Bylaws of the Dark Ones
Oligarchy Approved: 12/10/24
- Bylaw Advisory
- Interpretation of these bylaws, and the amending, adopting or repealing thereof, shall follow certain criteria. (January 18, 2003)
- It is not the intent of these bylaws to discriminate, nor to encourage discrimination, for or against any individual, entity or member on the basis of race, creed, culture, gender, sexual preference, religion, physical handicap, skin color, or place of birth. (August 20, 1994)
- The bylaws shall not provide differently for individuals of different race, creed, culture, gender, skin color, religion, sexual preference, or place of birth. (August 20, 1994)
- The bylaws detail specific actions on the part of members. If a physical handicap makes such actions impossible, alternate actions may be specified by the Oligarchy in keeping with the spirit of the bylaws. (August 20, 1994)
- Care is advised in the amending, adopting or repealing of bylaws. (August 20, 1994)
- Neither this bylaw, nor any bylaw specifying required quorums or required blacklines of the Oligarchy, the members, or committees shall be adopted, amended or repealed without a unanimous vote of the entire Oligarchy. (January 18, 2003)
- As may occur from time to time that the strict adherence to the letter of a bylaw should actually be contrary to the intent of said bylaw, the intent should, at times, be allowed to hold precedence. (June 6, 1998)
- Voting
- A member’s status shall be used to determine if that member has a vote on issues at Dark Ones’ symposiums. (December 16, 2008)
- A member holding Active status shall have a vote on issues at Dark Ones’ symposiums. (December 16, 2008)
- A member entitled to a vote may give their proxy to another member entitled to vote on that issue. (December 16, 2008)
- There are two methods to give someone a proxy. (June 19, 2012)
- Provided in writing to the event scribe prior to the vote. (June 19, 2012)
- Provided verbally with a witness also qualified to vote on that issue. (June 19, 2012)
- A member who has lost Active status is not entitled to a vote on any issue at a Dark Ones’ symposium. (December 16, 2008)
- There are several methods of voting. Votes must be cast “in stone,” but in certain circumstances alternate methods of voting may be used. These circumstances are specifically noted in these bylaws and are detailed in Appendix I - Voting Procedures. (May 18, 2015)
- The entire number of Active members present shall be used to determine the blackline of a vote of the members. (June 19, 2012)
- In all cases, the number of white, black, and gray votes shall be recorded. (August 20, 1994)
- A quorum of the Oligarchy shall consist of one-half of the Oligarchy members, except on those issues where a different number is specified by these bylaws. (August 3, 1994)
- Membership
- There shall be two classes of membership: That of Dark Ones Associate (DOA), those members without tenure, and that of Dark One, being those members who have claimed tenure. (June 19, 2012)
- Members shall fall into one of three types of status: Active, Inactive, and Retired. (December 30, 2008)
- All members regardless of class shall have their status determined at the end of each Symposium. (June 19, 2012)
- A member is of Active status if they have attended any one of the previous three symposiums. (July 24, 2010)
- Any member may petition the Oligarchy to review, and if warranted, change their Inactive status. (October 13, 2009)
- An individual who is not a member of the Dark Ones may become a Dark Ones Associate. (January 18, 2003) Sponsorship
- To become a Dark Ones Associate, a Prospective member must first obtain a Sponsor. The rules and procedures for this process are found in Appendix II - Membership Procedures. (May 18, 2015)
- The fee for becoming a Dark Ones Associate shall be five dollars and one silver coin as approved by the Oligarchy. (June 6, 1998)
- A DOA may claim tenure (become a Dark One) after five years of membership. The rules and procedures for this process are found in Appendix II - Membership Procedures. (May 18, 2015)
- The fee for becoming a Dark One shall be twenty dollars and one silver coin, as approved by the Oligarchy. (June 6, 1998)
- A member may be removed by being unsponsored. The rules and procedures for this process are found in Appendix II - Membership Procedures. (May 18, 2015)
- If any member of the Dark Ones wishes to retire, said member can notify the Oligarchy in writing of their intent; this document must carry a live signature. The Oligarchy will then accept the retirement, relegating them to Retired status. However, said retired member shall be welcome to return at any time. (March 31, 2021)
