Constitution - Bylaws

Roles of Commissioners & Bannermen

of Clan Poole

Preamble:

Clan Poole, in recognition of our shared heritage, traditions, and the leadership of our elected Clan Chief, unite to preserve and promote our

history, culture, and family bonds. We dedicate ourselves to the prosperity of the Clan and the wellbeing of its members, both present and future.

Article I: Name and Identity

1. The name of the Clan shall be Clan Poole.

2. Clan Poole shall be recognized as a clan in the spirit of Irish and Scottish clan traditions, united under the leadership of its elected Clan Chief

chosen by a formed Derbhfine.

Article II: Purpose

The purposes of Clan Poole are:

1. To preserve and celebrate our Celtic heritage, history, and values of the Poole family and its associated lineages.

2. To foster a sense of community, unity, and pride among all members.

3. To promote the wearing of the Clan Poole tartan and participation in clan-related activities.

4. To encourage the growth of the Clan by welcoming new members and engaging in community outreach.

5. When possible, the Clan Chief shall undertake a YDNA project to trace the lineage of the Clan, and Clan members with the Poole surname or its

variants are encouraged to participate in this project by also taking a YDNA test. (Only males can undertake YDNA tests, females can take

mitochondrial, mtDNA tests).

6. The Clan Chief when possible, should begin the process of attaining officially granted Armigerous status. (bearing or entitled to use a coat of

arms).

Article III: Membership

1. Membership in Clan Poole is open to all individuals, regardless of whether they share the surname Poole or its variants.

2. Members shall respect the values of the Clan and actively participate in its activities.

3. Members are expected to contribute to the success and development of the Clan through involvement and support of its mission.

4. There will be a yearly fee to be a registered clan member, monies raised will be used for Clan Heritage projects.

Article IV: The Clan Chief

1. The Clan shall be led by the elected Clan Chief, who serves as the representative and leader of Clan Poole.

2. A Derbhfine will formed then once elected, the position of Clan Chief shall become hereditary, passing to the designated heir of the Chief upon

their passing or abdication.

3. The Clan Chief shall uphold the traditions and values of the Clan and guide its members with fairness and integrity.

4. The Clan Chief may appoint a council of advisors to assist in decision-making.

Article V: The Clan Council

1. The Clan Council may consist of members appointed by the Clan Chief to assist in governance and the organization of activities, but must be

registered Clan Members.

2. The Council’s role is advisory, with decisions ultimately made by the Clan Chief.

3. Council members shall serve at the discretion of the Clan Chief and may be replaced as needed.

Article VI: Clan Gatherings

1. Clan Poole will host gatherings when possible to celebrate and preserve its heritage.

2. The Clan will also encourage members to attend Celtic events, both locally and internationally, to strengthen ties with other Celtic families/Clans

and traditions.

Article VII: Amendments

1. Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by any registered member of the Clan.

2. Amendments must be approved by the Clan Chief.

Article VIII: Clan Poole Code of Conduct

1. Members of Clan Poole shall conduct themselves with honor, respect, and integrity, both within and outside the Clan.

2. Disputes within the Clan should be resolved amicably and with respect for the Clan’s traditions.

3. Members are encouraged to support each other and act in the best interest of the Clan as a whole.

Clan Poole bylaws.

Succession for Clan Poole and the Lordship of the Manor of Shevington.

1. Hereditary Succession of Clan Chiefship

1. Primary Heir: The Chiefship of Clan Poole is an hereditary title passed down through the direct line of the current Clan Chief, with the first in line

being the eldest child, regardless of gender.

2. Secondary Heirs: If the primary heir is unable or unwilling to assume the role, the title shall pass in the following order:

- The next eldest child of the current Clan Chief.

- If there are no children, the title shall pass to the eldest sibling of the current Clan Chief.

- If the eldest sibling is unable or unwilling, the title shall pass to the next eldest sibling in order of birth.

3. Extended Family: If no immediate family members are available, the title shall pass to the closest blood relative, determined by the closest

degree of kinship (e.g., cousins, nieces, nephews).

2. Succession of the Lordship/Ladyship of the Manor of Shevington

1. Primary Heir: The Lordship or Ladyship of the Manor of Shevington is an hereditary feudal title passed down through the direct line of the

current titleholder, with the first in line being the eldest child, regardless of gender.

2. Title of Lord of the Manor:

- If the title is held by a male, he shall be known as the Lord of the Manor of Shevington.

