Session I
Leather 2006: An overview of issues facing the global Leather/BDSM community
During my IML title year, I have had the privilege of interacting with – and learning about – Leather/BDSM communities around the world. Though there are certainly issues and structures shared throughout the global Leather community, there are also major differences, particularly with regard to issues currently challenging each community. I will provide an overview of the most critical issues, including the threat and implications of conservative politics, complacency in equal communities, crystal meth and the increase in HIV and STD transmission, intra-community prejudices, the impact of the Internet, the US immigration ban on HIV-positive individuals, protecting our partners’ rights, the future of title contests, and preserving our culture.

Michael Egdes

Session II
CARAS, Research Advisory Committee
This presentation provides an overview of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of the newly organized Community-Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative Sexualities (CARAS). The purpose of the CARAS RAC is to identify and promote meritorious research addressing the kink community. The RAC will be composed of scientists and kink community members who will review proposed research for scientific merit, ethics, and community benefit, and based on this review offer recommendations for action.

Rob Bienvenu, Ph.D., Jonathan Krall, Ph.D., Richard A. Sprott, Ph.D.

Session III
CARAS, Information Clearinghouse
This presentation provides an overview of the Information Clearinghouse (IC) of the newly organized Community-Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative Sexualities (CARAS). The CARAS IC to will provide up-to-date information and references about kink/BDSM/fetish/poly sexuality, covering disciplines such as history, psychology, sociology, neuroscience, anthropology, and public health. The IC will provide forums for scientists, clinicians, and community members to network, thereby giving a voice to community members in the research that CARAS supports and promotes.

Rob Bienvenu, Ph.D., Jonathan Krall, Ph.D., Richard A. Sprott, Ph.D.

Session IV
Human Rights Principles for Sexual Advocacy
So you practice a non-traditional form of sex and you want society to allow you to do so. What is the best approach? How do you talk about sexual freedom in terms that society will understand and will help you gain broad public support? This panel will give nuts and bolts advice on how to form sexual freedom advocacy campaigns on issues such as privacy and non-discrimination in order to gain greater public support. This is a serious “how to do it” workshop, in which a group of experienced sexual freedom activists will show how to use broad and well-accepted human rights themes to achieve specific sexual freedom goals.

Judy Guerin, Frederic Harwood, and James Turner, Esq.

Session V
Putting Sex Back Into Leather
For the past couple years, we've been asking folks "What the fuck happened...?" to sex. In the push for gay marriage, national gay rights organizations has distanced themselves even more from frank discussions of sexuality. Sometimes it appears that even leather groups are disavowing sex, in what we believe is a dishonest tactic to evade local zoning regulations and liquor laws. In this workshop, well discuss how we can put sex back on the political agenda.

Mindy Chateauvert, Larry Barat and Judy Guerin

Session VI
Mergers & Acquisitions: Joining forces to combat evil
NCSF recently merged its Foundation with the Institute for 21st Century Relationships. Here is a refresher on what the heck NCSF does, how it does it, why part of it joined forces with another like-minded organization and what changes are scheduled for the future. Learn structural tips for what might work better in your own home organization and how to implement them. And, as a bonus the mysteries of C3 and C4’s are finally made clear.

Vivienne Kramer, Leigha Fleming, Jim Fleckenstein

Session VII
What’s in a name?
There may be lots of reasons to use a pseudonym in the scene, but should it be the community standard? This panel discussion will debate the pluses and minuses of this (all too common?) practice and weigh the risks and rewards of being “out”.

Panel TBA

Session I
How grassroots can it get? An “Unholy” model for community organization.
This lecture will offer a first-hand account of starting a leatherdyke group in Montreal, where previously none existed. This group, the Unholy Army of the Night, meets several times a month for low-cost gatherings including munches, workshops and play parties. The lecture will present the origins and development of the Unholy Army, and offer insight on how to start and run a grassroots, low-maintenance and functional SM group.

D. J. Brown

Session II
Weathering the Storm of Public Controversy
Being the focus of a public controversy is a frustrating, frightening and anxiety filled experience. Our speaker experienced first-hand the effects of an international media blitz intended to discredit both him and his employer. Jack will share with us what happened, how it affected him and what you can and should do if you are the target of public controversy.

