AUGUST MUNCH

 

Saturday, 13th, 2011

 

Board meeting at 5:00

Munch from 7:00 – 9:00

 

*******LOCATION ********

PoK e Joe's

2121 Parmer Lane

This is a really nice location. the room has a door to the outside and a picnic table right there for the smokers, ample parking and good food. The staff is very friendly and glad to have our business.  The restaurant does close at 9:00 p.m.

Please have a bite, or even order some food! Please do tip ... the room is free, we need to show our appreciation.  Also, please gather up your dishes onto one table so it is easier for the staff to clean up.

Munches are open to anyone – over the age of 18 – who has an interest in learning more about the kinky side of Austin and Central Texas. You can meet lots of other fun and interesting folks and get the 411 on all sorts of groups and events.

You can obtain a current GWNN Membership card.  Come on, didn’t you always want to be a card-carrying pervert?  Remember GWNN does NOT keep any personal identification on record and you may have any name you ask for on your card. (You may even use my real name and I can have all my bills forwarded to you!)

You may purchase a September Party ticket at the munch and you can get information about the many volunteer opportunities available.  We always need trained DM’s for the parties.  We can also use help setting up and tearing down before and after a party.  The food area can use a couple of helpers to keep the area clean and refreshments refilled.  Ask any board member about what is needed and someone will tell you where to go … I mean who to talk to.

Volunteers receive a $5.00 voucher that can be used toward the purchase of a future party ticket for each 2 hours worked.  DM’s get a voucher per each 1 hour shift.  We realize this isn’t much, but the GWNN board does appreciate everyone who helps and it is a small way that we can recognize your participation.

KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST GWNN NEWS

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If you are reading this on the web and just cannot possibly survive without having it arrive promptly in your very own e-mail box, please send an electronic communication request to

MsOpal    @   armadillo   dot  nu

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So, was July HOT enough for you?

GWNN can’t take all the credit, but BASH XVIII – Unleash The Heat

*

Certainly did just that! What an amazing weekend filled with great presenters and hot play!  Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and helped in any way at all.  Each volunteer, each participant, each presenter, each vendor … everyone helped make this a year to remember!

Onward and upward to BASH XIX!

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ELECTIONS for the 2011-2012 officers

It’s time to begin to think about who you want to lead GWNN for 2011-2012.  October may seem far away, but the nomination procedures are structured to begin at this month’s munch and continue through the end of August.  So look around and think about who works for the good of GWNN and the entire community.  Think about who has the leadership skills to keep GWNN on an even keel and help maintain GWNN’s unique position in the community.

Nominees will be vetted and the slate of candidates will be announced at the September munch, with elections held at the October munch.  The 2011-2012 Board will take office at the end of the November party.

These excerpts from the by-laws and P&P explain the structure of the board, and the nomination and election process.  The entire By-Laws and P&P can be read on the GWNN web site.

www.gwnn.net

 

2.00 Leadership Structure.

The elected officers shall consist of an Arbiter, a President and a Board of Directors (hereafter referred to as "the Board" or "Board") comprised of six at-large board members. No person shall hold two elected positions concurrently. Duly appointed representatives shall consist of any GWNN members that volunteer and are appointed by an officer to perform legitimate GWNN functions. Appointed positions shall include but are not limited to: Treasurer, Secretary, Equipment, Safety, Communications, Food, Facilities, Emergency Response, Transportation, Outreach, Vendor Liaison and Website.

 

Article IV. Elections, Referendums and Amendments

1.00 Election of Officers.

Election of officers shall be conducted every year at a munch in the month of October. The Board shall appoint an election committee to oversee the election of officers. Appointment to this committee shall be open to any GWNN member in good standing, including officers. The election committee shall consist of five members, one to be appointed by the President, one to be appointed by the Arbiter, and three to be selected and approved by the Board of Directors. At least two of these positions must be members that do not hold office in GWNN. The President and Arbiter may not appoint themselves.

B. General Elections

General Elections shall be held every year at the munch in the month of October.

1. Election committee

The GWNN officers shall appoint an election committee to oversee the election of new officers. Appointment to this committee shall be open to any GWNN member in good standing, including officers. The election committee shall consist of five members, one to be appointed by the President, one to be appointed by the Arbiter, and three to be selected and approved by a simple majority of voting officers. The President and the Arbiter may not appoint themselves. The election committee shall govern these elections according to the GWNN bylaws and Policies and Procedures. Appointment of this Election Committee will take place prior to the August munch.

2. Nomination process

Nominations for candidates to GWNN elected offices will begin at the August munch and will continue until about the end of August.

Any member in good standing (a member that has not had their right to stand as a candidate for GWNN office suspended or removed for cause), and who is eligible to vote in GWNN elections, and who is not on suspension or probation for cause, can be nominated and stand as a candidate for office and be considered an acceptable candidate to include on the election ballot. The Election committee will contact all nominees (that meet the minimum, acceptable qualifications above), determine the acceptance of each nominee to run, obtain a short description or biography from each Candidate (optional) and create a printed slate of candidates with optional information before the September munch.

