Clan Wulfgard Policies - Membership

Clan Wulfgard opens it's doors to all who are willing to embrace its principles and offer of fellowship. However the High Chief and High Chieftess reserve the right to refuse or expel those who persist in flouting those principles, or who knowingly bring harm to the Clan or it's members. We recognize the right of our members to freedom of thought and do not require anyone to follow any particular political, religious or other belief. The High Chief and High Chieftess have the responsibility and honor of accepting or rejecting new members at their own discretion, and the right to override any of the membership guidelines, as required.

Because we are an extended family, Wulfgard also has family issues. We don't always agree with each other and we get on each others nerves from time to time. It is working through these problems as well as the working together with ideas that strengthen our family bond. Separate we may be just individuals but together we are a force to be respected called Clan Wulfgard.

~Oath of Membership~

No oaths or promise of fealty is required for membership in Clan Wulfgard. It is our hope that by the time an associate is ready to become a member of the clan the trust and fellowship has begun to forge. It is this bond and feelings of family that we base our trust and respect upon. If in the future that trust proves to be misplaced, we will then as a family, deal with the problem. Only clan officers have an oath of office.

~Associate~

Individuals interested in joining Clan Wulfgard must approach the High Chief or High Chieftess of the Household. If the applicant is being considered as a member of the clan, they are placed under a period of observation for a minimum of six months. This probationary period is to help the clan as well as the new member to determine if Wulfgard is the right place for them. Some associate members will always be associates because they do not feel they have the time or ability to make a full commitment. Others will decide that they prefer to become a Friend of the household because Clan Wulfgard does not fulfill all the needs they may have. We will help those that prefer a more narrowly focused household setting to locate it.

The status of Associate is also used when a Junior member reaches the age of sixteen. The minor then maintains their associate status for two years until they can become a full member.
During the associate period, several things will be required. If not already done, a defining of persona starts. The associate starts to develop a persona within the Clan. This may include the determining of one's name and time period of interest, as well as discovering talents and skills that even the associate themselves may not have known. Participation in clan activities will be encouraged, as the associate is able, so that the family bond may begin to develop. Associate members may not hold clan office but may become a deputy to any office.

~Member~

Once an individual has finished their time as an associate, and is at least eighteen years of age, they can be granted full membership status. This is done through a ceremony held at a clan gathering. There are no requirements for members to be present except that it requires a High Chief or High Chieftess to conduct the ceremony and oaths. The specific ceremonies and oaths required are determined by the current senior chief at the time and my be changed or waved completely at anytime by the High Chiefs. Anyone wishing to hold an office within the clan structure must be a full member.

~Patron~

A Patron is a member with a special circumstance. The first type of Patron is a Member by Tradition. This type of member does not require any ceremony except a declaration from the High Chiefs. The Father and Mother of the Chief is an example of a Patron member. Member by Tradition are individuals with special influence and effect on the growth and standing of the Clan. Patron membership is automatic with the office of High Chief or High Chieftess.

The second type of Patron is a member that contributes beyond the scope of their required membership. This can be granted because of length of service, financial or goods donation, and the exceptional representation of the Clan as a whole. A Patron may also be granted the right to maintain a clan chapter separate from the main. This may occur when a member relocates and desires to continue promoting clan growth into new areas of the known world. It may also occur if a member desires a Command Separation in order to start and maintain their own separate household structure. The Patron then is recognized as their own household leader and a formal alliance may be made with them as according to the Alliance Guidelines.

~Junior~

The status of Junior member is reserved for children of the Clan that are under the age of sixteen. To be a Junior member the legal guardian must also be a Member or Associate of the clan.

~Refusal &Revocation of Membership~

Failure to abide by the principles of Clan Wulfgard is grounds for refusal, revocation or suspension of membership. Otherwise antisocial activities (i.e. violation of mundane law) are likewise grounds for refusal, revocation or suspension of membership.

~Non-Exclusive Membership~

Membership of Clan Wulfgard does not preclude membership in other groups or households. Those who feel that membership of such a group or household precludes membership of Clan Wulfgard may be welcomed as a Friend or Ally of the clan.

Policies Main - Introduction - Principles - Membership - Heraldry & Symbols - Leadership - Officers

Please feel free to contact us at huginn@wulfgard.org with suggestions and comments.
Being a benevolent dictatorship means we only pay attention to what we want to anyway.

The Household Web Slave is Lady Alexandra of Wulfgard. Send mail to huginn@wulfgard.org .