Bylaws of The Creation Collective Private Membership Club

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1.1: Name

This organization’s name shall be The Creation Collective Private Membership Club (hereinafter called “the Collective”). The Collective is an expressive association.

Section 1.2: Purpose

The Collective is a private, faith-based organization dedicated to fostering a community of members who share a commitment to God and Godly values, through exclusive access to farm-based activities, educational workshops, and social events. The Club’s mission is to glorify God through sustainable agriculture, fellowship, and creative pursuits, including:

• Cultivation of lavender, cut flowers, sunflowers, and vegetables.
• Farm-to-table dinners, private concierge picnics, and reserved farm access.
• Exercise classes (e.g., mat Pilates, mindful movement, boot camps) rooted in Christian principles.
• Workshops on growing, drying, and pressing flowers, wreath making, floral design, mocktails, and cooking.
• Harvest socials for lavender, cut flowers, and sunflowers.
• Operation of a Members Only store for member-produced goods.
• Promotion of open and private prayer, aligning all activities with Godly teachings.

Section 1.3: Private Nature

The Collective operates as a private domain, not open to the public. All activities, events, and store access are exclusively for members, with limited exceptions for Social Members as outlined herein.

Article II: Membership

Section 2.1: Membership Classes

The Collective offers three classes of membership:

• Full Membership: Grants access to all Collective activities, events, workshops, classes, harvest socials, social events, private reserved farm access, and the Members-Only store.
• Social Membership: Grants limited access to harvest socials, social events and the Members-Only store, with access to other events only if vacancies remain after Full Member reservations.
• Corporate Membership: The Board upon unanimous vote may approve a limited number of Full Members as “provider members” that offer services or products to the Collective that require a staff, and the membership extends to their staff while on Collective premises. Corporate Members provide specialized services.

Section 2.2: Eligibility

• Membership is open to individuals who:
  • Affirm their commitment to Godly values as outlined in the Collective’s Statement of Faith (see Appendix A).
  • Are at least 18 years of age or, if minors, are accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a member.
  • Complete the membership application process and pay applicable fees.
• The Collective reserves the right to deny or revoke membership to any individual whose conduct or beliefs are inconsistent with the Collective’s mission or Biblical principles.
• Eligibility for Corporate Membership is open to a Full Member that operates a specialized service or product that has a need for staff as approved by the Board.
  • Affirm their commitment to Christian values as outlined in the Collective’s Statement of Faith (see Appendix A).
  • Provide specialized services or products that align with the Collective’s mission (e.g., farm-to-table dinners, floral design workshops, or agricultural support).
  • Submit a business application, including details of the business, services offered, and a list of staff who may access the property.
• The Full Member must serve as the primary contact for the Corporate Membership.
• Staff members covered under the Corporate Membership are eligible only while performing approved Collective-related duties on the property and must adhere to all Collective rules and the Statement of Faith.
• The Collective reserves the right to deny or revoke Corporate Membership if the business or its staff’s conduct or services are inconsistent with the Collective’s mission or Biblical principles.

Section 2.3: Application Process

• Prospective members must submit a written application, including:
  • Personal information (name, address, contact details).
  • Acknowledgment and agreement to the Collective’s Statement of Faith.
  • Agreement to abide by these bylaws and Collective’s policies.
• Applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee, with approval subject to a majority vote.
• Applicants may be required to attend an orientation session to ensure alignment with the Collective’s values and operations.
• Prospective Corporate Members must submit a written business application, including:
  • Business name, address, contact details, and a description of services or products.
  • Acknowledgment and agreement to the Collective’s Statement of Faith by the business owner and all staff accessing the property.
  • Agreement to abide by these bylaws and Collective policies.
  • A list of staff authorized to access the property, subject to Board approval.
  • Proof of liability insurance for staff while on Collective property (see Section 2.5).
  • Applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee, with approval subject to a unanimous vote.
  • Approved Corporate Members may update their staff list annually or as needed, subject to Board review.

Section 2.4: Membership Fees and Dues

• Initiation Fee: A one-time fee of $25 for Full Members “Bloomsteaders” and $15 for Social Members, payable upon approval.
• Annual Dues:
  • Bloomsteader Members: $250 per year.
  • Social Members: $50 per year.
• Corporate Membership:
  • Initiation Fee: A one-time fee of $25 per business, payable upon approval, which includes Full Member status for the business owner.
  • Annual Dues: $250 per business per year, covering the business owner (as a Full Member) and up to 5 staff members. Additional staff may be added for an additional fee of $10 per staff member per year.
• Dues are payable annually by renewal date and are non-refundable.
• Late payments may result in suspension of membership privileges until paid.

