ALL classes denoted as CE require additional fee $60 for CE credits/$30 students
Amanda Dickey, MS – Amanda Dickey is currently a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Troy University. She will be graduating in December 2015 with her Masters in Psychology and Counseling. In her desire to be a diverse clinical mental health counselor she enrolled and passed a specialty class taught at Troy University where she learned to not only work more closely with the LGBTQQIA2S population but also the BDSM population as well. She has presented poster and content sessions on the local, state and national level. She is an active ally and advocate for the LGBTQQIA2S community. She is one of the founding student members of Troy University’s Safe Zone for All and currently serves on the planning committee. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends, exploring old historical buildings and writing.
CLASSES:
CE CLASS – How To Market Psychotherapy To The BDSM Client: In this session, whether one is in private practice or working for an agency techniques and strategies for reaching out to and advocating for sexual minorities will be discussed.
Shopping for the right psychotherapist
This session will focus on what you need to know when selecting a Kink aware, Kink friendly, and Kink supportive psychotherapist.
Bella – Bella, active in the BDSM scene since 2011, identifies as a geeky, kinky, bi, poly, bratty, sometimes subby rope, knife, and sensation, baby pain slut bootblack circus pony girl. She co-leads a local munch group with her husband as they continue to discover and learn who they are in BDSM.
Professionally, Bella is a self-taught website and graphic designer working in the Atlanta area with clients all over the country. She developed and maintains the LLC website.
CLASSES:
Friday Intensive – WordPress 101 & 201
101 Session ~ (laptop required) Building a website for your group or organization utilizing the WordPress platform. Learn the basics of building a lifestyle friendly website from domain names and hosting to design tricks, message boards, SEO, calendars, blogs and so much more. No previous knowledge of web work needed. Perfect for beginners. How will attendees benefit from this class? They will learn the basics of creating a website from start to finish for their group or organization using the WordPress platform.
201 Session ~ (laptop required) This session will expand on what was covered in the 101 session. If you are already WordPress friendly you can expand your knowledge by taking session 201
Cowboi Jen – has been part of the levi/rodeo community since 1992 and Philadelphia’s Leather and kink community since 2000. Over the years she has been a titleholder, judge, award recipient and event producer. She was the Executive Producer of LLC XVIII and looks forward to presenting at the 20th Anniversary!
CLASS:
Passing the Torch
Change in inevitable and it’s up to us to be positive role models during times of transition. Change can occur through death, election, resignation, hostile take-over or enter your situation here _________. KJ and Cowboi will discuss the key elements that occur during this time frame including introduction of a change agent and addressing fiduciary responsibilities. We’ll discuss how to effectively assist your club, organization or event while breaking in their new boots.
Craig – has been involved in the kink community for almost two decades. Teaching classes across the Southeast region and sharing the knowledge he has gained along his journey. He serves as the President and sits on the Board of Directors for The Red Chair in Birmingham, AL
CLASSES:
Finding the Right Organizational Structure
Determining the proper and best structure for your organization can be a challenge. With the numerous organizational structure types available it can be difficult to know how or what to choose. Some have few people at the helm and others have many maintaining control. There are positives and negatives to each structure type. Examining each of them may eliminate some of the struggles that accompany leadership and responsibility. Every organization’s dynamic differs and developing the right structure for your organization can be the key to its success.
Evolution: A Munch to a Corporation
How did a small group of people in Alabama go from a tiny munch group to a Non-Profit Corporation with its own large private play space? This class covers necessities required to help you advance your group and give you the tools for motivation. We will talk about incorporating, non-profits, legal, insurance, zoning, by-laws, board of directors, officers, group dynamics, volunteers, finances, and more. There will be plenty of opportunities for questions.
Group Leaders Roles
A round table discussion aimed at addressing the roles of group leaders regarding safety in the community. How much responsibility does the group leader have? What ways can the safety issues be addressed? Is there a false sense of security? Whose responsibility is it to keep the community safe? The questions can be hot topics and are guaranteed to bring many opinions and perspectives to the table.
