Bylaws
From Sekhet-Maat Lodge
Organization
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of Sekhet-Maat Lodge of ORDO TEMPLI ORIENTIS
in the UNITED STATES of AMERICA
(Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A.)
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Peace, Tolerance, Truth;
Salutation on All Points of the Triangle;
Respect to the Order.
To All Whom it May Concern: Greeting & Health.
Contents |
Article 0: Preamble
Sekhet-Maat Lodge (hereinafter called “the Lodge”) is an official local body of the Grand Lodge of Ordo Templi Orientis of the United States of America, duly established, under the authority of the U.S. Electoral College of O.T.O. (Electoral College, E.C.) and the U.S. Executive Council of O.T.O. (Executive), in accordance with the Bylaws of Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A. (O.T.O. U.S.A.), a California not-for-profit religious corporation.
The Lodge is committed to the furtherance of the religious purpose of O.T.O. U.S.A. through serving the members of the Man of Earth Grade, specifically:
- to ensure the due initiation of members into the Man of Earth degrees of M.M.M.
- to offer high quality instruction in the form of seminars and workshops to the community
- to celebrate the Gnostic Mass and other rites and observances of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C.)
- to otherwise provide such membership services and activities within its local area as are appropriate to the Man of Earth Grade.
The Lodge is bound by the rules and policies of O.T.O. U.S.A., as set forth in the following documents: “Bylaws of the Ordo Templi Orientis in the United States of America” the “U.S. Camp, Oasis and Lodge Master's Handbook,” and the “U.S. Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica Manual,” and in policy memoranda issued from time to time by the Executive Officers, Electoral College, and other Governing Bodies of O.T.O. U.S.A.
Article I: Basic Policies
The following are basic polices of O.T.O. U.S.A. and of this Lodge:
- A. The organization shall be noncommercial and nonpartisan.
- B. The organization or members in their official capacities shall not endorse a commercial entity or engage in activities not related to promoting the Objects of the organization.
- C. The organization or members in their official capacities shall not — directly or indirectly — participate or intervene (in any way, including the publishing or distributing of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office; or devote more than an insubstantial part of its activities to attempting to influence legislation by propaganda or otherwise.
- D. The organization shall not enter into membership with other organizations except as may be approved by the Executive.
- E. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to its members, directors, trustees, officers or other private persons except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of its religious purpose.
- F. This Lodge is an unincorporated association.
- G. Property rights are not vested in the individual members or affiliates of the organization and individual members and affiliates do not have the right to control disposition of the property of the Lodge.
- H. Notwithstanding any other provision of the articles, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Article II: Affiliation and Membership
- A. Qualifications and types of membership
- Initiate Affiliation. Initiate members in good standing of O.T.O. U.S.A. are eligible to be initiate affiliates of the Lodge at the discretion of the Master, without regard to gender, race, color, or national origin, in accordance with such rules and regulations listed in the standing rules of the Lodge which are not in conflict with the provisions of the rules and policies of O.T.O. U.S.A.
- Lay Affiliation. Ecclesiastical Members of the laity of E.G.C. within O.T.O. U.S.A. who are at least 18 years of age are eligible to be lay affiliates of the Lodge, at the discretion of the Master, without regard to gender, race, color, or national origin, under such rules and regulations listed in the standing rules of the Lodge which are not in conflict with the provisions of the rules and policies of O.T.O. U.S.A.
- Membership. All initiate affiliates of the Lodge in good standing of at least the Iº are eligible to be members of the Lodge, at the discretion of the Master, in accordance with such rules and regulations listed in the standing rules of the Lodge which are not in conflict with the provisions of the rules and policies of O.T.O. U.S.A.
- Dues. The Lodge operates primarily on dues and fees collected from the membership. Annual dues are established by the Lodge as a minimum contribution by each Lodge member according to the schedule approved by the Grand Treasurer General of O.T.O. U.S.A. listed in the standing rules of the Lodge.
- Membership and Affiliation Rolls. All members and affiliates of the Lodge shall signify their desire to be counted as such by signing the membership or affiliation roll of the Lodge, and by paying any dues to this Lodge approved by the Grand Treasurer General of O.T.O. U.S.A.
- B. Rights and Privileges
- All members and affiliates of the Lodge in good standing have the right to:
- attend all general meetings of the Lodge, and
- speak at general meetings of the Lodge, and
- attend all events which are defined as public in the rules and policies of O.T.O. U.S.A.
- In addition, all members and initiate affiliates of the Lodge in good standing have the right to attend events which are defined as private in the rules and policies of O.T.O. U.S.A. to which their degree entitles them.
