the specific conditions of the suspension or banishment, as well as the conditions under which the suspension shall be revoked. Conditions may include, but are not limited to, a demonstration on the part of the person in question that they have understood the nature of their offense and have ceased the (specific) objectionable behaviors which provoked the action. Conditions may also necessitate other restitution to the Grove deemed appropriate by the Council of Elders.
Suspended and banished members may not vote, hold office or act in any way as representatives of Whispering Lake Grove, ADF and have no right to receive any publications and may not to continue to participate in Druidic study programs operated by Whispering Lake Grove, ADF.

Article 16: Indemnification

At any time following the adoption / ratification of these bylaws, the individual members (Indemnitor) shall in the event of any law suit arising against them involving and /or related to matters of Whispering Lake Grove, the Council of Elders, any guild, study or special interest group of Whispering Lake Grove or any general member not directly involved in the said action (Indemnitee) shall inform the Council of Elders in writing of the development of said suit and the circumstances / allegations involved therein.
Indemnitor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnitee from and against all manner of loss, damage and liability (including court costs and attorney’s fees) arising from any claim made against Indemnitor or loss incurred by Indemnitor as a result of or in any way arising from, relating to, or connected with Indemnitor’s obligations identified within these bylaws. This hold harmless and indemnification obligation shall survive any termination of membership within Whispering Lake Grove, ADF.
Said Indemnitor shall further indemnify and hold harmless the ADF Mother Grove and any such agents or parties acting in accordance or on behalf of said Mother Grove from and against all manner of loss, damage and liability (including court costs and attorney’s fees) arising from any claim made against Indemnitor or loss incurred by Indemnitor as a result of or in any way arising from, relating to, or connected with Indemnitor’s obligations.

Article 17: Non-Profit Nature of the Corporation

Whispering Lake Grove, ADF is organized exclusively for charitable religious, educational and scientific purposes including for such purposes the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 ( c ) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code or a corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its members, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article 8 Section 10 subpart c and Article 11 of these bylaws.
No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of these bylaws, this Corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes of this Corporation.
Upon the dissolution of this Corporation, the officers shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all the liabilities of the Corporation, dispose of all the assets of the Corporation exclusively for the purposes of the Corporation in such a manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for Neopagan religious, educational or charitable purposes as shall at that time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under section 501 ( c ) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as revised (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the officers shall determine.
Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the Corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such Neopagan organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

Article 18: Affiliation

The affiliation of Whispering Lake Grove with ADF constitutes a voluntary association and may be terminated by a vote of 2/3 of the membership of the Grove.
Upon the occasion of any such disaffiliation, the Council of Elders of the Grove is required to undertake to secure tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service, either through application for such status under the provisions of IRC section 501( c ) 3 or through affiliation as a subordinate group with another organization holding such an exemption.
Whispering Lake Grove may affiliate with any other organization as the membership shall direct by a 2/3 vote.
The purposes of the Grove and the provisions of Article 1 of these bylaws are not to be considered incompatible with the organization and/or operation by the Grove or any of its individual members of any larger religious organization or network. The purpose of any such organization or network must be in accord with the provision of Article 1 Section 5 of these bylaws.

Article 19: Custodian and Dissolution

In the event that the Council of Elders of Whispering Lake Grove should continually fail to act in accordance with the management structure of these bylaws or with the structure as established by the Mother Grove or the laws and provisions governing such nonprofit organizations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, then the Court of Common Pleas for Erie County may appoint a local custodian to aid in the management of the Grove in an attempt to move things back on track.
Said custodian must contact the Mother Grove of ADF and indicate the failing nature of Whispering Lake Grove and request the assistance of a liaison from ADF to assist in attempts to move the Grove back in the proper operational direction.
Should such attempts fail, Whispering Lake Grove shall be forced to dissolve.
If the Grove should dissolve or be terminated from within or without, a request will be made that the Mother Grove designate a representative to claim and disburse the assets of the Grove in accordance with the Mother Grove bylaws and any and all such assets of Whispering Lake Grove shall become the property of ADF.
No dissolution, termination or merger of Whispering Lake Grove is to take place without the express and written permission of the Mother Grove, ADF.

