Alms Ministry Decree - 5/1

[LadyLekku]

From the Desk of Her High Grace, Grand Duchess Sivrid Sorenvik, Alms Minister
|((No mood music. Y'all can just hum or something))|

The scope of the Alms Ministry, in its five short months of tenure, has grown to encompass many aspects of our city's wellbeing. Charity, security, community bonding, even second chances to the destitute and former criminal. It is not my intention to preach the virtues of charity; such virtues should be universal, from high born nobility, to neighbors assisting their district, and to the devout of any religion in our Empire. Rather, this decree is but one of many attempts to create an outline of what can be asked of me, your Alms Minister, or of the Ministry at large.

I have been proud to operate the Alms Ministry with a spirit of adaptability, allowing it to grow to fill the needs of the city as they arise, while also becoming more focused in its missions. In keeping with this willingness to adapt to the needs of the archipelago, the citizenry, and city needs, some minor changes will be detailed below on the functioning of certain Alms sects. But, most importantly, it is my hope that any who have wished to interact with the Alms Ministry and have yet to do so, will have an idea of where to start and what can be asked of me and my staff.

Central Information​

What can be asked of the Alms Minister:

• For Building Permits to be approved within the city.
  
• To form committees and tribunals, for the purpose of achieving some goal or accomplishing a project, in the city and archipelago. These committees allow a group of individuals to form a nexus point of action, and will allow the Alms Ministry to manage their donations, granting legitimacy to their efforts and offering support. Committees are run by the individuals who head them, not by the Alms Minister.
• Propose city and archipelago projects as Alms Initiatives, for those who want support or just to see work done that they can't manage themselves.
• For assistance hosting events with Brute and Volunteer support (provided that the event is thematically in line with the Alms Ministry).

On "Alms Funding"

• The Alms Ministry does not have a fund from which it draws to support projects. All projects are supported through private donations. The Alms can however help with gaining these donations, through either Committees or by individuals. There is no such thing as "funded by the Alms Ministry."
• Asking for Alms Support of a project means gaining access to Volunteers, Brute Squad members, Alms Staff support (Events managing, Outreach planning, Resource gathering), on-site hosting, and a concentrated effort of many people coming together, fitting to a schedule, and seeing results achieved. I am always open to hearing ideas needing Alms Support, and happy to offer advice.
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Alms Ministry Privilege - "Sanctuary"

• "Any person who arrives in the Alms Sanctuary and asks for Sanctuary from the Alms Ministry, may remain within the Alms Sanctuary, immune from Guard Arrest, or any Family legal Authority demanding their return, without the express approval from the Alms Minister." - Regalian Law
  
• This right allows Alms Staff to prevent the arrest of any person, until their sanctuary is approved, and during their stay. It is active only while the person remains on Alms Sanctuary property, and will be upheld by the Brute Squad. The Alms Sanctuary is the only "Neutral area" currently in the city.
• Guards are welcome on Alms Sanctuary property, and some even make up the Brute Squad. However, they may not make arrests of a Sanctuaried person.
• Sanctuary is not guaranteed to anyone, and depends on a per-person basis of approval. I do not condone sanguinism, werebeastism, or any illegal affliction, and Sanctuary may still result in an arrest once the situation is deemed safe and the transfer to Grey Gate is arranged securely.
• A person may willingly exit the Alms Sanctuary at any time, ending their Sanctuary, even if they return.
• Sanctuary is intended to rescue those fleeing immediate harm, either from vigilantes, mercenaries, or any guard force that may threaten a person with undue violence. It can protect someone who has no right to protect themselves, including noble children from their patriarchs, or a married person from their spouse. It is not a 'get out of jail free' card, but it can buy time.

On Religious presence

• The Alms Ministry's locations are public spaces, where any legal religion can find support for projects, and any person can use the Sanctuary Chapel, a non-denominational place, for quiet meetings or contemplation.

On Monthly Reports

• Monthly Reports contain every Initiative (Alms-led project), event, personal donation, or other various types of charity. This is done for two reasons: for the sake of transparency, and for those in the community to commend those mentioned for their work.
• The concept of purchasing good will through donations is a poor reason to donate, and additionally, never works - others have tried, and it is quite transparent. It is the Ministry's request that acts of service be considered over simple regal donations, and events that inspire community bonding are worth more than coin in most cases. However, donations of coin will always be given credit, unless otherwise requested. There is no shame in being recognized for charity; it may even inspire others to do the same. But, anonymous donors will have their wishes respected.

Alms Ministry Locations

• The Alms Sanctuary: Located in Rose Court, contains kitchens, a dining hall, a courtyard, a non-denominational chapel, and a public auditorium. The auditorium is available to any group who asks to use it. The Sanctuary is a "neutral location".
• The Alms Garrison: Located in Arena Court, contains a kitchen, a dining area, a courtyard, staff offices, an armory, fire-fighting equipment, and a public garden. The Garrison will be fortified in the event of a city-wide emergency, and protected by the Brute Squad. It is open to all people, of high birth or low, in such a scenario.
• Any person may Volunteer by simply showing up to these public locations and putting the word out that they're doing work (in the kitchens, courtyard, or garden).

Changes and Current Objectives​

Open position for "Commoner Executive"

• Has the following rights:

1. To assign the status of "Meritorious" or "Unmeritorious" citizens, maintaining a public registrar of such for use by State and Nobility.
2. To access Violet Order records for investigations pertaining to Right 1.
3. To bring forth, to vote in Assembly, provisionally raising the Civil Status of Meritorious individuals. (Applications may be rejected by the Executive, but must be approved in a Noble Assembly).
4. The right to host "Commoner's Assemblies" wherein citizens may proclaim concerns and needs.
5. The right to report information brought forth during Commoner's Assemblies to the Lord Chancellor

• This position is open to, and preferential to, Commoners.
• Pen a letter to arrange an interview. (( Discord preferred, Forums acceptable. ))
• This position will have a moderate workload, involving Commoners Assemblies up to twice a month, which will need to be advertised and facilitated by the Executive. The Executive should be aware of current goings-on in the city, and have a decent presence among people.

The Brute Squad

• Duchess Natharia Mac Conall has amicably resigned from her position as Brute Squad Captain. All of us thank her for her dedicated service to the city, and wish her well in her future career.
• A replacement Captain will be hired shortly. Interviews will be by invite only.
• A series of bi-weekly or monthly goals will be implemented for the Brute Squad, to prove their devotion to serving the people of Regalia.
• The Fire Brigade will be absorbed by the Brute Squad, with the Captain operating training for both.

To Conclude

As always, the Alms Ministry welcomes any who wish to serve their communities. Be not a stranger to us; we seek your friendship, and offer our support. Any who wish to be aware of day to day happenings and spur of the moment events, or even just want to pop in and stir up a bit of activity, are welcome to engage with our Notice Board.

(( Discord: https://discord.gg/aQvdEcg9fx ))

Glory to the Empire, and its people.
Signed, May 1st 309 AC
High Grace Sivrid Sorenvik
Grand Duchess of Irvainvik and Virrekstad
Alms Minister
Valsung and Jovrlov of the Velheim

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