Daddy Rod is Leather, BDSM educator and HIV Activist based out of the Atlanta area where he is currently the Pledge Master of ONYX Southeast Chapter. He is also the Treasurer of the ONYX National Council. He has also served as Tally Master at Mr. and Ms. Atlanta Eagle competitions and a judge for Southeast Leather Sir/Boy and Bootblack at the Southeast Black and Blue weekend in 2013.
CLASS:
ONYX (panel presentation – Discussion)
From its inception in 1995, Onyx has established itself as the premier national organization formed and operated by Men of Color who identify with and are active in the Leather Community. This workshop will explore the ways that Onyx has helped create diversity within the Leather and BDSM community by providing safe spaces for erotic and sexual exploration, education and empowerment for Gay and Bisexual Men of Color; helped men of color connect to and make an impact on the larger leather community; and promote discussions on the visibility, challenges and other issues People of Color in the Leather community face.
Dr. Patrick Faircloth, Ph.D., LPC (AL/MI) – Dr. Patrick K. Faircloth, Ph.D. is an assistant professor at Troy University in Montgomery Alabama, in the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Interpreter Training. He is a licensed professional counselor and a nationally certified counselor.
Dr. Faircloth has worked in private practice, community, agency & university settings for over ten years as a clinician, supervisor and researcher. The following is a brief list of the areas he has conducted counseling, supervision, research, and/or presented on: Ethics, Gender & Career Issues, Police and Military Issues, Trauma/Grief Issues, Attachment Issues, Bullying Issues, Suicidality, LBGTQQIA2S Issues, working with individuals who have a BDSM orientation, the Autism/Asperger’s Spectrum, and Group Work Practice.
Within the BDSM community he is also known as Sir Paddy, he is also the founder of Troy Area Kink and Education (formerly the Troy Munch), The owner of the Southern Pillar Campground, and the Master of a leather House
CLASSES:
CE CLASS – How To Market Psychotherapy To The BDSM Client
CE CLASS – Kinky Clients – Part 1 – Building Theory, Ethics and Skills to Counsel Clients with A BDSM Orientation
CE CLASS – Kinky Clients – Part 2 – Building Theory, Ethics and Skills to Counsel Clients with A BDSM
CE CLASS – BDSM Law and Medical/Mental Health Care
Shopping for the right psychotherapist
This session will focus on what you need to know when selecting a Kink aware, Kink friendly, and Kink supportive psychotherapist.
BDSM Law and Medical/Mental Health Care
BDSM Law and Medical/Mental Health Care: This session will give a brief overview of issues and resources for people with a BDSM orientation when interacting with Legal, Medical and Mental Health professionals.
Dr. Paul Hard, Ph.D (CU Instructor)- is an associate professor of Counselor Education with Auburn University at Montgomery, where his concentrations are in community mental health and marriage & family counseling.
He has more than13 years of agency counseling and private practice. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Certified Counselor Supervisor. His research interests have been in the areas of counselor/professional impairment and wellness, complicated grieving in pre- and post-natal loss, professional credentialing and advocacy, sexual minority issues in counseling, and ministerial termination.
Dr. Hard also holds advanced degrees in theology and has 25 years of ecclesiastical experience as an ordained Minister. His personal hero is Dame Edna Everage who once suggested that he should be placed in a home for the bewildered. He identifies as a leather cub.
CLASSES:
CE CLASS Historical View of Hate & Oppression
This session will review important historical cases of hate crime/speech, which have oppressed sexual minorities in the United States. The current social milieu as it relates to LGBTQQIA2S and the BDSM orientation will be discussed.
