How to Join The Troth
Membership Costs and Benefits
Annual Membership Dues for The Troth:
- $70 Individual (1 Person, 1 Idunna 1 Vote)
- $90 Family (Multiple People Living in the same Household, 1 Idunna, 2 Votes)
- $60 Paper Idunna Subscription (electronic Idunna delivery is included in general membership dues)
- We have reduced cost dues for incarcerated Heathens and annual payment plans available for those who face financial hardship.
Idunna is the quarterly journal published by the Troth, which we have published since 1988. The journal is named for the Norse goddess Íðunn, whose golden apples keep the gods and goddesses ever vibrant. With this journal and our other worthy actions, we revivify these Gods and Goddesses, and restore them to their vital role in our world and our lives. We come together now to forge again the Hammer of the North that is our own Troth.
Idunna (ISSN 1937-397X) publishes material on all aspects of pre-Christian Germanic religion and culture. We cover both the ancient religions of the the Norse, Anglo-Saxons, Goths, and continental Germans, and the various modern revivals of these old ways, collectively known as Heathenry. A typical issue of Idunna is 48 pages long, and includes articles and essays, poetry, fiction, artwork, regular columns, announcements of upcoming events, and book and music reviews. Each issue has a theme, announced a year in advance, although not every piece in an issue must necessarily fit the theme.
All Troth members receive an electronic subscription to Idunna. An annual subscription for a paper copy is $60 per year. Retailers may contact the Troth directly for information on pricing.
The Troth has three main communication platforms for use of our members.
- Google Groups
- Facebook Group
- Discord Server
These communications platforms are moderated by The Troth moderation team to promote our values of inclusivity and anti-bigotry. Founded on mutual respect and curiosity.
The Troth’s Communication Platform Rules
Confidentiality and Screenshots
This is a spiritual community first and foremost. Belonging in this community comes with an assumption of trust and confidentiality. People will be sharing things that are deeply personal to them, as our religion is one of the most deeply personal things we have.
All posts on this list are considered strictly confidential and not to be re-posted, screen shotted, or otherwise dragged into whatever other server, subreddit, or blog you can find. To do this violates the trust of the entire community and will get you banned permanently from all communications platforms.
Diversity of Thought and Religious Pluralism
A reminder to everyone that The Troth is an inclusive Heathen organization. We are also an educational organization. We teach about this collective of religions that have been bound together under the umbrella of Heathenry. As such, as an organization we don’t have a proscriptive dogma. We can, however, describe what different groups believe, or what beliefs are common or uncommon to see in our community, so that people can make their own decisions. It is fine to ask questions and be curious about the religious beliefs of other Heathens, but we must always ask our questions and engage in debate to further our wisdom, not to satisfy our egos or to destroy perceived heresies.
Racism and Prejudice
One of the things that we absolutely will not tolerate is any form of prejudice or racism. We welcome people who are called by the Gods whatever their skin color, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. This is what The Troth stood for in the beginning, that we were a safe place for everyone to come learn about and practice Heathenry. We will keep it that way.
Speak with Kindness to one another, even when you disagree.
Think about this: some of us go through our days getting bombarded with messages that are either callous or cruel. The person you want to speak cruelly to today may have just gone through the worst day of their life and are coming here for spiritual community, understanding and compassion. We welcome debate, but keep in mind that these are your fellow Heathens. We are all in this together.
Talking Badly About Other Groups, Servers, Heathens, Etc.
We are not here to bash other groups or gossip about people who aren’t in our organization. Screenshots or other confidential information of any kind shared from any other server, group, or list in such a way as to denigrate or vilify another organization or group is strictly prohibited.
Official Policies
This is a discussion list only. It does not set policy, nor is it to be viewed as the official forum of The Troth’s publication or opinion.
We believe Heathenry should not be hidden behind a paywall. That is why The Troth provides free public resources for anyone who wants to learn about the faith, begin practicing, or better understand Heathen tradition.
Membership helps you stay connected, grow in the faith, and take part in building Heathen community.
Members receive The Troth’s weekly newsletter, which helps keep the community connected by sharing organizational updates, upcoming events, opportunities to get involved, and announcements about meetups and gatherings. The newsletter also serves as a community bulletin board, helping members put out a call to connect with Heathens in their area and stay aware of activity happening near them.
