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ORGANIZING AND OPERATING A LEATHER GROUP

I. DEFINE YOUR INTENTIONS
A. Why Am I Doing This?
· Fulfilling a need vs. Ego gratification

B. What Am I Trying to Create?
· Fraternal social group (Delta)
· Educational group (Black Rose)
· Political group (NY SM Activists)
· For profit groups (PEP)
· Regional/National association (NLA)

C. Am I Duplicating Something That Exists?
· If so, why?

2. PLAN A FIRST MEETING
· Goal - Identify individuals with a similar interest
· Topic - - Discussion, not demonstration -- General and Introductory in Nature
· Where - Neutral space, e.g., hotel, meeting room
· When - Try both weekday and weekend evenings
· Publicity - Local newspapers, Internet
· Cost - Should not exceed $5.00

3. CONDUCTING INITIAL MEETING
· Atmosphere - Non-threatening, safe neighborhood
· Discussion - As professional as possible
· Define Future Direction - parties, education, social, etc.

4. CREATE AN INFRASTRUCTURE
A. Leadership Models
· Autocratic - All power in one individual (efficiency vs. tyranny)
· Leaderless - Ultimate in democracy and inefficiency
· Elected officers or board - Compromise of representation and efficiency

B. Appointments or Election
· First year -- appointment
· Subsequent years -- election

C. Staff Responsibilities (Black Rose examples)
· Programs - Finds speakers, organizes schedule, facilitates meetings
· Secretary - Maintain member information, handles correspondence
· Treasurer - Collects money, pays bills, maintains financial records
· Communications -Newsletter production, maintains email lists and website
· Education - Produces weekend educational workshops
· Special events - Coordinates annual event and special interest groups
· Outreach - Coordinates assistance to other groups and events

D. Organizational Status
1). No formal status
2). Unincorporated Association
3). Corporation
· For profit
· Not for profit

E. Potential Pitfalls
· Separating scene roles from group responsibilities
· Stick to your niche
· Factionalism - Potential for one person tyranny

5. SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS
A. Location
· Bar, rented space, residence
· Accessibility
· Safety

B. Type
· Lectures
· Panel discussions
· Demonstrations
· Socials
· Play parties
· Gateway - exclusively for people new to the scene
· Flea market
· Fund-raisers

C. Effective Meetings
· Facilitator
· Presenter
· Outlines and handouts
· Equipment and assistants, as necessary
· Start and end on time
· Atmosphere - appropriate for topic

6. PUBLICITY
A. Where
· Internet - Web sites and email lists
· Media - Local newspapers and magazines
· Outreach - Attend functions at other groups, present at scene and non-scene functions

B. What
· Announce specific meeting or activity
· How to get more info about the group

7. FINANCE
A. Typical Expenses
· Rent
· Newsletter
· Advertising
· Voicemail
· Reproduction
· Postage
· Web site
· Party expenses

B. Price Structure
· Cover costs
· Profit
· Men vs. Women - equality of fees seems to work best
· Couples and Leather Families -- discount
· Hardships

C. Treasurer
· Integrity
· Attention to detail
· Accounting knowledge

D. Accountability
· Fiscal responsibility is a responsibility of all officers
· Keep track of typical cash flow
· Audit as appropriate

8. THE LAW
A. Know Local and State Law
· Solicitation, prostitution, bawdy house, sodomy, pornography
· Weapons
· Masks and uniforms
· Minors

B. Liquor Control and Zoning Laws/Regulations
· Nudity
· Adult entertainment
· Permits

C. Prohibited Activities
· If it is against the law, DO NOT do it

D. Relationship with Law Enforcement
· Establish liaison
· Request advice on planned activities
· Invite them to speak to your group
· Offer to educate on SM issues

9. NEWSLETTER
A. Define Purpose
· Inform members - issues and events
· Outreach - exchange newsletters with other groups
· Profit - paid advertising, newsstand sales
· Entertainment - fiction, cartoons

B. Define Content Objectives and Limitations
· Group mission statement
· Calendar of events
· Activity reports
· Features
· Commercial advertising
· ISO's
· Fiction
· How to Articles

C. Identify someone willing to Assume Responsibility and Form a Production Team

10. PLAY PARTIES
A. Identify a Party Coordinator
· Someone experienced at coordinating events

B. When and Where
· Weekday night or weekend
· Bar, rented space, residence, campground

C. Attendance Limitations
· Members only
· Guests
· Public
· Age Limitations
· Party cards

D. Equipment
· What is needed?
· How much is needed?
· Where will we store it?
· How will we transport it?

E. DM's, play rules and Etiquette
· Define general (etiquette) and special rules
· DM's ensure a clean, safe play space

F. Food and Drink
· Type
· Quantity
· Alcohol Restrictions
· Who provides
· Timing
· Clean-up

G. Activities and the Law
See law section

H. Insurance and/or Releases
· Physical injury, property damage, food poisoning
· General liability

11. ELECTIONS
A. Why
· Empower membership
· Limit tyranny

B. Typical Criteria for Nominations
· Member for x years - must understand group dynamics
· Active participant - if one does not attend meetings, one is unlikely to contribute much as a leader
· Useful skills - attorney, desktop publisher, leadership
· Statement of candidacy - why one should be elected and what one brings
· No felony record - convicted felons have no credibility with law enforcement and administrative bodies; may bring unwanted attention to the group
· On-line access - increasingly important means to conduct group business

C. Informing the Electorate
· Meet the candidates meeting
· Newsletter coverage
· Special mailings to members

D. Mechanics
· Form election committee
· Announce elections
· Solicit qualified candidates
· Mail ballot, statement of candidates, and return envelope to members
· Count ballots
· Publish results - winners only

12. AVOID GETTING IN A RUT
A. Maintain Variety
· Mix of lecturers, demonstration, parties, etc.

B. Non-Scene Events
· Brunch groups, trips to Renaissance Fairs, SM related movies, etc

C. Special Events
· Fashion Show
· Flea market
· Annual weekend event
· Fund-raisers

D. Special Interest Groups
· Women
· Dominants and submissives
· Crafters
· Bondage
· The Next Generation (TNG) for younger members
· Social activities

E. Training Courses
· Weekend workshops, special courses for doms, etc.

 

13. MISCELLANEOUS CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCESSFUL GROUPS
· Constant Influx of New People
· Financial Checks and Balances
· Deliberations Open to All
· Everyone Treated Equally
· Loyal Opposition is Healthy
· Group and Leaders Must Provide Services for the Membership

Questions

 

 

© 1996Jack McGeorge
Black Rose, Washington, DC

 

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