The Election committee will announce the slate of all valid candidates at the September munch.

The General Election vote will take place at the October munch.

The Election Committee will count the ballots and determine the results.

The election results will be announced by e-mail (by special announcement to the GWNN mailing list) within six days of the vote and at the November munch.

New officers will take office in November (at the November party if possible).

Candidates may be nominated for, and may run for, multiple positions if they so desire.

No write-in candidates or candidates that did not follow the official nomination process will be allowed to run. Write-in names on any ballot will be ignored.

·        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

AUGUST INTERVIEW

So many readers have commented that they really enjoy the interviews with various community leaders and members.  This month I was fortunate to have Lady Robin give us an overview of ClubFEM-Austin.  Following the ClubFEM-Austin interview is the part that I always find fascinating – an interview with Lady Robin about Her Family, and the structures and relationships that help make life interesting.  I want to thank Lady Robin for her time in answering these questions and elaborating on her life so openly.  I know you will all enjoy reading this as much as I did!

 

 

ClubFEM- Austin

And

Lady Robin

What is the full correct name of the group?  ClubFEM-Austin

Is ClubFEM-Austin affiliated with any other group(s)? If so, can you elaborate?  ClubFEM-Austin is an offspring of ClubFEM International. There are chapters all over the world.  We all follow basic guidelines but are stand-alone for the most part.

When did ClubFEM-Austin begin? The Austin chapter was founded in January of 2009.

What is the purpose / what are the goals of ClubFEM?  ClubFEM is a social organization composed of individuals who want to develop sincere Female Dominant/male submissive relationships. The Doms are in charge of the activities at all times; and, ClubFEM Doms are considerate and caring Women who want the D/s experience to be enjoyable for all participants.  The FEM is an acronym for Females Enslaving Males.  The Austin chapter does not adhere to the Female Supremacy theory, but we do enjoy the Power Exchange.

Who is eligible to attend?  Biological or post-op Female Dominants and male submissives (switches in the appropriate mode ONLY) who are over 21 years of age.

Are there dues or fees to join or attend an event?  No membership fee.  Party donations as applicable.

Do you require legal identification? Yes, for age verification purposes only.  We do not keep any information on file.

How often do you meet? Socials once a month, usually the Sunday before a party but occasionally for a weeknight happy hour. Parties are the 4th Saturday of each month.

Do you have topics or speakers at meetings, or is ClubFEM a strictly social group? If so, what sorts of topics are covered in your meetings? We are a social club but we occasionally have a brief demo or discussion at parties.  We cover such topics as toy bag basics, CBT, fire play, protocols, etc…

Can you describe what your socials or parties are like for male subs/slaves who might be interested but a bit afraid about attending? The Doms are in charge of the activities at all times.  There are some Doms who like strictly service and some who enjoy the S/m side of things.  And then there are some who enjoy both.  The same for the boys/grrls.  When I say “grrls” I am referring to those who enjoy cross-dressing.  We have adult babies as well.  We want everyone to feel free to practice their particular kink in a safe environment as long as it is safe, sane and consensual.

We ask that ALL boys/grrls serve in some capacity during the evening.  After all, it is about pleasing the ladies.

Is special attire required?  I ask that the ladies dress in somewhat Fem attire. It can be leather or lace or a combination of the above or just something as simple as black attire.  Pants are permitted but not “Blue” jeans.  boys/grrls are required to dress in a particular manner.  We have a “protocol” time.  This is when boys/grrls retire to prepare themselves for our pleasure.  This can be wearing fem attire or stripping down to only a thong or the bare necessities.  This puts them in the mind-set of being submissive to us (the Fems).  They come to us with nothing but humility; ready to serve.  

Do either FemDoms or male subs need to apply before attending an event?  I ask that all newcomers attend a social before being invited to a party.  There is a brief questionnaire that I ask be filled out for information purposes only.  This gives me an idea of whether they may be a good fit for ClubFEM-Austin.  I also will conduct a brief interview to ask them questions about their particular interests and give them a chance as well to ask questions such as the ones being asked in this interview.

Besides meeting others, what can a male sub gain by attending a ClubFEM-Austin meeting or party?  Basically we all want the same thing.  To have fun and to find a relationship where they can serve or play or both.  Some are looking for Mistress Right, some are simply looking for Mistress Right Now or a temporary fix to get their kink on.  We are not a hook-up service but as with most BDSM groups, we all are on the lookout for that compatible partner whether it be long term or just for the evening. 

What else would you like to tell us about ClubFEM-Austin  We want the ladies and boys/grrls to feel free to practice their chosen orientation without the feeling of being judged.  Our parties are always full of great energy.  Our average party size is between 30-40 people.  We usually have a fair ratio of men to women.  Single Female Doms and single male submissives are welcome as well as couples.

