AGREEMENT

 

We have come together, as leaders of groups and as solitary Pagans/Heathens, to form an Oklahoma Pagan/Heathen Alliance.  We believe that only by agreeing to these actions can an Alliance truly grow here in our great State of Oklahoma.  Furthermore, we agree to not only abide by the proverbial letter of the agreement listed below, but also to the spirit of the agreement.

  1. AGREE TO DISAGREE WITH RESPECT.  As we all come from various backgrounds and spiritual paths there are going to be disagreements on various subjects. Whenever such a disagreement should arise, no matter whether it is between individuals, an individual and a group, or between groups, and a resolution cannot be found the parties will agree to disagree and do so with mutual respect before the argument results in a verbal altercation and bad feelings.
     

  2. UNITY OF THE ALLIANCE.  It is agreed that none of the members of this Alliance shall state anything negative about each other publicly, or privately, to others.  We will adopt the "If you don't have anything nice to say about someone don't say anything at all" philosophy.  Yet, we will not use the drama of saying nothing as a negative ploy when speaking to others.  It is through this provision that we police ourselves.  If anyone inside or outside the Alliance hears anyone belonging to the Alliance speaking ill of another member they realize immediately that this person is breaking the Agreement that they have signed.
     

  3. COMMUNICATION WITH EACH OTHER. 
     

    1. We agree that if we have a problem(s) with something that has occurred between one or more of the alliance that we will contact that person(s) and arrange a time to meet with them about the issue(s).  If needed another party from the Alliance can be asked to act as mediator between the parties involved.  If needed this mediation can be taken to the State Board of OPHA if it cannot be resolved in any other way. 
       

    2. We agree not to fall into the trap of hearsay.  If others are spreading unfounded rumours to us about one of the members of this Alliance, or members of their group(s), we will tell them to please not include us on that type of hearsay and furthermore we will tell them that we will be contacting the person the gossip was about to ask for clarification of the matter. We will also advise the person spreading the gossip that they, too, should contact the involved parties.
       

  4. SUBTERFUGE.  We do not believe in, nor shall we practice, the art of 'backstabbing' others in order to promote our groups, our religion, or ourselves. We believe in the sanctity of all pagan/heathen paths, whether or not we happen to follow those particular paths ourselves.
     

  5. RESOLUTION.  We agree that once a resolution to a disagreement is found, the matter is ended. Once a settlement of disagreements has been agreed upon between individuals, individuals and a group, or between groups, no grudges will be carried over and all will start with a 'clean slate'. Our goal is to resolve issues, not to stockpile ammunition against one another.
     

    1. If a resolution cannot be reached through communication then the members of the Alliance can call for a vote of no confidence.  This vote can only be carried out at a at the through the State Board of OPHA as it is not something to be entered into lightly.

For the unity and support of the Alliance, I do hereby set my hand and affirm, upon my honor and before the higher powers with which I ascribe, that I do agree to and shall uphold the principles of the Oklahoma Pagan/Heathen Alliance.