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Getting our munch going.... - 11/20/2006 9:07:31 PM

servingwench80

Posts: 206
Joined: 12/3/2005
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Over the past 5-10 years our local munch has stagnated to the point where almost nothing goes on other than the actual munch once a month. But we're trying to get things going again. On that front, we're trying to work out a few different things and I was hoping some of you might be able to offer some information/advice.

One thing we're trying to do is get some classes/discussion groups going. Everything from hands-on things like Rope Bondage 101 for newbies or Flogging 101, to discussions about playing with disabilities or other physical limitations. My question on that is: Is there any kind of class or discussion that you have experienced that you feel really forwarded your growth? Something that you think everyone should attend? Or a class that you think would draw in a lot of people? Something you can see there being a lot of interest in?

Our biggest issue at the moment is space. We need somewhere to hold our classes or discussions and we would really like somewhere that we could go for playparties and such. There aren't really any clubs in the immediate area (the closest ones are 1.5-2 hours away). Do any other groups have some creative suggestions for getting a space to use? Other than peoples' own homes?

And the biggest problem with getting a space is, of course, money. What do other groups do to support themselves? A membership fee will only take you so far...

So that's all I've got for now *L* If anyone is interested in talking more in depth about all this, please feel free to message me. We realize this is going to be a lot of work and will take time to get going, but we're willing to make the effort. We just need to get some people who are willing to help and offer ideas rather than discouragement and pessimism.

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RE: Getting our munch going.... - 11/20/2006 9:12:11 PM

aurora31

Posts: 266
Joined: 8/18/2005
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Two of the groups I belong to request a donation at the door to cover the cost of meeting space. One group is social and educational (demo's, discussions, and sometimes they make toys). The other is a social play party.

aurora

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RE: Getting our munch going.... - 11/20/2006 9:31:52 PM

LuckyAlbatross

Posts: 19224
Joined: 10/25/2005
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Just remember that 20% of the people will always be doing 80% of the work and 10% of the peoplpe will always be fighting against everyone else over everything.

Oh and BESS in Baltimore and BR in DC both use hotel meeting rooms for their weekly meetings, and BESS uses a conference room in a community center for its monthly board meetings.

And yes, contributor money's only go so far, but they can go farther than you think if you plan it well, get truly honest people (amazingly enough there are lots of dishonest people in the scene- ESPECIALLY the ones who volunteer for this sort of stuff), and some long term stick to it ness, then you can make a decent go of it.

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RE: Getting our munch going.... - 11/20/2006 10:43:03 PM

diamonddreamlove

Posts: 770
Joined: 5/19/2006
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We pay a $10 fee for dungeon rent each party we attend. We also offered a safety program where one of our members taught first aid, cpr, and blood borne pathogens. This was an issue that came up when a member had a stroke at a local dungeon. We were lucky at the time because at that private party we had medical personel as well as the instructor there to help our member and make the appropriate calls for help. Our main problem was getting the paramedics and ambulence attendents/firemen to stop looking at the interesting equipment lol and take care of our member. Several members attended the class and became certified at the cost of $25 per person which was a bargain for us. Love kinky instructors!!!! It is my understanding also that the club has sold tshirts at the parties and some members are vendors and bring their wares to sell. Won't say the club makes a ton of money but it does seem to pay the rent. Our group also meets informally besides the munch with members choosing to hang out with different people (we are a small group so not a problem). Have been horseback riding with other members and in fact help each other move, locate furniture, locate rental property and whatever else is needed. Good luck with the group it is well worth the work to get one going.

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RE: Getting our munch going.... - 11/21/2006 4:00:07 AM

Elegant

Posts: 1024
Joined: 3/15/2005
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Take a field trip to some of the other munch groups in the surrounding area sometime..to share camaraderie:

Orlando Munch
Daytona Beach Munch
Others? (http://www.orlandomunch.com/bdsmcalendar.htm)

Educational ideas:

NCSF( http://www.ncsfreedom.org)
Fireplay is always a good crowd pleaser
Toy cleaning
Pevertable toys

Locations for educational opportunities

Any adult toy stores in the area that would have some extra space?
Members who own a business with extra space

Funds

Pass the hat at munches
Have a kinky yard sale (private perhaps)

This is just to get some ideas going! All the best.

