Open Source Chapters and How to Start One
Our Open Source Chapter system acknowledges the open source and personally gnostic nature of modern paganism. It is an open source, open system of autonomous independent chapters. Each individual and/or chapter is free to work with the system in its own manner and free to associate or not with any other individual or chapter.
The best way to go about forming a chapter is to do the work and prepare a working zone which will result in a chapter. Contact other OSC participants and immerse in study, research and operations.
The Open Source Chapter system offers freedom to affiliate with similar groups. This model promotes the formation of traditional and non-traditional chapters focusing on fraternal, druid, magickal, ceremonial, or related pagan philosophies, religions, and/or traditions.
Please direct all new chapter inquires and e-mail your proposed charter and constitution to our
Basic Chapter Guidelines
- The purpose of your chapter should be related to the mission and goals of the Order of the Stone Circle (i.e. the group should be based on a fraternal, druid, magickal, ceremonial, or ancient pagan religion or tradition).
- New chapters should seek a charter from OSC Chapter One. They will be required to complete an application and/or to provide a summary of what the chapter is about. The summary should be a brief sentence or paragraph that sums up what your chapter is about and a list of members.
- A constitution or other document outlining the mission, goals, and operating structure of your chapter is recommended, but not required. This will be useful to you later if there are ever any disputes or differences of opinion within your chapter.
- Chapters should include “Order of the Stone Circle” or the abbreviated “OSC” in their official name. Other descriptors might include your city or town, whether the chapter is a brotherhood or sisterhood, or you may use other terms in your name related to your unique niche. Besides your official chapter name, you may take on an unofficial nickname for the chapter.
- Chapters are required to pay any required national dues to OSC Chapter One in order to become and to remain an “active” chapter.
- A chapter should have a minimum of three members (a three member chapter is known as a “triad”).
- A chapter may or may not choose to require dues from its members.
- A chapter shall not be formed as a hate group or to engage in explicit illegal activities.
- Each chapter should host or participate in at least four ceremonies per year. Typically brotherhoods celebrate the solstices and equinoxes (Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, and Autumnal Equinox) , sisterhoods celebrate the cross quarters (Beltane, Lughnasadh, Samhain, and Imbolc), coed groups should celebrate at least two of each.
- Beyond celebrating at least four of the seasonal holy days, each chapter is free to set additional meetings and events as it sees fit.
- Each chapter should submit a brief summary of its activities and membership each year on or before November 1 (Samhain marking the beginning of the Celtic New Year).
- Chapter leaders should also regularly check OSC Chapter One’s chapter and membership list (in the member area) to ensure that the information about your chapter and its members remains accurate.