Our By-laws
The Membership
4.8 Rights of the Elder
4.8.1 An Eldership is reserved for someone who has served as a third degree within the coven, but is at a stage in life where s/he wishes to retire from the full time responsibilities of coven life.
4.8.2 To become an Elder, a person must have been a full member of the coven for 10 consecutive years prior to moving to the role of Elder.
4.8.3 An Elder is free to attend all coven functions.
4.8.4 An Elder retains all the rights of a member, with the following exceptions:
4.8.4.1 Holding office within the coven, or
4.8.4.2 Decision making within the coven.
4.8.4.3 The immediately preceding exclusions do not prohibit solicitation and consideration of the input and opinion of an Elder on any matter before the coven.
4.8.5 An Elder member must remain in contact with the coven by attending at least one meeting, ritual or workshop within a three-year period, or by providing a workshop for the coven within a three-year period.
4.8.5.1 Attendance may include in-person, or via live streaming communication such as Zoom when and where appropriate.
4.8.5.2 If the attendance requirements listed in this section cannot be, or are not met, then the Elder membership is forfeited, and the coven cords in the possession of the former member must be returned immediately, either intact or unbraided.
4.8.6 If an Elder wishes to return to full time coven membership, they may do so for a provisionary period of a year and a day.
4.8.6.1 During the provisionary period, the returning Elder's membership will mirror those of the First Degree with regards to voting, attendance and mandatory leading of events. (see sec 4.3 for the Rights of the First Degree)
4.8.6.2 During the provisionary period, if the Elder decides that, again, full time coven membership is difficult to maintain, they may revert to Elder status at any time.
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