Jack McGeorge

Session III
Creating Sex Positive Space: 6 years later
The Seattle Sex Positive Community Center, aka The Wet Spot, was created over 6 years ago: a unique gathering place for all sex-positive communities. In that time it's grown to be one of the largest sex-focused organizations in the country. Allena and Tim will discuss how we got this far what challenges we've met what pitfalls to avoid and how you can implement our model in your community.

Allena

Session IV
The Real World
Many classes are offered on how to be a good leader. This session will approach the notion of Leading by using the proven method of Case Study. The best way to learn is from our own difficult experiences let’s move beyond the hypothetical and work on the objective examination of two real-life community scenarios. Participants will offer their insight and constructive criticism and will leave with the added value of understanding from other’s mistakes and successes.

Vivienne Kramer

Session V
L.A.L.C. and Community Coalition Building
We are often asked how the LALC came to be. People express a desire to have a similar organization in their communities, but feel existing differences and “drama” make it impossible. LALC’s coalition of 24 different community groups includes BDSM organizations, gay and straight groups, Men’s and Women’s organizations, Transgender groups, leather businesses, Motorcycle, and fetish groups. The panel will focus on communication techniques to bridge differences and find common ground among widely disparate groups.

Will Hildreth

Session VI
Resurrection in the Redwoods: Leather Levi Weekend and the San Francisco Leather Community
In the late 90s, the gay leather scene in SF was overwhelmed with grief and fatigue. Clubs were dying off. Motorcycle runs were moribund. Outreach to newbies was largely forgotten. A group of leather leaders then created Leather Levi Weekend (LLW). The first LLW brought together diverse elements of the leather community to work together, reach out to newbies, promote clubs, and foster new clubs and friendships in a hot and sexy weekend experience. In 2005, LLW05 maxed out the facility175 gay leathermen, 35 gay leatherwomen, and a handful of other leatherfolk on a four day run. This is a true success story that is benefiting and inspiring organizations throughout the Bay Area.

Richard Sprott, Ph.D., Warren Williams, slave steve ward, Mistress Pilar, and Mario M. Torrigino

Session VII
Ten Years of Play House Studios - What They Don't Tell You When You Want to Open a Public Dungeon
This workshop will focus on the unique lessons learned from owning and operating a semi-public dungeon for over ten years. We will discuss a wide variety of topics including: dealing with government authorities (including law enforcement officials and the zoning, planning and health departments) facility design and maintenance and establishing and maintaining relationships with local and regional bdsm/leather/fetish organizations. We will also discuss the challenges of running a sexually oriented business and enjoy some stories about the things I wish I had known when I decided to open one of the longest continually operated play spaces in the country.

Glenda Rider

Session II
Welcome to BDSM: Essential Information for Newcomers
New people are coming into our communities constantly. Yet very few groups provide a much needed foundation for them. Welcome to BDSM: Essential Information for Newcomers will focus on the needs and the information that groups can provide their incoming members to help them gain good footing on common ground. This will be an interactive presentation with lots of handouts.

Walt

Session III
Developing An Educational Curriculum
Gil has been in GMSMA since 1983, including seven terms as president. For the past fifteen years, he has conducted a “course” of twelve four-hour workshops for novices, with over twenty men registering each year. He has presented at GMSMA, TES, Spring in the South, Delta International, and The Black Tulip Hotel (Amsterdam), among others. Gil was an NYC math teacher, is a classical pianist, square dancer, and teacher for a video series on SM-101.

Gil Kessler

Session IV
Effective Model for Creating Skills Based Presenters
As budgets are ever decreasing in our organized groups, we have less funds to cover expenses for out of town, top quality or "name" presenters. So how does a club get new blood onto the teaching roster? There is an answer and you are part of it. We will be looking at models that are working to get the new blood flowing and teaching done effectively.

Ms Cynthia Wright

Session V
How to conduct a sexual freedom workshop
Learn how to design and conduct an interactive workshop on sexual behavior, consent and sexual freedom. Go step-by-step through the process of tailoring a workshop to your group and learn tips on how to facilitate this interactive workshop in your community. Participants will receive a facilitator's manual which includes all the information you need to conduct this workshop yourself.

