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Chivalry-Now
Standards
Chivalry-Now
needs to be safeguarded from those who would exploit or
ruin its intent. It is too important to our culture. Too dear
to what is best in us all.
While it is right to make our beliefs
and efforts known, we must do so in the best way possible.
The following Standards are meant to serve as guidelines in
that regard. As men of chivalry, we must make every effort
to protect it in everything we do.
Personal
Standards
Once
you accept the mantle of Chivalry-Now, your behavior
reflects on everything that we believe. People will judge
our beliefs by everything you say and do. Here you will be
tested, and your self-discipline tried. For this is what chivalry
is all about, your personal performance.
- Be
kind to all people.
- Be
wary of your responsibility toward women. They have fought
long and hard for their virtues to be recognized. Always
respect them as your equal.
- When
appropriate, speak the truth clearly and unafraid. Avoid
being rude or self-righteous. Listen to others carefully
and be open to correction.
Religion
Care
must be taken to make Chivalry-Now relevant to
people of any faith, or no religion at all. No matter what
your religious affiliation, you are charged to accept the
sincerity and good intentions of people of all beliefs. Especially
among the Companions, who will accept you as a brother.
Rituals
Rituals
have their value in recognizing and participating in the
mystery of life, and Chivalry-Now is no exception.
- For
every meeting of Companions, whether in friendship, discussion
groups, administration or workshops, whenever possible,
an empty chair will be present. This chair represents those
who have come before us, and those who have yet to come—the
past and the future. Like the Siege Perilous of the
Round Table, it also represents the missing perfection
we have not achieved.
- Light
a candle, when possible, at the start of every gathering.
The fire represents male energy, dissipating light and warmth
into a world otherwise lost in the darkness of ignorance.
Promotional
Guidelines
It
is our duty to protect the integrity of Chivalry-Now from
any influence that would degrade it, no matter how innocently.
With that in mind, the following guidelines were prepared:
- Chivalry-Now
should
be viewed as each man's inheritance, but no man's possession.
It recognizes no leader or figurehead, but only the integrity
of each man's search for truth.
- As
much as possible, the promotion of Chivalry-Now should
avoid marketing techniques that would portray it as a fad
or cult or cheapen it with superficiality. We have seen
how media and marketing strategies have harmed both politics
and religion. To reduce our efforts to sound-bites would
automatically destroy its depth. We want to promote deep
thinking. Chivalry-Now is not entertainment, and
should not be treated as such.
- Chivalry-Now
is best transmitted from one person to another through the
written word, discussion and personal example. While it
may be acceptable to portray chivalric ideals in novels
and cinema, the actual cultural movement should always remain
aloof from these media approaches. Seek transmission through
direct relationships: father to son, friend to friend, sibling
to sibling, teacher to student, mentor to adolescent. True
leaders do not preach Chivalry-Now, they inspire
it through everything they do.
- Never
trivialize the tenets of Chivalry-Now. Always remember
that they reflect something sacred in our human nature.
By profaning them, we profane the very best of who we are.
- Whenever
a Circle is formed, whether it be a discussion group,
workshop or chivalric community, it must be based on trust
and brotherhood. Each man in the Circle serves as father,
brother, son and friend to all the rest. Help should always
be extended to a brother in need.
- The
Circle represents the dynamic of the eternal Round
Table, formed when men first gathered around a fire
and contemplated who they were. Each man sits equal to the
other, without preference or dominating position.
- Group
leaders facilitate the process of the group, and nothing
more. There is no formal leadership here. No man has a right
to shame or control another within the Circle. Chivalry-Now
should never be imposed on anyone. It has to come from each
man's heart, or not at all. Fostering a "follow the
leader" mentality is contrary to self-growth.
- Humility
is important when discussing the virtues of Chivalry-Now.
No man exemplifies our ideals perfectly, and we are all
in need of learning and personal growth. Chivalry-Now
cannot exist alongside pride, stubbornness and authoritarianism.
- The
purpose of a group leader is to awaken what lies dormant
in the hearts of others, rather than teach, dictate or cajole.
Stimulate thought. Ask pertinent questions. Challenge preconceived
ideas. Unveil illusions for what they are. Refine personal
convictions. Honor and promote civility and fairness. Avoid
jargon and two dimensional clichés that might portray
Chivalry-Now as frivolous or outdated. If Chivalry-Now
is not relevant to the moment, than it is not relevant at
all.
- Always
respect each man's perception of truth, which he sees from
his own personal journey.
- Utilize
Ground Rules to structure group participation:
- We
immediately respond to Chivalry-Now by observing
rules of courtesy and respect during our time together.
- Let
every person be allowed to speak without interruption.
- Listen
to who is speaking. Don't just wait until the speaker
is finished.
- No
one should be forced to speak.
- Express
your point quickly and clearly without grandstanding.
Our aim is to create a dialog, not be preached at.
- Limit
the time you are speaking so that others might speak
as well.
- Stay
on topic until a consensus of participants seems satisfied
to move on.
- Do
not belittle anyone's opinion, or be insulting. Apologize
if and when this rule is breached.
- Do
not judge a person by one set of opinions.
- If
conflict arises due to politics, the discussion must
be ended.
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