Eric Pride, together with his wife Lady Christie, heads a structured authority-based household in New York. The household celebrated its 10 year anniversary in 2012. The primary focus of the household is integrating healthy power-exchange dynamics into daily life and providing guidance, training, and support for its individuals
CLASS:
Mentoring in the Lifestyle
Mentoring is a process in which a more skilled or experienced person, serving as a role model, teaches, encourages, counsels and befriends a less skilled or experienced person for the purpose of promoting the latter’s development.
In this class we discuss how to build successful mentoring relationships, addressing topics such as:Join us for an inspirational and thought-provoking discussion about ourselves and our kink.
Do we need mentors? Why are these relationships important?
What does the mentee get out of it? And, what does the mentor get out of it?
* Building mentor/mentee relationships
* A 3-stage process for mentoring
* Best practices in mentoring
Girl Amelia Horo /Pup Purple Collared by Sir Tatsujin Paris
Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack 2013 and Legal Counsel to Carter/Johnson Leather Library and Collection; Leather Heart Foundation; Leatherboys of Maryland
CLASSES:
IS you event fully accessible?
You have lined up ASL interpreters for your event (you DID, didn’t you?). Have you considered other issues for attendees?
* Venue?
* Is the venue willing to have service animals onsite?
* Is the classroom set up conducive to attendance by those with physical or emotional issues?
* Are the bathrooms genderless or unisex so that all attendees feel safe outside of their own hotel rooms?
* If there are play parties during the event, are all attendees welcome?
Legal Issues for Event Organizers
Setting up a Leather event can involve a lot of legal issues that may not be obvious to someone who is not legally savvy. While it is not a comprehensive list, here are some things to consider:
* Where is the initial funding coming from for the event?
* What is the purpose of the event
* Who will be on the Board of Directors for the event? Is a corporate entity required to produce the event?
* What location will be the venue for the event? Does the event organizer know personally the manager of the venue?
* Is the venue “LGBT friendly”?
* Is it possible to sell out the hotel so that no other customers will be present at the venue during the event? If not, what provisions have been made to isolate the general public from viewing activities during the event?
* Is it possible to sell out the hotel so that no other customers will be present at the venue during the event? If not, what provisions have been made to isolate the general public from viewing activities during the event?
* What contracts are required to be signed with the venue in order to host the event?
. . . and much more
Boot Blacks at Leather Events ~ Why and how!
Why should you have bootblacks at an event?
How do you get a bootblack for your event?
History, the love of leather, talent, skills . . . and much, much more!
Graydancer – Gray Miller, aka “Graydancer”, has been teaching, performing, and advocating for kink and BDSM for over a decade. His work as a professional writer and web content developer can be found all over the world, including the “Ropecast” – the longest-running kink podcast on the web. Gray’s cigar & leather play was featured on “Our America with Lisa Ling” on the Oprah Network. Over 50 of his “GRUE” Open Space events have occurred in five countries. Gray is passionate about subjects such as rope, power exchange, leather, cigars, consent in the community, performance, and the educational aspects of kink.
CLASSES:
DIY – How to Create an “Un-conference”
Are you a kinky educator who has been burned out by the usual kinky edu cons? Discover the concept of “Open Space” and its relation to the “Unconference”. Discover how to rethink edu kink and recharge your batteries and quite possibly your community.
Building a Better Consent Incident Framework
Consent issues have been front and center in many groups for the past several years, often with unfortunate results. This presentation outlines several methods used by groups to handle these situations: good, bad, and ugly, including legal issues, intake systems, and better communication between event leaders. Gray will also outline some resources and possible approaches that could create a better, safer, and more consensual community for everyone.
Ignixia – is the owner and sole-operator of the award-winning Adrenalize LLC, through which she creates a wide variety of leather fetish gear. In 2014 she was voted in as the Co-Chair for the National Leather Association’s Orlando Chapter and has since been nominated for an NLA-I community service award.
CLASSES:
Vendor Friendly Events
Whether you’re a vendor or an event producer, you don’t want to miss this one! As someone who has vended at numerous events, I’m here to share those experiences with you. We’ll cover common mistakes made on both sides as well as some of the best practices to make this partnership work best for everyone.