Section 2.5: Membership Rights and Privileges

• Full Members:
  • Priority access to all events, workshops, classes, and reserved farm access.
  • Right to purchase member-produced goods at the Members-Only store.
  • Ability to sponsor guests for private reserved events, subject to Board approval.
• Founding Member:
  • Reserved for the First 100 Full Members of the Collective.
  • Recognition as Founders and priority service.
  • Annual Membership will always be $250 and never increase.
  • Ability to sponsor a guest at all events, 2 or more guests per event with approval of a Board Member or Officer.
• Social Members:
  • Access to harvest socials and the Members-Only store.
  • Access to other events only if not reserved by Full Members, on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • May sponsor 1 guest per social event.
• All Guests are prohibited from purchasing from the Members-Only store.
• Corporate Membership:
  • The business owner is a Full Member with all associated rights and privileges, including access to all Collective activities, events, workshops, classes, harvest socials, reserved farm access, and the Members Only store.
  • Authorized staff have access to Club premises solely for the purpose of providing approved services or products (e.g., preparing and serving farm-to-table dinners, conducting workshops).
  • Corporate Members may participate in events or workshops related to their services, but only as providers, not as attendees, unless otherwise approved by the Board, with the exception of the business owner’s Full Member privileges.
  • Corporate Member’s staff are sponsored by the full member business owner, and any staff who are not current members are not eligible to purchase from the Members Only store.
  • Corporate Members must maintain liability insurance covering all staff that are not current members while on Collective property, with a minimum coverage of $1M per occurrence and $1M aggregate. Proof of insurance must be submitted with the application and renewed annually. Failure to maintain insurance may result in termination of Corporate Membership rights and will not affect the business owner’s full membership.
  • Guests or staff not listed on the approved staff roster are prohibited from accessing the property under the Corporate Membership.
• All Guests are prohibited from purchasing from the Members-Only store.

Section 2.6: Termination of Membership

• Membership may be terminated by:
  • Voluntary resignation, submitted in writing to the Board.
  • Non-payment of dues after 90 days have passed due.
  • Conduct deemed detrimental to the Collective’s mission or Biblical values, as determined by the Board after a fair hearing.
• Terminated members are not entitled to refunds of fees or dues.

Article III: Governance

Section 3.1: Board of Directors

• The Collective shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 3 Directors and 2 Board Appointees.
• Board Appointees must be Full Members in good standing and affirm the Collective’s Statement of Faith.
• Appointee Terms: 2 years with a maximum of 2 consecutive terms.
• Responsibilities:
  • Oversee Collective’s operations, finances, and strategic planning.
  • Approve membership applications and terminations.
  • Ensure all activities align with Biblical principles.
  • Appoint committees as needed (e.g., Membership, Events, Finance).

Section 3.2: Officers

• The Board shall include:
  • President: Presides over meetings, represents the Collective publicly.
  • Vice President: Assists the President and assumes duties in their absence.
  • Secretary: Maintains records, minutes, and membership rolls.
  • Treasurer: Oversees financial accounts, budgeting, and reporting.
• Officers serve 1-year terms and may be reappointed.

Section 3.3: Meetings

• Annual Meeting: Held first Saturday of April for Board members to appoint Board Appointee members and Officers, review finances, and discuss the Collective business.
• Board Meetings: Held quarterly or as needed.
• Special Meetings: May be called by the President or upon petition by 50% Full Members.
• Quorum: 50% of Board members for scheduled Board meetings.
• Voting: Decisions require a majority vote unless otherwise specified.

Section 3.4: Committees

• The Board may establish committees, such as:
  • Membership Committee: Reviews applications and recommends approvals.
  • Events Committee: Plans farm-to-table dinners, picnics, workshops, and classes.
  • Finance Committee: Oversees budgeting and financial reporting.
• Committee members are appointed by the Board and must be Full Members.

