Article I: Name

United Pagan Ministries (UPM)

Article II: Purpose

It is the purpose of UPM to provide services, support, advocacy and education for the Pagan communities of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York and the surrounding area. UPM also seeks to provide an environment which enables people of various Pagan spiritualities to practice and share their faiths. It is furthermore the purpose of UPM to provide education regarding Pagans and Paganism in general, to participate in the development of a vibrant academic study of Pagan religions, and to promote interreligious understanding in the global community. UPM will abide by all points outlined in the UPM Charter.

Article III: Affiliation

Any individual may choose to affiliate themselves with UPM with the understanding that all affiliates must abide by the UPM Charter and Bylaws when representing UPM.

Article IV: Consensus

Consensus is defined as a sense of accord or general agreement. In the decision making process, individuals may block consensus due to strong objections or religious conviction. An individual may raise objections without blocking consensus. Resolution of minor objections is advisable.

Article V: Standing Rules

• Decisions will be made by consensus unless otherwise stated.
• Any persons attending a UPM meeting or event whose behavior violates the statement of philosophy found within the UPM Charter may be expelled from that meeting or event.
• Facilitation of UPM meetings or events shall be conducted by a member of the Board or by an individual otherwise appointed.
• UPM shall select an affiliate to attend the weekly meetings of Cornell United Religious Work (CURW) chaplains.

Article VI: UPM Board

The Board of UPM shall consist of no more than six persons plus a staff advisor. The Board shall delegate responsibilities amongst itself to fulfill the needs of UPM, including the roles of spokesperson, secretary, and treasurer. Board members are to be chosen by a simple majority vote at a general meeting which shall be announced no less than one week in advance. The Board members and specific roles shall be filled by the end of the spring semester of each academic year. If there are less than six board members and one staff advisor on the board, a general meeting may be called to elect additional board members as above. Board members shall serve terms comprising full academic years. Interim Boards may be chosen for summer sessions.

Decisions of the Board shall be made by consensus. The responsibilities of the UPM Board shall be as follows: to meet regularly; to prepare and make available agendae and minutes for all meetings; to poll the Pagan community for their interests, needs, and concerns; to recognize, support and encourage the leadership of affiliates; to maintain a contact list for UPM affiliates and ensure its confidentiality; to maintain contacts with outside groups; to manage UPM finances; to determine sponsorship of UPM events; to facilitate the organization of worship and observances appropriate to various Pagan religions, in accordance with the statement of philosophy; to issue statements on behalf of UPM; and to maintain a good working relationship with CURW.

Article VII: Recall

Recall of a UPM Board member shall be conducted by a 2/3 vote of affiliates attending a general meeting. This meeting shall be called with the express purpose of addressing the question of recall and publicized two weeks in advance. A proposal of recall may be initiated by any affiliate by contacting a member of the Board.

Article VIII: Meetings

There shall be a general meeting of UPM affiliates at least once per year. Additional meetings shall be called as per the discretion of UPM affiliates.

Article IX: Sponsored Events

Events may be sponsored by UPM at the discretion of UPM affiliates and with the approval of the UPM Board. All events sponsored by UPM shall be in accordance with the Charter and Bylaws.

Article X: Public Relations

UPM is dedicated to services, support, advocacy and education regarding issues which may be of importance to Pagans and Paganism. UPM shall maintain the confidentiality of all of its affiliates. Relations with the media shall be conducted by the Board Member assigned as the UPM spokesperson. No others shall attempt to speak for UPM unless authorized by the UPM Board; media statements not averred by the UPM spokesperson are not to be considered the policy of UPM. There will be no attempt to censor the statements of individuals expressing personal beliefs or opinions. Any and all acts attributed to UPM which violate the Charter or Bylaws may be publicly discredited as having no association with United Pagan Ministries.

Article XI: Ratification and Amendments

The methods for amendment and ratification of these bylaws shall proceed as follows:

• A general meeting shall be called and advertised no less than one week in advance.
• Decisions shall be made by consensus.
• Amendments to the bylaws may be proposed by any affiliate.

Article XII: Compliance with Rules and Regulations

UPM will comply with all local, state and federal laws, Cornell policies, and CURW covenants.