Rationale: The purpose of this edit to the Founding Document is to bring the Founding Document into alignment with changes made in the community structure at GA 2024, when we established the role of Assistant to the Servant Guardian. The description of the role is in another document and will not become part of the Founding Document itself, allowing the role description to be changed and adapted as necessary without being required to formally edit the Founding Document each time this is done. This is a standard practice in organizational policy.
Proposed language: The Assistant to the Servant Guardian provides comprehensive administrative and personal support to the Servant Guardian, supporting the care of the community’s operation and initiatives. This person will be a Corporation Officer and will function in place of the Servant Guardian when necessary or requested. The Assistant to the Servant Guardian shall be appointed by the Servant Guardian, subject to the approval of the community. This Companion must be Life Professed and shall serve as an officer of the corporation. The term of service for the Assistant to the Guardian shall be determined at the discretion of the Servant Guardian.
Deadline: Please provide any feedback you may have on this proposed language, even if your only feedback is that it is acceptable as written. Blogging on this topic will conclude on Sunday, February 9 at 10 pm EST, unless an extension is clearly necessary.
I agree with the new language. This new position will provide invaluable support to the Servant Guardian.
I’m fine with the language in its latest form.
I agree with the new language.
I wonder if the assistant should have a set term? Perhaps this was already discussed and I missed this discussion. Thank you.
A very needed and timely update to share the work of the community!
This was discussed at GA. Given the nature and learning curve of the job that would not be practical. Besides, the appointment is at the discretion of the current Servant Guardian,
In response to Brother George’s comment, I wrote the following language. Does this language adequately address the issue?
“In the event of the death or removal from office of the Servant Guardian, the Assistant to the Servant Guardian shall continue to serve in that capacity until such time as the newly appointed Servant Guardian either reaffirms the Assistant to the Servant Guardian in said role or appoints a successor.”
The added language affirms what is already implicitly there. It’s fine by me.
Robert Julian
This looks good to me.
I am not clear what happens should a Servant Guardian be called home. Do we need to clarify by saying something like and remains in this role until released by the S.G.?
I think that is implied in the proposed language as it states the Assistant to the Guardian serves at the discretion of the Servant Guardian, (old or new). The Assistant to the Servant Guardian would remain in place until he/she is replaced. We could add a simple sentence for the sake of clarity, I guess.
This should address any questions.
I am happy with it
I think the wording very appropriate. It further anchors us so one person isn’t responsible for everything. It shares the load,allowing one to breathe.
This looks fine. It reads much as I remember it from our discussion at GA. This is a good and much needed addition. peace
This seems right and proper. And the descriptive language is both broad enough and specific enough to be understood in terms of the intent. Well done.
I am grateful for this development because of compassion and health for our Servant Guardian. Though a small community, setting its table requires the same time and energy no matter the census of the Order. I believe this merciful action will liberate the Servant Guardian to be most fully themself without being too bogged down with the many details of our housekeeping.