Preamble:
Faith and spirituality is critical to the human experience. While there are many truths, we Toutâ Galation follow the spiritual truth(s) that is known as Gaulish Polytheism, Gaulish Animism, or Gaulish Paganism.
The Toutioi of Toutâ Galation pledge ourselves to our own interpretation of the Gaulish virtues, originally reconstructed by Segomaros Widugeni.
The Toutioi of Toutâ Galation celebrates our diversities in culture and country of origin, in sexuality and gender identity, and in those who are neurodivergent and differently-abled. Just as ancient Gaul was a crossroads where many peoples met and joined, so do we seek to learn, grow, and enrich ourselves and each other.
The Toutioi of Toutâ Galation seek a future where alongside our allies of similar animistic, polytheistic, or pagan minority, are accepted to worship openly.
The Toutioi of Toutâ Galation do not hold any custom or tradition of our spirituality above any other. We recognize the complexity of reconstruction, regionalization, and displacement from original areas of worship and do not seek to limit any practitioner by imposing or elevating one particular interpretation over another.
The Toutioi of Toutâ Galation seek to unite not only in solidarity, but also as a means of joint advocacy and education of our spirituality.
The Toutioi of Toutâ Galation believes there is justice in democracy done right, as we have learned from our allies in the Hellenistic world. We do not believe in kings or the divine right to rule.
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- Name:
We shall be Toutâ Galation, which means “Tribe of the Gauls” in our interpretation and reconstructions of the Gaulish languages into single dialects.
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- Interpretation:
This constitution shall be interpreted jointly by the Uercobreton and an acting representative of the Uâtobrogilos. Any such interpretation may be overruled by a majority vote of all members present during a session of Council or Assembly.
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- Definitions:
Toutâ Galation: The organization as a whole.
Toution: Full members.
Contouton: Neighbors (prospective or non-initiated members).
Datlâ: The general assembly / democratic body.
Dannon: The council of ministers, effectively the executive..
Uâtobrogilos / Uâtis: “Grove of Seers” and “Seer” respectively.
Sacred Name: The ritual/official name of a member within the organization.
Korios: Non-geographic subgroup united by mission or custom.
Attrebās / Trebâ / Contrebiâ / Brogs: Local in-person units, progressively larger.
Pennon: Local leader or representative.
Comreton Calleios: The annual convention / conference.
Uercobreton: Chief Magistrate (head of organization).
Argantodannon: Treasurer.
Uercanon: Teacher/Education officer.
Lucterion: Korios representative/officer.
Dannotegos / Uoreton: Office and Helpers a Dannon respectively.
Iwos Brigantia / Iwos Lugous: Named all-members meetings aligned with specific religious festivals.
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- Official Language(s): The official language for day to day affairs shall be in English for Toutâ Galation as a whole.
3a. Use of the Gaulish language(s): No constructions of the tongue are to be held above another. However, certain constructions may directly or indirectly not be in alignment with the values of our organization and be barred from usage.
3b. Flexibility: Any of Korios or Attrebās subgroups within Toutâ Galation may determine their own day to day language(s) or official Gaulish tongue(s), especially as determined by their geographical origin or area of interest. (eg. a Trebâ in France speaking French or a Korios dedicated to the reconstruction or usage of their own Gaulish dialect.)
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- Sacred Name: All members of Toutâ Galation must be registered under a sacred name belonging to the Gallo-Brittonic language family or Gaulish Creole of quality. Services must be provided by the organization to help individuals find or create a Sacred Name.
5a. Length: Each full Sacred Name is recommended to have at least two component names, and with a maximum of four. Names may lengthen over time.
5b. Approval: The Uâtobrogilon must approve the name as from a legitimate historical source, from a plausible reconstruction or creole, and as different enough from names in use to prevent potential mistaken identity.
5c. Formal Usage: This Sacred Name must be attached to all relevant missives shared between members of Toutâ Galation, including leadership and petitions. Additionally, the Sacred Name is to be used when speaking during legitimate sessions of Assembly or Council within the organization.
5d. Provisional Names: New members may instead choose a provisional, simple, single noun Sacred Name such as Cū (hound), Darus (oak), or Scēton (shield), provided they are subject to Section 5b.