- The Oligarchy reserves the right to move an Inactive member to Retired status for long-term disassociation with the group or lack of valid contact information or the like. (June 19, 2012)
- Officers/Directors
- The Oligarchy
- Oligarchy members must maintain Active status, and regularly attend Oligarchy meetings. Attendance is checked at the end of each Oligarchy meeting and each symposium. (May 18, 2015)
- The situations where an Oligarchy member must step down due to lack of attendance: (May 11, 2010)
- If an Oligarchy member misses more than four (4) Oligarchy meetings in a twelve (12) month period, or any three (3) consecutive Oligarchy meetings, that member will be placed on a forced leave of absence. (June 24, 2023)
- An Oligarchy member who loses Active status is considered to have provided proper notice, and must take an involuntary leave of absence effective at the symposium at which Active status is lost. (May 18, 2015)
- An Oligarchy member may take a voluntary leave of absence by providing notice in writing no less than one fortnight in advance; this document must carry a live signature. The rules and procedures for this process are found in Appendix II - Membership Procedures. (May 18, 2015)
- Oligarchy Voting (May 11, 2010)
- Oligarchy members shall have the right to postpone, for a period of one fortnight, the Oligarchal vote on an issue or the discussion of any issue at an Oligarchy meeting. However, issues previously subjected to such postponement are not eligible for further postponement in this manner. (“Hot Button Clause”) (March 31, 2021)
- In the event of a tie on an Oligarchal vote, if a membership vote has been taken, the membership vote shall count as a ½ vote. Otherwise, the Seneschal Elect shall receive a ½ vote. (May 11, 2010)
- Oligarchy Positions
- Regent
- A member filling a vacated Oligarchy seat shall be known as a Regent. The rules and procedures for electing a Regent are found in Appendix III - Election Procedures. (June 01, 2015)
- The Regent takes office at the end of the General Symposium at which they are elected. (February 29, 2020)
- The minimum term of office shall be thirteen fortnights and a day. (October 16, 2012) The term of office of a Regent shall follow a prescribed schedule inherent to that seat. The order that the seats transition are: Kretin, The Ripper, Night Flier, Shadowstalker, Jaguar & then one General Symposium is skipped. This schedule repeats every three years (beginning with Kretin’s seat in January 1993). The specific dates for these elections may be found in the DOD - Corporate Guidelines.
- At the end of a member’s three-year term as Regent, the member cannot run for another Regent position at the same meeting. Running for the Seneschal Elect position is allowed. (June 01, 2015)
- The Seneschal and Seneschal Elect
- The details of electing a Seneschal Elect are found in Appendix III - Election Procedures. (June 01, 2015)
- The Seneschal Elect will take up the office of Seneschal at the end of their term. If the Seneschal Elect becomes Inactive during their term, a replacement Seneschal will be voted on at the same General Symposium and take office at the end of that meeting. (December 30, 2008)
- It shall be the responsibility of the Seneschal Elect to attend all the meetings of the Oligarchy. Such attendance must not be construed as conferring membership in the Oligarchy. (March 31, 2021)
- If an Oligarchy member (this includes the Seneschal) is unable to attend an Oligarchy meeting, and does not provide a proxy, the Seneschal Elect shall be an acting Oligarchy member for the duration of that meeting. (April 18, 2016)
- The Seneschal is an ex officio member of the Oligarchy. The Seneschal must maintain Active status. (January 18, 2003)
- The term of office for the Seneschal shall run from the end of a General Symposium to the end of the following General symposium. (December 30, 2008)
- A member becomes Seneschal at the end of their term as Seneschal Elect. (December 30, 2008)
- Should the Seneschal be unwilling or unable to continue their term, the Seneschal Elect shall become the acting Seneschal for the remainder of the term. (December 30, 2008)
- The Event Director
- The Event Director shall be an Oligarchal committee comprised of one or more Oligarchy members with the power to stand in the stead of the Oligarchy on matters concerning the planning and organization of Dark Ones’ events, except where the Oligarchy specifically intervenes; and in such instances, the Oligarchy’s decision shall take precedence. (August 3, 1994)