Andrew Park

Session VI
Creating Effective Learning Moments
Even a presentation at the beginner’s level needs to have a plan if it is to be successful. Join Jack Rinella as he uses his experience as a college instructor to discuss the construction of sound educational material. We will begin with goal setting, i.e., the what and why of teaching, then move on to the all-important how. We will use examples of both one-time presentations and the idea of tracks that include several speakers and seminars in a related and well-developed sequence.

Jack Rinella

Session VII
Edge Play - Natural Progression or Dangerous Trend?
It is hard to miss the current trend of edge play topics being taught at various national SM educational events. As the years go by, the topics are growing edgier and edgier. Conferences bill themselves as the place where the edgiest topics are presented on, and where national name presenters debut their new work. Is this a natural, healthy development? Is the need to branch out of 101 topics so great that edge play topics should garner such extra weight? Or is this a dangerous trend, with presenters leap-frogging each other to be billed as the edgiest one around? What are the risks? What are the benefits?

Phillip Wolf aka Boymeat

Session I
Effective Volunteer Management for Weekend Events
Putting on a weekend event requires a lot of work before hand - but unless you have a large pool of people that work for your organization, it can be difficult to actually staff the event itself. Working with Volunteers can be both challenging and rewarding, and make your event amazingly rich and successful. However, getting people to volunteer at your event, do the work they promised, and enjoy themselves is tricky! It is even more difficult to get them back the next year. This presentation suggests some ideas that have been highly effective at a variety of events.

Lee Asplund

Session II
Finding and Dealing with an Event Venue
Your group decides to produce a major BDSM event. How do you find, negotiate with, and deal with an event venue? Where will it take place? What are the “do’s & don’ts?” Where are the landmines? What do you look for and what do you avoid? Jerome and Larry are NCSF presenters who have chaired over 20 major events between them come learn their behind the scene tips and secrets.

Larry Manion and Jerome Bambrick

Session III
Longevity Planning in Volunteer Run Non-Profit Organizations
All volunteer run organizations are often run and worked by a small group of people. Burn out and high turnover has lead to more than one organization fizzling out in a couple of years. Planning for the future of your organization can ensure that it is successful for years to come, even when the original or small core group move on.

Lee Asplund

Session IV
Protecting Your Event
There are many considerations organizers must contend with when planning a large event. Large events include educational and social conferences, leather contests, weekend play parties, vendor markets, swing events and club runs. In light of recent attacks by religious and political extremists, here are some suggested guidelines for protecting your event and attendees.

Bob Keltner

Session V
Volunteers!
The community's most valuable resource is its people. But, too often, organizers and volunteers end up frustrated because their visions and expectations don't match up. This class will cover how to find volunteers, figuring out how best to use them, scheduling and treating them right so that they want to do it again and/or get more involved. We will not forget the bright idea that you are a volunteer, too!

Lolita Wolf

Session VI
Event Management
MasterZChicago learned, in his decades of Production Experience, the "ins" and "outs" of running successful Events and has combined that with his 30 years in the BDSM lifestyle to bring you a Presentation where he will share the secrets of his success. After 27 years of owning and operating one of the most successful Special Event Production Companies in the nation, Master Z fully retired at the age of 47. His company specialized in creating "WOW" at large Corporate Events and produced everything from small Business Meetings to Presidential Parties. This class will teach you how to make your Event the best Event possible by covering details from how to find a suitable venue, to getting freebies, comps, perks and the many little details you would probably never think of. This Presentation is KEY in learning to run a Spectacular Profitable Event.

Master Z

Session VII
Build a hot fetish event - have fun doing it - and not go bankrupt
In January of 2005, just after returning from Mid Atlantic Leather, Loren Berthelsen & Alex Lindsay asked themselves how they would go about creating an MAL style event on the West Coast. This simple question was the birth of the West Coast Rubber weekend in Palm Springs, CA. Learn how to plan, market and execute your own successful fetish event with this lively presentation from the L8X Guys. More importantly, learn how to carry off a weekend event, have fun yourself and meet your financial goals.

