From our founding in 2012, California Jedi has had a system of knighting members. California Jedi is made up of Jedi, and it’s members are fundamentally equal. The goal of this system was not only to recognize the work of individuals on their path, but also to state as a community whether or not we believed someone ready to guide another along the early steps of the path.
We still believe Knighthood to be of value as a concept, but that it doesn’t have value as a community rank or title in our organization. Only you can decide if you are a Jedi Knight, and others can decide if they agree with that asessment. Our definition of a a Knight, as defined in our previous Knighthood standards, is as follows:
Firstly, a Jedi Knight is someone who has walked the path despite obstacles and trials for a long time: long enough to deeply explore their path and internalize it so they are a Jedi every day, not just when it is helpful or convenient.
Secondly, a Jedi Knight takes on more work and responsibility than they did before, both in their own development and the development of the Jedi community.
Thirdly, a Jedi Knight experiences personal growth in mind, body, emotions, relationships, and spirit. This growth should be noticeable from the time the Jedi begins to pursue knighthood to the time they are being considered for the position. A Jedi Knight needs to be strong and well-rounded in all these areas, and have a training regimen for all of them.
As of today, November 7, 2021, we are retiring our knighthood titles and system. However the benefit of the review process remains, so we have remodeled this system into the California Jedi Peer Review process. Peer review is open to any Jedi who meets the requirements below and nominates themself, and one can complete the peer review process multiple times.
“Passing” this review process confers no title or certification from our organization–it is solely a statement that the people doing the reviewing have a vote of confidence in the Jedi being reviewed, and trust that Jedi to guide others on the path. Your review is a snapshot–continued agreement with its results are contingent on continued growth and Jedi behavior.
Basic Requirements Needed for Nomination:
- Minimum 22 years of age.
- Must undergo a background check (things revealed do not necessarily disqualify a candidate).
- Minimum 3 Years on the Jedi Path specifically, 5 recommended. Verified by records (forum/facebook posts, emails, blogs, written encrypted codices, etc) and known members of the Jedi Community.
- Attended at least six in-person meet-ups or gatherings with the California Jedi.
- Must know the Jedi Code from memory, paraphrased or verbatim.
- Must show strong capability or growth in the five aspects of wellness, as well as an ability to synthesize them together in their path. Many of these will be tested in the review board, or be evident in the candidate by the time of nomination.
- Must be able to explain or demonstrate work they have done or are doing to help their communities, online or off, as a whole or on an individual level.
- Must be able to discuss the work they have done to unlearn bias in themselves, and push back against intersectional oppression in your family and/or communities.
- Must be nominated by an active member of California Jedi and seconded by another.
Note: Neither a Jedi apprenticeship nor training at an online academy is required for a Jedi to be reviewed, but especially Jedi who are newer to the path should consider completing an academy training course at a minimum. Jedi apprenticeships should only be embarked upon with excellent boundaries, trust, and commitment between both parties.
Core Knowledge:
(Shared and extrapolated from The Jedi Circle by Opie Macleod)
Physical Wellness – Showing a core understanding of their personal wellness, and what they do to maintain or improve their physical fitness, whatever that means for the candidate.
Emotional Wellness – Demonstrate emotional awareness, regulation, and control as a Jedi (through examples, and usual behavior), whatever that means for the candidate. How well do they know themselves and their emotional reactions, and how well are they supporting and fulfilling their emotional needs in their life?
Intellectual Wellness – Jedi Knowledge, Philosophy, History. An ability to present educated thoughts and opinions on tough subjects, such as why TERF ideologies are incompatible with the Jedi way.
Social Wellness – A look into the social circle of the applicant. How do they juggle work, relationships, and the Jedi lifestyle? How do they reconcile when friends act counter to Jedi philosophy? Are they able to view their path with seriousness but also a light heart and a good sense of humor? How do they treat those around them in thought and in action?
Spiritual Wellness – A solid spiritual practice, theism or specific religion absolutely not required. Just a good understanding of the Force, it’s uses, and what it means to you, and the differing beliefs associated with it. Having a basis for their own definition and view on the Force and how it affects and interacts with their daily lives. What do you believe in, and how do you maintain your spiritual life?
Demonstrable Skills:
- Leadership
- Experience in Teaching, Mentoring, and/or Tutoring
- Communication, both Listening and Comprehension and effective communication of ideas
- Service to Others (charity projects, community service, etc)
- Commitment: overcoming adversity and keeping to the Path
Personal/Jedi References:
Minimum three references who can attest to your Jedi Training as well as personal character, two Jedi and one non-Jedi. Every reference given after the three should alternate between a Jedi and a non-Jedi (i.e. two Jedi and two non-Jedi or three Jedi and one non-Jedi, etc.)
Updated as of 11/7/21.