Membership Guidelines

Willamette Tsa-La-Gi exists to build community, strengthen Cherokee identity, and preserve language, culture, and connection for future generations. We are guided by the values of respect, kindness, learning, and service.

These guidelines ensure our gatherings—whether in person, online, or in the longhouse—remain welcoming, safe, and rooted in Cherokee values.

1. Respect the Longhouse and Gathering Spaces

  • Treat the longhouse as a sacred and communal space. Keep it clean and care for it as you would your own home.

  • Follow the lead of the event hosts, cultural teachers, and elders regarding protocols.

  • Food, photos, and recording may be limited depending on the event—please ask before doing so.

  • Before leaving the longhouse:

    • Sweep floors

    • Empty trash and recycling

    • Wipe down tables and chairs

    • Put all tables and chairs away neatly

  • No exchange of money or consumption of alcohol is permitted in the longhouse.

  • Leave the space better than you found it.

2. Kindness and Conduct

  • Speak and act with kindness toward all members, volunteers, and board leaders.

  • Listen with patience and assume good intentions.

  • Disagreements may happen; when they do, handle them respectfully and privately when possible.

  • Harassment, discrimination, or disrespectful behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.

3. Supporting Volunteers and the Board

  • Remember that our board and event organizers are volunteers giving their time to serve the community.

  • Offer feedback constructively and show appreciation for their efforts.

  • If you have ideas or concerns, share them through the proper channels—email, member meetings, or open discussion forums.

4. Language and Cultural Engagement

  • Encourage and support one another in learning the Cherokee language and traditions.

  • Everyone is welcome at their own learning level—there is no “not Cherokee enough” here.

  • Use Cherokee words and greetings when you can, and share what you learn with others respectfully.

5. Participation and Community Care

  • Attend meetings, classes, and events when you can. Your presence strengthens the circle.

  • Offer help where possible—set up chairs, clean up after meals, bring supplies, or support an event.

  • Treat everyone, especially elders and children, with honor and care.

6. Privacy and Representation

  • Respect the privacy of other members. Do not share personal stories or photos without permission.

  • When representing Willamette Tsa-La-Gi publicly (online, at events, or in interviews), do so with respect for our values and leadership.

7. Accountability and Restoration

  • If an issue arises, the board may reach out to address it in a restorative and respectful way.

  • Our goal is always healing and learning, not punishment.

Repeated or serious misconduct may result in membership review or removal, as defined in our bylaws.