Bylaws

1. Preamble: Desiring greater community, as well as the promotion of Gaulish polytheism, language, culture, and heritage, we pledge ourselves to the Gaulish virtues, hospitality to those within and outside our community, and to protect our community from those seeking to dismantle these structures.

2. Name: We shall be Toutâ Galation, which means “Tribe of the Gauls” in one dialect of the Gaulish language. The name may be used officially as translated into other dialects.

3. Scope: Toutâ Galation is intended as a community framework for Gaulish polytheists. The Toutâ’s primary functions consist of the following:

a. Providing free and easily shared educational content on Gaulish culture, language, and religion;

b. Being a nexus for community activity by providing frequent public events such as the Atenoux and Comreton Calleios; and

c. Assisting with a network of in-person worship groups, at whichever pace the community takes as it grows.

4. Definitions: The following terms are defined for purposes of this document as follows:

a. Celt: A modern term for any of the six modern Celtic peoples: the Irish, Scots Highlanders, Manx, Welsh, Cornish, and Bretons, as well as any of the ancient peoples who participated in the Hallstatt and La Tene archeological horizons, including their cultural cousins in ancient Britain, ancient Ireland, ancient Iberia, and other parts of ancient Europe.

b. Continental Celts: The ancient Celts of Continental Europe, as opposed to the Insular Celts, who inhabited and still inhabit the British Isles.

c. Galatis: Plural Galatîs. A Gaulish-language term meaning “one who is endowed with warrior rage,” used originally as a term for young unmarried members of the Warband. Later, the term may have been used for some Gauls, particularly in easterly regions. In modern times the term is used for Gaulish polytheists.

d. Gaul: A modern term for the Continental Celts of modern France, Belgium, the Rhineland, Switzerland, southern Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, parts of Poland, Hungary, the Balkan peninsula, and the Ankara region of Turkey. They spoke the Gaulish or Gallo-Brittonic language and had various regional and tribal names for themselves.

e. Gaulish polytheism: Worship of the Dewoi in a Gaulish way, rooted in a historical methodology and influenced by modern ethics.

f. Keltos: Plural Keltoi. A name at least some Gauls used for themselves, particularly in southern, central, and western France, and probably Switzerland.

g. Senobessus: “The Old Custom,” a modern, Gaulish language term for Gaulish Polytheism.

h. Toutâ: A tribe or chiefdom sharing common religious worship, customs, and leaders.

5. Official Language: The official language of the Toutâ is Gaulish. Because Gaulish includes many dialects, no form of Gaulish is privileged over any other until such a time Iextis Galation is sufficiently complete and officially adopted by the Datlâ. Business may be conducted and documents published in other languages at the will of the community.

6. Civil Governance:

a. Elected Individuals: Toutioi may hold only a single elected position in Toutâ Galation at a time. The Datlâ holds the authority to demand any individual in governance to step down with a two-thirds vote at any time. 

b. Civil Service: Those who complete additional Civil Service test(s) specified by the office of the Uercobreton are eligible to be elected as a member (Dannon/-os/-â) of the Dannoi, or body of ministers. This is also necessary to join the Uâtobrogilos, the Grove of Seers, or to administer a Trebâ within the Toutâ’s network.

c. Datlâ: “The Moot.” This term refers to the Democratic Assembly of Toutâ Galation. The Datlâ consists of initiated Toutioi. The Datlâ Assembly retains the right to elect members of the Dannoi and vote in referendums with a majority vote. They also have the power to exile individuals from the Toutâ, remove any member from government, and reverse a ministerial decision with a 2/3rd vote. During official meetings, a quorum is whoever is in the meeting to advance motions and make votes, and absent members of the Datlâ may vote within 48 hours of the meeting’s conclusion.

d. Voting Rights: Upon becoming initiated, members automatically gain the right to vote within the Datlâ Assembly and observe the day-to-day operations of the Dannoi. Dannoi are not permitted to share their votes publicly. The voting rights of the Datlâ is a privilege, individuals automatically gain entry into the Assembly upon initiation but might not always carry it. Members may step down from the Assembly in the event they no longer feel comfortable or capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the role. If a member of the Datlâ misses two consecutive meetings and accompanying votes without prior notice, they may lose voting privileges at the discretion of the Dannoi. At the first occurrence, they will be notified by a member of the Dannoi. The collective body of Dannoi may restore a Toutioi’s right to vote at their discretion. 

e. Vacant Seats: In the event that an elected position has been made vacant in the middle of a term, the Dannon might choose to distribute responsibilities between them or they might elect a qualified interim Minister until the next Datlâ assembly.

f. Elections: The qualified members of the Toutâ vote on the positions up for election three days before either Datlâ Assembly; winners shall be announced the night before the assembly. There are no limits to how many times a member can run for a position, and a term is set to three years. 

g. Dannotegos: “Office of the Ministers.” Each Dannon’s ministerial role is associated with an office. The office may comprise solely of the elected Dannon themselves, or as many other Toutioi as that Dannon wishes. These other members are known as Uoreton/-os/-â: “Helpers.” Each office, with the exception of the Uercobreton, must submit a public report by every Atenoux, or Full Moon, as determined by the Uercobreton.