Kinky Business
Have an idea for a kinky business? As an award-winning company owner, I’ll share my experience in going from hobbyist to booming businesswoman; from finalizing your products to marketing, launching online sales to selling at events, this class has you covered.
Jayne Marie – A Leather woman, a licensed minister, certified Master NLP Practioner, trained in Spiritual Hypnosis. Jayne has spent the past 20 years learning about spiritual and nutritional healing. Her journey has led her to serve others in the healing arts. Currently a student in a Clinical Mental Health Master’s Program.
CLASS:
This presentation is a brief overview of polyamory. Information presented is general in nature and is geared towards introducing and defining what polyamory is, what a polyamorous family may look like, why you should know and why you should care. This presentation includes open discussion and Q&A time.
Jo Arnone – 2016 Living Leadership Award Winner, Presenter & Auctioneer
Fundraising is one of the many ways our community comes together to support itself, needy causes, and outside communities. Auctions can be either extremely entertaining and lucrative, or boring and frustrating occasions that will leave folks running for the door!
Come and learn the basics regarding what it takes to make an auction successful and keep your audience in their seats ready to bid. I’ll cover the gamut, from how to solicit donations, through staffing considerations, set up, collecting the money, and the all-important auctioneer.
For nearly 35 years , Jo Arnone has been a community fundraiser, raising money for a diverse array of organizations including Brother Help Thyself, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Gay and Lesbian Antiviolence Project, the National Coalition on Sexual Freedom, the International Antiviolence Project, Heritage of Pride, Capital Pride, The Whitman Walker Clinic, The Leather Archive, and the Rainbow Railroad of Canada. Additionally, she has raised funds for scores of local AIDS, animal, youth, and elder organizations around the country for whom a few thousand dollars can make the difference between success and failure. In 2012, the Leather Heart Foundation presented her with the Million Dollar Heart Award in recognition of having raised well over $1,000,000 for worthy charities.
CLASS:
Going, Going, Gone!
Are you planning on hosting a community auction? Find out how to petition for donations, advertise and organize your auction from A to Z. Learn all of the ins and outs of holding a successful event.
KJPS Howe – is a self-described ‘contrarian’/ardent writer about leather history, our culture, and topics of wide interest. He has sought education and made a study of those things which influence who we are, effective management, business, and leadership. Presenting at events throughout the eastern seaboard and Canada, he has met some of the more interesting folks in the local groups and organizations he has visited. Join him in a discussion regarding groups and persons in need of successful alternatives to conflict, lost membership and failed leadership
CLASSES:
Ethical Leadership
Groups are often established with one thought – commonality and play. This sets an organization toward failure unless clearer dynamics take reign in the leadership of the group and guide it.
What is required for longevity? What planning must take place beyond “what lecture should we have next week”?
THE DISCUSSION
- Planning your leadership’s future,
- Holding yourself to the “higher standard” needed for effective and responsible leadership
- Fiscal responsibility,
- Organizational Transparency
Passing the Torch
Change in inevitable and its up to us to be positive role models during times of transition. Change can occur through death, election, resignation, hostile take-over or enter your situation here _________. KJ and Cowboi will discuss the key elements that occur during this time frame including introduction of a change agent and addressing fiduciary responsibilities. We’ll discuss how to effectively assist your club, organization or event while breaking in their new boots.
Lady D- is a Lifestyle Domina, owner of D&S Lifestyle Enterprises Inc,
a Certified Master Hypnotherapist and she believes in holistic healing of mind, body and spirit. As a sex consultant she counsels those in complimentary lifestyles accept who they are. She ran P.E.P Atlanta and is an ordained minister performs weddings & commitment ceremonies. Her philosophy is “Each One, Teach One.”