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http://www.FantasiesInLeather.com

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RE: Getting our munch going.... - 11/21/2006 4:14:05 AM

MsSonnetMarwood

Posts: 1898
Joined: 2/10/2005
From: Eastern Shore, Maryland
Status: offline

quote:

Locations for educational opportunities

Any adult toy stores in the area that would have some extra space?

Members who own a business with extra space

In addition:

Check out any local adult business, i.e., strip clubs, etc. They may have space that is usable, particularly if the demo is being held off-peak hours for their own business, and they aren't likely to be put off with the nature of BDSM.

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Deja Moo: The feeling you've heard this bull somewhere before.

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RE: Getting our munch going.... - 11/21/2006 4:20:18 AM

LordODiscipline

Posts: 995
Joined: 6/28/2004
Status: offline

Once a quarter, whether it was needed several groups I have belonged to held a meeting for future discussion topics and to (shanghai) ask and invite people to speak.

It melded the group that always attended closer together and allowed people to volnteer folks who did not attend - therefore assuring their attendance.

And, on one once a year they held open elections for a comittee that ran the groups... I think it is essential to rotate leadership roles.

Too many of the groups are autocracies and dictatorships that eventually fall apart due to loss of interest of the leader or dissatisfaction of the community with the BS the leader is foisting on them...

DSF is the only viable, successful, and worthwhile"dictatorship" I have ever seen in a BDSM group... Bob H. and Victor are the 'freaking cat's ass' in non-obtrusive leadership and balanced delivery of 'promised goods'...

Space is always at a premium - however, the folks who have commented thus far have the best ideas.. and, there is always a fee to compensate the "house" - one group I belong(ed) to used to get free space in the upper story of a roach infested gay bar.

All we had to do was tip the bartender - so they collected 2$ from each of the people - kept 1$ for the group and 1$ went to the bartender who opened up for us.

~J
(Who has been doing this leather thing for over 4 months now)

quote:

ORIGINAL: servingwench80

Over the past 5-10 years our local munch has stagnated to the point where almost nothing goes on other than the actual munch once a month. But we're trying to get things going again. On that front, we're trying to work out a few different things and I was hoping some of you might be able to offer some information/advice.

One thing we're trying to do is get some classes/discussion groups going. Everything from hands-on things like Rope Bondage 101 for newbies or Flogging 101, to discussions about playing with disabilities or other physical limitations. My question on that is: Is there any kind of class or discussion that you have experienced that you feel really forwarded your growth? Something that you think everyone should attend? Or a class that you think would draw in a lot of people? Something you can see there being a lot of interest in?

Our biggest issue at the moment is space. We need somewhere to hold our classes or discussions and we would really like somewhere that we could go for playparties and such. There aren't really any clubs in the immediate area (the closest ones are 1.5-2 hours away). Do any other groups have some creative suggestions for getting a space to use? Other than peoples' own homes?

And the biggest problem with getting a space is, of course, money. What do other groups do to support themselves? A membership fee will only take you so far...

So that's all I've got for now *L* If anyone is interested in talking more in depth about all this, please feel free to message me. We realize this is going to be a lot of work and will take time to get going, but we're willing to make the effort. We just need to get some people who are willing to help and offer ideas rather than discouragement and pessimism.

< Message edited by LordODiscipline -- 11/21/2006 4:27:03 AM >

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RE: Getting our munch going.... - 11/21/2006 6:50:11 AM

sub4hire

Posts: 6775
Joined: 1/1/2004
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If you want a discussion group and the members do not. No, it is not going to work. I'd ask the members who attend what they would like to happen.
If they want demo's then do them. You can open up your home to them or another member of the group can. There is no reason to have to pay for rent for someplace.
We've held parties where all the play happened at 4 stations in the garage and the house was just for chatting together.
I know it isn't what you wanted to hear although it is a good alternative.