Article IV: Operations

Section 4.1: Farm Activities

• Agricultural Activities:
  • Cultivation of lavender, cut flowers, sunflowers, and vegetables, managed sustainably to glorify God’s creation.
  • Harvest socials for members to participate in crop harvesting, fostering community and stewardship.
• Events and Classes:
  • Farm-to-table dinners and private concierge picnics, reserved for members.
  • Exercise classes (mat Pilates, mindful movement, boot camps), designed with Christian principles.
  • Workshops (e.g., floral design, wreath making, mocktails, cooking), incorporating Biblical teachings.
• Reserved Access:
  • Private farm access for Full Members and approved professional photographers (Full Members only).
  • Social Members may access Bloomsteader events only if vacancies exist.

Section 4.2: Members-Only Store

• The store sells goods produced by Board approved provider members.
• Only Full and Social Members may purchase from the store.
• Guests are strictly prohibited from purchasing Member-Only items.
• Only Full Members in good standing can be a provider member.
• Members selling products must comply with quality standards set by the Board and ensure products reflect our Creator’s values.

Section 4.3: Spiritual Guidelines

• All activities, classes, and workshops are designed to give glory to God, with curricula grounded in the Bible.
• Open and private prayer is always welcome.
• The Club’s Statement of Faith (Appendix A) guides all operations and member conduct.
• Loud or disruptive prayer, including unsolicited “grandstanding” (e.g., an individual loudly praying over others without group consent), is prohibited unless the individual is a designated prayer leader for a group event and has the explicit agreement of participants. Even in such cases, shouting or excessive volume is not permitted to maintain a peaceful and respectful environment. Respect for personal space must be observed.

Section 4.4: Guest Policy

• Guests may attend specific events only with sponsorship by a Full Member and a Board Member or Officer’s approval.
• Guests must be at least 16 years of age or immediate family member of a member.
• Guests under the age of 16 are limited to Social Events, or by approval of a Board Member or Officer, no less than 3 days prior to a Full Member event.
• Guests are limited to 3 visits per year and must adhere to Collective rules and Biblical values.
• Guests may not purchase from the Members-Only store.

Section 4.5: Safety, Conduct, and Etiquette

• General Conduct: Members and guests must uphold our Creator’s values of love, respect, and integrity in all interactions, both on and off the Collective premises.
• Attire:
  • Members and guests shall wear modest, appropriate attire that reflects the Collective’s values and suits the activity (e.g., comfortable clothing for exercise classes, sturdy shoes for harvest socials, etc).
  • Inappropriate attire (e.g., revealing clothing, offensive graphics, or anything contrary to Biblical principles) is prohibited.
  • Specific attire requirements for events or classes will be communicated in advance by the Events Committee.
• Parking:
  • Members and guests must park only in designated areas as indicated by signage or Collective staff.
  • Vehicles must not block access roads, farm equipment paths, or other members’ vehicles.
  • Unauthorized parking may result in towing at the owner’s expense and/or suspension of membership privileges.
• “Loud is Not Allowed” Policy:
  • To maintain a peaceful, God-honoring environment, excessive noise (e.g., shouting, or disruptive behavior) is prohibited on the Collective premises, except as part of approved group activities (e.g., harvest socials or exercise classes) where moderate volume is necessary.
  • Members and guests must respect the quiet enjoyment of the farm for all, especially during prayer, workshops, or private events.
  • No amplification is permitted.
• No Disparagement Clause:
  • Members shall not disparage, defame, or speak negatively about the Collective, its leadership, or other members, whether on Club premises or off (including on social media, public forums, or private communications).
  • Disparagement includes any statements or actions that harm the Collective’s reputation, mission, or fellowship among members.
  • Violations may result in disciplinary action, including warnings, suspension, or termination of membership, as determined by the Board after a fair hearing.
  • This Disparagement Clause does not apply to whistleblowers or reporting illegal activity.
• Safety Protocols:
  • Members and guests must follow safety protocols for farm activities (e.g., proper use of tools during harvest socials, safe participation in exercise classes).
  • Failure to comply may result in immediate removal from the activity and potential membership suspension after a fair hearing by the Board of Directors.
  • The Collective does NOT carry liability insurance, nor does any Member carry liability insurance.
• Smoking and Vaping: Smoking cigars, cigarettes, pipes or vaping of any kind is strictly prohibited on The Collective’s property and grounds for immediate removal and potential membership suspension after a fair hearing by the Board of Directors.
• Animal Policies:
  • Farm animal residents are the property of individual members and are not to be fed, petted, touched, disturbed or startled in any way.
  • The Collective’s property is not public access and requires a level of decorum of bona-fide service animals (dogs or miniature horses). Emotional support animals are pets.
  • No pets are to be brought on property including parking areas. In the case of private reserved photography sessions, written permission must be granted by the collective board no less than 3 days in advance of reserved photography. The animal in a reserved photography session must be leashed to its member/handler at all times.
• Commitment to a Respectful Environment: The Creation Collective is dedicated to fostering a collaborative, and welcoming space for all members, guests, and participants. While we uphold the principles of freedom of speech and open expression as fundamental to our community, we collectively agree to maintain a level of decorum that aligns with a family-friendly atmosphere. This includes refraining from the use of profanity, vulgar language, or any form of expression that could reasonably be considered in-cohesive to a “G” or “PG” rated environment.
  Violations of this expectation may be addressed through grace, jest or good-humored sarcasm as informal reminders or, if necessary, further discussion in accordance with our dispute resolution procedures outlined below in Disciplinary Actions.
• Disciplinary Actions:
  • Violations of conduct or etiquette rules may result in:
    • Verbal or written warning for first offenses.
    • Suspension of membership privileges for 21 days for repeated or serious offenses.
    • Termination of membership for egregious or repeated violations, as outlined in Section 2.6.