CLASS:
Diversity in Our Groups, Events and Organizations
DIVERSITY ROUNDTABLE – A round robin discussion on BDSM and cultural differences, both nationally and international. Having groups and leaders coming together and inventing creative ideas to help bring out minorities and make them feel more welcome. Although we are seeing more Blacks; we seldom see any significant number of Hispanic or Asian POC. We will identify the obstacles and more importantly try to offer suggestions and possible solutions to resolve this issue.
Lady Elsa – is a femme leatherdyke with a passion for kink education. She was 2012 International Power Exchange titleholder along with Boi Kris, traveling extensively teaching about non-traditional power exchange and BDSM spirituality. She has developed and presented seminars helping new presenters develop materials, presentation techniques and confidence. She is co-founder of Andromeda, a BDSM organization for kinky women and is active in NLA Indianapolis.
CLASSES:
Becoming a Better Kink Educator
This session focuses on understanding how people learn and how to be the most effective and entertaining educator you can be. You’ll find out the brain theory of how people learn, and how to use it to keep people from getting bored on your classes. You’ll learn the four essential steps in teaching a skill so that people remember what they learned. You’ll get tips and tricks for facilitating group discussions, including how to use words and body language to control difficult students and situations. Plenty of hands-on practice and activities will make this session go quickly!
Creating Presentations for the Kink Community
This session covers the practicalities of being a kink educator. Come with a list of topics you think you might like to teach, and by the end of this session you’ll have a good start on your planning and materials. You’ll learn what elements every class description should contain, as well as what to put in your bio (and what NOT to put!). You’ll write first drafts of your bio, outline, class description, and handouts, and receive group feedback. We’ll talk about how to get started presenting, how to approach event producers and education coordinators, and what it takes to move up to the regional or national level.
Master Ben Martin – has been in the Lifestyle for more than 20 years. His passions are authority-based relationships and education. He has presented on a wide variety of topics at various venues throughout the East Coast. He was the coordinated for the inaugural MTTA CommunityFest, raising funds for the educational activities of MTTA
CLASSES:
The Potential and Pitfalls of Community Fundraising
Master Ben will draw on his experience organizing the inaugural MTTA CommunityFest to provide a “lessons learned” for community fundraising. He will touch on key steps — and missteps — in designing, organizing and executing fundraising activities.
Get Off The Damn Pedestal; Your Shit DOES Stink
Leaders – whether in organizations or relationships – are often placed on a pedestal. Leaders enjoy the recognition, and followers take comfort from believing in the leader. But there are also risks inherent in the exalted position. This workshop will draw on personal experience – and Dr. Seuss – to explore when and why it’s valuable to step off the pedestal (and when to get back on it).
Master Cecil & Darcy – Master Cecil has been involved in kink for over 30 years, been a Leatherman for about 20, and owned The Woodshed with Darcy since 2008. He has been an educator for over 20 years, sharing what he has learned at events from local munches to national conventions.
Darcy has owned The Woodshed Orlando with Master Cecil since 2008. During this time she has grown into being a national presenter as well as the event and education coordinator for The Woodshed. She describes herself as Master Cecil’s submissive, partner, and general “bitch what gets shit done.”
CLASSES:
SO . . . You Want To Open a Dungeon???
Master Cecil and Darcy will share their experiences in opening, managing and operating The Woodshed Orlando.
Depending on the needs and interests of those in attendance, they will discuss anything from zoning and local laws to picking the right location, dealing with law enforcement, and community issues. They’ll tell you what they’ve tried AND if it worked! From their successes and frustrations, learn what might be in store for you if you are thinking of opening a dungeon.
Nitro Hankinson – has been active in Atlanta and the Southeast’s leather community for over a decade. Full member of Panther L/L and founding member of Hotlanta Rubber and Gear Club, Co-producer of Atlanta Leather Pride and Southeast Black and Blue and International Leatherboy 2011.& Robert Cheek – HIV Testing Program Manager with The MISTER Center, a service of Positive Impact Health Centers, Inc.
