An Invitation

To all potential members of the Order of the Whiteoak (Ord na Darach Gile - Comhairle Domhanda na nDraoi);

Fellow Druids: As you know, The Order of the Whiteoak (Ord na Darach Gile - Comhairle Domhanda na nDraoi) has been in existence since 1997.

We have instituted a teaching program and system of fostership. We have engaged in charitable acts such as helping fund the construction of a stone circle and astronomical teaching tool for the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. We collected funds for a fellow Druid who lost all his posessions in a fire. We helped to create and launch several regional Druid coalitions. We composed ethical letters which we disseminated to the Pagan community at large. J Craig Melia and I co-created the beautiful Shrine of the Goddess Brighid and Whiteoak members led the effort to get the "Awen" symbol approved for Druid vets headstones.

We have had our ups and downs but in this our ninth year, we are still here, with members in the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and the USA.

The initiates who are currently on the public list have joined together to create a Council of Elders for the Order. We have selected officers and written a Constitution, the first in the history of Whiteoak, designed to make us 501C3 eligible. We have created a mechanism for both adult and youth memberships in the Order.

We have been blessed with several generous webmasters over the years who have paid for the web page and the mailing list out of their own pockets; first Ray White and now J Craig Melia. I (Saille) have printed out and archived all posts since 1997, which are being made available to scholars at Carleton College in Northfield, MN (they are not available to the general public).

In this our ninth year, our great year of transition, we have decided that it is time to become a mature Order with even greater possibilities for growth. With a small but steady cash stream we can more easily address charitable needs, help fund computer expenses, and other expenses that may arise. We are inviting all Druids who wish to support the work to please join by sending $12.00 (or more if they are able), to Jeff Lilly, Treasurer. A link to our PAY PAL account is on our website www.whiteoakdruids.org

There you will see our new Constitution posted as well as adult and youth membership applications. We invite you to join us on our great adventure by becoming a full member and also by seeking fostership towards Druid initiation.

Sincerely

Saille (Ellen Evert Hopman) Co-Chief, Order of the Whiteoak
(Ord na Darach Gile - Comhairle Domhanda na nDraoi)