When/Why does TarValon.Net, Inc. participate in intermittent drives and donations?
Though we already have regularly scheduled philanthropic activities, sometimes a need arises outside of these programs. If the cause is important to our general membership, and there is a desire to contribute, then we will run a program specifically for the need.
I know of a cause that we should support! How can I suggest this?
Emergency loans help community members who have suffered from an unforeseeable emergency by extending a small interest-free loan. Petitions for loans are placed before the Hall, and ultimately the Board, for approval before a loan is granted. Often, recipients of loans are asked to complete an extra service contribution for the community in lieu of charging interest.
Servants of All is a program to encourage our members to participate in philanthropic activities outside of our organization. Members will receive recognition for donating money/goods, volunteering their time, and doing other charity work in their communities.
Members can contribute to TarValon.Net at any time online through paypal. We also hold an annual drive to raise money to support our community. During our annual drive, we set fundraising goals and give members incentives to contribute.
The Robert Jordan Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship awarded to a fan of the Wheel of Time who is an undergraduate student at an accredited college or university. Previously called the Servant of All Scholarship, it was renamed in 2007 to memorialize Robert Jordan's life. In 2010, the scholarship was opened to all Wheel of Time fans, instead of being restricted to TarValon.Net members.
Feast of Lights is our annual winter drive that benefits an outside charity. Money is usually collected during the month of December which goes towards a chosen nonprofit organization. This external event is our biggest regular external monetary philanthropic program.
In the past, Feast of Lights has also benefited individual members of the site (sometimes referred to as "Santa Projects"). Internal drives such as these are now considered part of the Helping Hands program. Feast of Lights is now targeted at helping others outside of our community.
The process of voluntary demotion is a difficult one, and is set up as such on purpose. The prospect of leaving one's Ajah or Company is not to be taken lightly, nor should it be taken for granted. The Administration and Membership take a Senior Member's changing of Ajah or Company very seriously, and it should only be done as a last resort. Not all who petition will be approved. Those who are given approval to leave their Ajah/Company must meet certain criteria. It is important to understand that voluntary demotion is not a procedure easily approved.
