Bylaws

1. Northmen is a voluntary association of free and independent people who agree to be bound by these Bylaws of Northmen. Any such person is to be considered a Kin of Northmen.

2. Joining and maintaining oneself as a Northman is a voluntary arrangement: a Northman may renounce their Kinship to Northmen at any time, freeing them of any obligations to participation in Rites or other activities, but also forfeiting their association with the other Northmen and any other benefits, privileges, titles, or respect they may have as a result of their membership.

3. Northmen recognize the inherent right of self-ownership and self-defense, and as such are required to own and show proficiency with a modern firearm or similar weapon.

4. Northmen is led by Elders. An Elder of Northmen must meet all of these criteria:

   1. Is a recognized Kin of Northmen.

   2. Declares their intent to be considered an Elder.

   3. Has a demonstrable knowledge of these Bylaws of Northmen.

   4. Has the trust and respect of Northmen as a source of wisdom, strength, and good will

   5. Directly assists in the maintenance, enforcement, and expansion of Northmen

   6. Directly assists in Northmen Rituals, Rites, and procedures.

   7. Acknowledges that an Elder’s role is a leader, not a ruler; a peacemaker, not a police officer; a trailblazer, not a celebrity.

5. Northmen does not espouse a ruling class, an explicit political structure, nor a religious orientation, though it is understood and celebrated that much of its foundations are derived from ancient Northern European traditions, customs, culture, and law.

6. Northmen will promote the growth and success of Northmen through participation in Rituals, Rites, and various activities. Kin will represent Northmen in a positive manner when interacting with the allies and acquaintances of Northmen (friends, allies, and other non-Northmen) and always observe that they are a conduit and spokesperson of Northmen values to the rest of the world.

7. Northmen shall always maintain the right to refuse Kinship or other kinds of association to anyone, for any reason or no reason whatsoever.

8. Northmen will conduct themselves as they see fit, in accordance with these Bylaws of Northmen; members are to interfere with each other as little as possible unless a Council is called to enforce or resolve an issue, in which case the outcome of the Council is absolutely binding, including the removal of Kinship after a fair hearing.

9. The results of a Council has absolute authority in dealing with the Bylaws of Northmen or other issues within the purview of Northmen.

10. These Bylaws of Northmen are to be presented to the Kin of Northmen, amended if necessary, and approved at each Great Council.