Guild Charter Changes

Messages for the Rangers' Guild
sylvanna
GM of Rangers
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:09 pm
Guild: Rangers
Temple: Nature

Guild Charter Changes

Post by sylvanna »

Greetings Rangers!

As many of you know, we, as are all guilds, are being asked to make changes to our charter. This will help us transition into a new age. Throughout existence, the Rangers guild as a whole have been fiercely protective of our charter, and very few changes have been made. These will be mandatory changes.

I have spoken to several of you in person and tried to keep to the ideals our Guild has always had. Our current charter is in white, and the proposed changes are in red. Please review these changes and either post here with questions/comments/revisions, catch me in-lands, or pigeon me at Sylvanna98@Aol.com. I'll also be setting up an in-game guildvote.

I hope you all get involved in the discussion. My proposed changes are just a starting point for the discussion, and are able to be changed. The 5 areas that are required to change/be addressed are:

GM/GL Election Process
Vote of Confidence
Guild Probation
Removal from Guild
Soliciting a Patron

Thanks for your time and input!

Simply...Sylvanna, Rangers GM



--== The Rangers Code ==--

Rangers share a special existence and must maintain a balance within themselves. The Forest accepts all classes of beings and encourages diversity in experience, skills and knowledge. Our quest for knowledge is so strong, we do not judge those who think or act differently. Like our ancestors we retreat to the forests to learn new ways, not condemn or judge those who may think differently. We all walk different paths and must respect that all paths may lead to the same destination of truth.

The community as a whole is neutral, which means we accept all philosophies within our ranks without judging. As long as one is committed to the protection of the forests and the pursuit of knowledge, commitment to evil or good is irrelevant. We are open-minded and seek to learn from all people so that we may grow in our own prowess.

Rangers are the shining example of resourcefulness and self-sufficiency. We work well with others but prefer solitude, for our power lies within us and the knowledge we obtain. We set the highest standards for all to follow and admire, for we ruthlessly face challenges without hesitation or cowardice. We believe there is nothing we cannot gain or achieve. We are a responsible and sensible group; we are conscientious and courteous. We defy tyranny and conquer our enemies with voracity and swiftness. We strive for balance in our many skills. Though we are compassionate, we do not suffer fools for we are industrious and ambitious. We are explorers and quick to learn other arts because we believe information is power.

Rangers must keep the exact entrance to the Guild a secret. Only those willing to protect the forest from those who would retake this land, the trolls, are to be given hints in finding our fabled tree. They must find it on their own; so that we can be sure they have the ability to survive the rigors that we nearly succumbed to so long ago.

Although we are usually solitary, it is necessary that we help each other as much as possible. The strong sense of individuality is tempered by the overriding loyalty to the community. One cannot protect the forest alone, the community working as a whole must be united against the enemies of the forest. Therefore for the community that defines what you are and teaches you the way you live and survive comes first.

Remember that since we are a community and we depend on each and every individual to make the community successful, we must help the fledgling Rangers to succeed. Individuality is important as one must be able to depend on their own council, but if you do not sponsor and assist the newer members to also be able to do this, in just a few generations, the Ranger community will have lost the battle. Keep in mind however, that assistance must be merited and earned. Teach the younger to fish, don't fish for them. More importantly, cheating will not be tolerated, as cheating is not in character for the roleplay of a Ranger in any way.

The community is paramount to the survival of the forest, which is the reason the community was even created in the first place. Even though Rangers are autonomous in their individuality the leaders of the community still hold some authority. This is the authority over the community as a whole, and without some form of leadership the community would perish as each initiative taken would not be coordinated with any other, and things would be in conflict and eventually fall apart. In this light, the Ranger understands the importance of respecting authority of the community, and respecting the authority of the powers that be--the Immortals and Heroes of the land. Likewise, all those in positions of authority realize and accept their responsibility to the forest. They acknowledge that all voices are equally important and all opinions must be carefully weighed in the pursuit of balance and fairness. The lines of communication shall always remain open and every Ranger has the right to voice their opinions, thoughts or ideas to any Guild Officer or the Guild Heroes.

The original community of Rangers was not an official Guild, but with Roachmill's acceptance as a Guildmaster the leaders of the community and Roachmill appealed to the council of Guilds and were soon accepted as an official Guild of Terris. The attitude of the Guild is still the attitude of the community, regardless of its official status.


--== Mission Statement ==--

The Rangers are a family of self-sufficient individuals committed to exploring the realm, protecting the forests, and forging their own paths. Rangers are the pioneers of the realm, standing at the forefront of the battle for new frontiers. Rangers utilize their training in tactics both individual and community based to: master new situations, solve problems, and help the community survive in the harsh world of Terris.