Loren Berthelsen & Alex Lindsay

Session I
Leadership as Service
Our community is one of strong egos and opinions and many people who claim to be leaders. It is our opinion that the best leaders come from a place of service. We will attempt to answer the following questions. What is Service? For that matter, what is Leadership? What does it entail? Does it mean that you have to bottoming to the community and those who you lead? Please come prepared for discussion and dialogue.

Allena, Jennifer Skrukwa, Marie Gagnon

Session II
Lobbying elected officials
(description still to come)

Session III
Leadership Skills for Community Leaders
Leadership is more than just winning an election or contest. It means determining what should be done, inspiring people to help get it done and clearly communicating a vision of where your community should be going. This session will explore both what is expected of you as a leader and the attributes and skills you need for effective leather community leadership.

Jack McGeorge

Session IV
So how do you ask someone for money?
This workshop will focus on how to seek a major gift from individuals and institutions through direct solicitations (mail, email, by phone, and in person). It will be geared more toward fundraising for non-profits and cause-related initiatives rather than helping your club meet its monthly refreshment expenses, but all are welcome. We will cover the fundamentals of major gift fundraising from prospecting, to asking, to thanking and stewarding, to asking for the next gift.

John Weis

Session V
Mentoring: as a group and as an individual
Mentoring- How are we, as a community and as individuals, passing down our history, our skills, and our knowledge? Discover how others are actively seeking to promote and establish Mentoring Programs, both organized and otherwise. What will be your role in Mentoring?

Ms Cynthia Wright

Session VI
Boot Camp – Military Leadership Traits and Principles for a Traditional Leather Approach
Traditional Leather originally came out of those that had served in the military and affiliated with motorcycle groups which adopted a military based organizational structure. Based on historical review of official military leadership training manuals, this presentation will cover traditional military leadership Traits: (Bearing, Courage, Decisiveness, Dependability, Endurance, Enthusiasm, Initiative, Integrity, Judgment, Justice, Knowledge, Loyalty, Tact, and Unselfishness) and the 11 Principles of Leadership.

Bo

Session VII
Creative Fundraising in a Cash Poor Economy
Wanna get excited about fundraising again? Will Clark has spent the past 9 years raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities across the country. In this presentation, Clark presents the "nuts and bolts" of fundraising, the steps of what to do, tools that can be easily accessed and a hands "how to" put on a fundraiser.

Will Clark

Session I
2257 and the Leather Community
This workshop will present an overview of Free Speech Coalition (FSC), an organization fighting for our First and Fourth Amendment rights, focusing on its importance to the Leather community, and provide an introduction to and education about Section 2257 of Title 18, a legislative piece that is severely and adversely affecting both the adult entertainment industry and Leather community. It will also present FSC's goals for working in conjunction with the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF).

Karen Yew

Session II
Believe it or not, the law's not on our side!
In Lawrence v. Texas, the folks we thought were stodgy old justices embraced the truly radical proposition that government needs something more than social or “moral” disapproval to interfere with our private lives and practices. A panel of prominent legal experts and activists will explore what Lawrence promises for sexual freedom, privacy and human rights issues.

James Turner, Esq.

Session III
S/m and the Law
This presentation will be devoted to giving an overview of today's current laws and how they affect the rights of members of the S/m and Leather communities. This interactive workshop will discuss current efforts and challenges to the legal rights of sexual freedom. In addition, special attention will focus on NCSF's landmark challenge of the Communications Decency Act in "Nitke v. Ashcroft" as well as other ongoing cases. Find out how you can help and make a difference.

Alan

Session IV
Effective Communication with Police, Hospitals, and Social Service Agencies
BDSMers often face unique and frightening challenges when they seek the assistance of - or are confronted by - police, medical personnel, and abuse counselors. Often times, they avoid such agencies due to worries about arrest or harassment. This presentation will teach simple but effective methods of speaking to and educating vanilla agencies about BDSM. Topics include introduction of your group to police departments, hospitals, and social agencies educational materials face-to-face meetings and continued advocacy.