- The rules and procedures for this committee are found in the DOD - Procedures document. (June 15, 2015)
- The Activities Coordinator
- Activities Coordinators are members placed in charge of specific types of events by the Oligarchy’s Event Director. (December 30, 2008)
- Examples are Convention Parties, Dinner Club, House Parties, and Kids Keep. (December 30, 2008)
- The duties of each Activities Coordinator are determined by the Oligarchy’s Event Director. (December 30, 2008)
- Guild Liaison
- The Guilds Liaison is a member placed in charge of overseeing guild functions by the Oligarchy’s Event Director. (March 31, 2021)
- The duties of the Guild Liaison are determined by the Oligarchy’s Event Director. (March 31, 2021)
- The Executive Director
- The Executive Director shall be an Oligarchal committee comprised of one or more Oligarchy members with the power to stand in the stead of the Oligarchy on those matters involving the Historian and Exchequer except where the Oligarchy specifically intervenes; and in such instances the Oligarchy’s decision shall take precedence. (December 30, 2008) The rules and procedures for this committee are found in the DOD - Corporate Guidelines document. (March 31, 2021)
- Membership Liaison Committee
- The ‘Member Liaison’ and ‘Sponsor & Prospective Liaison’ are members placed in charge of overseeing a variety of member and prospective issues by the Oligarchy’s Executive Director. (March 31, 2021)
- The duties of the Membership Liaison Committee are determined by the Oligarchy’s Executive Director. The rules and procedures for this committee are found in the DOD - Corporate Guidelines document. (March 31, 2021)
- Office of the Exchequer
- The leader of the Office of the Exchequer is the corporate Treasurer, (or “The Exchequer” per the Articles of Incorporation) and is known by the title “Corporate Exchequer”; this position is appointed by the Oligarchy. (June 11, 2024)
- The Office of the Exchequer shall have an internal set of guidelines governing their operation. These guidelines shall not be inconsistent with the bylaws nor any instrument restricting the bylaws. The power to amend, adopt, or repeal guidelines of the Office of Exchequer shall be vested with the Corporate Exchequer. (June 19, 2012)
- The Corporate Exchequer is enjoined from committing to any expenditure or potential expenditure in excess of $250.00 without the express consent of the Oligarchy. (June 19, 2012)
- Only a member holding Active status may be the Corporate Exchequer. (June 19, 2012)
- The term of office of the Corporate Exchequer shall be no less than thirteen fortnights and a day. (June 19, 2012)
- If an Officer position is created or abolished within the Office of the Exchequer, or if an officer is added or removed, the Corporate Exchequer must notify the Oligarchy within one fortnight. (March 31, 2021)
- The Quartermaster is a member who is in charge of all Corporate Assets.
- The Keeper of Regalia is a member that stores Dark Ones regalia and ensures it’s brought to appropriate gatherings.
- Historian Committee
- The Historian Committee shall have an internal set of guidelines governing their operation. These guidelines shall not be inconsistent with the bylaws nor any instrument restricting the bylaws. The power to amend, adopt, or repeal guidelines for the Historian Committee shall be vested in the Historian Committee, provided there exists at least three members on the Historian Committee entitled to vote on matters. (October 16, 2007)
- Guidelines notwithstanding, the Historian Committee shall be restricted as follows. (August 9, 1994)
- The leader of this committee is the corporate Secretary, (or “The Historian” per the Articles of Incorporation) and is known by the title “Chief Historian”. (June 11, 2024)
- A member must pass the approval of the Oligarchy to become Chief Historian. (June 19, 2012)
- The term of office of Chief Historian shall be no less than thirteen fortnights and a day. (August 9, 1994)
- If an Officer position is created or abolished within the Historian Committee, or if an officer is added or removed, the Chief Historian must notify the Oligarchy within one fortnight. (February 02, 2015)
- Only a member holding Active status may be the Chief Historian. (October 16, 2007)
- Unless the Historian guidelines provide otherwise, the following bylaws shall govern the Historian. (August 9, 1994)
