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The basic Royal Order of Chivalry club unit is the Household. The Household is made up of at least one noble that is a lord, lady, or knight and a number of pages, maidens, squires, ect.. who are training to become a noble. A Household is always centered in a local church, even when operated on a college campus, and exists by virtue of a charter issued by the Head of State. Certain criteria must be met and a process followed in order to establish a recognized household. Foundation The first step in forming an ROC household is to be active in an established household until you become a noble. This will allow you to see the actual operation of a household. If this is impractical, at least visit a few household meetings so that you have an idea of how a one is run. The local Household should have a noble as its head. This is not always possible in the early stages of a household, but should be the goal of each new household. Recruitment Next, locate a few people from your local church or area that might be interested. Meet together informally and discuss what the opportunities there are to establish a household at your local church. There must be three active Royal Order of Chivalry members to start a Household. Seek the approval of your Pastor Then approach your pastor and explain to him what The Royal Order of Chivalry is, and gain support and permission to establish a local household. The local Household must be sponsored by a local church with the pastor’s approval. All household charters are issued to a church rather than a person or group. (The pastor might wish to contact the Head of State to gain further information, this is not only acceptable, but in many case's recommended.) Discuss with the pastor appropriate meeting times and the availability of facilities. Remember, The Royal Order of Chivalry has a strict no conflict clause. That means the Order is never to take away from the ministry of the local church, but rather to enhance and support. Choosing a name and badge for your household The name is very important and can add or take away the success from your household. Choosing a name that is too silly, or too fantasy-oriented, will taint the medieval ambiance that gives the ROC its unique allure. In the Middle Ages households were named after the noble family that founded them such as the house of Windsor, the house of Plantagenet, and the house of York for example. Apply for the Charter You should contact the head of your State Chapter and he will send you a Household charter application. The Household Charter application must be completed and signed by the pastor, and with each member’s name and signature listed. Enclose the annual household charter fee, and mail it to the Head of State or his Clerk. Upon the approval of the Head of State, your church will be issued a charter and will then be officially recognized as a Household in the Realm. The Household must appear before the Head of State at least once a year at court for formal recognition. Your First Household Court The first few meetings should be Household courts. These business type meetings will help you establish your Household. Work the bugs out before you start inviting a lot of visitors. You'll need to have a fair idea of what you are doing so that you do not turn visitors off by a lack of organization, or by a shabby appearance. Building the Basics Once your Household is up and running, start having work meetings where you can learn new skills and make household items such as tablecloths, candle holders, costumes etc..
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