At Disting this year the members asked the Advocacy working group to prepare a third edition of the Frith Standard. The draft went out to all members today, and comments are open until December 20.
The second edition, adopted in 2022, remains in force until the members vote. It has served well. Fifty-eight kindreds and event organizers in eleven countries now keep it. But four years of use have shown us where it could be clearer, and the groups that keep it have been generous in telling us.
What the draft changes
- Online spaces. The second edition was written mainly for gatherings in person. The draft adds a section on group chats, forums, and video meetings, where a good deal of harassment now takes place.
- When the concern is about a leader. This is the hardest situation any group faces. The draft sets out more fully how to bring in frithkeepers from another group.
- Access. A new section asks organizers to state plainly, in every announcement, what the venue is like and what help is available.
- A one-page summary. Several groups asked for a short version to read aloud at the opening of a gathering. The draft includes one.
What does not change
The nine sections keep their order and their substance. The requirement for at least two frithkeepers stays. So does the rule that no one is ever pressed to drink.
How to comment
Members can send comments through their hearth circle host or directly to the working group. Every comment will be read, and a summary of the responses will go to all members with the revised text in January. The vote will be taken at Disting 2027.
If your group keeps the Standard and is not part of Heathen Women United, we would value your experience too. Please write to us.