COVID-19 Protocols for In-Person Events
The Fellowship is committed to the safety of our community above all else and hold the following expectations for our participants. Any person compromising these precautions will be asked to leave. Every individual should do what they can to help prevent the spread of communicable disease. The CDC has information on that here. We also owe it to one another to help in times of need – please reach out using our contact page if there’s support that we may be able to offer.
Face masks are still required at all times during our indoor events.
There will be no exceptions to this requirement. Any person who removes their mask in common space will be asked to leave.
At this time we ask that only vaccinated individuals free of recent COVID exposure attend our indoor events.
Chicago: We will be requiring proof of vaccination. You may either bring your vaccination card or a picture of your card for admittance into the ritual space.
Seattle: We will not be requiring proof of vaccination. For the health and safety of everyone concerned, please do not attend if you:
- have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19,
- have recently been exposed to COVID-19,
- and/or are currently carrying the virus.
Potlucks after ritual are suspended until further notice.
Eating in community requires a distinct lack of face masks, and for that reason we will not be hosting indoor potlucks at this time. We look forward to when that can change, and will hopefully bring potlucks back for any outdoor events going forward.
Sharing of food during the ritual itself is also postponed until further notice.
During our usual holiday rituals there is a chance to share small pieces of food as an unusual type of communion and celebration, but this is temporarily suspended for the safety of everyone involved.
Social distancing will NOT be required, but we explicitly empower attendees to communicate their boundaries as appropriate.
Given our expectations of both vaccinations and face masks, we will NOT be expecting social distancing. Our rituals will continue as normal, with participants typically gathered in a circle, close enough to hold hands.
We will have badges available to all attendees that will help indicate if they would prefer to social distance.
Other things to consider in your own response:
Crisis is a major stressor – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The CDC has great information on doing what you can to maintain physical health in the link above, but try to stay mindful of the rest of your self and your relationship to those around you.
Take time to remind yourself that you might be unusually stressed – if you’re feeling as if you’re more tired than usual or just generally not feeling like yourself there’s likely a good reason for that. Don’t forget that the same is going to be true of the people around you, as well.
In the Fellowship we talk about supporting one another and being supported in turn. Support can take so many forms – material support may mean providing supplies to someone who has less than you. Emotional support can be a hug, a phone call, or just some gentle acceptance in the face of someone else’s stress.
That relationship of support exists with the spirits and divinities that move with you, as well. Our Resources page has some images and prayers listed that might help you connect with the spirits of our tradition if that’s of interest.
We are a community forged through the bonds of love and will.
We’ll continue to update you on any changes to the above. Please contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or if you just need someone to talk with.
Tous kya te. Our hearts are open to you.