Renee Michaud Cabaup

Session V
Medical Facts Your Lawyer Should Know
Defending oneself in a court of law is among the worst nightmares for most BDSM-Leather-Fetish practitioners. However the community is largely unaware well-established medical knowledge that can be used for its defense, since most of it resides outside the specialties of medicine that the public commonly encounters (i.e. internal medicine, family medicine, and psychiatry). The presenter will explain the medical science of pain, pleasure, and injury. He will discuss medical specialty differences and expert witness selection.

entropy

Session VI
The future of perversity, pathology, and the health of our BDSM communities
This program will examine the current state of consensual BDSM activities as classified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the research and movement around declassifying our sexuality as a mental illness, a brief discussion of how to better provide mental health services for Leather people, and an discussion of our communities role in its own health and well being.

David M. Ortmann, LCSW

Session VII
Protecting Yourself Legally
Members of the SM/leather/fetish communities have always had some level of concern regarding the issues of privacy, discretion, and personal security. The Radical Right, employers, ex-partners, and others may pose threats to these concepts. Many times their motivation comes from ignorance, but new motivations like custody of children, and revenge are also becoming commonplace. This presentation provides tips for protecting yourself legally for various circumstances.

Bob Keltner

Session I
Building a Dynamic Newsletter
We live in the age of information, which makes it ever more challenging to get people’s attention. Yet newsletters continue to play an important role in keeping people connected and informed. This workshop will explore how to create vibrant newsletters in print and e-mail forms. We’ll look at how to bring greater diversity and interest to your publications by expanding topics, encouraging new writers and using strong visual images. Beginners to advanced welcome.

Justin Tanis

Session II
Public Pillow Talk
Sexual freedom activists will discuss the importance of including sex in the national dialogue in order to combat religious political extremists on issues of sexuality. Attendees will gain an understanding of why sex is so difficult to discuss in the U.S. and how religious political extremists use sex in an attempt to shame and discredit the GLBT movement and others that choose to practice non-missionary position sex outside of marriage. Attendees will gain practical skills in how to discuss issues of sex and sexuality with elected and appointed officials, the media and our opposition.

Judy Guerin and Cathy Renna

Session III
Getting Ready for Prime Time: Effective Messaging and Interview Techniques (Part 1)
Interview, like life, are a lot about preparation! This training will address the key elements of preparation for talking to journalists of all kinds. We will discuss how and when to agree to interview, how to "interview the interviewer," targeting your audience and other important pre-interview skills and techniques. We will also cover the major steps (and missteps) involved in message development, creating effective "sounds bites" and interview preparation for print, radio, television and other media.

Cathy Renna

Session IV
Interview Intensive: This is All "On the Record" (Part 2)
Building on the previous training, participants will have the opportunity to observe and practice interview techniques via "mock" interviews. Each participant will be given a specific case study to work from in small groups and then be interviewed on camera or in another media setting.

Cathy Renna

Session V
Living In Your Title Year
This presentation will look at the challenges facing the titleholder during the title year. The presentation will cover ways of fulfilling the duties set by the sponsor and community. We will take a look at utilizing community resources and volunteers in preparing and fulfilling title duties. We will also explore ways of managing personal vs. community time for a successful year.

Graylin Thornton

Session VI
Platforms: Not just for Drag Queens
Do you or your group have a purpose? Something you believe in? Seen in everyday politics, leatherfolk can embrace a platform to make a difference in their community. Defined, a platform is a plan or design: a declaration of the principles on which a group stands. This presentation addresses selection, development, networking and deployment to convey a passion and impact the world around us. Strong emphasis placed on club and titleholder platforms, specifically Ms/Mr World Leather.

Pandora, Ms World Leather 2004

Session VII
Working the Media
There are inherent advantages and dangers in seeking publicity. This workshop will stress practical knowledge of the needs of the traditional mass market media (newspapers, print, radio, and television), how to place your news/message with them, and also how to react when publicity goes bad. Our lifestyle is most often attacked when we have media coverage (even positive coverage) so it is essential that we be aware of the potential consequences when seeking publicity. Generating desired publicity is a key part of the struggle for freedom and acceptance, and having a working relationship with the media is essential to keep our message(s) out there and to subvert or supplant negative media. Does your event or organization NEED a media relations director? What would that person's responsibilities entail? Or should everyone really have these skills? (Hint: Yes!)

