This is an FAQ about the Atheopagan Society. For an FAQ about Atheopaganism, visit here.
What is the relationship between the Atheopagan Society and the various forms of community?
The Facebook and Discord communities are managed by the Society. The Facebook group, for example, is operated by the Society, in the sense that the Society’s page is the sponsor of the group.
Is Atheopaganism independent of its online communities? Does it exist at all as a non-online organization?
Atheopaganism is something anyone can practice, whether or not they are a part of the online communities. It appears that many practitioners are interested in the online communities, but based on the book’s sales, we are confident that there are people who just bought the book and are doing their own Atheopaganism. Some affinity groups hold in-person meetings; these, too, are a part of Atheopaganism. The Suntree Retreat was an example of something that is Atheopaganism but not online. The Reddit subreddit, as well, is a community element but not founded or managed by the Society.
What is the Atheopagan Society outside of the online communities?
It is a nonprofit religious corporation, the mission of which is “To facilitate, support and enhance the spiritual practices and mutual engagement of Atheopagans throughout the world.” It produces media (video and audio), materials and resources, classes, and events, and provides an opportunity for Atheopagans to become legally ordained. It is a new organization and is only now (as of August 2023) finalizing its first strategic plan—this will set out its priority areas for activity over the next 2-3 years.
What is the relationship between moderators and the Atheopagan Society?
Moderators are volunteers with the Atheopagan Society.
What is the mechanism for community members to provide feedback to the Atheopagan Society or raise issues of concern?
Community input is solicited on any significant policies the Society Council is considering, and any concerns can be aired through this channel. The Council takes community concerns seriously and seeks to make our community spaces as safe, kind, inclusive and supportive as possible. Otherwise, the “Contact” form on the TAPS website can always be used to raise issues of concern.
What is the mechanism for community members to offer moderation policy feedback?
On Facebook, message any moderator with your comment and the mod team will engage and discuss. On Discord, there is an “ask a mod” channel for a similar purpose.
What is the mechanism for updating or amending policies?
Policies can be reconsidered by the Society Council at any time—significant policies are reviewed with a poll of the community for input to decision making.
How can community members introduce potential amendments to policies?
Submit them to the Society Council, whose role it is to set policies. Community members are welcome to attend Council meetings to participate in the discussion of proposed policy changes.
How does the Atheopagan Society communicate with the community?
Through the Atheopagan Voice online newsletter, blog posts, posting of meeting minutes to the TAPS website, and update reports to the Facebook and Discord communities.
How are people selected for the Council and as online community moderators?
Like nearly all nonprofit organizations, the TAPS Council is self-elected based on criteria including skill sets, diversity goals, community involvement, temperament and demonstrated capacity to provide thoughtful and skilled help to the work of the Society.
Moderator positions are advertised to the community on the platform in question, and the mod team accepts applicants for the positions based on similar selection criteria to those used in selecting Council members.
Thanks to Michael H., who first submitted these questions