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- Membership Rules:
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- Eligibility: Those worshipping divine beings of Gaulish origin, following a plausible Gaulish worldview and virtue system and at least 18 years of age may become members in our democratically-run organization. Those who meet the eligibility but have not completed the steps to be initiated are known as Contoutioi, “Neighbors” (singular Contouton). Those who are initiated into the organization are known as Toutioi, “Citizens” (singular Toution).
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- Observers: Individuals who do and do not meet eligibility to become Toutioi may become observers for up to a year (with the possibility of renewal) at the discretion of the Dannoi and be eligible to observe our meetings. A petition by any three members of the Datlâ brought publicly or privately to the Uercobreton to revoke this status shall do so and the individual will not be eligible to return as an observer unless the petition is rescinded.
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- Code of Conduct: All Toutioi and individuals participating in events and spaces hosted by Toutâ Galation are required to follow a Code of Conduct that has been ratified by the membership. Members may be sanctioned or expelled as outlined in the Code of Conduct. It is the responsibility of the Uâtis to interpret the Code of Conduct and make recommendations as needed.
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- Voting: All Toutioi have the right to cast votes within the Datlâ unless otherwise sanctioned or otherwise when neutrality is required of their role.
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- Dues & Donations: Toutâ Galation may ask for donations to cover the cost of rituals, materials, events or more in addition to the yearly cost of dues. Dues must be paid prior to the Iwos Brigantia meeting in the month of February. The cost of dues is 10 CAD.
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- Membership Resignation: Departure from Toutâ Galation’s online platforms is not considered a withdrawal from the organization. Leadership must be informed in order for membership to be properly resigned.
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- Membership Lapse: Memberships are considered lapsed when dues are unpaid and the member has not attempted to negotiate the cost or an extension with the Dannoi.
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- Membership Participation: All members must be an active part of at least one Attrebās or Korios within Toutâ Galation. The minimum level of activity within these bodies is attending at least one of their events a year. New members have a six month leniency period after being initiated.
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- Membership Anonymity: Members may request extra steps be taken by relevant administrative bodies to keep their participation in the organization confidential to an extent, such as eliminating any possibility that their identity within Toutâ Galation be tied to their legal identity. These appropriate administrative bodies are duty-bound to do what they can within their means and communicate with these members the steps they are taking to preserve their anonymity.
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- Cross-Affiliation Clarity: When acting within Toutâ Galation, members are expected to engage with the values, customs, and structures specific to our community. Participation in other related organizations does not correspond to influence or authority within our organization. Members are expected to act solely as participants of Toutâ Galation when engaging in its activities, decisions, and cultural creations.
7. Comreton Calleios:
a. Definition: Comreton Calleios is Toutâ Galation’s premier digital convention or conference for showcasing the research and knowledge of members of the organization, groups within Toutâ Galation, and the wider community as a whole. These events also serve as an additional purpose of furthering our organization’s overall objective of educating others on Gaulish spirituality as well as bringing new members into the organization. Eventually, this event may be held in a hybrid format depending on funding and membership interest in travel, but must always have significant portions be free of charge and available for live viewing and engagement.
b. Timing: This event must be held at least once a year, determined by the event’s Director.
c. Director: The Director of Comreton Calleios is recommended at the start of each calendar year by the Uercobreton and ratified by the rest of the Dannoi, subject to being overturned at the next session of the Datlâ. This Director can organize an event committee as they see fit, and is charged with presenting their plan at the Iwos Brigantia assembly. The assembly may accept the plan as is or seek modifications. These modifications must be reviewed by the next session of the Datlâ or the Dannoi if there is insufficient time or the event takes place before the next session.
8. Convening of the Datlâ “The Moot”:
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- Definition: The Datlâ is the main democratic body of Toutâ Galation, where all members have right of entry unless otherwise sanctioned.
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- Procedure: The Datlâ operates on the RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR SESSIONS OF COUNCIL AND ASSEMBLY as outlined in the appendix affixed to this document and the Robert’s Rules of Order when necessary. These proceedings are chaired by a non-voting member, and a voting member who collects the minutes.