Also, you can use anywhere that has a hall. Think outside of the box...fire halls. Salvation army...elks lodge. Of course they are all going to cost money.

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RE: Getting our munch going.... - 11/21/2006 6:50:52 AM

SassySue

Posts: 54
Joined: 2/12/2006
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You can usually rent a firehall fairly cheap. Worth checking into.

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RE: Getting our munch going.... - 11/21/2006 7:00:26 AM

Wildfleurs

Posts: 1650
Joined: 9/24/2004
From: Connecticut
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: servingwench80
Our biggest issue at the moment is space. We need somewhere to hold our classes or discussions and we would really like somewhere that we could go for playparties and such. There aren't really any clubs in the immediate area (the closest ones are 1.5-2 hours away). Do any other groups have some creative suggestions for getting a space to use? Other than peoples' own homes?

Are there any local gay lesbian centers? They may have space available to use. Also any general community centers. Hotel spaces can be kind of expensive, although if you look at enough places (particularly the smaller hotels that don't have an organized sales staff and may only have one or two meeting spaces available).

C~

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RE: Getting our munch going.... - 11/21/2006 7:05:51 AM

LadyHugs

Posts: 2299
Joined: 1/1/2004
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Dear servingwench80, Ladies and Gentlemen;

I would consider driving the distance you mentioned on going to a decent munch and or presentation.

I recommend touching bases with your other local support and education groups and have a combined meeting. A joined meeting gets people together and gives a bit of CPR to both, as the community gets a wee bit larger. This also could lead to people presenting in each other's groups as well. In addition, joint meetings can perhaps defray the cost of bringing in speakers and or presentors.

In seeing that you're in Florida, I would get in touch with the Master and or slave, that runs: Fetish Alliance. Perhaps going to http://www.fetishalliance.net will assist in finding joint cooperation in your endeavors.

In the Washington, DC area; we are currently blessed with a BDSM club, which is converted warehouse space. Black Rose has met for meetings in a small Gay church for a time, has rented space from a VFW lodge for some time; using their dance floor/entertainment center. Rented a floor on top of an active Gay Bar.

I would also have you inquire about Real Estate that might be open for use or rent. Of course nothing can stay 'fixed' it would provide space.
I would ask Fetish Alliance if they have kink friendly Real Estate agents in your area that might know of space, especially commercial space that might be suitable. The only one I know is on AOL, he isn't on the list but, if you contact me off list, I can then type a letter of introduction and then you can go from there.

Recreational sites, such as cabins and outdoor camping areas, which have closed cabins and or luxury cabins for those who don't rough it.
Some cabins spread out to handle two families and divided by a common room that would accomidate your classes. Room for the presentors would be answered, as well as those who travel extremely far. When done, replace the furniture as was and clean up your mess and none would be the wiser. If anything like West Virginia, woods surround such cabins and would support nudity, as it is far from the road or any nearby residences.

As far as topics go, I would like to see all groups refresh themselves on being safe in the scene; through communications, negotiations, safe calls, medical issues and emergencies and such to be known to each partner before starting off. I have always enjoyed Jay Wiseman's efforts in education and he is very willing to travel. He can also speak on "the scene and the law." Flogging, caning, single tails and I agree, that those with disabilities often get over looked, so I've always added a portion of all my presentations to working with disabilities from the TOP and bottom perspectives. I would also like to see more 'relationship' workshops, as to help people. Perhaps consider, like at some teas I've had, where people bring their favorite tea cup and saucer and tell the story behind it, like history, why its one's favorite, what it means to you (the individual). It can be easily transferred to bringing your favorite toy and tell the story. It can be a lovely round table discussion indeed. You can also have a panel of slaves, subs, Dominants, Masters and or Mistresses; to which people can 'ask' questions. Discuss and problem solve, see through their mind's eyes.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
Lady Hugs

[Mod Note: email address removed]

< Message edited by ModeratorEleven -- 11/21/2006 8:51:51 AM >

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