Group Assistance 

We at Black Rose are always willing to help new groups get started or to over come some of the obstacles that beset organizations from time to time. The outline that you can download from this page should answer many of your questions. In the next few weeks we will be replacing this with a greatly expanded version which will include many examples of documents we use here at Black Rose.

We are in the process of editing the Black Rose Guide to Running an Event. We have learned quite a bit over the past 7 years will be sharing it with you.

I. DEFINE YOUR INTENTIONS

• Fulfilling a need vs. Ego gratification

• Fraternal social group (Delta)
• Educational group (Black Rose)
• Political group (NY SM Activists)
• For profit groups (PEP)
• Regional/National association (NLA)

• If so, why? 
 

II. PLAN A FIRST MEETING
 

A. Goal Identify individuals with a similar interest

B.  Topic Discussion, not demonstration -- General and Introductory in Nature

C. Where Neutral space, e.g., hotel, meeting room

D. When Try both weekday and weekend evenings

E. Publicity Local newspapers, Internet

F. Cost Should not exceed $5.00  
 

III. CONDUCTING INITIAL MEETINGS
 

A. Atmosphere Non-threatening, safe neighborhood  

B. Discussion As professional as possible  

C. Define Future Direction parties, education, social, etc.  
 

IV. 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

• Programs Facilitates meetings
• Secretary Correspondence and administrative details
• Treasurer Deposits moneys, pays bills, maintains financial records
• Membership Maintains membership roster, prints labels, supervises mailings
• Newsletter Solicits contributions, editorial oversight, production and distribution
• Others Education, novice orientation, party captains, DMs, etc.

• To incorporate or not?

• Separating scene roles from group responsibilities
• Stick to your niche
• Factionalism Potential for one person tyranny < /LI>

V. SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS

• Bar, rented space, residence
• Accessibility
• Safety

• 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
 

VI. PUBLICITY

A. Where

• Internet Web sites, bulletin boards, usegroups
• Media Local newspapers and magazines
• Outreach Attend functions at other groups, present at scene and non-scene functions

• Announce specific meeting or activity
• How to get more info about the group 

VII. FINANCE

• 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

• Integrity
• Attention to detail

D.  Accountability 

• Fiscal responsibility is a responsibility of all officers
• Keep track of typical cash flow
• Audit vs. appropriate 

VIII. THE LAW

• Solicitation
• Prostitution
• Bawdy House
• Sodomy
• Pornography
• Weapons
• Masks and uniforms
• Sex and money
• Minors

B.  Liquor Control Laws/Regulations 

• Nudity

• If it is against the law, DO NOT do it

D.  Relationship with Law Enforcement 

• Establish liaison
• Invite them to speak
• Offer to educate on SM issues

IX. NEWSLETTER

• Inform members issues and events
• Outreach exchange newsletters with other groups
• Profit paid advertising, newsstand sales
• Entertainment fiction, cartoons

• Group mission statement
• Calendar of events
• Activity reports
• Features
• Commercial advertising
• ISOs
• Fiction
• How-to Articles

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

X. PLAY PARTIES

A.  Identify a Party Coordinator  

• Someone experienced at coordinating events

• Bar, rented space, residence, campground

• Members only
• Guests
• Public
• Age Limitations

E.  Define general (etiquette) and special rules

• DMs enforce rules and ensure a clean, safe playspace

• Type
• Quantity
• Alcohol Restrictions
• Who provides
• Timing
• Clean-up

• See law section

• Accidents
• Property damage
• Food poisoning
• Dram-shop rules

XI. ELECTIONS 

• Empower membership
• Limit tyranny

• 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

• Meet the candidates meeting
• Newsletter coverage
• Special mailings to members

• Announce elections
• Solicit qualified candidates
• Mail ballot, statement of candidates, and return envelope to members
• Count ballots
• Publish results winners only

XII. AVOID GETTING IN A RUT

A.  Maintain Variety 

• Mix of lecturers, demonstration, parties, etc.

• Lunch or brunch groups
• Trips to Renaissance Fairs, etc.
• SM related movies, etc.

• Fashion Show
• Flea market
• Annual run
• Fund-raisers

• Women
• Dominants
• Submissives
• Crafters
• Bondage
• Couples

E.  Training Courses 

• Schools for Tops and Doms
• Schools for Bottoms and Subs
• Master classes

XIII. MISCELLANEOUS CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCESSFUL GROUPS

A. Constant Influx of New People

B. Financial Checks and Balances

C. Deliberations Open to All

D. Everyone Treated Equally

E. Loyal Opposition is Healthy

F. Group and Leaders Must Provide Something to the Membership