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- Timings: Two pre-scheduled sessions of the Datlâ are held every year, within a maximum of two weeks of Iwos Brigantia and Iwos Lugous, respectively and with a week of notice to the specific time and date. Three or more Toutioi may request additional sessions as needed, with a minimum of 72 hours of notice. These are held digitally, with accessibility requirements being met as needed.
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- Resolutions: Any proposed constitutional change requiring the ratification by the Datlâ must be submitted no less than 72 hours before. Other items may be amended to the agenda at the start of the session as needed, however a general agenda must be submitted 72 hours prior. Any expulsion or sanction of membership done by the Dannon must be retroactively ratified by the Datlâ.
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- Quorum: Quorum shall be no less than one-third of members present at a session.
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- Relations: Toutâ Galation may enter into agreements with other communities or organizations, including other Toutâs, religious bodies, etc., as shall be appropriate and mutually beneficial. Such agreements shall be proposed and voted on during a session of the Datlâ.
9. Uâtobrogilos “Grove of Seers”:
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- Definition: The Uâtis, “Seers,” serve as the diviners and ritualists of the organization, performing rites, rituals, and divination for the community as a whole. They are self-governed collectively, however, the Datlâ retain the right to make constitutional changes to the body.
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- Exclusivity: Members of the Uâtobrogilos may join any other body within the organization, with the exception of the Dannoi.
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- Neutrality: Uâtis must serve in mediations and sessions of the Datlâ and council with the Dannoi in an official capacity as regulated by their own system(s) of determination. They may take the notes and serve as electoral officers as needed. They may serve as a tie-breaker when necessary.
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- Bi-Yearly Reports: Collectively, the Uâtobrogilos must make a report of their duties performed within the six month period during each scheduled session of the Datlâ.
10. Korios: “Warbands”: (name subject to word search)
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- Definition: Korios are non-geographical groups within Toutâ Galation, united around a central custom, advocacy, or mission. These may be temporary for a specific goal, or on-going.
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- Active Status: To be considered an active Korios, they must make reports bi-yearly at each scheduled session of the Datlâ, make yearly contributions to Comreton Calleios (it must be related to the group’s activities, this could consist of raising funds, providing advertisement, collaborating on a presentation, ect.), and have at least ten total members. An inactive Korios immediately is counted as active again once a report is made at the next scheduled assembly.
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- Governance: Korios must be democratically run, with at least one member who has designated the Warband as their sole or primary Korios elected as a representative or leader. These are colloquially referred to as Lucterion “Officer”, while individual Korios may decide on their own titles for leadership.
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- Representation: Active Korios with a minimum of five members who have designated the Warband as their sole or primary Korios may choose to have their elected representative participate as Dannon. In the case this elected representative is already Dannon or Uâtis, they may instead nominate a different member instead.
11. Attrebās “the Homes”:
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- Definition: These are in-person worship and advocacy groups that represent Toutâ Galation at a local level. Their official activities must include at least one of the following:
a1. Ritual: Practicing general Gaulish spirituality and holidays as a group.
a2. Local Education & Representation: Attending relevant local events, representing the organization as a whole and sharing knowledge regarding Toutâ Galation and Gaulish spirituality as a whole.
a3. Activism & Advocacy: Attending rallies, protests, or counter-protests to support and demonstrate the organization’s shared virtues.
b. Butā “the Hut”: This is the smallest unit of in-person groups and may be spread out over a larger area of the region. They must meet in-person at least once a year, and have a minimum of three members to be considered active. No official leader or representative may be elected, as they must be governed collectively.
c. Trebâ(s): “the Settlement.”: This unit is more geographically centralized, must meet a minimum of three times a year, and have a minimum of five members to be considered active. Three of those members must also have the in-person group their sole or primary one.
c1. Law: Pending approval by the Uercobretos, a Trebâ must also ratify their own bylaws, and elect an official leader or representative, colloquially known as a Pennon, though the group may choose a different name.
d. Contrebiâ “the Town”: To be considered active, the Contrebiâ must have at least ten members, five of which must also have the in-person group as their sole or primary one. They must also provide a contribution to Comreton Calleios every year. This can be done through raising funds, providing advertisement, collaborating on a presentation, ect.
