Stoanism

STOANIST MEETINGS

Stoanist meetings favour serene locations with a strong connection to nature and a suitable communal building (“Lodge”). They typically follow the same outline agenda:

  1. Refreshments and socialising. Ideally all members come together in one place for at least 30 minutes (ideally 60) as a community for informal discussions and networking. Time could be used to confirm meeting details and timings.
  2. Convocation – the formal part of the meeting announced by a gong or similar, for all members.
    • The Rite of Welcome is recited aloud by all to all
    • New members and visitors are introduced by their hosts/sponsors
    • Important news and announcements (no more than 2 minutes per member; permission to speak for longer should be requested at the outset and accepted/rejected by a the loudness of Ayes and Nays respectively)
    • Urgent Issues (no more than 2 minutes per member unless agreed as above; state the nature of the issue, who it concerns, when it needs to be resolved by only – to be discussed further and actioned later as part of Discourse; useful to confirm where if side rooms are available for example)
    • Schedule of Ceremonies – ideally organised, scheduled, and shared in advance… this confirms what Rites, Rituals or Ceremonies will be held at the current meeting (where, what time – in light of urgent issues that might need to be discussed first – and led by whom). Typically new members would have previously discussed and requested particular Ceremonies and agreed someone with suitable experience to lead it.
  3. Discourse. Timings agreed as part of Schedule of Ceremonies – could be skipped if no Urgent Issues to discuss, but typically 1 hour duration or exceptionally 2 hours. Those not involved in working parties or meetings or focussed discussions are free to relax and socialise. Timings must be strictly enforced so that Ceremonies can complete for those concerned; if additional time is required, members may resume after Ceremonies are complete.
  4. Ceremonies – ideally one Ceremony to be held after another so that all relevant members may experience all Ceremonies without having to choose between consurrent sessions. Members not involved in ceremonies are free to relax and socialise (quietly, elsewhere) during this phase of the meeting. Side meetings should generally not be scheduled during this phase in order to avoid excluding disadvantaging those involved in ceremonies.
  5. Refreshments and Further Discourse Members are free to stay or leave at their discretion now that the formal business of the meeting has been done. If Urgent Issues require further discussion, this is an opportunity to continue for as long as required eg if the issue is urgent and can’t be progressed outside of a meeting or at a future meeting.