- Any member of the Lodge in good standing may be appointed by the Master to serve as an officer of the Lodge.
- All members and affiliates of the Lodge in good standing have the right to:
- C. Termination of affiliation or membership
- An affiliate or member of the Lodge may terminate his or her Lodge affiliation or membership upon written notice to the Master.
- The Master of the Lodge may suspend the Lodge affiliation or membership of any Lodge affiliate or member if said affiliate or member is placed on bad report or notice of bad report, in accordance with current O.T.O. U.S.A. policy concerning bad report and notice of bad report. If the problem persists for more than one year from the date of the first notice of bad report, the Master of the Lodge may terminate the affiliation or membership upon giving written notification to said member.
- The Master of the Lodge may suspend the Lodge affiliation or membership of any Lodge affiliate or member if said affiliate or member fails to remain current in payment of approved Lodge dues.
- Initiate affiliation or membership in the Lodge terminates automatically if an initiate affiliate or member ceases to be an initiate member in good standing of O.T.O. through resignation, suspension, expulsion, or otherwise.
Article III: Officers
- A. Master: The chief executive of the Lodge shall be the Lodgemaster or Master, who is appointed by the Electoral College and is responsible for the well being of the Lodge. The Master shall:
- Be responsible for all duties required of the Lodge under the rules and policies of O.T.O. U.S.A. including:
- obtaining an EIN for the Lodge according to the given instructions
- filing reports as required by the Electoral College and the Executive Officers
- establish, or secure the use of, a dedicated Lodge facility in which to conduct local O.T.O. functions and events
- Establish and maintain a dedicated bank account in the name of the Lodge
- ensure that all official Lodge events are covered by adequate insurance as defined by the Executive
- Be responsible for understanding and enforcing all policies of O.T.O. U.S.A. which pertain to the Lodge,
- Maintain the Lodge records including the membership and affiliation rolls of the Lodge,
- Appoint all officers of the Lodge,
- Sign all authorizations for payment; on payments exceeding $2000.00 (two thousand dollars), co-sign with the Treasurer,
- Appoint chairs and members of committees of the Lodge,
- Call all meetings of the Lodge,
- Coordinate seminars, workshops, conferences, and other major events that are announced beyond the local area with the Executive,
- And perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these bylaws or assigned by the Electoral College or the National Grand Master General.
- Be responsible for all duties required of the Lodge under the rules and policies of O.T.O. U.S.A. including:
- B. Secretary: The secretary is appointed by the Master, and serves at the pleasure of the Master and of the Grand Secretary General (G.S.G.) of O.T.O. U.S.A. The Master is responsible for the following duties, but may delegate any or all of them to the secretary as specified in the Standing Rules:
- Pick up and appropriately dispose of official Lodge mail in a timely fashion,
- Maintain valid contact postal and email addresses for the Lodge, and keep the Editor of the Magical Link, the Electoral College, the Grand Treasurer General and the Grand Secretary General apprised of any changes in address,
- Maintain an accurate record of the proceedings of all meetings of the Lodge,
- Prepare and distribute the agenda for each meeting,
- Track unfinished business,
- Duly process all initiation paperwork in accordance with the instructions from the Initiation Secretary,
- Keep a current copy of these Bylaws, the Bylaws of Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A., the U.S. Camp, Oasis and Lodge Master's Handbook, the U.S. Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica Manual, and the applicable official policy memoranda of O.T.O. U.S.A. available for study as appropriate by all initiate affiliates and members of the Lodge.
- C. Treasurer: The treasurer is appointed by the Master, and serves at the pleasure of the Master and of the Grand Treasurer General (G.T.G.) of Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A. The Master is responsible for the following duties, but may delegate any or all of them to the treasurer as specified in the Standing Rules:
- Keep such permanent books of account and records as shall be sufficient to establish the items of gross income, receipts and disbursements of the Lodge, including specifically, all dues and fees collected from the affiliates and members and the amount of dues remitted to the G.T.G. Such books of account and records shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by an authorized representative of the G.T.G.,
- Receive all moneys for the Lodge, giving a receipt therefor, and deposit immediately in the name of the Lodge in the Lodge’s designated bank account,
- Receive and retain a copy of the deposit slip for any deposit made,
- Remit all monies collected on behalf of the O.T.O. U.S.A. to the G.T.G.,
- Pay all bills incurred by the Lodge,
- Secure two signatures on all checks over the amount of $2000.00, namely the Master and the treasurer.
