Bylaws of the Pagan Solidarity Alliance (PSA)
v1.1 – August 2025
PREAMBLE
The Pagan Solidarity Alliance (PSA) exists to unify and support Pagan individuals and communities who share our vision and values in times of spiritual, political, and cultural challenge. Our intent is to protect religious freedom, promote justice, and act in collective defense of marginalized people through magical, legal, interfaith, and practical means.
We operate as a decentralized, collaborative, and sacred network of spiritual practitioners, clergy, organizers, and allies. These bylaws exist to foster transparency, ensure ethical conduct, and provide a functional structure should the Alliance choose to incorporate formally in the future.
NOTE: These bylaws are aspirational and preparatory. PSA is not currently a 501(c)(3), but this document aligns with requirements in case such status is pursued.
ARTICLE I: Name and Purpose
1.1 Name: The organization shall be known as the Pagan Solidarity Alliance (PSA).
1.2 Mission: The Pagan Solidarity Alliance is dedicated to fostering unity, mutual support, and effective advocacy within the diverse and evolving Pagan community. Recognizing the rich tapestry of spiritual paths under the Pagan umbrella, we commit to building a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative space where all traditions, practices, and identities are respected and uplifted.
1.3 Purpose: The purpose of the Alliance is to serve as a unified voice and resource hub for Pagans and allied communities. We aim to:
– Defend religious freedom and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in public life, law, and policy
– Support and protect Pagans and other marginalized or vulnerable groups facing discrimination, injustice, or misinformation
– Empower individuals and strengthen communities through capacity-building, networking, mentorship, and resource sharing
– Promote education and outreach to dispel harmful stereotypes, cultivate understanding, and advance public recognition of Pagan beliefs and practices
– Facilitate mutual aid and community care, offering direct support to members in times of need and fostering a culture of compassion and interdependence
– Build coalitions with allied movements and communities, working together for shared goals such as religious freedom, environmental stewardship, social justice, and human rights
We believe in this core truth: we are stronger together, and none of us is truly free until all of us are.
ARTICLE II: Membership
2.1 Membership Classes:
The Pagan Solidarity Alliance recognizes two classes of membership:
A. Participating Members
Participating Members are individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria and are formally admitted by the Spiral Council or its designee. Participating Members hold full participatory rights, including:
– Voting on organizational decisions
– Holding office or leadership roles
– Introducing motions or proposals
– Serving as representatives of the Alliance in official capacities
Eligibility Criteria for Participating Members:
Participating membership is not open to the general public and shall be granted by invitation or formal review by the Spiral Council. To be considered for Participating Membership, an individual must meet at least one of the following criteria:
– Leaders or clergy of established Pagan churches, traditions, or organizations
– Recognized elders or wisdom-keepers within the Pagan community
– Authors, educators, researchers, or legal/spiritual advocates with a substantial record of contribution
– Individuals with significant expertise or specialized skills relevant to the Alliance’s mission (e.g., law, tech, organizing)
– Promising emerging leaders, including youth and solitary practitioners, with demonstrated commitment and alignment to PSA values
Participating Members are expected to:
– Actively participate in meetings, discussions, and decision-making
– Uphold the mission, vision, and values of the Alliace
– Abide by any policies or codes of conduct adopted by the body
The status of Participating Members may be subject to periodic review.
B. Supporting Members
Supporting Members are individuals who align with the values of the Alliance and wish to support its mission through learning, volunteering, or community participation without holding decision-making authority.
Supporting Members may include (but are not limited to):
– General supporters or subscribers
– Honorary members (including elders, allies, or contributors recognized for service)
– Guest participants (e.g., advisors, liaisons, or representatives from allied organizations)
Supporting Members may:
– Attend public or open meetings, forums, and educational events
– Volunteer or participate in working groups, projects, or campaigns (subject to committee approval)
– Contribute ideas, resources, and feedback to the Alliance’s work
Supporting Members do not hold voting rights, may not serve in elected roles, and do not participate in formal governance decisions.
Participation as Supporting Member is open to any individual who supports the Pagan Solidarity Alliance’s mission and agrees to abide by its standards of conduct. The Alliance reserves the right to deny or revoke supporting membership based on behavior contrary to its values or community guidelines.
2.2 Transition Between Membership Classes:
Supporting Members who demonstrate a strong commitment, relevant contributions, and alignment with the Alliance’s goals may be considered for Participating Membership. The Spiral Council shall develop and oversee the process for nomination, review, and approval of such transitions.
Membership is not automatically open to the public and shall be granted by invitation or review by the Spiral Council.
2.3 Rights and Responsibilities:
Members agree to:
– Act in alignment with PSA values
– Maintain confidentiality as appropriate (see Article VIII)
– Engage in mutual respect, inclusion, and non-hierarchical collaboration
2.4 Review and Revocation of Membership:
The Spiral Council may review membership annually or as needed to ensure continued alignment with the Alliance’s mission, values, and active participation. Membership may be suspended or revoked for:
– Repeated disruptive behavior
– Ethical violations
– Breach of confidentiality
– Prolonged inactivity or failure to participate in Alliance work
– Public behavior that brings harm to the reputation, safety, or mission of the Alliance
– Speech or actions promoting hate, harassment, or threats—including under the guise of religious or magical practice
ARTICLE III: Structure and Governance
3.1 Spiral Council:
– Composed of up to 13 rotating members serving 1-year renewable terms
– Members added or elected mid-cycle shall be eligible to serve until the end of the current term
– Members should reflect diverse Pagan voices and strive for inclusivity (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, solitary, emerging leaders)
– The Spiral Council shall have no more than one representative from each major church, tradition, or organization
– The Spiral Council shall have responsibility for the overall coordination of Alliance activities and implementation of the Alliance’s goals and objectives.
