Community Guidelines & Safety
These guidelines express the standards of dignity, consent, pluralism, cultural respect, and responsible participation that the International Pagan Society expects within its community and organizational spaces.
Where These Expectations Apply
These guidelines establish shared expectations for participation in IPS-managed spaces, communications, programs, collaborations, and events, including as such offerings become available over time.
IPS does not currently operate retreats, groves, sanctuaries, chapters, lodges, or a formal membership tribunal. Where this page describes future procedures, it is describing intentions the Society is working toward, not systems that already exist.
Respect Regardless of Background or Belief
Community participants are expected to treat one another with dignity and respect, regardless of:
- Pagan, occult, esoteric, mystic, or other spiritual tradition
- Religion or non-religion
- Race or ethnicity
- National origin
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity or expression
- Disability
- Age
- Socioeconomic background
- Other protected or personal characteristics
No Single Voice Speaks for All
No participant may claim universal spiritual authority over others through IPS. Principled debate and disagreement are welcome, but the Society expects that debate to remain free of:
- Harassment
- Dehumanization
- Threats
- Forced conformity
- Spiritual intimidation
- Claims of exclusive organizational authority
Knowledge Is Held in Trust, Not Owned
IPS does not speak on behalf of Indigenous peoples or any tradition. Community participants are expected to:
Consent Is Informed, Voluntary, and Revocable
- Consent must be informed, voluntary, specific, and revocable
- Anyone may decline or leave an activity at any time
- Silence, pressure, intoxication, fear, status, or spiritual authority do not establish consent
- No unwanted touching
- No sexual harassment
- No coerced initiation
- No pressure to disclose private spiritual, medical, sexual, financial, or personal information
- No threats of spiritual punishment for refusing participation
Additional Care Is Expected
IPS does not currently operate credentialed youth facilitators, dedicated youth modules, or retreats, and this page does not set out a formally adopted supervision policy or a mandatory internal reporting procedure. The following are high-level safety expectations, not a complete legal or procedural framework:
- Additional care and appropriate adult supervision are required around young people and vulnerable adults
- Activities must be age appropriate
- Sexualized participation involving minors is prohibited
- Exploitation, grooming, abuse, and inappropriate contact are prohibited
- Applicable law and responsible safeguarding practices must be followed
- Concerns about immediate danger or suspected abuse should be directed to the appropriate local emergency or protective authorities
This page does not provide legal advice. Applicable local child- protection and safeguarding law always governs, regardless of anything stated here.
Sustainable Livelihood Through Sacred Practice
Our fifth official pillar, Sustainable Livelihood Through Sacred Practice, recognizes that practitioners, artisans, and educators often build a livelihood around their traditions. Earning a living through sacred practice is welcomed and supported — these guidelines prohibit misconduct, not commerce itself.
Leaving Every Space Better Than We Found It
IPS does not currently own or operate gathering sites. When participants gather in connection with IPS, whether on private land, public land, or at a partner venue, the following expectations apply:
Respecting What Others Share
Community participants are expected not to engage in:
- Doxxing
- Unauthorized recording
- Publishing private ritual details without consent
- Sharing personal information without permission
- Exposing sensitive locations
- Misusing confidential community disclosures
IPS does not yet operate a formal reporting system, so confidentiality cannot be guaranteed through a process that does not currently exist. This will be addressed as formal procedures are developed and published.
How Concerns Will Be Handled
Verified contact and reporting procedures — including any confidentiality, review, or response commitments — will be published here after formal review and approval. IPS does not currently offer a dedicated reporting portal, hotline, email address, or intake form for community concerns, and does not promise anonymous or encrypted reporting, non-retaliation enforcement, independent review, investigation, sanctions, or appeal rights.
In the meantime, you can learn more about how the Society is organized through ourGovernance & AccountabilityandCode of Ethicspages.
IPS is not an emergency service, law-enforcement agency, medical provider, or crisis-response organization. If you or another person is in immediate danger, contact the appropriate local emergency services or relevant authorities.
A Practice We Are Building Toward
Formal procedures will be published after review and approval. IPS intends to develop safeguarding, reporting, review, and accountability procedures appropriate to its structure, following appropriate legal and organizational review.
This page does not describe a staged investigation or sanctions process as something already operating. It is a statement of shared expectations, not a legally binding policy, and it does not promise a particular institutional response to any report or concern.
Learn More About the Society
Code of Ethics
The ethical principles the Society is committed to upholding.
Governance & Accountability
How the Society approaches nonprofit governance and oversight.
Financial Transparency & Stewardship
Our principles for responsible use of contributions and reporting.
Mission & Values
The mission, vision, and values that guide our work.
Help Build the Structure These Guidelines Call For
Your support helps IPS develop the formal safeguarding, reporting, and accountability procedures its community deserves.