Members also receive an electronic copy of Idunna, The Troth’s quarterly journal, as part of their membership. Idunna offers articles, reflections, and resources that support ongoing study and engagement with Heathen life and tradition.
Members can apply to the full Lore Program, giving them access to a more structured path of study beyond the public sample course. For those who want to move from reading on their own to guided, serious learning without having to commit to spiritual service, the Lore Program offers a deeper way to engage with Heathen tradition and theology.
Members who do feel called to spiritual service can also pursue the Clergy Program, which offers a path toward ministry and religious leadership.
Members also receive access to free leadership and community organizing training, giving them practical tools to build local community, organize events, support others, and grow as leaders within Heathenry.
The Lore Program and Clergy Program are available at no additional cost to members. Admission is based on program qualifications and is determined by the Provost of the Lore Program and the Clergy Coordinator.
Why join The Troth?
To begin this pitch somewhat unexpectedly: The Troth was never meant to be the only place you ever go in Heathenry.
The Troth is an inn or tavern on the Heathen road, and so many Heathens have already passed through our doors in our 38 years.
An inn is a place where people gather, learn, rest, exchange wisdom, and leave better equipped for the journey ahead. That is what we want The Troth to be: a place that helps Heathens grow in knowledge, confidence, community, and service.
Membership helps you stay connected through our weekly newsletter, community bulletin board, member platforms, and quarterly issue of Idunna. It also opens the way to deeper opportunities for growth through the Lore Program, the Clergy Program, and leadership and community organizing training.
And, of course, we are always open to those of you who want to stay to become innkeepers at this humble tavern. And like any good inn, it is kept alive by those who choose, for a time, to be the innkeepers: tending the fire, telling the stories, welcoming guests, and helping fellow travelers find their footing on the road. We honor and celebrate the volunteers who take up that work, because they help make The Troth a place of hospitality, preparation, and renewal for the wider Heathen world.
The purpose of all this is not to make you dependent on The Troth. It is to help you become a stronger and more confident Heathen wherever your path leads: as a leader, parent, friend, organizer, clergy person, or committed steward of your local community.
We are not here to be your entire religious world or to claim authority over every path in the faith. We fully recognize and celebrate that Heathenry is bigger than any one organization. What The Troth offers is something different: a place of connection, learning, and preparation.
We want the people who come through our doors to someday walk out better able to live their faith and to help others do the same, to have found friends along long the way, and ready to form local communities of their own.
The Troth Member Data Privacy Policy
The Troth is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of our members. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information.
In accordance with standing Troth policy (Affirmed via Rede 4.05 Q42018), The Troth and its representatives will neither confirm nor deny the membership status of any individual to outside parties.
- Exceptions: This does not apply to Troth Officers, members of the Board of Directors (High Rede), or individuals holding titled positions who represent the organization publicly.
Purpose: This policy protects members who may not be “out” as Heathen in their professional or personal lives and ensures the organization is not used as a tool for personal disputes.
To manage your membership and provide services, we collect:
- Personal Identification: Name, date of birth (to verify 18+ status), and contact information (email, postal address, phone number).
- Membership Details: Membership type (Individual, Family, Lifetime), join date, and payment history.
- Optional Information: Tradition or kindred affiliation, and specific interests within the organization (e.g., Clergy, Lore, or Steward programs).
Digital Data: IP addresses and browser cookies when you interact with thetroth.org to ensure site security and functionality.
Your data is used strictly for organizational purposes:
- Processing membership dues and renewals.
- Distributing Idunna and other Troth publications.
- Conducting elections for the Board of Directors (Rede).
- Communicating organizational announcements.
- Verifying eligibility for leadership positions or specialized programs (Clergy/Lore).
Information of a confidential nature is handled on a “need-to-know” basis.
- Staff Access: Only the Membership Clerk, the Secretary, and relevant Board members have access to the full membership database.
- No Sale of Data: The Troth does not sell, rent, or trade member mailing lists or personal data to third parties for marketing purposes.