d1. Law: The Contrebiâ must ratify their own bylaws, which does not require approval by the Uercobretos. They also must elect a Pennon as a leader or representative.
d2. Representation: The Contrebiâ may choose to have their elected Pennon participate as a member of the Dannoi, if they are not already represented in a Brogs or have at least 20 members. In the case this elected representative is already a member of the Dannoi or an Uâtis, they may instead nominate a different member instead.
e. Brogs “Country”: This is a network of at least three active Trebâ and Contrebiâ. They must hold events with representatives from each at least once a year. In addition to a duty to each other, a Brogs also retains a duty to stewardship to physical territory, with respect to all groups that call the land home. The Brogs must also provide their own contribution to Comreton Calleios every year. This can be done through raising funds, providing advertisement, collaborating on a presentation, ect.
e1. Law: The Brogs must ratify their own constitution. They must also elect a Pennon Weniâs as a leader and/or representative, who does not hold any other position within their Trebâ or Contrebiâ, or Toutâ Galation as a whole.
e2. Representation: The Brogs may choose to have their Pennon Weniâs participate as a member of the Dannoi.
12. The Council of Dannoi (Singular: Dannon-os/-â) “Ministers”:
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- Right of Recall: The Datlâ may impose that a Dannon be expelled from their position with petition by three or more members of the Datlâ.
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- Vacant Positions: Except in the case of 12c, The Dannoi may unanimously appoint a member to a vacant role for a period until the next session of the Datlâ where the individual must be acclaimed or elected. A petition of at least three members of the Datlâ shared publicly or privately with the Dannoi can render a member unable to be appointed as part of the Dannoi until the petition is rescinded or until the next election takes place.
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- Null Council: There must be a minimum of two Dannon for the Council to be in operation. In extreme cases when the entirety of the Dannoi becomes vacant, the Uâtobrogilos must name a Caretaker Dannon who will suspend any unnecessary business of the Council and do any essential work to keep the organization in operation. In the case of any lone remaining Dannon they instead automatically become the Caretaker Dannon. The organization resumes full operation when a minimum of two positions are filled at the next scheduled Assembly.
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- Acclamation: In the case where no other candidate presents themselves in an election, the sole candidate is immediately acclaimed.
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- Elections: Candidates must be nominated by at least one member in good standing. Nominations close 12 hours prior to the electoral session. Dannon are elected for two years, with no term limit. A non-voting member of the Uâtobrogilos acts as the election officer as needed.
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- Powers & Responsibilities:
e1: Council: The Dannoi must meet at least twice a year ahead of the bi-anual sessions of the Datlâ and at calls of any two members of this body.
e2: Dannotegos: Each Dannon may appoint up to two Uoreton/-os/-â: “Helpers” to assist them in their duties and act as proxies on their behalf. A petition of at least three members of the Datlâ shared publicly or privately with the Uercobreton can render a member unable to serve as part of the Dannotegos until the petition is rescinded.
e3: Bi-yearly Reports: Each member of the Dannoi must present a report on their duties every six months at the scheduled sessions of the Datlâ.
e4: Voice of Toutâ Galation: Together, they have full authority to issue official statements and positions consistent with the organization’s virtues and values in matters not yet considered by the Datlâ.
e5. Power of Committee: May strike ad hoc committees provided that such committees have clearly set out objectives, and that once such objectives have been realized, the said committee will cease to exist.
e6. Duty: The Uercobreton must provide a clear set of responsibilities and expectations to each Dannon within the boundaries set out in Section 9g, and may expand their responsibilities beyond those boundaries with the consent of the member of council in question.
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- Data Privacy: The Dannoi are jointly responsible for protecting personal information & private data of Toutâ Galation’s members and the organization itself. A document of measures must be kept up to date and available to all members by those responsible.
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- Grievance Policy: The Dannoi are responsible to create and maintain a grievance policy that is publicly accessible.