h. Uercobreton/-os/-â: “Chief Magistrate.” The executive head of the Toutâ oversees that all parts of the tribe work together in tandem, determines the direction, new initiatives, as well as the fulfillment of the Toutâ’s goals and directives. The office of the Uercobreton determines the requirements for Toutioi to gain Civil Service statuses. Matters of the community’s security is also the mandate of the Uercobretos.

i. Uerbardon/-os/-â: “High Bard.” The Uerbardos is to facilitate the growth and formation of a pan-Gaulish culture. This culture includes the Gaulish language, art of all forms, such as written, fibre, and other art genres. Events will be run to provide a forum for creating and sharing cultural products, alongside the Platiodannon. The Uerbardon is entrusted to collect and commission art for the community, with the goal to publish Gaulish art and other cultural products in a variety of formats. This work will be undertaken alongside the Uâtobrogilos “Grove of Seers” who will produce prayers and poems of religious significance. 

j. Platiodannon/-os/-â: “Curator of Places.” The Curator is to run and facilitate events, such as the Atenoux, to bring together the community and enable greater connections. The Curator runs two events per moon cycle, the first being the Atenoux, and the second changing each cycle, including the Comreton Calleios, which is organized alongside other Dannos and the Uâtobrogilos. They will also assist in the projects of other Dannos that involve organizing events within the community.

k. Ambacton/-os/-â: “The Ambassador” The office of the Ambacton manages the public perception of the Toutâ, curating and managing social media accounts, the website, and other duties deemed within the scope.

l. Argantodannon/-on/-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 Toutâ orchestrates, as well as approving and refunding expenses.

m. Uercanon/-os/-â: “The Teacher.” The Teacher administers and determines the curriculums and tests as well as creates new educational content to be shared freely with the community.

n. Meetings: The Datlâ Assembly shall occur at least twice per year, on or around Îuos Lugous and Îuos Brigantias. Any five initiates, or any member of the Dannoi, may call other meetings on at least 48 hours’ notice, preferably more. Motions shall pass by simple majority, except in the case of sanctions or exile of members, which will require votes from three-fourths of those in attendance. These meetings take place over the internet.

o. Diplomacy: The Toutâ 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 by the Uercobreton and approved by the Dannoi. Official communication on behalf of the Toutâ is solely the responsibility of the Dannoi.

7. Spiritual Governance:

a. Uâtobrogilos: “Grove of Seers.” The Uâtis, “Seers,” serve as the diviners and ritualists of the tribe, performing rites, rituals, and divination for the community as a whole, particularly at official events such at the monthly Atenoux. The Grove is self-governed collectively, and may be called to assist with administrative tasks by the Uercobreton;, however, they retain the right to refuse any additional work. 

a1. Representation: A representative must be sent by the Grove to serve as a witness at the meetings of the Dannoi. The current representative of the Uâtobrogilos does not possess a vote within the Datlâ Assembly. Instead, it is their duty to collect the votes and bring them to the Uâtobrogilos to verify the votes. They also possess a tie-breaker vote for ministerial decisions, if necessary.

b. Atenoux: Every month on the full moon, Toutâ Galation will host a meeting for the Gaulish community and friends; this meeting may include worship, ritual, initiation, and inauguration. While other activities may take place at the Atenoux, the Uâtobrogilos are only responsible for the aforementioned. The Atenoux will be streamed, technology permitting. Occasionally, other organizations or traditions can be hosted at these events.

8. Community Growth: Toutâ Galation shall assist, mediate, advise, and encourage members of the community to develop local connections, in order for members to participate in in-person worship.

a. Oversight: Toutâ Galation recognizes that we do not possess any authority in regards to how Gaulish polytheists worship and we do not claim to. Ultimately, as the community grows the number of Gaulish polytheists who are able to network locally will grow, as will the number of those who desire to be associated with the local networks of Toutâ Galation, whether they formed in association or developed independently.

b. Trebâ, plural Trebâs: “the Settlement.” Trebâs shall consist of two or more Toutioi within easy driving distance of one another who meet for regular worship. A Trebâ shall be headed by a Pennon Trebâs, who shall be responsible for day-to-day administration, but governance shall otherwise be democratic. 

c. Brogs: “Nation.” A Brogs shall consist of two of more Trebâs within several hours driving distance of each other, who infrequently meet for worship. These Trebâs may share a local cultus based on the geographical area, provided it is not appropriative of other cultures or religions. Governance of a Brogs is done in council between individual Pennon Trebâs.

d. Networking: In-person groups of Gaulish polytheists, including but not limited to Trebâs and Brogs, who wish to be associated with the Toutâ’s network are eligible to receive support, financial or otherwise, in collaboration with the Chief Magistrate of Toutâ Galation. These groups must fit the following requirements:

d1. Be in compliance with the Toutâ’s Bylaws and Anti-Fascist values.

d2. Maintain a consistent level of activity, circumstances permitting.

d3. The heads of these groups or Trebâs are to meet together with the Uercobretos at predetermined intervals to discuss how to better serve our communities, and where we might collaborate in joint endeavors. 

e. Formation: Toutioi interested in organizing their own local groups are eligible to receive assistance from the Uercobretos in regards to networking, security, and logistics.

