ByLaws

BYLAWS OF SHANAN FLOW

ARTICLE I: NAME AND IDENTITY

Section 1.1 - Name This entity shall be known as Shanan Flow. Following a blessed path and sacred purpose.

Section 1.2 - Nature and Purpose Shanan Flow operates as an unincorporated spiritual community. This organization is exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes under IRS Section 508(c)(1)(A). Rooted in the following principles:

• Self: To help individuals embody their inner light, illuminating themselves and others even in times of darkness.

• Space: To create gatherings where friends and strangers unite, dance with abandon, shed worldly worries, and discover themselves through shared movement.

• Purpose: To reveal and celebrate the unique gifts of every member, fostering playfulness, joy, and love in all interactions.

Section 1.3 - Principal Office The principal office of Shanan Flow shall be located at The Stoop in the State of Ohio, or at such other location as the Ember Elders may determine from time to time.

Section 1.4 - Dedication and Non-Discrimination Shanan Flow is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals. Membership and participation shall be open to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, provided they align with Shanan Flow's mission, vision, and purpose.

ARTICLE II: FISCAL GOVERNANCE

Section 2.1 - Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the organization shall be based on the Lunar Turtle Calendar, which shall consist of thirteen (13) months, each composed of twenty-eight (28) days. This calendar aligns with the thirteen (13) full lunar cycles occurring within a solar year, symbolically represented by the thirteen (13) scales on a turtle's back. The fiscal year shall commence on the date of the New Moon immediately following the Spring Equinox (approximately March 20th/21st of the Gregorian calendar).

Section 2.2 -  Lunar Turtle Calendar Months The thirteen (13) months of the fiscal year shall be named as follows: 

Wolf Moon :January 

Snow Moon: February 

Crow Moon: March 

Pink Moon: April 

Flower Moon: May 

Strawberry Moon: June 

Blue Moon: Mercedonius

Raspberry Moon: July 

Bear Moon: August 

Song Moon: September 

Harvest Moon: October 

Beaver Moon: November 

Spirit Moon: December 

Section 2.3 - Litha (Intercalary Day) To reconcile with the solar year and maintain alignment with natural cycles, Litha shall be observed as an Intercalary Day. Litha shall not be assigned a monthly designation and shall be utilized for ceremony. In a leap year of the Gregorian calendar, an additional Litha Day shall be observed immediately following the standard Litha, or as determined by the Ember Elders, and shall be treated as a non-working day for accounting purposes. Litha marks the peak of summer and the sun's power, with traditions centered around light, fire, and nature. It is a time to honor the sun's energy and its life-giving properties with bonfires, fire rituals, drumming, dancing, sharing food and stories. Litha Day is a day for reflection, intention setting, and connecting with nature.

Section 2.4 - Blue Moon (Mercedonius) Some people advocate for 13-month calendars, believing they better align with natural cycles and potentially reduce the stress associated with the artificiality of the current Gregorian calendar system. Blue Moon is the second full moon within a single calendar month or the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. This occurs because our Gregorian calendar months don't perfectly align with the lunar cycle, which is approximately 29.5 days. Mercedonius shall be an additional intercalary period, recognized as a time for deepening spiritual practice and community reconnection, to be observed as needed when a Blue Moon occurs within the Lunar Turtle Calendar, as determined by the Ember Elders.

Sacred Addendum: As the Blue Moon awakens, Mercedonius is created

Section 2.5 - Financial Reporting For all financial, legal, and governmental reporting requirements, the organization shall prepare and maintain records that can be accurately reconciled to the standard Gregorian calendar year. The Treasurer and/or designated financial officers shall establish and maintain procedures to ensure this reconciliation.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Section 3.1 - Classes of Membership Membership in Shanan Flow shall consist of two (2) circles:

• Outer Circle (Shanan Flow): Open to all who are brave enough to be fearless and play in the sacred circle.

• Inner Circle (The Stoop): Open to all individuals who align with Shanan Flow’s mission, vision, and purpose. Entrance to the Inner Circle requires witnessed ceremonies and a moonlit interview.

Section 3.2 - Inclusivity and Participation There shall be no financial barriers to participation in Shanan Flow events; donations are optional. Strangers are welcomed as future friends. 

Sacred Addendum: No one shall be turned away for lack of funds, but all may be challenged to sweat for their supper.

Section 3.3 - Responsibilities of Members Members shall:

• Actively contribute their talents, gifts, and precious energy to events or initiatives.

• Uphold values of kindness, inclusivity, creativity, and gratitude.

• Promote a safe, judgment-free space for all.

• Adhere to the Code of Conduct outlined in Article VII.

Section 3.4 - Rights and Privileges of Members Members may:

• Vote on major decisions (e.g., event themes, major purchases) as determined by these Bylaws or the Ember Elders.

• Propose new initiatives or gatherings.

• Access Shanan Flow's resources and events.

• Self-organize smaller events if they align with these Bylaws and the spirit of Shanan Flow.

Section 3.5 - Expulsion A member may be cast out for harm to self or to others. This action shall only occur after a council of Ember Elders hears their story over shared Tea. The decision for expulsion shall be made by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council of Ember Elders.

ARTICLE IV: LEADERSHIP AND RITUAL OFFICES

Section 4.1 - Council of Ember Elders The governing body of Shanan Flow shall be the Council of Ember Elders, consisting of three (3) to seven (7) members who shall oversee spiritual and operational alignment of the organization.

