ARTICLES AND BYLAWS
Article 1: Coven Name
1.1 The name of this coven is “Firefly Coven of the Spiral Moon,” also referred to as “Coven of the Spiral Moon,” or abbreviated “ FCSM.”
Article 2: Term of Existence
2.1 Coven of the Spiral Moon was founded on March 21, 2009.
2.2 It’s term of existence is perpetual.
2.3 Should it become necessary to dissolve the corporation, a majority vote from current active members is required.
2.3 Upon dissolution, the assets of Coven of the Spiral Moon will be returned to The FIrefly House, Inc. If that is not possible, they will be donated, or sold and donated, to a non-profit organization of an exempt purpose within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code and similar mission, or be donated to the local, state, or federal government for a public purpose.
Article 3: Purpose and Mission
3.1 The purpose of this coven is to build community through environmental awareness, education, spirituality, and service.
3.2 COMMUNITY: FCSM plans to develop and maintain social activities for the community, such as Meetups, yearly retreats, community yard sales, art shows, etc.
3.3 ENVIRONMENT: FCSM will develop and maintain programs that educate the community on how to take care of the earth, such as a recycling program, community garden, composting, adopt-a-highway, etc.
3.4 EDUCATION: FCSM will teach classes on personal religious practice, and encourage its members to explore their own personal path through participating in classes, workshops, and reading. FCSM will also encourage its members to become involved in various teaching opportunities within the area.
3.5 SPIRITUALITY: FCSM will hold open rituals on the eight sabbats, hold closed rituals on the near the full moon, offer classes, and other opportunities for spiritual growth.
3.6 SERVICE: TFH will provide clergy service, including, but not limited to handfasting, death rites, rites of passage, counseling, outreach, etc. TFH will be involved in ministry work, including, but not limited to, hospital visits, prison ministry, and various support groups for local needs. FCSM will develop or participate in community service projects locally.
Article 4: Location
4.1 All legal documents can be mailed to ____________________.
Article 5: Non-profit Status
5.1 FCSM is not for profit. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, 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 distribution in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article 3. The property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to religious activity and no part of the net income or assets of this corporation shall ever inure to the benefit of any trustee, officer, or member thereof, or to the benefit of any private individual.
5.2 FCSM will not engage in prohibited political and legislative activity, as set forth in the guidelines for 501(c)(3) corporations. 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 and distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of the opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any provision of these articles, this corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of this corporation.
Article 6: Bylaws
6.1 Establishment of the Board of Trustees.
6.1.1 The FCSM Board of Trustees will be established in January of 2010.
6.1.2 At the time of the establishment of the Board of Trustees, the FCSM articles will be reviewed and the bylaws ratified to reflect the conduction of board meetings, as well as the board members positions descriptions and duties.
6.2 Membership
6.2.1 To become a dedicant/student of FCSM, one must be 18 years of age, pass a background check, take the FCSM introductory course, fillout an application for membership, and be approved by all of the current members.
6.2.2 To become a member, a dedicant must complete The Firefly Academy's priesthood program, as well as FCSM's core requirements in community, environmental awareness, education, spirituality, and service.
6.2.3 The High Priestess may remove any member at any time, should that member be upholding
Article 7: Ratification of Articles and Bylaws
7.1 The above articles and bylaws may be ratified by a majority vote of the current membership.
Created on March 31, 2009
