Build Local Community With Care
The International Pagan Society is developing guidance for people interested in organizing responsible local circles and chapters. Formal applications and affiliation are not currently open, but prospective organizers can review the principles that will shape the future framework.
Chapter framework in development.IPS is not currently accepting chapter applications or granting formal affiliation. The information below describes a developing framework and may change through governance, legal, safeguarding, and community review.
Readiness for Responsible Organizing
This is guidance for reflection, not adopted eligibility rules or enforceable prerequisites. IPS does not currently require a set number of organizers, identity verification, background checks, youth certification, a specific venue type, or a specific governance model.
Shared Community Purpose
Organizers should be able to explain the circle's purpose, intended activities, and community benefit.
Inclusive Participation
Future circles should respect pluralism, spiritual freedom, dignity, accessibility, and non-discrimination.
Shared Responsibility
Healthy community leadership should not depend entirely on one person and should include transparent decision-making.
Safe & Appropriate Gathering
Organizers should consider accessibility, consent, privacy, local requirements, and the suitability of meeting spaces.
Principles of Mutual Responsibility
Formal requirements have not yet been adopted. These are proposed principles for how a future relationship between IPS and local chapters might work.
What future chapters may expect from IPS
- Clear published guidance
- Consistent expectations
- Educational resources as they become available
- Respect for local context
- Transparent communication
- Responsible review processes before any affiliation program opens
IPS does not currently promise legal services, insurance, mediation, archival storage, funding, recognition, accreditation, or safeguarding services.
What IPS would expect from future chapters
- Respect for spiritual freedom
- Non-discrimination
- Voluntary participation
- Consent and personal autonomy
- Financial transparency
- Responsible leadership
- Respect for cultural sovereignty
- Appropriate safeguarding
- Honest public representation
- Compliance with applicable local law
How a Future Chapter Process May Work
These are conceptual steps without dates, timelines, or guarantees — not a fixed application process, interview schedule, council review, or approval guarantee.
- 1
Learn
Review IPS mission, values, ethics, guidelines, and local-circle principles.
- 2
Prepare
Clarify the proposed group's purpose, leadership approach, meeting model, accessibility, and community responsibilities.
- 3
Express Interest
A future interest process may allow organizers to introduce their proposed chapter when IPS is ready to receive inquiries.
- 4
Review
Any future affiliation process would require formal governance, published criteria, appropriate safeguards, capacity, and clear communication.
What Local Stewardship Could Look Like
This is an example of possible future themes for local circles, not a record of existing IPS programs or requirements. No locations, organizations, individuals, Indigenous communities, active chapters, or partner institutions are described.
- Public education
- Seasonal learning
- Cultural preservation
- Community service
- Environmental care
- Accessible discussion groups
- Collaboration with appropriate local organizations
Read Before Organizing
Future Chapter Interest Process
This preview shows how a future interest process might look. It is not a working form. No names, emails, addresses, jurisdictions, traditions, locations, or other personal information are collected here or anywhere on this page. Any future process will receive separate privacy, retention, safeguarding, and governance review before collecting information.
Preview Categories
Preview only — not yet functional. No submission, storage, or review of this information currently occurs.
Questions About the Future Framework
Are chapter applications currently open?
No. The framework and application process remain under development.
Can my existing independent group become an IPS chapter?
No formal affiliation process is currently available. Existing groups may review the public principles without representing themselves as IPS-affiliated.
Does IPS currently certify or supervise local groups?
No. IPS is not currently publishing a verified chapter registry or representing independent groups as certified chapters.
Does IPS provide legal defense, insurance, funding, or safeguarding services?
No such services should be assumed. Any future offering would require formal approval, resources, policies, and published terms.
Can solitary practitioners participate?
They may review public educational and community materials, but no mentorship-matching or fellowship program should be claimed.
How will people know when applications open?
Future availability will be announced publicly after the required framework is approved and operationally ready.
Immediate Safety
This website is not an emergency, safeguarding, legal, or confidential reporting service. If someone is in immediate danger, they should contact the appropriate local emergency or support service.
Prepare Thoughtfully. Organize Responsibly.
Applications are not currently open. In the meantime, review the resources below.
Help Build the Foundation for Future Chapters
Your support helps IPS develop the governance, safeguards, and standards a responsible chapter framework will require.