- Each member of the Historian Committee shall receive one vote on votes cast by the Historian. An extra half vote shall be given to the Chief Historian. (October 16, 2007)
- Proposed members of the Historian Committee must obtain a majority vote to become a member. (August 9, 1994)
- The Historian Committee shall be required to create guidelines specifying quorums. (August 20, 1994)
- Meetings
- There will be two General Symposiums and at least one Event Symposium in a calendar year. (March 31, 2021)
- The dates of the semi-annual General Symposiums shall be set by the Event Director. Notifications will be sent out between 10 and 30 days prior to the meeting. (March 31, 2021)
- The yearly Event Planning Symposium is organized by the Event Coordinators Guild, and the date is set by the Event Director. (March 31, 2021)
- The Oligarchy may schedule additional meetings as needed. (June 6, 1998)
- Notifications
- Notification must be made to the Historian of the appointment of any officer.(March 31, 2021)
- If a committee calls a meeting, and a member of the Historian Committee is not present to take minutes, a member of said committee must be designated to take minutes. That committee member must then deliver a copy of the minutes to the Historian Committee within one fortnight of the meeting. (December 30, 2008)
- The only exception to this rule is the Oligarchy Black Archive. The rules and procedures for this archive are found in the DOD - Oligarchy Guidelines. (July 06, 2015)
- All meetings of the Oligarchy shall be preceded by at least two days’ notice of the date, time, and place of the meeting. (October 13, 2009)
- Members will be notified of changes to the bylaws at the next General Symposium. (June 19, 2012)
- Legislature
- The power to alter, amend or repeal the bylaws or adopt new bylaws shall be vested solely in the Oligarchy. The only exception is that the members may repeal bylaws or repeal alterations of bylaws, by a quorum of the voting members. (March 31, 2021)
- The quorum of such a meeting is to equal or exceeds two-thirds of the Active members. (June 6, 1998)
- Such a meeting must be a notified meeting. To satisfy the requirements for a notified meeting: (June 6, 1998)
- A reasonable attempt must be made to notify the voting membership. (June 6, 1998)
- The Oligarchy must also be notified in writing, not less than one fortnight in advance. (June 6, 1998)
- As with all other Dark Ones meetings, the Event Director must be notified not less than one fortnight in advance so that the Event Director may assign an Event Coordinator in a timely fashion. (June 6, 1998)
- The Blackline to repeal bylaws or to repeal alterations of the bylaws is ⅔ of the total Active membership. (March 31, 2021)
- Only bylaws altered or adopted within the twenty-six fortnights preceding the meeting date shall be subject to repeal under this section. (June 6, 1998)
Appendix I - Voting Procedures
- There shall be a prescribed method for casting votes. (June 4, 1993)
- Each person entitled to vote is given a black and a white stone to cast (more in the case of held proxies). Two bags are used to collect the votes. A black stone cast in the vote bag is a ‘yes’ vote and a white stone is a ‘no’. The remaining stone is dropped into the discard bag, and in the case of an abstention (A.K.A a gray vote) both stones are discarded. The vote bag is then emptied in full view of the assembly to show the outcome. Then the discard bag is emptied to verify the result. [Archaically: the last person passed the voting bags is said to be ”left holding the bag”.] (June 4, 1993)
- A vote that goes black is a vote that yields enough black stones to pass the issue. (January 18, 2003)
- A vote that goes white is a vote that yields enough white stones to reject the issue. (January 18, 2003)
- A vote that goes gray is a vote that neither rejects nor passes an issue due to an equal number of black and white stones. (January 18, 2003)
- There shall be an alternate method of casting votes. (August 9, 1994)
- This method shall entail collecting votes by a show of hands. (August 9, 1994)
- This alternate method is not available for those votes specified in the bylaws as needing to be cast in stone. (August 9, 1994)
- To use the alternate method to vote on an issue, an individual entitled to vote on that issue must request the alternate method of voting. A show of hands is then requested of those individuals entitled to vote on said issue to ascertain who wishes to use the alternate method. If a majority agrees, the issue shall be voted on using the alternate method. (August 8, 1994).