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- Members the Council
h1. Uercobreton/-os/-â: “Chief Magistrate.” This member oversees that all parts of the organization work together in tandem, determines the direction, new initiatives, as well as the fulfillment of set goals and directives.
h2. Argantodannon/-os/-â: “ The Treasurer.” The Argantodannon is responsible for keeping track of monies, funds, and assets. They are also responsible for any online shops or ticket-vending the organization orchestrates, as well as approving and refunding expenses. Dues may be negotiated with them depending on the member’s financial situation and accept memberships sponsored by others.
h3. Uercanon/-os/-â: “The Teacher.” This member oversees a critical part of Toutâ Galation’s mandate, which is the education of Gaulish spirituality. Chiefly, this is done through the creation and maintenance of educational programs.
These may be freely shared with the public, sold to help cover the organization’s expenses, or made solely available to members.
h4. Membership Officer (subject to name change): This member of the Dannon is responsible for recruiting new members to the organization, maintaining the records safely, and the satisfaction of members.
h4. Regional Guides: The Uercobretos may recommend a region to the Datlâ containing at least three members and without an established democratic Brogs eligible for a Regional Guide, who may agree and establish the position. This may also be done in the inverse. These individuals are tasked with raising awareness of Gaulish spirituality and Toutâ Galation within their designated region, with the goal of increasing local membership. This is done through social media and attending relevant events and ultimately creating and assisting local worship groups.
h5. Lucterion/-os/-â “Officer”: These are leaders or representatives of Korios who meet eligibility. They are tasked with ensuring their warbands are represented within the organization and their central custom, advocacy, or mission are advanced. These are elected by their Korios and not the Datlâ as a whole.
h6. Pennon/-os/-â “Head”: These are elected leaders of Brogs, Trebâ, and Tegoslougos. Only the first two may hold positions on the Dannoi in order to represent their local membership.
13. Amendment: This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of all members present and voting any bi-annual assembly of the Datlâ.
APPENDIX
RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR SESSIONS OF COUNCIL AND ASSEMBLY
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- A Chairperson, determined a minimum 72 hours in advance, shall take the Chair at the time specified and preside over the session. This individual waives their right to vote during proceedings. A second member is also to be determined within the same period to document the minutes.
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- No session can officially begin or end without appropriate land acknowledgements determined by the Chairperson and a request of oversight by specific Gaulish divine beings at the commencement and words of gratitude to the same beings at the conclusion by the Chairperson again.
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- A member wishing to speak must make it known at an appropriate time. When being recognized by the Chairperson, the member shall give their Sacred Name as recognized within Toutâ Galation and at least one name and title within a body inside the organization that they occupy.
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- Speeches shall be limited to three minutes, with exception when a formal report is being made.
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- A member shall not interrupt another except if it is to call a Point of Order.
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- Three members may appeal the decision of the Chair, one of whom may state the reasons for the appeal. When thus challenged, the Chairperson must vacate the chair to another member if none other are available until the appeal is resolved. The question shall not be debated except that the Chairperson may make an explanation of the decision. The acting Chairperson shall put the question thus: Shall the decision of the Chair be sustained?”
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- Questions and Motions shall be decided by a show of hands, an exclamation of the Creole Gaulish “To!”, a similar variation, or the same typed into a public chat visible by the Chairperson. A standing vote shall be counted upon request from the floor when there is an apparent closeness in the vote. All Motions must be seconded.
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- The acting Chairperson, shall not vote on any question except in the case of a tie. In that event the Chairperson must cast the deciding vote.
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- When “the previous question” is moved, no discussion or amendment of either motion is permitted. If a majority of voting delegates vote that “the question be now put,” it shall be put without debate. If the motion to put the question is defeated, discussion will continue. If in the view of the Chairperson that sufficient debate has taken place, a motion for “the previous question” made directly from the floor, may be accepted at the discretion of the Chairperson.
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- A member may move a motion to refer an item to committee, with instructions, if this is supported by a majority vote, the committee will consider the instructions. Following such a consideration, the committee will return the resolution to the floor as soon as possible and if the item is still relevant.
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- The agenda of a session shall be established immediately following the Chairperson’s call to order, and proceedings outlined in Section 2 of these Rules of Procedure.
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- In all matters not regulated herein, Robert’s Rules of Order shall apply.
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- Any of the above rules may be suspended or changed by a majority vote of the Datlâ.
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- The unfinished businesses of the Datlâ shall be referred to the Dannoi.