CLASS:
PREP ~ What is it? What should you know? Information and discussion opportunity so you can be better informed. Nitro and Robert Cheek will host this open discussion
Pat Machate – is a LCSW-C and LCADC in Maryland as clinical therapist for 15 years. Starting in Maryland her clinical career specializes in populations including gay and trans youth, special education, juvenile justice, disabilities, and addictions.
Current Chair of the NLA-I’s Domestic Violence Project. She has a virtual private practice, www.lifestyleawarecounseling.com, specializing in therapy and coaching alternative communities including polyamory, BDSM, and LGBTQ.
Active in the BDSM/Leather Community for over two decades from DC Metro to Hawaii she can often be found supporting her local community.
CLASS:
Knowing the Difference: Healthy BDSM vs Abuse & Preventing Domestic Violence in Your Community For most of us, the power dynamic and power exchange is the foundation of our D/s relationship. We enjoy our bruises, being humiliated, and feeling powerless. But when does that interaction move from consensual healthy BDSM to abuse? In this workshop, we will go over the basics of what constitutes intimate partner violence, the barriers people from the kink community experience when trying to get help, and what resources are available.
Patrick Mulcahey – Keynote speaker and presenter, speaks and writes on leather, SM, and Master/slave topics. He is past program director of the S.F. Leathermen’s Discussion Group and now serves on the board of Butchmanns Inc. Patrick was honored to receive the Leatherman’s Heart Award in 2013 and the National Leather Association’s 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award.
CLASS:
Rethinking Education
Leather and kink education today relies almost exclusively on demonstrations and lectures — which, granted, are important tools. But how many of us learned how to ride a bike by watching someone else do it? How many of us learned self-care from a lecture? It’s this presenter’s belief that what is crucial to pass on in our subculture— values, standards, traditions, vocabulary, core beliefs — can better be conveyed by social than by academic means.
Raven is a queer FTM transgendered intersexual shaman. He is the author/editor of 39. He and his slaveboy Joshua have been teaching and presenting workshops regularly for many years to the BDSM, Neo-Pagan, Sex/Spirituality, transgender, and other communities. Raven was the 2014 Northeast Master titleholder, and lives with his big poly family on a homestead in Massachusetts. ’Tis an ill wind that blows no minds.
CLASSES:
Reclaiming Power-Over: Power Exchange for Political Radicals
Explaining BDSM in an acceptable way to people whose political backgrounds create extra sensitivity to potential abuse is difficult enough, but speaking effectively to them about power exchange relationships is even harder. Many presenters on the topic simply choose to avoid those demographics – political queerfolk, young TNG radicals, and – gasp! – feminists! This class will discuss how to most effectively communicate with individuals with strong progressive political backgrounds, including how to address the basis of their concerns and alleviate their fears without diminishing or sidestepping those issues. Taught by the current 2014 Northeast Master/slave titleholders, who have years of experience speaking to groups outside of the BDSM demographic, this class will broach territory where many presenters see as dangerous wilderness … and perhaps find allies in the jungle.
Honoring the Dead of Our Tribe ~ Saturday Night – follows Saturday Evening Entertainment
For that matter, our Leather or M/s or poly families sometimes take the place of blood kin for many of us – so what do we do when they pass on, and we don’t want their memory forgotten? This class will discuss how to create sensitive community memorial rituals, honor our traditions, and integrate spiritual elements in inclusive ways. We’ll end with a short memorial ritual for the Dead of our Tribe. Attendees can bring photos, items of remembrance, or just names to place on a communal altar for the length of the class/ritual.
Rick Storer
CLASS:
Preserving Our History & Heritage
The first part of this class is a presentation about the Leather Archives & Museum. What is it, what does it collect, who does it serve and where is it going? The second part of this class is a discussion about how individuals can save and preserve their own histories and stories (either personal or organizational). Frequent discussion topics include privacy concerns, digital preservation, oral histories / interviews, and social media content.