– The Spiral Council shall be responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and establishing new working teams for the Alliance
– The Council will be responsible for coordination, conflict resolution, security protocols, and strategic guidance
– In the event that a particular team is not represented on the Spiral Council, an ex-officio member may be appointed to represent that team on the Council
3.2 Working Teams:
Standing Teams include but are not limited to:
– Messaging Team – Crafts and disseminates public messages, statements, and educational content.
– Outreach & Networks Team – Builds and maintains alliances, both within the Pagan community and beyond, with NGOs, advocacy groups, and other social justice organizations.
– Interfaith & Alliance Team – Cultivates, sustains, and grows relationships with other spiritual communities, interfaith groups, and allies.
– Action & Mobilization Team – Guides and coordinates direct actions, protests, events, and rallies in response to emerging threats or opportunities.
– Intelligence Team – Monitors the activities of marginalized groups, human rights abuses, and political threats that affect the Pagan community and its allies.
– Advocacy & Legal Tracking Team – Tracks legislation and legal issues that impact marginalized groups, advises on legal actions, and reviews Alliance materials for legal risks.
– Sanctuary & Safety Team – Identifies and promotes safe spaces and sanctuary for at-risk individuals and communities.
– Cauldron of Inspiration – Coordinates and plans rituals and magickal working in support of Pagan Solidarity goals.
– Digital Infrastructure Team – Oversees and maintains the digital communication tools and collaborative platforms of the Alliance.
Each Team shall have one or more rotating Facilitators and may create subgroups as needed. Team Facilitators shall be responsible for conducting and facilitating team meetings, taking and posting meeting minutes for dissemination to the Alliance, and for reporting team activities to the main plenary group.
3.3 Decision-Making:
PSA shall use a modified consensus model with structured fallback mechanisms:
– Initial plenary proposals shall be discussed openly and amended by consensus where possible.
Plenary Decisions
– Where plenary consensus can be reached without significant objections, such decision will be considered approved immediately.
– Where plenary consensus cannot be reached after reasonable attempts (e.g., two discussions and/or a seven day review period), a formal vote may be called.
– Voting on any submitted proposal shall require:
– Quorum: At least 51% of the active Spiral Council
– Approval: Two-thirds (2/3) majority of the relevant group (plenary or Participating members) to pass
– Acceptable voting mechanisms include secure polls via platforms such as Facebook, Discord, Signal, SurveyMonkey, or other tools approved by the Spiral Council.
Spiral Council Decisions
– Proposals before the Spiral Council should generally be reviewed and approved within the same meeting, if consensus can be reached
– Where Council consensus cannot be reached after reasonable attempts, a formal vote may be called
– Voting on any submitted proposal shall require:
– Quorum: At least 51% of the Spiral Council
– Approval: Two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Spiral Council to pass
– In the event of a failed vote, the proposal or issue may be referred back to the relevant committee(s) or to the plenary for further re-working, discussion, and review
In matters requiring urgent action, the Spiral Council may call for an expedited plenary vote with a shortened discussion window, provided quorum is met.
ARTICLE IV: Ethics and Conduct
4.1 Code of Ethics:
All members agree to:
– Act with integrity and respect for all traditions
– Reject racism, sexism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, spiritual appropriation, and all other forms of bigotry
– Prioritize consent, transparency, and informed participation
– Refrain from hate speech, targeted harassment, doxxing, spiritual manipulation, or coercion
– Respect political diversity: PSA welcomes a range of political viewpoints, provided they are expressed respectfully and do not conflict with the Alliance’s core values of human dignity, inclusion, religious freedom, and justice for all people.
4.2 Conflict Resolution:
Concerns shall first be addressed within working teams. If unresolved, the Spiral Council may convene a conflict team.
4.3 Grievance Process:
The grievance process shall include a pathway for addressing reports of harm caused by members—especially those involving abuse of power, public harassment, or violation of our ethical commitments.
Sanctions may include verbal warnings, temporary suspension, removal from leadership roles, or full expulsion depending on the severity of the offense, as determined by the Spiral Council.
ARTICLE V: Confidentiality and Data Protection
5.1 Confidentiality:
Members agree not to share sensitive information outside the Alliance without express permission.
5.2 Data Handling:
– Encrypted platforms (e.g., Signal, ProtonMail) are encouraged
– Email lists must be opt-in only
– No cloud recordings of meetings unless voted on by participants
ARTICLE VI: Public Representation
6.1 Public Statements:
Statements on behalf of PSA must be approved by both the Spiral Council and the Messaging Team.
6.2 Media Engagement:
Members may speak publicly about their own work, but should not imply endorsement from PSA unless explicitly authorized by both the Spiral Council and the Messaging Team.
ARTICLE VII: Amendments
7.1 Proposal:
Any Participating member may submit a proposed amendment to the Spiral Council in writing.
7.2 Ratification:
Requires quorum and 2/3 vote after a 7-day review period.
ARTICLE VIII: Preparation for Incorporation
8.1 Fiduciary Readiness:
Should the Alliance pursue formal nonprofit status, the Spiral Council will designate interim officers and adopt financial policies as needed.
8.2 Alternative Coverage:
PSA may establish an umbrella arrangement with an existing 501(c)(3) to be designated for fiscal sponsorship or legal protection. Any such arrangement shall require a full consensus vote of the Spiral Council and public transparency.
New Aeon Church International has been designated as fiscal custodian for any donations collected or distributed by PSA. New Aeon Church International and Vyndyco Corporation have been designated as administrators for the collection, maintenance, and storage of PSA membership data and administrative records.