--== The Community ==--

The community is a conglomeration of Ranger ego, individuality, and self-reliance. This at times may seem to be a paradox, but the very existence of the community requires the solidarity and semi-autonomy of the individual Ranger. Every Ranger is equal in the eyes of the forest and all have a voice which needs to be heard. As a family, no one Ranger is better than any other. Any Ranger who wishes to become involved in the nourishing of the forest is invited to do so. Each Guild Officer organizes and maintains a program which is always in need of fresh faces and new ideas..


--== Leadership ==--


== Guild Master/Mistress (GM)


The GM is the leader of the Guild and upholds the ideals, values, and codes of the Guild. The GM is viewed as the example for all to follow and maintains the highest standards. The GM is responsible, wary, understanding, objective and fair. Although the GM is a political figure, the GM will not possess the qualities that a traditional politician has for the GM is a Ranger in mind, spirit, and ideals like any other. The GM works closely with the GLs to ensure the smooth running of all programs.

Duties

The GM is responsible for making decisions concerning the physical maintenance and development of the Guild after consultation with the Guild Patrons
Is responsible for keeping track of the Guild locker and the treasury and tracking experience tithed by members.
Has the ability to settle disputes among members within the Guild and is expected to judge with fairness, objectivity, and discernment
Has the ability in settling disputes concerning the Guild and in its best interest, with full Guild power
Speaks for the Guild and all of its members and is directly responsible for addressing and resolving disputes or issues outside of the Guild
Is responsible for defending and protecting members to the best of his or her ability
Has a duty to provide guidance and advice to members when possible
Has the discretion to award or sell members items from the Guild locker
Has the discretion to set Guild titles and the requirements of earning them
Has the discretion to summon members into the Guild,
Has the obligation and duty not to use the position for personal gain
Has the responsibility and duty of setting the example for the whole Guild
Has the duty to keep members well informed of decisions in the name of the Guild through posts on the message boards, meetings, or announcements
Has the duty to hear comments, suggestions, and complaints of members to the best of the GM's ability and has the power to make decisions if necessary

== Guild Lieutenant(s) (GLs)


The Guild Lieutenants are held to the descriptions listed from #6-14 at all times and, conservatively, #1-5 in the absence of the GM. They provide additional leadership to the Guild and have some powers invested in them for the benefit of the Guild. These individuals must consult and report all actions taken on the behalf of the Guild to the Guildmaster/mistress immediately and consult with the GM on a regular basis.

All GLs are responsible to hold regularly scheduled or spontaneous events and hunts for the guild members on a regular basis. (minimum of 2 per month, per GL) The GLs are responsible for welcoming new Rangers and providing them an opportunity to receive a mentor if desired; helping uphold Ranger traditions and history; and aiding with guild activity.


--== Elections ==--

Guild Officers (GO) include the Guild Master/Mistress (GM) and two Guild Lieutenant (GL) positions. Alternating GM and GL elections will be held every 6 RL months. A full GL election will always take place in March and September. The GM election will always take place in June and December. There are two exceptions to this:

1. Vacancy. If a GL position is vacated mid-term, it will be filled by appointment to meet the needs of the Guild. GL vacancies will be filled by appointment as soon as possible after notice is given, or replacement directed.

a) Appointees for GL will be selected by the GM.
b) If the GM position is vacated, an emergency election will occur under all the rules of election.
c) Any GO position filled midterm will be up for election at the next scheduled election for that office, regardless of duration held.

2. Vote of Confidence: 3 subscribed members petition for a vote of no confidence because they are displeased with a particular officer. They may do so by posting on the Ranger Boards. This will result in a mid-term election taking place for that position only. The officer being petitioned against may run in this election. In this case, the newly elected GO(s) (as per number 1 above) will retain office until the next scheduled election for that particular office, regardless of duration held. The voting will be conducted using the in-game voting system. There will be one vote per account total. The persons calling for the Vote of Confidence may not call for another during the remainder of the current term.

During elections, a nomination period is initially held. Guild members will be given two weeks advance notice of the upcoming election. The nomination and voting periods will each last one week.

Any Ranger who wishes to run in any election, and meets all the eligibility requirements, may nominate themselves by posting their intent on the nomination thread. This post should be respectful, and during a GM election, include your plans and goals for the guild. No campaigning is permitted in guild shouts.


== Eligibility

You must be a subscribed Ranger in good standing, and at least 25 years of age.
You must NOT share your account.
You must commit to putting in the time to fulfill your officer responsibilities as outlined by the charter under “Leadership” and any additional projects pertinent to the position. Failure to keep up with these duties for a period of two (2) months will result in a verbal warning from the GM. If the issues are not resolved then the GM and the divinities may dismiss you at their discretion (the same applies for the GM, but at a higher level). An exception to this is if you are going on vacation or having computer difficulties and inform the GM of the situation, but even then if you are unable to meet your duties for more than two (2) months you will need to be replaced, though are welcome to run again.
You must be willing to work on any of the Guild programs and to be switched amongst the programs as needed to meet the goals and needs of the Guild.
Ranger GLs may run for the office of GM without putting their own position up for election.

