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• moon phases

Letter from the Pennaeth

Greetings, fOaks!

We recently modified our Bylaws to support a new leadership structure--we now have three leaders, instead of a single leader, to handle the various responsibilities of running the Grove. These three leaders are of equal rank, sharing equally in making important Grove decisions, but each also has special responsibilities.

You elected me Pennaeth [pronounced PEN-ith, emphasis on the first syllable, and the "I" as in bike], or Chieftain, of ROG. The Bylaws describe this role as follows:

2. Pennaeth -- Chieftain and Administrative Leader
Shall be the person primarily responsible for the following:
a. Maintaining grove unity
b. Encouraging growth strength and growth
c. Dealing with disruptive influences
d. Maintaining fair relationships between the grove and its members
e. Maintaining positive public relations
f. Keeping the grove's money and proper records of it
g. Acting in the office of Treasurer, for legal purposes
h. Appointing Officers and assistants, as needed, for example, 
Pursewarden, Registrar, Archivist, etc.

The complete Bylaws can be found at the bylaws page.

As shown above, my primary responsibility is to serve as your fearless leader, similar to a president, making sure the Grove is running smoothly, maintaining grove unity, "keeping the peace". I am someone whom members can go to for a compassionate ear, as well as conflict resolution. If there is a problem, I hope that you will come to me first. I also represent members in dealings with ADF, such as helping process memberships and renewals, as well as helping us maintain a positive presence within ADF.

As Chieftain, here are some things that I would like to work on and promote:

1. Hold more public events. At one time, we were holding public Ritual every week. Very ambitious, but difficult to sustain. We now rarely meet beyond the eight high-holiday events. I would like to see us strive to offer at least one or two public Rituals a month.

2. Simplify/streamline events. Our high-day events are rather effort-intensive. I'd like to explore ways to reduce the effort and see that work is more fairly distributed among all attending members.

3. Be involved in more community service projects. As an ADF grove, we have a commitment to community service. We've talked alot about it, but haven't really done much. I would like to see us commit to doing at least three or four projects a year.

4. Increase the Grove treasury. Up until now, we haven't really given much thought to money beyond collecting dues. However, our recent trailer-building project, as well as the expense of using Ockanickon for Yule, have shown the need to have extra money available for special purchases. I'd like to look into ways to raise money to build up our our account.

5. Increase Grove membership. We have seen a growing public interest in the Grove during the last few events. I would like to encourage these folks to consider becoming members.

6. Increase fellowship within the Grove by promoting more members-only activities, such as potluck suppers, movie nights, etc.

If any of you have comments or suggestions on how to carry out these ideas--or suggestions on how I can do my job better and hopefully make ROG better for all of us--I'd really like to hear from you. It's a time of new beginnings for us--and I look forward to serving the Grove and its members with *fresh anticipation*!

Blessings,
Willow*
ROG Pennaeth 2004-2005