Cecilia Tan, NELA Media Relations Director

Session II
Conflict Resolution Skills
Conflict is a normal and even healthy part of life, but if not approached intelligently it can lead to great destruction. Because of political feuding and personality conflicts, we are often much harder upon our own community members than the external societal forces are. While in law school, Jay Wiseman did special study in mediation and dispute resolution. Please come hear what he has to share, including a demonstration of practical conflict resolution techniques.

Jay Wiseman

Session III
Managing a Scene Group Without Melting Down
Managing a scene organization sometimes resembles herding cats. How do you go about doing it--preferably without losing your mind, or getting banned from your organization? Topics covered include: Publicizing events, Attracting new members, Renting party space, Balancing competing needs at socials, Getting volunteers, Enforcing rules without stepping on toes, Outreach to other scene groups, Defusing political tensions

Carol

Session IV
Caring for Our Own (When Straightjackets Aren’t the Answer)
As leaders in the community and within organizations, you have a responsibility to watch out for the well being of those you lead. Burnout, depression, addiction, stress and anxiety can harm our movement and organizations, as much as they harm the individuals themselves. This workshop is designed to give you a framework to help identify these mental health issues that exist in our own (and all) communities. It will also give you the practical knowledge of how and when to help, if it’s appropriate and necessary.

Larry Iannotti, LCSW, Elizabeth Kapstein, and Katherine Rachlin, Ph.D.

Session V
Ethics and the Practice of BDSM
Ethics and the Practice of BDSM. A interactive classroom style discussion where the participants are guided in the identification of Ethical Principles that could guide their conduct in the practice of BDSM. In three parts: 1-Definition and Framework; 2-Principles; and 3-Problem Solving

Master Sade

Session VI
Before Tempers Flare: Effective Facilitation
Whether called parliamentarian, facilitator, or chair, most organizations have someone whose job is ensuring that group discussion and decision-making processes remain productive. Fortunately, good facilitation is a skill set which can be developed over time. This interactive class will cover the principles of facilitation with special emphasis on managing disruptive personalities, focusing conversation, and moving through conflict to consensus. A comprehensive resource guide will be provided.

JT ‘sparky’ Gundacker

Session VII
The Yellow Brick Road
This fun and interactive class explores different kinds of people that you will meet along the road of leadership. Based on the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” the instructors will identify nine different kinds of people and discuss how to use them to your advantage. Understanding, identifying and utilizing the Wicked Witch, the Cordially Lion, and other “characters”, ultimately help you lead your community “home”.

Ray Castro & Shawn M. Thomas

Session I
Flying Fingers
Welcome to Flying Fingers workshop where we will learn how to communicate with eyes, hands, face and body using American Sign Language {ASL). General overview of ASL communication and Deaf culture information will be provided along with handouts for future reference.

Michelle Jackson

Session II
Transgender inclusion in the leather community
The objective of this panel is to discuss how the leather community can be more inclusive of transgendered people and people who identify as more than one gender. The panel is open to everyone, and especially to those who know little or nothing about the needs of trans people who are involved in leather/BDSM spaces.

Robin Bauer, Martin Macor and Levi

Session III
Understanding Disability in a world of Able-Bodied Kink
Our community places much value in physical ability. Unfortunately, there is a segment of our population that finds their bodies cannot serve them as well. How do they participate in our community? How can we help the rest of the community and organizations to facilitate this? This will primarily focus on both visible and invisible physical disability, while there are other types of disability; the scope is too broad for the amount of time.

Trish Lynch

Session IV
Creating Safe Spaces
This program will discuss a dynamic change in how we in the leather community work with and retain new people. We will identify what types of problems that the new people face like trust building, patience and judgment and what groups and individuals can do to help work through those issues. The goal is to continue growing and strengthening our community by creating safe spaces for people from their first munch to becoming volunteers and leaders.

Jared Keen

Session V
BDSM Outside Metro Areas
A discussion for people managing groups outside metro areas (or those in metro area groups with remote members) in order to discuss the unique challenges we face. These include: establishing a critical mass of people, communicating across long distances, dealing with communities hostile to our lifestyle, difficulty in finding places to meet, etc. More importantly, for ideas on how to overcome these obstacles, as there are few resources (i.e., books, websites, etc.) available.