- Keep an accurate record of receipts and disbursements in a ledger which is a permanent record of the Lodge,
- Present a statement of account at every general meeting of the Lodge, and at other times when requested by the G.T.G.,
- Be responsible for filling out and forwarding all necessary report forms required by the G.T.G. for insurance and for filing all tax returns and other forms required by government agencies,
- Make a quarterly report to the G.T.G., which includes all receipts and disbursements for the period.
- D. Deputy Master
- The Master shall appoint a Deputy Master and train him or her to be able to assume the responsibilities of the Master in an emergency.
- In the event the Master is suddenly incapacitated the Lodge charter is automatically suspended until the Electoral College appoints a new Master. (The Electoral College may confirm the Deputy Master as the Acting Master.)
- The Acting Master shall assume only the duties of the Master which are essential to maintain the suspended Lodge until a new Master can be appointed by the Electoral College.
Article IV: Meetings
- A. The Lodge shall hold regular meetings at least once every quarter at the call of the Master, with at least 7 days notice to the affiliates and members of the Lodge. Notice shall include the meeting date, time and location.
- B. The Master may call special meetings as necessary with at least 3 days notice to the members of the Lodge.
- C. The Master may call officers’ meetings as necessary.
- D. Important decisions and major transactions conducted at such meetings should be recorded in the Lodge minutes and kept with the Lodge records.
Article V: Committees
- A. The Master may appoint committees as necessary.
- B. The Master is a member ex officio of all committees.
- C. Each committee will have a recording secretary who will keep minutes of all meetings.
- D. Committee Chair Responsibilities
- Detailed responsibilities of each committee chair shall be described in the corresponding job description and volunteer agreement.
- Schedule, prepare agenda, conduct and maintain records of all meetings.
- Prepare and submit a budget to the Executive Committee.
- Obtain prior authorization from the Executive Committee for projected expenses not budgeted.
- All expenditures must be documented and invoices submitted to the Treasurer for reimbursement within 30 days of incurring the expense.
- Develop committee goals, study any special instructions from the Executive Committee, and execute a plan of action to meet such goals and the needs of the Lodge.
- Attend all regular Lodge meetings and be prepared to report progress on committee activities.
- If unable to attend a meeting, appoint a proxy. Obtain from the proxy all materials and information distributed at the meeting.
- Train a successor.
- Uphold the Volunteer Policy of Sekhet-Maat Lodge, these Standing Rules, the Bylaws of Sekhet-Maat Lodge, the Bylaws of Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A., the U.S. Camp, Oasis and Lodge Master’s Handbook, the U.S. Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica Manual, and applicable official policy memoranda.
Article VI: Relations with the U.S. Grand Lodge
- A. The Lodge is a constituent entity of the international Ordo Templi Orientis. It is organized under the authority of Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A. as empowered by the Bylaws of the international Ordo Templi Orientis.
- B. The bylaws of the Lodge shall not be in conflict with the Bylaws of the international Ordo Templi Orientis or those of Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A., or with the current U.S. Camp Oasis and Lodge Master’s Handbook, or with the current U.S. E.G.C. Manual, or with any applicable law.
- C. No Lodge officer, member, or affiliate shall have the authority to legally represent, act on behalf of, assign the rights of, or enter into any contract or agreement that binds the international O.T.O. or O.T.O. U.S.A. without explicit written authorization from the Supreme Council (for the international O.T.O.) or the Executive (for O.T.O. U.S.A.).
- D. Upon closure of the Lodge, all tangible property owned by the Lodge (i.e., purchased using Lodge funds or donated to the Lodge), including, but not limited to, temple furniture, temple regalia, office equipment, and books, vests to O.T.O. U.S.A. and must be disposed of as directed by the Executive or the Electoral College.
Article VII: Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in the current edition of ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER NEWLY REVISED shall govern the Lodge in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in conflict with these bylaws, those of the international Ordo Templi Orientis or those of Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A., the articles of incorporation of either, and the applicable Non Profit Corporation Law.
Article VIII: Amendments
- A. Before adoption, all proposed amendments shall be submitted to the Electoral College for approval by the Electoral College and the Executive.
- B. The adoption of an amendment to any provision of the bylaws of Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A. shall serve automatically and without the requirement of further action by the Lodge to amend correspondingly any applicable section of these bylaws. Notwithstanding the automatic character of the amending process, the Lodge shall promptly incorporate such amendments in its bylaws upon notification by the Electoral College.
- C. The Master shall notify the Lodge members and affiliates within 30 days of any approved amendments to these bylaws.
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