1. Introductions

   [Also note that there will be several handouts at end, including topic listings and sample lessons. We will try to keep presentation as brief as possible to allow lots of time for comments and questions.]

2. Listing of possible sources of education
   • Written Materials
   • Individual Mentoring
   • Discussion Groups/ Munches
   • Programs
   • Dungeon Demos/ Play Parties
   • Special Events (e.g. Black Rose, LeatherFest, Delta, Inferno)
   • Seminars (sometimes including a demo)/ Workshops/ SIGs ("Special Interest Groups")
3. Brief consideration of all but Seminars/ Workshops/ SIGs
   1. Written Materials. Lots of material out there, of varying quality. Helpful, though not the same as doing. More on this later, when we discuss resources.
   2. Individual Mentoring. Being an apprentice to the right person is excellent. But watch for the difference between mentoring and playing. Finding mentors is more difficult if you are older or not physically attractive, no matter how earnest you are.
   3. Discussion Groups/ Munches (briefly describe). Most fruitful if there is a topic and some organization. Not too intimidating for novices. Can be open to all, or open only to members of some group. More under "seminars."
   4. Programs. Especially good if interactive. Has some problems similar to setting up of workshops/seminars (topics, finding speaker or panel well in advance, etc.); these will be discussed under "seminars/workshops." Program could be followed by a workshop shortly thereafter.
   5. Dungeon Demos (briefly describe)/ Play Parties. Going to just "look" vs. to "observe." Is a Demo really a demo, or just a public play + voyeur event? Having demonstrators talk during demos, or having moderators, or handouts (will people take them?).
   6. Special Events. Depending on the set up, could have a workshop component (e.g. like GMSMA's LeatherFest) or a Dungeon Demo component.
4. Seminars/ Workshops/ SIGs
   1. Seminars/ Workshops
      1. Topics (choose by starting with a topic; choose by starting with a presenter).
      2. Getting presenters (requirements? it's not enough to know your topic; knowing how to teach is possibly more important). Need for assistant bottoms, or just use attendees.
      3. Venues (could be very hard to find) and convenient times for events.
      4. Liaisons (for calling potential attendees, meeting any needs of the presenter, getting refreshments).
      5. Budgets (cover presenter's travel expenses, and perhaps even meals?? space rental; refreshments, handouts, supplies). Possible charge for attendees.
      6. Attendees (advertising for them; restrictions on who can attend).
      7. Outlines (for review before the event, especially with new presenters; for future presenters; for archives), including handouts.
      8. Equipment for events (items needed by presenter; items for attendees, like rope, clothespins, etc.).
      9. Dealing with no-shows (prohibited from attending future events?).
   2. SIGs- In addition to the problems of regular seminars/ workshops, here are more considerations for SIGs
      1. Note difference from regular seminars/workshops (one-time events vs. "family building" situation).
      2. Note some sample possible topics, including order (especially if nudity is eventually called for); level of teaching.
      3. Getting someone devoted enough (and with time enough) to be the official teacher. Sharing this?
      4. Getting a location for workshops (homes are best for their atmosphere and for developing camaraderie; nudity often needed); stick to one location for most of the sessions.
      5. Setting up a course; getting material, including technique/safety/psychology; handouts.
      6. Regularity and length of sessions (3-4 hours each?); spacing of sessions (every two weeks seems best; keep "longer skips" to a minimum); setting up lessons so there is workshopping time.
      7. Major budget requirement (refreshments, handouts, supplies). Cost to attendees?
      8. Screening applicants: interviewing (draw from an existing organization?). Who has power to "reject" (difference between rejecting from one-session workshop vs. from SIG). Avoiding people who just wish to watch; avoiding very experienced people who are just looking to pick up someone; eliminating applicants you feel are not appropriate (reasons?).
      9. Attendance requirements (lessons topics are not "pick and choose" what you want to attend; call us if you must be absent). Retention (dropping people who started but "do not work well with others"; dropping for too much absence). Can't miss both session 1 and session 2 (group has "intimacy" by then).
      10. Guest teachers; but "official" teacher should establish "leadership" before guest teachers are invited. Inviting in other tops or bottoms to help at times; SIG members should not bring in guests. No guests at all at certain sessions (e.g. first session with nudity). Should teacher ever be nude?
      11. Everyone is both top and bottom; constant switching of pairings (or triples); group becomes a "family."
      12. Getting (most) people to try all things (e.g. electricity, fire, flogging). Maintaining educational focus, and avoiding becoming sex parties. Be especially clear on this with guest teachers.
      13. Graduation "pin" (but it should probably not be an endorsement by the organization!).
      14. Training new teachers (apprenticeship …).
5. Special considerations especially applicable to heterosexual groups

   Nudity. Need for pairings & what to do with singles if most come with "partners." Will heterosexual women/ men pair with one another? Are people willing to change partners. Is everyone willing to be both top and bottom, even with their own sub?

6. Resources (especially helpful for groups in smaller areas)
7. Comments and questions from audience

 

 

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