Launch of the HEMA Alliance (HEMAA)

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In the words of acting President Jacob Norwood:


It is my honor and pleasure to announce the official launch of the

The HEMA Alliance is service organization for the Historical European Martial Arts community. As an incorporated 501(c)3 educational non-profit, the Alliance functions across many lines: co-op, educator, event organizer, community forum, and more. The Alliance's organization exists to form a stable core for the propagation of resources and the benefit of independent HEMA groups across the global community.




The Alliance isn't a "super-club;? we're thinking broader than that. Its goal is to give

The Alliance is operated by volunteers. In July, the acting leadership will be replaced by a Governing Council elected by the membership from within the membership. The time is now for groups, clubs, independent practitioners, and HEMA-ists of all stripes to get involved, help us chart future programs and services, and become part of the elected leadership.

We invite everyone to http://www.HEMAAlliance.com for details on current and future services, membership policies and options, volunteer opportunities, our event calendar, the discussion forum, and more.

I'll see you online, and I'll see you in Houston in March!


Jake Norwood
Acting President, Governing Council
HEMA Alliance"





Mission and Structure


The HEMA Alliance (HEMAA) is a service organization for the Historical European Martial Arts community. It is incorporated as a 501(c)3 educational non-profit in order to provide a wide range of services from a stable core whose educational mission is legally bound by open bylaws and democracy.


Governance


The Alliance is directed by three democratic bodies with counterbalanced responsibilities.  The Board of Directors watches over the mission.  The Governing Council, elected by the membership, manages the day-to-day operations.  The Curriculum Council manages research and training programs.


Operating Philosophy


The Alliance is dedicated to excellence as well as freedom and variety in the pursuit of Historical European Martial Arts.  The Freedom of Study Policy built in to the bylaws guarantees that the membership will always have freedom of association in their training and that the product of the Curriculum Council will never be presented as a mandate. The Financial Policies guarantee that member dues will serve the full membership and not select individuals or clubs. The HEMAA is an all-volunteer organization, and if with future growth it makes sense to have employees, those employees will be office staff and the leadership will remain volunteer.


Programs and Services


Programs and Services will grow as the HEMAA grows. The founding documents anticipate the following activities as a non-exhaustive list:

<ul>
    <li>Fostering new    HEMA clubs and bringing existing clubs together for training events    and symposia.</li>
    <li>Developing    and publishing curricula and original research.</li>
    <li>Forging bonds    with educational institutions.</li>
    <li>Providing an    optional ranking and instructor certification system.</li>
    <li>Development    of HEMA equipment.</li>
    <li>Support of    HEMA research, teaching, and equipment services as professions.</li>
    <li>Operating    services for teachers and clubs, including insurance.</li>
</ul>


Membership


Membership is a method for directly supporting and having a say in the growth of the HEMA Alliance. Membership is not a system of exclusion. The curriculum and research of the HEMAA will be freely available, and membership will not be required for participation in most events, though it will discount the cost of those events.


The Alliance offers a range of individual and club memberships depending on the services desired.  Please see our Membership section for specifics.