Article 20: Performance of Public, Semi-Public and Private Ritual

Whispering Lake Grove shall hold public, semi-public and private Grove rituals in accordance with the Grove’s liturgical calendar.
The Elected, Non-Elected and Appointed Officers of the Council of Elders who hold officiate rank will be responsible for coordinating the development of existing and new rituals, rites of passage, hand-fasts, requiems and other ceremonial proceedings within the parameters of ADF’s history, policies, poly-theology, etc.
Voting members who desire to become ritual Officiates and have successfully completed the ADF Dedicant program must apply to the Chief Liturgist to gain entrance into the training program. Voting members who have not successfully completed the ADF Dedicant program may apply to become ritual officiates; however their entrance to the program will be based up the successful completion of an interview facilitated by all third circle officiate members of the Council of Elders. All applications will be reviewed by the Chief Liturgist and Preceptor for entrance into the Performance of Public Liturgy Program. First circle application will be accepted two times each year at Samhain and Beltaine.
Voting members who intend to challenge Non-elected officers of the Council of Elders must hold equal or greater rank to the Non-elected officer being challenged.
Officiate rank in the Performance of Public Liturgy Training Program is achieved through the completion of three circles. An individual’s rank is equivalent to the last circle completed.
All Non-Elected officers of the Council of Elders must hold third circle rank to facilitate an apprenticeship for a third circle officiate student.
The Chief Liturgist and Preceptor shall be responsible for the implementation of the Performance of Public Liturgy program in accordance with policy and procedures outlined by the Whispering Lake Grove Operations Manual.
The Chief Liturgist and Preceptor shall be responsible for the review of all student submissions, practicum assignments and for granting circle completion.
ADF Members with Clergy status or significant previous performance of public liturgy experience may apply to the Chief Liturgist to challenge the circles of the existing training program. Challenge events for the performance of public liturgy training program must be present to and approved by the Council of Elders.

Article 21: Amendments

Amendments of these bylaws may be made at any annual or special meeting or referendum, by a 2/3 vote of the entire Voting membership or 2/3 of the 60% Quorum votes.
Amendments shall be incorporated into the bylaws at the annual meeting and revised and upon passage copies of the bylaws shall be sent to all Grove members and the Mother Grove.
At any Annual Meeting, the voting members of Whispering Lake Grove, ADF may decide by 2/3 vote whether to retain the current set of bylaws. Said decision shall be made after all other electoral matters have been settled.
Should the results be negative, a bylaw revision committee shall be formed. The members of said committee shall include the current Senior Druid, at least one other Executive Committee member and at least one other Voting Member, which the Grove’s entire Voting membership shall elect by majority.
The bylaws committee shall have three months to produce a proposed new set of bylaws, during which time the old bylaws will remain in effect.
At the end of the specified time, at a meeting called for the purpose, the final set of proposed new bylaws shall be voted upon as a whole, with a 2/3 vote of the entire Whispering Lake Grove voting membership necessary for passage.
The Quorum for this vote shall be 51% of the votes available to be cast. Should a quorum not be available the voting shall take place at the next occasion providing an available quorum under the same governing rules stated previously.
Should no revision be necessary or no agreement upon the decision be reached the old bylaws shall continue in effect.
Upon the passing of the new bylaws, it shall be the duty of the existing Executive Committee to notify all appropriate authorities and to arrange any required elections for new officers, etc., in keeping with the spirit, as well as the letter of the new bylaws.
All new sets of bylaws must contain an article equivalent to this one, allowing for their complete replacement at the will of 2/3 of the Voting membership.

Originally written by the Whispering Lake By-laws Committee 2003
Ratified – January 2004

Revised by the Whispering Lake Grove 2005
Ratified- February 20, 2005

Revised & Approved by the Whispering Lake Grove Executive Council & Council of Elders February 26, 2007
Ratified- March 4, 2007

Revised & Approved by the Whispering Lake Grove Council of Elders August 30, 2010
Ratified- September 5, 2010