• Election/Selection: New Ember Elders are invited by existing Ember Elders based on their embodiment of Shanan Flow principles and their commitment to its purpose

• Terms: Ember Elders shall serve until their resignation, removal, or inability to perform their duties.

• Duties: The Council of Ember Elders shall be responsible for:

  • Ensuring the spiritual and operational alignment of Shanan Flow.

  • Guiding the overall direction and vision of the community.

  • Making major decisions regarding events, finances, and membership.

  • Interpreting these Bylaws and resolving disputes.

  • Overseeing the various Ritual Offices.

  • Ensuring compliance with all legal and financial requirements.

Section 4.2 - Ritual Offices The Council of Ember Elders shall designate individuals to fulfill the following ritual offices:

• The Scribe: Records minutes in black ink (public) and red ink (private).

• Keeper of the Cracked Jar(Treasurer): Manages the broken vessel fund for emergencies.

• Fire Guardian (Fire Safety): One devoted soul, clear-minded and trained, must vigilantly guard the Circle, the Communing One, and the gathered faithful, holding the Veil of Protection. A Fire Extinguisher rests near, reserved for threats beyond the Veil.

  • Sacred Protocol: Call clearly if unintended flame appears—"RIGHT THIGH!" or "LEFT SLEEVE!"—guiding the Communing One to smother it swiftly. If they falter, the Guardian acts with the Veil. For fires outside the Circle, use Veil saving Vessel of Suppression unless true emergency.

ARTICLE V: FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE

Section 5.1 - Financial Flow

• Public Funds (Shanan Flow): Covers permits, supplies, outreach.

• Private Funds (The Stoop): Supports trainings, ordinations, The Stoop. No co-mingling of Public and Private Funds shall occur, save for the annual Tithe of the Ghosts where seven percent (7%) of public funds shall feed the PMA’s sacred well.

Section 5.2 - Dissolution If Shanan Flow ends, assets shall flow to [Appalachian Folk School, 501(c)(3) #XX-XXXXXXX]—or another keeper of Fire Flow mysticism recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service at the time of dissolution. 

Sacred Addendum: Ritual objects must be burned or buried if no worthy successor exists.

ARTICLE VI: GATHERINGS AND RITUALS

Section 6.1 - Regular Gatherings Regular gatherings shall include monthly and quarterly Fire Circles, featuring communal reflection, drumming, dancing, collaborative art, storytelling, and giving gratitude. The structure of activities shall align with the vision of finding higher self in the motion of flow with improvisational dance, drum circles, guided meditation, and ceremony.

Section 6.2 - Annual Celebrations

• Winter Solstice Celebration: A flagship event each year to honor the shortest and darkest nights. This is a time to honor the resilience of our inner light with bonfires, fire rituals, drumming, dancing, sharing food, and stories.

• Litha (Summer Solstice): This day marks the peak of summer and the sun's power, with traditions centered around light, fire, and nature. Time to honor the sun's energy and its life-giving properties with bonfires, fire rituals, drumming, dancing, sharing food and stories

•  Litha Day: A day for reflection, intention setting, and connecting with nature. Outdoor activities, nature walks and offerings to the earth. This will be a non working day

ARTICLE VII: CODE OF CONDUCT

Section 7.1 - General Principles All members agree to:

• Respect personal boundaries and diverse perspectives.

• Refrain from actions that dim others’ “light” (e.g., discrimination, harassment, violence).

• Embrace playfulness and vulnerability as acts of courage.

• Foster an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding, and support.

• Adhere to Natural law and morality 

Section 7.2 - Dispute Resolution Grievances shall first be heard barefoot on the earth. If unresolved, disputes shall then be mediated by a randomly chosen Elder from the Guardian Mediation Guild. The decision of the mediator shall be advisory, and if still unresolved, the matter may be brought before the full Council of Ember Elders for a final decision.

ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS

Section 8.1 - Bylaws Amendments Changes to these Bylaws require:

• A full moon draft.

• The proposed amendment must be circulated to all Inner Circle members at least 7 days prior to the vote

• Three (3) days of public comment posted at the crossroads, The Stoop, and online.

• A Flame Keeper quorum (two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council of Ember Elders).

ARTICLE IX: INDEMNIFICATION

Section 9.1 - Indemnification of Ember Elders and Officers Shanan Flow shall indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by law any Elder or officer, or former Elder or officer, against all liabilities and expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred in connection with any proceeding in which they may be involved by reason of their service to the organization, provided that they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Shanan Flow, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful.

Section 9.2 - Insurance Shanan Flow may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was an Elder, officer, employee, or agent of the organization against any liability asserted against them and incurred by them in any such capacity, or arising out of their status as such, whether or not Shanan Flow would have the power to indemnify them against such liability under the provisions of this Article.

ARTICLE X: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 10.1 - Books and Records Shanan Flow shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its Ember Elders. All books and records of Shanan Flow may be inspected by any Elder or Inner Circle member, or their agent or attorney, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.

Section 10.2 - Construction The captions and headings in these Bylaws are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to define or limit the scope or content of any provision of these Bylaws.

Section 10.3 - Severability If any provision of these Bylaws is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 10.4 - Governing Law These Bylaws shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.