Flirticia, Miss Chris, and Ed Tracey

Session VI
Making Our Place at Other Tables
Explore the proposition that we should neither wait for nor expect invitations to share from our intimate lives in non-kinky spaces. Instead, we find openings for injecting our values and experiences, then represent ourselves and our community without apology and with dignity and truth. In doing so, we must expect others to confide their deepest longings and to feel liberated by our example and we must respond to their confidence with acceptance, compassion, and goodwill.

David Phillips

Session VII
Building Capacity: How to Create a Powerhouse Team
Many organizations don't understand the term 'capacity' and what it represents to group dynamics, harmony, and effectiveness. Many groups have leadership that stumble at inter-relational cooperation. Learn how to build an effective, dynamic unit and how to focus on your organizational objectives and exponentially increase implementation plans. This course will be interactive--be prepared to let the rubber hit the road!

Ms. Angela

Session II
Post "Burnout" Activism
Let's face it: you're tired of your group's infighting, you hate going to social events because you're always "on duty", and the lifestyle which once gave you so much joy and passion is now an emotional and mental drain. You're "burned out". So now what? This workshop will discuss strategies and techniques on how to manage stress, reorganize your commitments, or even take a break in a healthy manner without damaging your reputation or the community.

Alan

Session III
LLC’s Annual Poster Session
An interactive opportunity for community members to show off their projects and initiatives.

Session IV
A Taste of CineKink
Through its annual festival and tour, CineKink presents a collection of films and videos that cut across orientations to explore and celebrate a wide diversity of alternative sexuality, drawing audiences that include both long-time “scene” members and kink-curious newcomers. With works typically ranging from documentary to drama, camp comedy to hot porn - and everything in between – this sample screening includes some favorite shorts culled from CineKink past and present.

Lisa Vandever

Session V
A screening of Vice & Consent
Vice & Consent features luminaries of the San Francisco bay area scene, including Midori, Jay Wiseman, Cleo Dubois, Race Bannon and 8 more authors, writers and educators who are seasoned scene veterans. They speak honestly and with great humor and insight on the life and the community.

Howard Scott Warshaw, filmmaker

Session VII
History of the development of sadomasochism in 20 century America
A lively talk by the founder and president of the Leather Archives and Museum on the history of our shared community.

Chuck Renslow

LLC, Inc: Who we are, what we do, how to get involved
Leather Leadership Conference is celebrating its 10th year. We invite you to come, meet with the Board of LLC, Inc., find out more about us, who we are, and what we do. Ask any questions about becoming a board member, our role in the creation and production of each LLC, as well as how to host a future Leather Leadership Conference. We look forward to meeting you.

The Leather Leadership Conference Board of Directors

"No Panty-Checks at the Door" / Making Leather Spaces Trans-Accessible
Frustrated over creating your group’s gender policy? Wondering how to make your business welcoming/accessible to transgender leatherfolks? Or are you still unsure what ‘transgender’ means? In this roundtable, participants of all genders will create a safe space to share tips and techniques for creating trans-inclusive community spaces. We’ll have a brief Trans 101, go through sample gender policies, share helpful resources for community leaders, and leave lots of time for ALL of your questions!

Levi, facilitator

Sexual Freedom Caucus
This roundtable will focus on the status of sexual freedom issues and concerns, the sexual freedom movement and future actions. A specific focus on the leather communities and their needs, with an emphasis on how they can work within the leather communities and other various alternative sexual expression communities to further the sexual freedom movement. Plans for local grassroots action and national policy priorities will be discussed.

Judy Guerin and Vivienne Kramer, facilitators

Stepping to the front: submissives, slaves and bottoms in power
This roundtable will provide the opportunity for submissives, slaves and bottoms to hear from others who are similarly identified about the challenges and rewards from serving your community. Giving examples of the types of situations they encountered and the skills they developed that helped them to be successful. The second portion of the event would allow class attendees to ask their own questions and share their experiences.

dawn marie, facilitator

Political conservatives in the Leather/BDSM community
An opportunity to meet and network with like-minded folk.

Alan, facilitator

Everyone is welcome! If you are interested in community service, leadership, group dynamics or the history of our community, you are invited to attend LLC-X.