Samantha Manewitz, LICSW, is an educator, sex nerd, and therapist. As a therapist, she has seen a broad spectrum of clients, including sexual assault survivors and members of all sexuality and gender orientations. Samantha also presents to mental health professionals, sex educators, and alt-sex communities on healthy communication, abuse prevention, and mental health in BDSM. You can learn more on her blog: www.beyondsafewords.com
CLASS:
Breaking Silence, Building Connection, Addressing Abuse and
Intimate Partner Violence in Kink/BDSM
Sexual abuse and intimate partner violence are epidemics that cut across all gender, racial, economic, and cultural lines. As the kink world consists of people, it stands to reason that these issues are in our backyard as well. For kinksters, abuse is a particularly thorny subject, as there are empowering and healthy dynamics that seem abusive to the outside observer.
In this class, we will drill down to the fundamentals of human connection as they relate to kink and power exchange relationships. We will challenge the common narratives and turn preconceived notions about abuse inside out. Will also will explore how abuse can manifest, how communities and individuals can respond to abuse, and how to promote a culture of transparency and healing.
Participants will leave empowered to be ambassadors of dialogue and change within their communities
Sir Guy – has been in the BDSM community for over a decade and has presented in over 40 venues in the United States and Canada. He is an Emeritus Board Member of TES and has served in leadership in several scene and secular organizations.
CLASSES:
Race, Racism & Your Organization
Issues of race have been at the forefront of discussion, in the secular world AND in the BDSM community. These issues have proven divisive, even destructive. How do we intelligently deal with issues of race? How do we approach the discussion in a positive manner with fairness and equity? Sir Guy helps us begin this discussion.
Attributes of Leadership
Too often we find that one may be in a position of leadership but does not know how to lead. This can be disastrous for an organization. How do we identify the attributes of as good leader? Are they inborn of can they be cultivated? Sir Guy discusses these attributes culled from spiritual, corporate and military sources for a full overview.
StrongJohn, active in the kink world for over 20 years, has been involved in the creation and operation of numerous kink community and special interest groups. He has formal training in non-profit management and governance, and has served on the boards of community and professional organizations for many years.
CLASS:
By-Laws? We don’t need no stinkin’ by-laws!
Where to begin when organizing a kink activity or community group? This class outlines successful strategies for organizing kink groups and considers models of governance and operation that are scaled to the size of the activity or group and its mission. A simple model set of by-laws are reviewed, and the pros and cons of various provisions considered. Maybe you need by-laws and maybe not; know why by the time you leave this class!
talina has been in the lifestyle for over 20 years, and has been owned by Master Zarius since 2004. A trained facilitator, talina has extensive experience in presenting on a variety of personal growth topics. Developing personal and professional development programs since 1993, talina brings her diversity of experience and expertise forward in a fun, interactive training style.
CLASSES:
Out of Integrity 101
Everyone talks about how important it is to exhibit integrity, but no one mentions what you’re supposed to do when you make a mistake. Stepping out of integrity happens to all of us. Knowing how to recover from a lack of integrity is key to strengthening relationships and living according to your ideals. And it’s absolutely essential for those in D/s relationships. Take the chance to role-play low-risk scenarios, and start practicing the 3 A’s today!
Out of Integrity 201
This session builds on 101 session
The Foxglove Lady & Nightshade – Together for a decade, Foxglove_Lady has been in the public lifestyle for twenty years and Nightshade for twelve; both contributing to their local communities in South Carolina and Virginia. They have developed a close knit Leather Family, Heart Chosen and believe in “Each one teach one”.
CLASSES:
Small Group Founding
Think you see an unfilled need and want to start a group? We’ll cover political structures, networking, target goals, insurance, legal resources, fund-raising, charitable giving, event coordination, program formatting, leadership requirements, consistency, planning ahead, fund raising, making it run like clockwork, choosing presenters, discretion and online forums, and more.