Article V: Finances

Section 5.1: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year shall be from May 1 to April 30.

Section 5.2: Budget and Reporting

• The Treasurer shall prepare an annual budget for approval by the Board.
• Financial reports shall be presented at the Annual Meeting.
• All funds shall be used to further the Collective’s mission and operations.

Section 5.3: Revenue Sources

• Membership fees and dues.
• Revenue from workshops, classes, and events.
• Sales from the Members-Only store, with a portion allocated to operational costs as determined by the Board.

Section 5.4: Financial Oversight

• The Finance Committee shall oversee audits and ensure transparency.
• Board members or officers shall receive reasonable compensation approved by most Board Members.

Article VI: Amendments

Section 6.1: Amendment Process

• Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of Board Members at the Annual Meeting or a special meeting.
• Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Board at least 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) before the meeting and distributed to all Board Members at least 14 days in advance.

Section 6.2: Review

• The Board shall review the bylaws every 3 years to ensure they align with the Collective’s mission and legal requirements.

Article VII: Dissolution

Section 7.1: Dissolution Process

• The Collective may be dissolved by a two-thirds vote of Board Members.
• Upon dissolution, assets shall be distributed in accordance with applicable laws, after settling all debts.

Article VIII: Indemnification

Section 8.1: Indemnification

• The Collective shall indemnify Board members, officers, and committee members and the land-owning member of the Collective against legal claims arising from their duties, provided they acted in good faith and in alignment with the Collective’s mission and bylaws.

Section 8.2: Waiver of Claims Between Members

• Members agree, as a condition of membership, to relinquish any right to file legal claims against other members for actions or incidents occurring on Club premises or during Club activities, except in cases of malicious intent or gross negligence.
• This waiver does not apply to claims involving intentional harm, willful misconduct, or gross negligence, which may be pursued in accordance with applicable laws.
• Members are encouraged to resolve disputes through Christian mediation or arbitration, guided by Biblical principles of reconciliation (e.g., Matthew 18:15–17), before pursuing legal action.

Appendix A: Statement of Faith

• The Collective affirms:
  • Belief in the one and only GOD, our Creator and that God is infallible.
  • Commitment to glorifying God in all activities, including stewardship of his creation and community fellowship.
• In the event where specific or individual religious beliefs may vary, we respect our common love for God our Creator and will treat others with respect and dignity. The Collective, following Biblical principles, does not welcome nor participate or promote ungodly behavior or belief. 
• All members must affirm this Statement of Faith upon application and renewal.

Appendix B: Code of Conduct

• Members shall:
  • Uphold Biblical values of love, respect, and integrity in all interactions.
  • Participate in activities with a spirit of fellowship and gratitude.
  • Respect Collective’s property, crops, and facilities.
  • Adhere to etiquette rules regarding attire, parking, noise, and prayer as outlined in Section 4.5.
  • Refrain from disparaging the Collective or its members, as outlined in Section 4.5.
  • Resolve disputes through Christian mediation.
• Violations may result in disciplinary action, as outlined in Section 4.5.

Appendix C: Event and Workshop Guidelines

• All curricula shall incorporate Biblical teachings and reflect the Collective’s mission.
• Instructors must be approved by the Board and affirm the Statement of Faith.
• Events and classes are exclusive to members, with limited access for Social Members as outlined in Section 2.5.