Kindred Connection Program
One of the great benefits of being a member of Awaken the North (AtN) is our Kindred Connection Program (KCP). This program serves to help local Heathens in a few diverse ways. To start, anyone can form a Kindred at anytime, anywhere in the world. You do not need to be a Goðar to establish a Kindred. If you and some friends want to get together and worship the Gods as a community, then have at it! That said, there are some things you might be interested in that could help your Kindred grow and become successful.
Awaken the North has two connection paths: Associated and Affiliated. All Kindreds retain their own autonomy and decision making abilities within their own Kindred. They each have their advantages and disadvantages. The path you choose will be up to you. You can switch between the two at your will. There may be restrictions on the speed at which you switch. Being a Kindred Partner with AtN can benefit both parties – you get the support of a growing international community, and we get new members! Associated Kindreds are a slightly lower level and more autonomous path while the Affiliated Kindreds function as a sort of localized chapter of Awaken the North.
By and far the biggest perk of being an Affiliated Kindred with Awaken the North is the benefit of being included under our legal and tax umbrella with our 501(c)3 Non-Profit Religious Organization status with the government. Having nonprofit status can help you make the most bang for your organization’s buck, and tax-deductibility can be a strong carrot to encourage your community to give and get involved with your projects. Once approved, you will also receive a “Kindred Welcome Packet” from AtN. This packet includes an oath ring, consecrated and tied to the main Awaken the North oath ring, held by our Chancellor of Religious Studies and High Goðar, as well as a custom Hlautboli, or consecrated offering bowl, among other items to help with ceremonies. Which brings us to the next subject.
Along with the listings and discounts on Goðar and religious training, the KCP also offers exclusive access to materials designed to help you and AtN flourish. You’ll get access to pamphlets and other informational tools that you can use to help the public better understand what it is we believe and practice. You’ll have access to our official AtN public ritual (you are not required to utilize this ritual as we are non-Dogmatic, but it’s a free resource) that can help you lead public events at Pagan festivals and other gatherings. You will also have access to an exclusive Discord channel for KCP members only. This can help you find other groups in your area as well as give you the chance to learn or share ideas with other Kindreds.
Another great perk, is that we list your Kindred on our website and in our newsletters. This helps other Heathens in your area connect with you and further promotes networking as well as growth of our faith. It can get kind of lonely sitting by yourself around the fire! We will display your Kindred’s name, social media links, website URLS, and/or contact information under your associated city/state/country. You can also update this information at any time by emailing the Chair of the KCP.
Also, ALL members of the Kindred get access to these perks, not just a select few (Goði Training discounts are limited to the kindred Goði). We recognize that not every Kindred has a Chieftain or even wants an elected leadership, so we are extending these perks to all members who are part of a KCP. No matter how big or small your Kindred is, we want to make sure that we treat all members of it (as well as the Kindred as a whole) with the utmost respect!
Think you are ready to be an associated or Affiliated Kindred? If you are interested in being a part of the KCP please click the “apply” button below. Fill out the application with the necessary information and submit it to our Chair of KCP. Once the application is submitted please allow 24-48 hours for response. Approval timeframe will depend on the path you are choosing to apply to.
Once approved, your Kindred will receive further instructions for what to do next. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Chair of the KCP at the email listed on the Council page.
Associated Kindred Connection Program
The Associated Kindred Connection is an easy way to get your kindred advertised, and have access to some of the tools and benefits of being associated with Awaken the North. The requirements are less than that of the Affiliated Kindred Program, as are the benefits.
An Associated Kindred retains all autonomy and decision making abilities within their own Kindred. You will gain all the discounts and promotions of the Affiliated Kindreds, with the exception of the 501(c)3 tax exempt status.
Once approved, you will also receive a “Kindred Welcome Packet” from AtN. This packet includes an oath ring, consecrated and tied to the main Awaken the North oath ring, held by our Chancellor of Religious Studies and High Goðar, as well as a custom Hlautboli, or consecrated offering bowl, among other items to help with ceremonies. Which brings us to the next subject.
Along with the listings and discounts on Goðar and religious training, the KCP also offers exclusive access to materials designed to help you and AtN flourish. You’ll get access to pamphlets and other informational tools that you can use to help the public better understand what it is we believe and practice. You’ll have access to our official AtN public ritual (you are not required to utilize this ritual as we are non-Dogmatic, but it’s a free resource) that can help you lead public events at Pagan festivals and other gatherings. You will also have access to an exclusive Discord channel for KCP members only. This can help you find other groups in your area as well as give you the chance to learn or share ideas with other Kindreds.
Associated Kindred requirements:
In addition to having your paperwork in order (ByLaws, Code of Conduct, etc) and primary positions filled:
1. At least one member must attend, and successfully pass, the Goðar Training Course through AtN. (May be done after affiliation.)
2. Annual dues of $24 must be paid to remain in good standing.
3. 12 hours of documented community service must be performed by the Kindred annually.
Affiliated Kindred Connection Program
By and far the biggest perk of being an Affiliated Kindred with Awaken the North is the benefit of being included under our legal and tax umbrella with our 501(c)3 Non-Profit Religious Organization status with the government. Having nonprofit status can help you make the most bang for your organization’s buck, and tax-deductibility can be a strong carrot to encourage your community to give and get involved with your projects. Once approved, you will also receive a “Kindred Welcome Packet” from AtN. This packet includes an oath ring, consecrated and tied to the main Awaken the North oath ring, held by our Chancellor of Religious Studies and High Goðar, as well as a custom Hlautboli, or consecrated offering bowl, among other items to help with ceremonies. Which brings us to the next subject.
Along with the listings and discounts on Goðar and religious training, the KCP also offers exclusive access to materials designed to help you and AtN flourish. You’ll get access to pamphlets and other informational tools that you can use to help the public better understand what it is we believe and practice. You’ll have access to our official AtN public ritual (you are not required to utilize this ritual as we are non-Dogmatic, but it’s a free resource) that can help you lead public events at Pagan festivals and other gatherings. You will also have access to an exclusive Discord channel for KCP members only. This can help you find other groups in your area as well as give you the chance to learn or share ideas with other Kindreds.
Affiliated Kindred requirements:
In addition to having your paperwork in order (ByLaws, Code of Conduct, etc) and primary positions filled:
1. At least one member must attend, and successfully pass, the Goðar Training Course through AtN. (May be done after affiliation.)
2. Annual dues of $48 must be paid to remain in good standing.
3. 24 hours of documented community service must be performed by the Kindred annually.
Ready to join our Kindred Connection Program?
If you wish to apply for the Kindred Connection Program click the button below!
How can I help support Awaken the North?
Awaken the North is a family and we are dedicated to helping each other grow. The only way we are able to accomplish this is through the generous financial support of our members. Every single one of our Council, Chairs, and support staff are purely VOLUNTEERS. Not a single person benefits financially from any funds within Awaken the North. Even Beast, the Leader, doesn’t get a dime. All funds are directed back into Awaken the North to pay for the website, buy supplies, help support our members, etc.
We are so very, VERY grateful to our members who help support us! If you are looking for ways to help Awaken the North, please see the options below.