- Concerning abstentions, if in the vote, there are: (March 31, 2021)
- More black votes than white votes, the gray votes shall be looked at as black votes. (August 20, 1994)
- More white votes than black votes, the gray votes shall be looked at as white votes. (August 20, 1994)
- An equal number of white votes and black votes, the gray votes shall not change this equality. (August 20, 1994)
Appendix II - Attaining Membership and Tenure
- To become a Dark Ones Associate, a Prospective member must first obtain a Sponsor. (June 6, 1998)
- The Sponsor must be a member holding Active status and be willing to Sponsor the Prospective member. The Prospective member must also be Eligible (must have attended one of the last three Symposiums, excluding special Symposiums) (February 29, 2020)
- Upon the agreement of the requested individual to be the Sponsor, the Sponsor is to notify the Oligarchy of the sponsorship in writing; this document must carry a live signature. The Prospective member is considered sponsored once this document is received. (February 29, 2020)
- If at any time during the sponsorship the Sponsor becomes Inactive or the Prospective becomes Ineligible, the sponsorship is automatically terminated. If a sponsorship is ended in this way, the Prospective may, if Eligible, start again with any Active member as a Sponsor (this must be done in writing). (December 19, 2024)
- A sponsorship may have multiple signers (co-sponsors), but the Oligarchy only recognizes one person as the official sponsor. (December 19, 2024)
- A poll of the membership will be taken on all eligible Prospective members. (February 29, 2020)
- The Oligarchy, or its duly appointed representative, shall make a reasonable effort before each General Symposium to poll the membership for their opinion on each of the Eligible Perspectives. (February 29, 2020)
- At an Oligarchy meeting prior to the symposium, the Oligarchy shall review the poll. On a unanimous vote of the entire Oligarchy the Prospective member would be approved to go before the membership for a membership vote. The Oligarchy will then notify the sponsor, often through the Membership Liaison Committee, that a vote has been approved for the upcoming symposium should they wish to call a vote for the Prospective. (February 29, 2020)
- If the Oligarchy vote is negative, the Oligarchy shall give the Sponsor a written recommendation. (February 29, 2020)
- The vote will be held at the General Symposium of the Sponsor’s choice and in accordance with the Oligarchal recommendation. (February 29, 2020)
- The Prospective member and the Sponsor must have physically attended one of the previous three Symposiums to be eligible for a membership vote (excludes Special Symposiums). (February 29, 2020)
- At the vote of the members, the Sponsor will be allowed a brief discourse on behalf of the Prospective member. The Prospective member shall be allowed the same. Each Oligarchy member will then have the opportunity to ask the Prospective a question. The Membership vote shall then be cast in stone. Members who are absent and without proxy shall have their last opinion gathered cast as their vote. If the majority of this vote is black, the Prospective shall then become a Dark Ones Associate. (May 10, 2011)
- A DOA may claim tenure (become a Dark One) after 5 years of membership. (May 18, 2015)
- The DOA must submit in writing, to the Oligarchy, notification of their intent to change class to Dark One. This document must carry a live signature. (January 18, 2003)
- It is suggested the notification be submitted not less than two fortnights prior to the scheduled General Symposium where the proposed tenure will be claimed. (June 19, 2012)
- At the General Symposium chosen, the DOA must be physically present, and the DOA will be allowed a brief discourse. The Oligarchy shall then address the DOA; following this the DOA shall become a Dark One. (June 19, 2012)
- A member may be removed by being unsponsored.
- Any member holding Active status may declare intent to unsponsor a member; this must be done in writing and carry a live signature. On a unanimous vote of the entire Oligarchy, the unsponsored member shall be removed from the organization, and membership status shall be revoked. (December 30, 2008)
- The vote shall be cast in stone. (August 20, 1994)
- The Oligarchy - Leave of Absence (June 6, 2023)
- An Oligarchy member may take a leave of absence by providing notice in writing; this document must carry a live signature. The leave of absence may be no less than thirteen fortnights and a day in duration.
- During the leave of absence the seat shall be filled by a member holding Active status, having been selected in the same manner as that prescribed in selecting the Seneschal Elect.
- Returning from a Leave of Absence
- This returning Oligarchy member must be Active at the time of reinstatement.
- The returning Oligarchy member may not return during the first six months of a Regent’s term.
- Reinstatement can only occur at a general symposium.
- Written notice must be provided to the Oligarchy at least 90 days prior to the General Symposium of the reinstatement. This document must carry a live signature.
- The returning member must attend the three (3) consecutive Oligarchy meetings prior to rejoining the Oligarchy.