Hosting a House Party
Always wanted to invite your friends over, but wasn’t sure what all went into hosting a kinky house party? We’ll cover accessibility, choosing dates, choosing presenters, coordination, hiring kink vendors and non-kink vendors, event space considerations, budgeting, advertising, gender ratios, event insurance, waivers, badges, programs, RSVP platforms, photography, music, staff and volunteer wrangling and more.
Toni Solenne – Toni Solenne, Mid Atlantic Leatherwoman 2012, is a member of FIST-Females. Investigating Sexual Terrain and owner of the House of Dove productions. Together, Toni and Jessica, facilitate Leatherwomens spiritual retreats, fundraising events, and campouts for the regional community.
CLASSES:
Friday Intensive – Women’s Groups
WOMEN’S INTENSIVE
LEATHERWOMENS’ LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE
Whether working in an organization, running a business, or guiding a family, leadership involves deciding what matters most. Today, the old “command and control” leadership model is giving way to “connect and collaborate,” and women are playing a central role in this important shift.
This intensive is for leather women who want to use their leadership to create a caring future for everybody. Through reflection, dialogue, writing, and meditation, we delve into our leadership stories, learn from each other, and create a shared understanding of what is needed to bring greater consciousness in our leather communities.
Together we (1) articulate our core values and the values that underlie creating a culture of care, (2) strengthen our capacity to communicate in an impactful manner, (3) create a compelling and actionable vision for our leadership goals, (4) map the key contours of a year’s plan to put our values into action, (5) elevate our leadership voice, and (6) advance our vision for change.
Whether you are a seasoned leader or beginning your leadership journey, this intensive can help you be the courageous, wise, and nurturing leader our communities need today.
Moving Forward with your Vision: Three C’s of Leadership
This exciting workshop will explore how emerging leaders can effectively achieve their vision by modeling and shaping the 3C’s of their organization-culture, climate and chemistry. Learn how to lead your organization proactively, rather than reactively. Creating Spaces and Places for Women to Be: Making Room for Our Own Magic ~ Come and learn how to create spaces that encourage hot, sexual exploration and play while at the same time promoting safety and well-being.
Creating Spaces and Places for Women to Be
Making Room for Our Own Magic ~ Come and learn how to create spaces that encourage hot, sexual exploration and play while at the same time promoting safety and well-being.
Top Quark
CE CLASS – BDSM Law and Medical/Mental Health Care
This session will give a brief overview of Legal, Medical and Mental Health considerations specific to working with people with a BDSM orientation.
BDSM Law and Medical/Mental Health Care
BDSM Law and Medical/Mental Health Care: This session will give a brief overview of issues and resources for people with a BDSM orientation when interacting with Legal, Medical and Mental Health professionals.
Vyron Kinson
CLASS:
Talk Dirty to Me! (The Hanky Code & Explicit Sign Language) ~ Vyron Kinson
Dirty words live and in ASL!! Come and kick back just for fun and unwind with the hanky code in very explicit sign language.
W0ndercunt – is a Dominant girl from Northeast Ohio. W0ndercunt has been part of the planning committee for KDM, OhioSMART’s annual event, since 2009. She is the 2016 event co-chair, and serving on the board of directors. She has a background in event organizing, and completed her MA in Nonprofit Administration in September 2015.
CLASSES:
Spreading it for the Community
From spreadsheets to staplers, understand the ways to organize yourself and give back to the community-as an attendee, a volunteer, a board member, or event organizer. We will learn about positional and non-positional leadership opportunity in an organization. We’ll also review the tools to do your job effectively.
To prepare for the class: Participants should bring the following information about their organization: governance structure, number of current members, list of activities, and a list of 3 things the organization does well and a list of 3 things you believe could be improved.
Combating Reluctant Leadership
Found yourself thrust into a leadership position despite not being active long in your local community? Or are you an attendee within your local group and unsure of why there seems to be a leadership vortex that hurts your group? This class is for you! We’ll talk about how to find your motivation and how to rise above the drama, difficulties, and exhaustiveness that can come with leadership.