9. Membership:

a. Terminology:  Gaulish polytheists initiated into Toutâ Galation are known as Toutioi, “Citizens” (singular Toutios). Gaulish polytheists who are not initiated into Toutâ Galation are known as Contoutioi, “Neighbors” (singular Contoutos). Individuals who do not identify as Gaulish polytheists shall be referred to as Oigetoi, “Guests” (singular Oigetos). Oigetoi are welcome to participate in any curriculum offered, but may not become Toutioi. 

b. Non-Discrimination: Toutâ Galation shall not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, current citizenship, region, ancestry, the religion of birth, gender, sexual or affectional preference, social class, profession or lack thereof, income, or disability. This is to be reflected by the words and deeds of the Toutâ.

c. Community Initiation: To receive initiation, a Gaulish polytheist shall demonstrate that they have knowledge of the basics of Gaulish polytheism, history, and culture as determined by the Uercanon. They shall have also constructed for themselves a name in the Gaulish language, with which they will be initiated at the next Atenoux.

c1. Alternate Methods of Initiation: At the discretion of the Uercanos, certain portions of the curriculum may be waived for those who have already displayed advanced knowledge in those portions of Gaulish custom, through publicly available writing or other means. 

d. Minors: Gaulish polytheists under the age of 18 when they complete the curriculum will not be able to participate in the democratic Datlâ Assembly until they reach the age of 18. They also may not run for any elected position or participate in any in-person events without parental approval but are otherwise afforded all other rights of a Toutios.

e. Donations: Toutâ Galation may ask for donations to cover the cost of rituals, materials, time, or costs associated with a meetup. The Argantodannon will decide whether to ask for donations, but the Datlâ may overrule any imposition of donation requests.

f. Resignation: Any member may leave the Toutâ’s online platforms at any time and be eligible to rejoin. Roles or responsibilities may be terminated when a member leaves all online platforms if Toutâ leadership are not properly informed or if the departure renders the member unable to fulfill their duties. These roles and responsibilities may not be returned at the discretion of the Dannoi. Following the third departure, the member may only be reinstated by a Datlâ vote.

g. Sanction and Expulsion: In addition to standard moderation done within our online spaces, Gaulish polytheists who have committed crimes or serious ethical offenses may be sanctioned or expelled by a ¾ vote of the Datlâ. Such offenses must be actually criminal, legally actionable, violate the bylaws in some way, or severely violate the spirit of Gaulish ethics and culture. Note that racist activity, harassment (sexual or otherwise), and hate speech all fall under the purview of this section of the bylaws. Involving oneself with people or groups with hateful ideologies is grounds for expulsion.

10. Interest Groups:

a. Terminology: Various subgroups or interest groups within Toutâ Galation will be called Uarinâs, singular Uarinâ.

b. Membership: Membership in a Uarinâ can be granted at any time by existing members of that interest group, either by a majority vote or an additional system outlined in their clan laws. Individuals may only hold a leadership position in a single Uarinâ at any given time.

c. Affiliation: Uarinâs must exist independently of any tradition, but members of a Uarinâ may also be members of other traditions and use material created by other traditions, as long as they do not unreasonably favor one over the other in the context of their particular Uarinâ.

d. Laws: Uarinâs have the right to create their own bylaws to dictate their practices as long as they do not violate the overall bylaws or the virtues. The Uercobreton may veto changes to an individual Uarinâ’s bylaws only under these circumstances. These bylaws must be posted publicly on the Toutâ Galation website.

e. Creation of Interest Groups:

e1. Conception: A new interest group may be created upon approval by the Uercorbreton when two or more Toutioi petition to represent a branch of Gaulish polytheism under the banner of a new Uarinâ.

e2. Focus: The Uarinâ must be specific to a recognized subgroup of Gaulish polytheism and must be currently unrepresented by an existing Uarinâ.

e3. Self-Governance: Upon creation, decisions are made collaboratively. When the Uarinâ reaches 5 members, a vote for Head of the Uarinâ is held by a simple majority vote.

e4. Responsibilities: The agenda of an Uarinâ must contain the creation and upkeep of at least one advanced curriculum within Toutâ Galation that reflects their area of focus, alongside the Uercanon. They must also work alongside the Platiodannon and the Uâtobrogilos occasionally in order to participate in and contribute to events and rituals. 

e5. Identity: The petition to create a Uarinâ must provide its Gaulish name, a description of the subgroup it intends to represent, and a relevant symbol.

e6. Dissolution: Uarinâs may be dissolved by a two-thirds vote within the Datlâ Assembly if they fail to uphold their responsibilities.