Perseverance is the flame that continues to burn inside yourself when the storm seems the worst. Sometimes it burns bright and strong with no trouble, though this is often only when the winds are calm, and the Theoi are easily heard on the breeze. When times become difficult, and the rain is pounding down, the flame flickers, just barely keeping alight. The sound of the rumbling thunder seems to drown out the Gods, and the lightning blinds you from seeing them in your life. It is then that the flame needs to be tended most, and cared for. And just as it seems as though it may extinguish itself in the whipping wind you remember: The Gods are always present in your life, and will hold you close and keep you tending that small flickering light. After all, even when the storm seems worst, it is still the mighty Zeus.
Ethics & Vocation: 2019 Reflection
Ethics
It is important to reflect on our Code of Ethics, and the virtues we try to embody, every so often. ADF’s continuing education used to require it at least once every three years, though that has since changed and it’s no longer required that we revisit it. It is still an extremely valuable practice, and allows to see how we are growing and changing as a person and priest, and helps us to realign and reaffirm the work we are doing. I’ve also seen my work shift and focus since being Consecrated, and having had time to settle into that new(ish) role, now seems like a good time to review where I stand, what I believe, and how those things are expressed in my words and actions. Continue reading “Ethics & Vocation: 2019 Reflection”
The Godden: In You I See Me
As we grow as pagans, there are many ways our practice and our liturgical language changes over time, and it is important to regularly evaluate and reflect on them. Not only does this allow us to make sure our work still aligns with our values, but it also make sure that it is accurate to our theology and praxis.
Review of Trillium 2019
This past weekend I attended the 20th Annual Trillium Gathering, and it was excellent, as usual. I’ve always really enjoyed Trillium. Not only does it mark the start of my festival season, but the community is absolutely lovely. When I go to Trillium, it’s like coming home. These are my people.
Mentoring Matters: Cultivating Trees For Our Forest
Mentoring is essential in cultivating new leaders in an organization. Those of us who are already in those roles need to become mentors so that those following us can more easily manage the journey. As mentors, we seek to help our mentees feel welcomed, valued, and part of their own learning process. We walk alongside them, providing support and insight, encouraging reflection, risk-taking, and confidence in their growing skills, and challenging them to continue moving forward on their path.
Continue reading “Mentoring Matters: Cultivating Trees For Our Forest”
Members Advocate Candidate Responses 2019
The Members Advocate is the organizational ombudsperson. They represent individual members of ADF to the Mother Grove, especially minority members that are otherwise not well represented. The Member’s Advocate manages compassionate memberships as well as handling complaints that are both interpersonal and inter-organizational. They are expected to mediate these complaints before they reach the Mother Grove. The Member’s Advocate is a 1 year term, with a 3 consecutive year term limit, and is a non-voting member of the Mother Grove, though they are expected to attend all Mother Grove meetings.
Candidates:
Bios can be found here.
The list of all questions can be found here.
Continue reading “Members Advocate Candidate Responses 2019”
Secretary Candidate Responses 2019
Non-Officer Director Candidate Responses 2019
The Non-Officer Director is elected to represent the membership at large. They are not given any specifically defined duties, but are often the heads of various subcommittees as determined by the Mother Grove. There are 4 NOD positions on the Mother Grove, with 2 up for election each year. The Non-Officer Director is a 2 year term, with no term limit.
Candidates:
- Desiree Cook
- Julie Desrosiers
- James Fielder (Pigeon)
Bios can be found here.
The list of all questions can be found here.
Continue reading “Non-Officer Director Candidate Responses 2019”
Regional Druid Candidate Responses 2019
The Regional Druids represent the membership of their region, both solitaries and groves. They are expected to welcome new members to their region, help prospective and new protogroves with challenges they may face, and stay in contact with the members in their region (often by physically traveling). They are also in charge of mediating complaints that arise in their region before escalating them to the Member’s Advocate. The Regional Druid is a 2 year term, with no term limit. They are eligible to run for Chief of the Council of Regional Druids (a voting Mother Grove position) after having served as RD for 1 year.
Candidates:
Bios can be found here.
The list of all questions can be found here.
Arch Druid Candidate Responses 2019
The Arch Druid is the President/CEO of the organization, as well as the Spiritual Leader of the organization and Head of the Clergy Council. Please note that the Arch Druid is a paid position. They are an employee of ADF and receive a monthly stipend, making it especially important that our funds are spent on a qualified person. Arch Druid is a 3 year term, with a 3 term limit, and is a voting member of the Mother Grove.
Candidates:
- Rev. Melissa Ashton
- Rev. Jean Pagano (Drum) (late response)
Bios can be found here.
The list of all questions can be found here.