Third-Party Service Providers: We may use third-party tools (e.g., payment processors like PayPal/Stripe or mailing services) to be able to process your membership.
- Active Members: We retain your data for the duration of your membership.
- Former Members: Financial records are kept for the period required by IRS regulations for 501(c)(3) organizations. Personal profiles may be archived to facilitate easier renewal in the future but will be deleted six months after cancellation (either by resignation or nonpayment of dues) of the membership account.
- Marketing: If you have opted into our newsletter as a member, your data is retained until you unsubscribe or you leave the organization.
Social Networks: Messages/posts on any social media platform (Facebook. Discord, etc) will be removed after 1 year.*
*NB The Troth does not control what data is retained by the platforms themselves.
Under our policy and applicable data protection laws, you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Correction: Update or correct any inaccurate information in your member profile.
Erasure: Request that we delete your personal data (subject to legal or “good standing” requirements for active members).
While we prioritize your privacy, The Troth may disclose personal information if:
- Required by a valid legal subpoena or court order.
- Necessary to protect the safety of our members or the public.
- A member’s behavior violates our bylaws and necessitates a disciplinary review by the Board of Directors.
For any questions regarding your data, or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact the Membership Clerk or the President:
Email: clerk@thetroth.org | president@thetroth.org
Mailing Address: The Troth
325 Chestnut St Ste 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2608
The Troth General Membership Code of Conduct
In accordance with our Vision, Mission and Values, and the core tenants of our shared religious traditions: Members of The Troth should strive to
Respect others. Use gentle language where possible, listen actively, and always avoid personal attacks, harassment, bullying, or intimidation..
Be inclusive. Recognize that people come to Heathenry and The Troth from diverse backgrounds (spiritual tradition, race, ethnicity, gender identity or presentation, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, etc.). All are welcome and it is our duty to welcome them.
Practice frith. Work to maintain peaceful interactions, de-escalate conflict when possible, and preserve community harmony without sanctioning injustice or misconduct.
Own mistakes. If you err, apologize, learn, and make amends as possible.
Respect civil law and safety. Members must follow applicable laws and must not engage in conduct that threatens the safety of others or the community. The Troth reserves the right to involve civil authorities when necessary.
Protect privacy and handle information responsibly. Do not publicly share any other member’s personal data, private communications, or non-public identifying details without their explicit permission. This does not prohibit members from reporting concerns in good faith through appropriate channels (designated organizational contacts, the Board, legal counsel, or civil authorities), provided they share only what is reasonably necessary.
Avoid representing The Troth without authorization. Members may not claim to speak on behalf of the organization (in activism, media, or public forums) unless explicitly authorized.
Uphold the oath of membership. Members commit to stand against misuse of Germanic religion to promote prejudice.
The following conduct is incompatible with membership in The Troth
Harassment, threats, or intimidation of any person (verbal, written, physical).
Discrimination or bigotry (based on spiritual tradition, race, ethnicity, gender identity or presentation, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, etc.).
Hate speech, slurs, or sincere public and material support of ideologies which oppose democracy and human rights.
Material disruption of meetings or events (especially after a warning) such as sustained interruption, shouting down speakers, refusing to follow moderator instructions, or other conduct that prevents others from participating.
Stating or promoting factually false allegations about a member, officer, volunteer, or The Troth (including reckless disregard for truth) that a reasonable person would understand as statements of fact. This does not prohibit good-faith criticism, disagreement, opinion, satire, advocacy, or reporting concerns through appropriate channels.
Misuse of The Troth’s name, logo, platforms, or apparent authority in ways that mislead others, create confusion about official positions, or imply endorsement without authorization.
Violations of privacy or confidentiality that expose members to harm (doxxing; sharing private communications or identifying information without permission), except as necessary for good-faith reporting through appropriate channels.
Retaliation against individuals who file complaints in good faith.
Activities that conflict with The Troth’s mission, values, or official Position Statements in ways that materially undermine community safety or inclusion (for example, supporting white supremacist organizations or organizing exclusionary harassment campaigns).
Violating civil law in a way that implicates The Troth or brings harm to the community.
Misappropriating The Troth’s funds (including misrepresenting or failing to account for how they are utilized).