The AODA has existed as a diverse and inclusive Order for 112 years, and we plan to uphold that tradition. We have always been a tradition that welcomes people regardless of race, belief, culture, language, identity, sexual orientation, political stance, ability, gender, or any other identity. We have survived political, social, and global upheaval, and we will continue to be the place where our diverse membership can come together in spiritual practice and community.
We are committed to maintaining and protecting this diverse and welcoming community. We will continue to stand by and enforce these policies. While it’s not often a public situation, the Archdruids have removed members from the Order for violating our bylaws and ethics, and will continue to do so when a member is in breach of our bylaws.
Members can review our bylaws at Grand Grove Bylaws – Ancient Order of Druids in America
Members can review our ethics at: https://aoda.org/aoda-membership/ethics/
We are monitoring the ongoing situation, and as part of our short and long-range planning, will continue discussing and acting on how best to protect the Order and its members. Your member information is not open to the general membership. The Archdruids, two paid staff, and select Grand Grove members are the only people able to access that information. In our new member portal, Breeze, our members can control how much of their information is listed. Feel free to alter your name, opt-out of information sharing, etc. Members also choose how much they share on our online spaces, and whether or not their real names or other identifying information are shared.
Finally, we will remind everyone that AODA is a non-political and non-partisan Order and maintains a non-political stance in our online spaces. In the present political climate, it is particularly necessary to protect the Order so that we do not violate the US laws separating church and state or make our Order a target. Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Thus, we cannot speak politically, and we ask our members to honor the same in our public, open spaces.
We take the safety of our members and Order very seriously. If you have any concerns please reach out to any Archdruid to discuss your concerns.