The purpose of the SEP is to encourage women to matronize Sisters who offer products and services related to Avalon, to encourge the centuries-old practice of bartering among the Sisters, to provide a resource for Sisters to obtain products/services that may be difficult to find in their geographic area, and to provide a marketplace for Sisters to offer products/services that they might not have otherwise.
Eligibilty
Any Sister who has paid dues is eligible to participate in the Programs. Due to the recent freeze on acceptance of SOA membership dues, we have instituted a provision for those women who would like to participate in the SEP but were not able to pay regular SOA dues. We would therefore ask a small donation of these women in order to cover operation costs of the Programs. One ream of paper, a book of stamps, a box of envelopes, or $5 are all wonderful contributions and would be much appreciated.
Products
The availability of products and services will be dependent on the participation of the Sisters involved. The possibilities are endless and are limited only by the creativity of the members. Such products/services might include jewelry, clothing, statuary, frameable art, candles, incense, knives, candlesticks, herbs, oils, Tarot readings, energy workings, astrological charts, needlcrafts, woodcrafts, etc.
Benefits
Sisters participating in the Programs will be able to purchase items that are difficult to find in their area, to order unique or custom-made items, to barter for wares/services, to support the creativity of other women in the Sisterhood, to receive a 15%-20% discount on all products/services obtained through the SEP, to receive a discounted rate of 50% on Tor Stone advertisement space, and to offer their own products/services to a larger number of people than before.
Notification
All Sisters will receive a list of participating Shopkeepers (merchants, artisans, service providers) as well as appropriate contact and merchandise information. This list will be updated for member use quarterly. A special seal will note any merchant, artisan, or service provider who advertises in The Tor Stone. The journal will also feature one outstanding SEP Shopkeeper in each issue as part of a regular column. In addition to thes notifications, the SEP will also maintain current membership information on this website. Click here to view the current list if Shopkeepers.
Joining
If your SOA dues are paid, you are already a member of the Sisterhood Exchange Program. If you were unable to pay dues due to the current "freeze," we ask that you send a $3-5 donation to help cover the costs of Program administration. If you prefer to donate paper, stamps, envelopes, etc, please feel free to do so.
In order to differentiate between SEP customers and other customers, please include the Membership Code on all oders made through SEP contacts. This will ensure that only SEP members receive the 15%-20% discount offered through this program. The code will be given to each each SOA member in a provate e-mail or in a regular mailing through the USPS. If you are an SOA member, e-mail the SEP Coordinator to receive the Membership Code.
If you would like to register your products/services with the SEP, and you are a SOA member, please send the following information to the address below:
1. Your name
2. Your contact information
3. A detailed description of your products and services
4. Your URL (if applicable)
5.And indication as to whether or not you would like to be considered for The Tor Stone "SEP Featured Shopkeeper" column in an upcoming issue.
Please address all correspondence to Laura at sis-exchange@geocities.com or at SOA, Attn: SEP, PO Box 3032, Marietta, GA 30061-3032.
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