Volunteer Policies
From Sekhet-Maat Lodge
Members of Sekhet-Maat Lodge are welcome to participate in service to local membership of Ordo Templi Orientis. While we hope that all local membership will volunteer for routine duties (such as helping with monthly Lodge cleaning, or acting as bartender at an event), this document describes the policies and procedures relevant to positions of ongoing responsibility in the Lodge. These positions are generally referred to as administrative offices.
To ensure the job satisfaction of volunteers and to employ the talents of volunteers effectively, the Lodge is committed to a work environment in which relationships are characterized by dignity, courtesy, respect, and equitable treatment.
- See also: Sekhet-Maat Lodge Mission
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Requirements
People who wish to occupy an administrative office at Sekhet-Maat Lodge must:
- be dues-current at the national and local levels
- be familiar with the Camp, Oasis, Lodge Master’s Handbook (COLMH), the EGC Manual, the Minerval Guide, and the bylaws of OTO-USA, which can be found in the Lodge library
- obey and uphold policies and standards prescribed by USGL-OTO and Sekhet-Maat Lodge
- show that they are willing and able to reliably perform the duties of the position they would like to volunteer for
Specific positions have their own requirements.
Equal Opportunities
Sekhet-Maat Lodge seeks to offer volunteer opportunities to all local OTO members, regardless of race, color, national origin, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or citizenship.
Sekhet-Maat Lodge will recruit and promote volunteers based on consideration of merit in relation to the requirements of the position for which they are being considered.
Application Process
Each candidate for an administrative position is required to make a statement of intent and/or to have a discussion, which includes a basic explanation of the following:
- how the candidate understands the responsibilities associated with the position
- what interests them about the position
- how they are qualified to do the work
- their plans for improving the services offered by the Lodge in accordance with our Mission
- how long they would like to have the responsibility
The above statement/discussion serves as an application for the position, and may be addressed to the Lodge Master, Deputy Master, Secretary, Treasurer, or other administrative officer as appropriate.
Examples of Administrative Offices
- Feast Coordinator
- Mass Scheduling Coordinator
- Facilities Maintenance
- Journal Editor
- Initiation Coordinator
- Class & Forum Coordinator
- Webmaster
- Librarian
- Public Information Officer
- Quartermaster
- Pastry Chef
The Lodge is open to other possibilities, and applicants are welcome to submit proposals for new positions based on the kinds of work they are inspired to contribute.
Selection & Appointment
Volunteer administrative officers are selected on the basis of ability to reliably perform the job, willingness and availability to participate in training for the position (including regular feedback), and acceptance of the guiding principles of our Mission.
A written volunteer agreement will typically be completed at the time of appointment to an administrative officer position. It will include a term of appointment, specific expectations for job performance, a schedule for regular feedback, and signatures of the Volunteer and their senior Lodge contact. The agreement is accompanied by the job description.
Training Period
The volunteer agreement will also include a specified time period, during which the new officer will undergo any needed orientation, training, and feedback necessary to take responsibility for the relevant duties. At the end of the training period, the new officer will meet with their contact to get feedback, discuss their new responsibilities, ask questions, and address any concerns. The senior Lodge contact and new officer will also both make a final decision about whether to continue the arrangement as written in the agreement, to revise the agreement, or to release the new officer from their duties.
Support
Volunteers are supported by other officers (typically one of the members of the Executive Committee) who provide assistance in learning the job and support in accomplishing goals. Support will include regular meetings for the purpose of giving the volunteer an opportunity to get feedback, ask questions, discuss concerns, etc. These discussions may include future goal setting, reappointment or recommendation for other Lodge positions.
The role of the "mentor" will vary depending on the mentor and the volunteer and how they relate. The mentor may be an expert at the work that the volunteer is doing, or the volunteer may need to explain what it is they do in detail. The point is to give the volunteer a point of contact within the Lodge structure, who they can count on to help them work with others, set goals, and continue to provide services that help the Lodge to pursue its mission.
Personal Conduct
Standards outlining acceptable conduct of volunteers are important for the orderly operation of any organization and for the benefit and protection of the rights and safety of all the members.
Utmost respect and consideration should be given to everyone who generously volunteers their time and effort to the success of Sekhet-Maat Lodge. At all times, we should remember that the purpose of all Lodge activity is to expand, enrich, and provide opportunities to experience and bring to full realization the general principles of Thelema and of the O.T.O. All Lodge activities should be approached as valuable and exquisite opportunities to engage in fraternal relations and fellowship with our Sisters and Brothers. Anything less is counter productive and to be discouraged.
Petty concerns and attitudes such as those having to do with personality conflicts; moodiness; competition; destructive criticism; desire for personal recognition, self aggrandizement and reward; etc. have no place within the Lodge or within the O.T.O., and every effort should be made to practice the personal self-control and discipline expected of all initiates.
Some inappropriate conduct is specifically forbidden by Order policy. These may result in disciplinary action up to and including notice of pending bad report. Some examples follow:
- Bringing onto Lodge properties or to Lodge activities dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms and other similar items.
- Falsifying or making material omissions in Lodge records.
- Theft or inappropriate removal of property that belongs to or is in the possession of Sekhet-Maat Lodge, its members or visitors, and/or malicious or willful destruction or damage to such.
- Possession of any controlled substance while on the premises of any OTO body or participating in OTO activities.
- Harassing, threatening or intimidating any person on Lodge premises, or in the course of conducting Lodge business, or while participating in Lodge activities.
Open Door Policy
Sekhet-Maat Lodge works to provide a rewarding environment with opportunities for volunteers to contribute to the pursuit of our Mission. Volunteers are encouraged to ask questions, request additional information and/or make suggestions when appropriate.
Occasionally a volunteer and their mentor may be unable to resolve a job-related conflict. When a job-related conflict exists between volunteer and mentor, the volunteer may consult with the Lodge Master or a member of the Committee of Four (of Psyche-Eros Chapter R+C) for guidance on conflict resolution.
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