Our kindred appreciates all inquiries, and hopes to find new members to strengthen our kindred in the future.
It is very important that you read through all the information on this site relating to membership prior to applying. We are currently not offering membership to anyone that has not attended kindred events unless they live outside of our service area or do not have any transportation. For all applications (including newcomer forms) please visit the Kindred Form page.
If you are interested in applying for membership, please feel free to download our application form. Please note that all applicants MUST complete all sections of the application and provide ALL required documents before submitting the application.
A list of frequently asked questions about membership, if you have further questions, please contact us, we are more than happy to answer all questions that people might have about us.
Q: What is included with a “membership”?
Included with Membership:
Access to Resources, *A Seat on the Membership Committee (local only), Discounts on: Products, Publications, Workshops, Invites to Public/Private Events, Kindred Updates, Exclusive Members Only News Letter (yearly).
*a seat on the membership committee is not always granted immediatly. The kindred reserves the right to restrict a members involvement during probation periods, limit a members involvement and place other administrative restrictions on members based on the applicants information, personality, involvement and availability. We will not restrict a members status based on any personal prejudice, but sometimes limit members to allow certain training periods or additional study to occur first. Our first and foremost commitment is to our kindred and its function, so we make this a priority.
Q: What does being a member mean?
A: All it means is that you “support” Kenaz Kindred in any way possible. This may be through: financial means, advertising, event attendance, etc. It means that you support the work of the kindred, its efforts and its staff. We look at our members as part of our kin, people that share the same desire we have in creating more awareness of Ásatrú and providing a positive place that is dedicated to teaching Ásatrú to anyone. We want people that are willing to be leaders in their own communities, perhaps starting their own groups, kindred’s, whatever, to supply a presence of Ásatrú people in other cities and countries around the world.
We look at our members as people that will represent Ásatrú in a positive way, have similar goals as we do, and will be an active participant in making Ásatrú accessible.This means, that members who are local can help us: set up events, co-ordinate large scale projects, present Ásatrú at various venues, assist the priesthood in the many tasks they have to perform, assist other members in various endeavors, support one another in times of crisis and in times of good. Be friends, and family to each other, create a close knit extended family group that will present a positive model of Ásatrú. For remote members, it means doing what you can in your community to boost the presence of Ásatrú, even if it is just providing one event a year, it is something! We also look for support in remote areas, to help advertise Kenaz Kindred and announcing various projects and large scale events. It is nice to have numerous voices speak out, when something neat happens. And, we hope that Kenaz Kindred inspires this.
Q: Where do the fees go?
A: All fees go directly to the kindred fund which pays for: website hosting, programming costs, rental costs, advertising costs and operational costs. It basically goes back to the organization itself, and helps pay out our operating costs. As a member you are entitled to a copy of our yearly fiscal report to show you where the funds went and what they were allocated to. Any profits, go directly to other projects, community donations or are used for larger kindred events etc. No one in the kindred profits directly from the fees or income generated by any part of our organization.
Q: Can I cancel my membership?
A: Yes, you can. Although we are always sad to see someone go, we understand. Memberships can be cancelled at any time, but there is no refund of any membership fees already collected.
Q: Can memberships be revoked?
A: Yes, they can. For a list of membership ethics and guidelines that are provided to anyone who requests them, as well as posted on our website in the By-Laws section
Q: Who will see my application?
A: All applications are viewed by the membership committee which meets every two months to vote on applications. The application is read aloud and all members have a right to ask questions as to the nature of the application, or information about the applicant. Answers are provided, to the best of our ability and the members vote on the application. The application is then kept in a private location of the kindred, and is only accessible to the Membership Officer and Founder. All information is kept private, and members are not authorized to disclose any information about any member or applicant. In some circumstances, votes are taken via email-but only the priesthood has access to the application, the membership committee will be given a few details about the applicant, but only enough to make a decision.
Q: What if I am rejected?
A: So, far this has never happened. But, in the event that your membership is rejected, we will contact you and inform you of the decision. It may be that not enough time has passed in the probation period for you to apply or that information was not clearly presented.You can appeal the decision at any time, and contact the Membership Office to sort out any membership issues or decisions that you feel were unfair. There is an Appeals process, which will be provided should your application be rejected.
Q: How many people are included in a membership?
A: The following are included in a membership: 1 adult or minor with parental concent. If there are children under the age of 18, they are no membership fees. Membership fees apply to anyone over the age of 18, and are per person.
Q: Who can become a member?
A: Usually, membership is offered to those who:
Local: attends events for a period no less than 3-6 months and has completed courses or workshops with the kindred, has contributed to the kindred in any way, has been selected by other members as a candidate, has assisted the priesthood in various capacity, can be relied on in times of emergency and crisis, proven themselves to be an asset to the kindred and the community
Remote: does not have a local kindred that they can go to, are looking for an organization in which to learn from, a sincere desire to learn and study, has provided the kindred with external resources and or other support in any way which constitutes an attitude of giving and respect, is currently working towards becoming a kindred founder in their own area, has helped advertise, discuss and promote the kindred
There are a number of factors that help us pick our members, but we also accept anyone who is really sincere about learning, who has shown some sort of commitment and has stuck it out with us through good times and bad. We want people who are planning on growing with us, and becoming part of the kindred family. All membership applications are different, and each applicant is viewed with as much neutrality as possible. We make a sincere effort to treat all applications fairly. Once your application is approved, a letter will be sent to you with your:
Membership ID # (you will need this for courses and discounts!), a welcome kit: brief overview of Kenaz Kindred, copies of several of our brochures and a copy of the by-laws, an Invoice with the total dues owing.
You are expected to send your fees as soon as the welcome package arrives-Failure to do so, will result in prompt loss of membership status.
Current Membership Fees 2010
Canadian Resident: $30.00 Per Year/Per Person
USA/International Resident: $40.00 Per Year/Per Person
(Dependent children under the age of 18 are free)
-Membership Fees are PRO-RATED. Fees are due on the 1st day of January of each year. If you join prior to January 1st, your fee will be pro-rated for each month between the month your application was approved and January.-
Discounts for Members
Courses & Workshops: $20.00 off
*Publications: 25% off
*Products: 25% off
Services: 50% off
*Membership Discounts only apply to: Kenaz Kindred
If you have any questions that have not been answered by this F.A.Q or require more details, please contact our Membership Office
For information on appealing decisions or meeting with the committee to discuss personal concerns please click here
