Many BDSM groups are started by a one or two people usually out of need for a group in a particular area. This can be an exciting and rewarding thing to do, not to mention a service to the BDSM community at large.

A group run by this way is limited in longevity if it continues to draw on the energy and time of the founders. Converting to a member run organization assures the group has a life after the founders are no longer running it.

• Overview of BDSM groups.

• Strategic Planning for Group Conversion

• Developing New Leaders

• Nuts and bolts of how to make it happen

• Tips and Lessons learned

   

 

History of groups in the Boston area (case studies)

• BDS history

• Other Boston Scene groups

 

 

Candidate Groups for Becoming Member Run Organizations

• Social groups

• Discussion groups

• Education groups

• Play groups

• Committees, Private groups & Casual groups NOT good candidates

 

Brain Storming Session

Purpose of group

Group structure

 

Examples:

• Education group does a lot of planning.

• Activist group does a lot of decision making.

• Social group does a lot of shopping.

 

Vision: This the place to start. What is the Vision of the Group?

Have a Vision of the Should Be

 

What is the Vision of a member run group?

• Should Be for the Member Run BDSM Organization is Strong Membership, Good Leaders, Shared Group Values.

• BDS SHOULD be an organization which fosters community where like minded individuals in the BDSM scene can learn, support and socialize together.

 

 

Estimate the As Is

• Strengths to build on

• Competencies to be developed For example, Strengths of the BBS based group are: Communication skills; Modern technology; Relatively risk free social setting. Competencies to develop further are: Planning meetings; Running events; Leadership development.

 

 

Set Goals: Realistic, reasonable, challenging, attainable goals.

• Long

• Intermediate

• Short In essence, the sole proprietor group must move from "asking the boss" to the "becoming the leaders."

 

 

Develop programs/methods/plans of action:

• The requirements for achieving set goals.

• Who will do which part.

• How the different parts tie together.

 

 

OBJECTIVE: Make a plan to convert a local munch group that wants to do more than meet once per month at the local mall and talk. They are interested in forming a group that could add members as easily as the munch does but that has the option of some more privacy to have play parties.

• Candidate group?

• Current strengths? Competencies needed?

• Purpose and vision of the group?

• Possible short, intermediate and long term goals for the group?

 

Human resources most likely volunteers

Membership cost perceived as a value

Plan events/ venues to break even

Share financials with members

Recruitment of new leaders (case studies)

Recognition

Authority

Delegation

Celebrate the success of the group

Convincing them that they are ready

Asking the new leaders to take the reins

Transferring responsibility and power

Ask other groups for help

Importance of ritual

Decide on Group Structure

Bylaws & Incorporation

Financial Matters

Process Details

Deal with setbacks

CELEBRATE!!!

The harder you work at it, the easier it looks from the outside.

There are many obstacles that face BDSM groups these days. Stick to it, be kind to one another and magic will happen

Get a magician

Have a VISION for Group

Set GOALS and make PLANS

Research state laws

Make a specific conversion plan

Actualize (convert should be into as is)

If you are thoughtful, you won't have a new group that is a bomb

Your new group will be a shining star

Thank You

 

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