== Voting

Minimum age requirement of 21
One vote per registered account.
For GLs: Each Ranger will vote for a number of candidates equal to the number of positions available.
For GM: Each Ranger will vote for 1 candidate of their choice.

Guildmaster Elections are held using the in-game election voting system. (HELP GUILDVOTE).
Guild Lieutenant Elections are held using the in-game election voting system. (HELP GUILDVOTE).


Please note:

Only subscribed members are able to vote.
Candidates may vote for themselves.


Non-compliance with any of the above requirements will result in disqualification. Any valid dispute must be presented to the GM. All decisions regarding eligibility and/or disqualification will be made by majority vote from the Patron, Hero and the GOs that are not running for office, as applicable.


== Right to Petition

Rangers have the right to voice concerns regarding the administration of the Guild in an appropriate manner without threat, snide or degrading remarks, or repercussion from said administration. Along with this right comes the requirement to offer respectful solutions. Every effort must be made to remedy the situation by consulting with the Guild Officers and Hero/Patron.

Petitions may be filed by 3 subscribed members of the Guild in the event of discrepancies or violations in the administration of the Guild and this Charter - which cannot be resolved by the GO’s. The petition must state the problem, a discussion of the situation, and recommended solution(s). This petition must be sent to the GM, and Guild Hero and Patron, if applicable , for review and remedy.


=== Solicit a Patron

Petitioning a Patron

The Ranger Guild may choose to seek a Hero or Immortal to Patron the Guild or an activity. This petition may only be formally made by the Guild Master. While the Divine may choose to join our guild in this regard, they are there because they choose to accept our petition. A Patron is free to be involved as little or as much as they wish, however they are not there to oversee the daily operations of the guild, and all issues are still brought to the attention of the Governing Body of the guild to act upon. Either the GM or the Patron is free to end the association when it no longer meets the needs of the guild or the will of the Patron.

A Hero or Immortal chosen to Patron our Guild should have ideals and stance that align with the Guild philosophy and code. The GM should also strive to take into consideration the wishes of the majority of the Guild when choosing a Hero or Immortal to petition for Patron. However, the final decision is the GM's.


=== Guild Probation

Any Ranger violating TOS or the Ranger Charter may be placed on Probation by the GM or a GL for a period of up to two weeks. A second violation within 6 ooc months will lead to a second Probation period of up to two weeks, and loss of all guild items for that probation period.


=== Removal From Guild

Upon a third instance of disciplinary action, the Ranger is subject to being removed from the Guild at the discretion of the GM. The GM may or may not employ a Guildvote, using the in-game Guildvote function to ensure all Rangers have a say if/when another guild member is subject to removal.



== Notes
sylvanna
GM of Rangers
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:09 pm
Guild: Rangers
Temple: Nature

Re: Guild Charter Changes

Post by sylvanna »

While I had hoped for more discussion about these changes, I need to have them submitted by 9 Aug. I will not be requiring Rangers to be registered to vote. Please either post your vote here as a reply on this thread, or pigeon BOTH Sylvanna98@Aol.com and Erawan@LegendsofTerris.com in the same missive. All that is required is "Yes" to accept the changes as proposed, or "No" to go back to the drawing board, and signed with your name. If you have any thoughts or comments, those are welcome as well. Voting will be open until Midnight EST Tuesday Aug 8th.

Please take the time to vote!

Thanks for reading,

Sylvanna, Ranger's GM
Ranger_Shifter
Posts: 33
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2014 12:22 am
Guild: Rangers

Re: Guild Charter Changes

Post by Ranger_Shifter »

<------<<--

Thanks for leading the discussion Syl.

I do have a couple thoughts. I'm in agreement that formal changes to guild leadership should be the decision of subscribed members only, but I do think all members should have the ability to have their voices heard on guild matters. Let's visit the idea that Unsubscribed players be provided the opportunity to participate in the leadership petition process, while maintaining the rule that only subscribed players may cast votes. We don't want to exclude an entire section of our core player base, or force a subscription on them for their voice to carry any weight with regards to leadership changes.

Another point to sharpen, can we change the wording from subscribed members to premium. Given the granting of temporary premium memberships for the player base for various reasons (summer incentive, year 500 etc.). Some of our leadership confirmed that that was the intent, for temp premium players to have all rights of premium players during those times and I'd like that to be clear in our charter.

-->>------>
~ Nonchalant Shifter

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