Appendix III - Elections
- Oligarchy Positions
- Election results for the Seneschal Elect and any Oligarchy Regent seats shall be announced at the General Symposium to accommodate the term of office. The new Oligarchy member takes office at the end of the General Symposium at which they are announced. (November 17, 2022)
- Election procedures can be found in the Guidelines. DOD - Corporate Guidelines
- Any Active Member can apply for an open Oligarchy position. (March 31, 2021)
- Active Members vote on the candidates, in order of preference. (March 31, 2021)
- The Oligarchy then tallies the votes to determine first and second place. The Oligarchy then votes on who will join the Oligarchy from these two nominees. This vote must be cast in stone. (December 30, 2008)
Appendix IV - Definitions
The following shall serve to define terms used throughout these bylaws. (August 9, 1994)
- Active Status – “A status conferred upon a member showing a sufficient level of activity within the group has been met and maintained to allow said member to hold voting privileges. Active status may also be used as a prerequisite for holding certain offices within the group.” (January 18, 2003)
- Activities Coordinator – “A member of the Dark Ones responsible for overseeing a specific category of events hosted by the Dark Ones.” (December 16, 2008)
- Black Vote - “An individual vote in favor of something is known to be Black. If an overall vote passes, it is said to “go Black”.” (March 31, 2021)
- Blackline – “The number or percentage of black votes needed to cause a vote to pass. If not otherwise specified, the Blackline would be a simple majority.” (February 17, 2021) Historian
- Corporate Exchequer - “The head of the Office of the Exchequer and Corporate Treasurer.” (February 2, 2015)
- Event Director – “An Oligarchal committee that is responsible for overseeing all events hosted by the Dark Ones.” (December 16, 2008)
- Ex Officio – “Being a member of an organization or in office by right of a position or office held.” (August 9, 1994)
- Executive Director – “An Oligarchal committee that is responsible for overseeing the activities of the Exchequer and Historian committees.” (December 16, 2008)
- Fortnight – “A period of time encompassing fourteen consecutive days.” (August 9, 1994)
- General Symposium – “The semi-annual business meetings of the Dark Ones.” (June 19, 2012)
- Gray Vote - “A Gray vote is also known as an Abstention. If an overall vote is tied, it is said to “go Gray”.” (March 31, 2021)
- Guideline – “A governing instrument serving to regulate a portion of the organization within the parameters set by the bylaws.” (August 9, 1994) Exchequer Historian
- Inactive Status – “A status conferred upon a member showing a sufficient level of activity within the group has not been maintained to allow said member to hold voting privileges. A member holding Inactive status is said to have lost their Active status.” (January 18, 2003)
- Member – “A member of The Dark Ones, Inc., except where ‘member’ is followed by ‘of the’ in which case it specifically refers to the position or committee listed thereafter.” (June 19, 2012)
- Office of the Exchequer - “The group of officers that manage the finances and assets of the Dark Ones.” (February 2, 2015)
- Oligarchal Committee – “A committee comprised of one or more Oligarchy members.” (June 19, 2012)
- Proxy – “The transference of voting power from one member to another. A proxy does not satisfy the requirements of attendance.” (December 30, 2008)
- Quorum – “The minimum number of Active members that must be present at a meeting to make the proceedings of that meeting valid. For an Oligarchy meeting, it is 50%, unless stated otherwise. For a General Symposium, the quorum is 10%.” (March 31, 2021)
- Regent – “A member filling another’s Oligarchy seat.” (December 30, 2008)
- Retired Status –
- Involuntary - “A status conferred upon a member when the group has no contact information on file and or has not heard from said member in over 5 years.” (January 18, 2003)
- Voluntary - “A status conferred upon a member when the member has indicated intent to disassociate with the group.”
- These retired members are not to be contacted by the group. (January 18, 2003)
- Any retired member may return of their own volition at any time. (July 06, 2015)
- Seneschal – “The Seneschal is an ex officio member of the Oligarchy.” (December 30, 2008)
- Seneschal Elect – “The office held just prior to becoming the Seneschal, during which the member is brought up to speed regarding the current issues on the Oligarchy agenda.” (June 01, 2015)
- Sennight – “A period of time encompassing seven consecutive days.” (August 20, 1994)
- Symposium – “A meeting of the Dark Ones membership that determines Active Status through attendance.” (March 31, 2021)
- White Vote - “An individual vote against something is known to be White. If an overall vote fails, it is said to “go White”.” (March 31, 2021)