The Society's Structure
The Silver Heart Society utilizes a horizontal structure in its organizational philosophy.
The sole and final authority on all matters pertaining to the Society is the Parriarch, presently Sienasthra, who was elected by society membership and approved unanimously by the Silver Heart's Advisory Board. Members of the Advisory Board, referred to as Justicars, serve as the Parriarch's aides, administrators, and representatives. Appointees to the Board serve at the Parriarch's discretion and may be appointed or stripped of their position at her pleasure.
Day-to-day decision-making is delegated further downward to Curators, who serve at the pleasure of any member of the Board or its Parriarch. Curators are expected to uphold their managerial duties above all else, but do not have any official measures available to them to apply punishments or rewards to their subordinates. Instead, they are expected to communicate the need for such consequences up the chain of command, preferably to the Justicars on the Board.
All members of the Society are colloquial referred to as its Friends: for instance, to indicate membership, one would refer to themselves as being "a Friend of the Silver Heart." Members may refer to each other as "fellow Friends." Friends of the Society are broadly classified in three categories: Kindlers, whose service is directly to medical and relief efforts; Bulwarks, whose service is combat-focused in nature; and Envoys, whose services (despite the name) range from lobbying and fundraising to coercion, threats, and action.
Those seeking to become Friends of the Society are referred to as Petitioners. Those who are not officially affiliated with the Society, but who support it through finances, collaborations, or alignment of interests are referred to as its Fellow Travelers.
Wages and Benefits
All Friends of the Society enjoy priority care from all of its services when they are not otherwise deployed for emergency aid in a disaster zone. In particularly sensitive cases, and with approval from the Board, resources may be rerouted from emergency aid efforts towards the healthcare of a Friend. The Society is typically flexible on this matter, though such diversion is by no means guaranteed.
Payments are standardized for all Friends regardless of the nature of their employment. Wages begin at 10 silver per week, include free room and board within Silver Heart Hall, and come with the opportunity to apply for a lease on Silver Heart land free of charge if sufficient funds for housing construction are independently available to you. Home ownership is subject to the continuation of your contract with the Silver Heart Society, but reimbursement will be provided as funds allow should your contract be terminated.
Wages may increase, up to 20 silver per week, based on performance and capabilities, length of contract, and by availability of the Society's funds. Furthermore, all members are entitled to commission. Commission varies by job duties. For instance, medics may receive commission for each patient entrusted to their care, suppliers for each successful delivery made, combatants for each skirmish survived, and envoys for each financial backer secured. The exact nature of one's commission should be discussed and negotiated directly with the Advisory Board and forwarded to the Curator in charge of them, who shall determine when funds should be distributed.
Paid leave is provided freely to all Friends of the Society as they deem fit. Abuse of the generous leave policy may lead to termination. Leave may be denied during times of crisis when resources are needed. Special considerations are given for medical leave; the Society does not leave its Friends behind, regardless of the struggle they face.
Leadership Information
Those holding the rank of Parriarch or Justicar are considered to possess the role of an officer within the guild. They are bound by the higher standards set out in the guild officer contract and by its policies.
Those holding the rank of Curator are considered trusted members. They are extended particular liberty in organizing and approving guild events and storylines. They are, however, not officers. In the absence of an officer, Curators are permitted to step up and uphold guild policies, but if they do so they must adhere to the standards of the officer contract while enacting their duties. Stepping into this role should be viewed as a burden, not a privilege. We appreciate you for helping to uphold respect, but it is not a blank check to assert your authority! Furthermore, Curators should step aside from this role when an officer is present to take over, unless they are specifically asked to continue in their management.
If you have an interpersonal issue or concern, please prioritize contacting an officer with it. We are always open to hearing you out! If it is an emergency and no officers are around, however, you are more than welcome to contact a Curator you trust. In such emergencies, the first responsibility of the Curator is to try to get into contact with guild leadership.
Lastly, if you have interpersonal issues or concerns with an officer or Curator, we invite you to contact them directly to address the issues and come up with a solution. If that is not something you are comfortable with, then we encourage you to contact an officer to help manage and resolve the situation. We have one goal: to play the game and collaborate on writing together. Anything that detracts from you attaining this goal is worth a discussion!