Standing Rules/Change Log

From Sekhet-Maat Lodge

The following is a complete log of changes to the standing rules, along with explanations when necessary for clarifying the intent or rationale behind a change.

Sun in Capricorn, Anno IV:xiv

Lodge dues schedule change

Members and Affiliates now both have the same dues rate, which is increased from $240 per year to $420 per year. This will ensure that our bills are paid, and our consumables like roses and lamp oil are paid for without relying on fund-raisers. Fund-raising activity should be used to make improvements, not pay bills. As always, anyone who cannot afford the dues may arrange an affordable contribution.

"Supporting Affiliates" category removed

Now there are only Affiliates and Members. The only differences between the two categories are:

• members may have a sekhetmaat.com email address
• members may take an official role in the Lodge
• members must be I° or above
• affiliates must be E.G.C. Laity or Minerval initiates

Initiation added to benefits of affiliates and members

All Affiliates, initiate Members, and all qualified persons living more than 100 travel miles from the Lodge, are entitled to take initiation at the Lodge, according to the regulations and customs of the Order. Minerval through Third Degree initiations are offered on a quarterly basis. Fourth and Perfect Initiate Degree initiations are offered on a semi-annual basis.

Lodge meeting time changed to

"Regular meetings of the Lodge shall be held twice per year around the time of the Equinoxes. Lodge members will be notified of the date and time of each meeting no less than one month in advance."

Initiation committee meeting time changed to

"Meetings are held quarterly."

Process for non-officers to add agenda items to meeting made explicit as follows

"Other members and affiliates may bring additions to a committee chairperson or a member of the executive committee to request that they make the addition to the agenda."

Attendance policy section added

We have had a set of attendance policies for many years. We have changed them so that some restricted events are available chiefly as a benefit of membership of the Lodge. That being the case, we felt that this policy should be incorporated into the standing rules since it is of direct importance to all our members.

Standing Committees reordered to be somewhat more logical

They are now listed in the order of approximately how "public" they are, with the most public being the First Contact Committee, which is charged specifically with interfacing with the public.

Sun in Aries, Anno IV:xiv

Addition to Member, Supporting Affiliate, and Affiliate benefits

Members and Affiliates are now entitled to an optional personalized card indicating their status.

Eligibility for office added to Member benefits

All Members are eligible to assume ongoing responsibility (e.g., as a committee chairperson, trainer, coordinator, or regular ritualist), subject to approval by the Master or his delegate.

Labor Credit removed, and replaced with Financial Hardship

1. In the event of temporary financial hardship, Members and Supporting Affiliates may make private arrangements to contribute on a sliding scale.
2. Sliding scale contributions shall be arranged by direct consultation with the Master, or through any member of the Executive Committee acting as the Master’s delegate.

Lodge Meetings revised to the following

1. Regular meetings of the Lodge shall be held at noon on the first Sunday of each month.
2. Committee chairpersons and members of the Executive Committee shall notify the Secretary of any addition to the agenda at least 48 hours prior to the regular Lodge meeting.
   • Committee chairpersons may add a report of committee activities to the agenda without prior approval by the Master.
   • Only committee chairpersons and members of the executive committee may make other additions to the prepared agenda for meetings of the Lodge, and such additions are subject to approval by the Master.

Sun in Leo, Anno IV:xiii

New section, “Library Card Program”

1. O.T.O. initiates who are not members or affiliates of Sekhet-Maat Lodge may purchase a library card.
2. Cardholders may check out volumes in circulation and use the microfilm research archive.
3. Library card fee schedule:
   • Monthly: $10
   • Yearly: $80