- The Lord of the Manor has the right to appoint his wife as Lady of the Manor, granting her the title during his lifetime.

- Upon the death or abdication of the Lord, the title shall pass to the next heir, and the Lady of the Manor title, if granted, shall cease unless the

new Lord reappoints.

3. Title of Lady of the Manor:

- If the title is held by a female, she shall be known as the Lady of the Manor of Shevington.

- A Lady of the Manor may retain her title independently, even if married, but her spouse does not assume any title through marriage.

- The title shall pass to the next heir upon her death or abdication.

4. Secondary Heirs: If the primary heir is unable or unwilling to assume the role, the title shall follow the same line of succession as outlined for

the Clan Chiefship, passing first to other children, then to siblings, and then to the closest blood relatives.

3. Succession in Absence of a Traceable Heir

1. Traceable Heir: If no direct or extended family member can be traced within a reasonable time frame, both the Chiefship of Clan Poole and the

Lordship/Ladyship of the Manor of Shevington shall be declared vacant.

2. Role of Clan Custodian (President):

- A Clan Custodian, or President, shall be elected by the Clan Council to temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Chiefship and manage the

affairs of the Lordship/Ladyship of Shevington.

- The President’s role is to maintain the Clan and the Manor’s affairs until a legitimate heir can be found.

3. Election of the President:

- The President shall be elected by a majority vote of the Clan Council.

- The term of the President shall last until a legitimate heir is found or for a term of 5 years, at which point it can be renewed if necessary.

4. Restoration of Hereditary Titles

1. Tracing an Heir:

- If a legitimate descendant of the last Clan Chief or the last Lord/Lady of Shevington is identified, the hereditary titles shall be restored.

- The identified heir shall undergo verification of lineage by the Clan Council.

2. Transition of Power:

- Upon verification, the titles shall be ceremonially transferred from the President to the rightful heir.

- The Clan shall hold a formal investiture ceremony to restore the hereditary Chiefship and the Lordship/Ladyship.

5. Dispute Resolution

1. Council of Arbitration:

- Any disputes regarding succession shall be resolved by a Council of Arbitration, composed of senior Clan members and independent advisors.

- The Council’s decision shall be final and binding.

6. Preservation of Clan and Manor Legacy

1. Clan and Manor Records:

- The Clan Historian shall maintain comprehensive records of the Clan’s genealogy and the Lordship/Ladyship lineage to ensure accurate

documentation.

- The Historian shall work with the Clan Council to trace potential heirs and verify the legitimacy of claims to the titles.

2. Continuity of Leadership:

- The Clan Custodian (President) shall carry out all ceremonial and administrative duties associated with both the Chiefship and the

Lordship/Ladyship, except for the hereditary titles themselves, which remain vacant until an heir is identified.

These bylaws ensure the seamless succession of both the Chiefship of Clan Poole and the Lordship/Ladyship of the Manor of Shevington, while

providing a clear framework for maintaining leadership and continuity in the absence of a direct heir.

Clan Poole Commissioners

Role: Represent Clan Poole in specific regions or countries, acting as official ambassadors to ensure global participation and engagement.

• Duties:

• Regional Leadership: Serve as a key point of contact for Clan Poole members in their designated areas.

• Event Organization: Coordinate clan gatherings, cultural events, and social activities within their region.

• Communication: Report back to the Clan Chief and council about regional developments and membership.

• Recruitment: Encourage and welcome new members to Clan Poole and help them integrate into the community.

• Promoting Clan Values: Uphold and promote the values, traditions, and heritage of Clan Poole in a positive and inspiring manner.

• Social Media Engagement: Utilize social media to make the clan visible, promote Clan Poole’s activities, and increase online followers to enhance

outreach.

Clan Poole Bannermen/Bannerbearer

Role: Symbolic defenders and visible supporters of Clan Poole, Bannermen proudly represent the clan at events, both physical and digital, and

carry the clan’s colors and standards with pride.

• Duties:

• Public Representation: Participate in key clan functions, parades, and cultural events while wearing Clan Poole attire and carrying its banner.

• Cultural Ambassadors: Promote clan heritage and history through educational initiatives, both online and offline.

• Honor Guards: Serve as honorary figures during official clan ceremonies and important gatherings, symbolizing loyalty and commitment to the

clan.

• Community Engagement: Actively support the clan’s activities, campaigns, and causes, such as charitable work or local initiatives.

• Digital Presence: Support the clan’s online visibility by sharing events and clan-related content, contributing to an active and engaged digital

community.