BYLAWS OF KINDRED COLLECTIVE

ARTICLE I – NAME & PURPOSE

  1. Name: The name of this association shall be Kindred Collective Private Membership Association ("Kindred Collective").

  2. Purpose:

    • Kindred Collective exists to organise and govern the annual Secret Valley Festival ("Festival").

    • To create spaces that ignite connection, creativity, and community through immersive gatherings in nature.

    • To establish rules for participation, funding, and dispute resolution among members.

    • To maintain privacy, autonomy, and freedom of association outside of public regulatory structures.


ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

  1. Eligibility: Membership is open to individuals who agree to abide by these bylaws and sign a Membership Agreement acknowledging the private nature of the association.

  2. Membership Tiers:

    • General Members – Attendees who participate in festival activities (non-voting).

    • Contributor Members – Artists, performers, and facilitators contributing to the festival experience (financial or logistical contributors).

    • Founding Members – Organisers, staff, and decision-makers responsible for festival operations.

    • Initial signatories (listed in Annex A) shall be recognised as Founding Members.

  3. Rights & Responsibilities:

    • Members have access to all private festival activities and community spaces.

    • Members must uphold community values, including respect, consent, and shared responsibility.

    • Members may be expelled for violating core principles or engaging in disruptive behaviour.

  4. Confidentiality: Members agree to maintain privacy regarding internal matters of the association.


ARTICLE III – GOVERNANCE & DECISION-MAKING

  1. Governing Body: The festival is managed by a Council of Stewards, composed of Founding Members who oversee festival planning, membership approval, and rule enforcement.

  2. Decision-Making Process:

    • Decisions are made by consensus where possible, or by a two-thirds majority vote when necessary.

    • Voting Structure:

      • Founding Members – 1 vote per entity.

      • Contributor Members – 1 collective vote (via a designated representative).

    • Member feedback is encouraged through community meetings and digital forums.

  3. Amendments: Bylaws may be amended by a supermajority vote (75%) of the Council of Stewards, with input from the membership base.


ARTICLE IV – LIABILITY & LEGAL PROTECTIONS

  1. Private Association Status:

    • Kindred Collective operates under private contract law, exempt from certain public regulations applying to commercial events.

    • All interactions between members occur within a private domain, and members waive the right to bring disputes into public courts.

  2. Limited Liability:

    • Members participate at their own risk and must sign a liability waiver before engaging in festival activities.

    • The association is not responsible for personal injury, loss, or damages occurring at the event.

    • No personal liability for members; obligations are limited to the PMA’s assets.


ARTICLE V – DISPUTE RESOLUTION

1. Internal Resolution: Any disputes between members or between a member and the association shall first be addressed through internal mediation, facilitated by a neutral Founding Member or designated mediator.

2. Appointment of a Mediator: If a mediator is needed, the Council of Stewards shall appoint one from within the Founding Members or, if necessary, an external professional. If the disputing parties cannot agree on a mediator, the Council will present a panel of three candidates, and each party may eliminate one, leaving the final selection to the Council. The mediator must remain impartial and maintain confidentiality throughout the process.

3. Arbitration Agreement: If mediation fails, disputes must be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules set forth by the Council of Stewards. The arbitration shall be conducted in a private setting, and all decisions will be final and enforceable under the New York Convention.

4. No Public Litigation: Members waive their right to pursue legal action in public courts against the association or its organisers, except in cases of willfull misconduct or criminal activity.

5. Confidentiality: All dispute resolution proceedings shall remain strictly confidential. Any breach of confidentiality may result in termination of membership.


ARTICLE VI – FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

  1. Funding: The festival is funded through membership contributions, donations, and event fees.

  2. Transparency: A portion of festival finances will be disclosed to Founding Members for accountability.

  3. Non-Profit Structure: Kindred Collective reinvests revenue into community-building efforts, infrastructure, and future events.


ARTICLE VII – COMMUNITY PRINCIPLES

1. Inclusivity – We embrace newcomers, honour every individual, and celebrate diversity. Every voice matters, and every story adds richness to our collective experience.

2. Gifting – We cultivate a culture of unconditional giving, where generosity is offered without expectation of return.

3. Self-Expression – Members are encouraged to share their creativity and individuality in ways that align with community values.

4. Communal Effort – Secret Valley is a co-created experience, where artists, guests, and facilitators collaborate to weave the magic of the festival together. Every contribution strengthens the fabric of our shared journey.

5. Leave No Trace – We respect the land by leaving it as we found it, committing to sustainability and mindful environmental stewardship.

6. Participation – True transformation happens through deep, personal engagement. We create a space where members feel safe to be vulnerable, open, and fully present.

7. Consent & Safety – We foster a culture of mutual respect and radical inclusion. A full-body “yes” is required for all interactions, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for body, mind, and spirit.


ARTICLE VIII – DISSOLUTION

  1. Voluntary Dissolution: If the Council of Stewards votes to dissolve Kindred Collective, assets will be redistributed to community projects or charities aligned with festival values.

  2. Dissolution Process:

    • Proposed dissolution requires a two-thirds majority vote.

    • Unanimous consent of the Founding Members is required to finalise dissolution.


MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By signing up as a member of Kindred Collective, I acknowledge that I am voluntarily entering into a private contractual relationship and waive certain public legal rights. I agree to abide by the Bylaws, participate responsibly, and respect the autonomy of this private association.