If someone that has never been to ClubFEM-Austin wants more information, where should they look?  I can be contacted directly at LadyRobin@clubfem-austin.com  I am currently working on a local chapter website but it’s not up and running yet.  Though each chapter abides by the same core guidelines we are free to organize any way we wish.  For more information in the meantime, interested parties can visit www.clubfem.com

Thank you very much!

Dear Lady Robin and Johnan,
Can we start by telling us how you can by your names?  Lady Robin is from the time Johnan and I married at the Atomic (now Elysium) Café.  We had a medieval/goth/kink wedding theme.  Johnan, as a soldier in the Army at that time, always calls me his Lady and he was and is my knight in shining armor.

His scene name is a play on words.  Sor Johnan- Sor being non-Sir because he doesn’t claim any particular label, i.e. Sir, Master, Lord, etc…  and Johnan being derived from his first name.  (Pronounced jo-non)

Were you are couple pre D/s or are you a couple because of D/s?  We were a couple pre-D/s but we are not a D/s couple.  We both identify as Tops.  It has always been so.

You are part of an extended Leather Family / group (I admit to never being sure what everyone likes to call their particular arrangement), is that correct?  Actually only two of us identify as Leather.  It is a very misunderstood culture and I really don’t want to confuse your readers more.  Suffice it to say that there is no one twue (not misspelled- a play on the word true)  way just as every D/s or M/s or B/s or what have you is different.

Would you tell us how many people that entails?  There are currently four in our immediate family.  However, one of us is dating another and we have a girl in training. It is a complicated yet simple dichotomy.

A thought many people have who have not experienced that part of this life is “how in the world do you keep track” … of the various relationships, the time you each need with each of the others, your schedules, and just the regular life stuff like appointments and meetings?  Three of us live together as husband’s and wife.  The girl in training also lives in the house.  The fourth partner prefers to live on her own.  We are not all sexually active with everyone else in the family.  We have our separateness and our monogamousness (are those words?).  Let me confuse you more with how we work (every poly family is different).  I have two husbands and one wife.  I am intimate with both husbands but not with the wife.  Husband #1 is intimate with me and the wife only. Husband #2 (I put them in chronological order not order of importance) is intimate with me and the woman he is dating but we are not all intimate with each other.  Husbands #1 and #2  and I do not all sleep in the same bed.  They take turns.  There is no predetermined schedule, it just works itself out.

As to how we schedule and keep track… it’s not so difficult since three of us live together.  As for the woman husband #2 is dating- we use an every other weekend schedule for now.  This sometimes get off track but we make it work and don’t sweat the petty stuff.

And … “where do you get the energy?”  Sometimes we don’t have enough energy but we are pretty much like any other family or couple.  We have up days and down days.  We have full schedules or sometimes nothing going on so we can relax and be “normal.”

Would you tell us a few things about that leather Family and how it all came about? Again, leather to me and my family can be and probably is different from others. 

Husband # 1 (Johnan), as I mentioned before identifies only as a Top.  He doesn’t follow a Leather path as husband # 2 and I do.  I met husband #2- Michael 6 years ago.  He petitioned me as a Dominant to train him in the ways of D/s.  I agreed and so began our D/s relationship.  We do not practice high protocols or a strict leather regime in my home so we look more like a D/s to others.

When did you realize that you might be interested in a relationship that involved more than 1 other person, or even 2?  Thinking back on my life I realize that I have always been non-monogamous, so it seemed only natural to be polyamorous.  I never dated just one guy at a time and thought that I was just a cheater.  I didn’t know anything about poly or how more than two people could be in a relationship.  I knew about swingers of course, but poly relationships are not about swapping partners for sex.  It is about love and commitment to more than one person in a lasting relationship. 

When Johnan introduced me to the S&M lifestyle he taught me by co-topping with willing play partners.  It was a rule in the house however that neither one of us would have sex with anyone if the other wasn’t involved.  That soon changed when I came to the realization that I was not compatible with some of the women he was attracted to.  So we talked of seeing other people outside of our play.  Also he was traveling a lot for his job.  I could either sit at home twiddling my thumbs or I could go out and find play partners on my own.  If those relationships developed beyond that, it was ok.  Neither one of us held each other back.

I would like to note here that no one can force Poly.  I have seen it time and time again over the years.  One partner wants to have more partners so they declare they are poly and expect the first partner to accept it.  In most cases I have seen it blow up in people’s faces.  As with me- I realized that I wasn’t meant to be monogamous and having a partner who did not force it on me made me able to be myself.  And we are happy for it.

How do YOU define “Leather Family”, “Leather Values”  In my house, I am the head of the Leather family.  I define leather for me as a way of life.  As I mentioned before, I do not follow strict regime or protocols but we do have our rituals.  Leather to me is like the old saying:  A friend is someone who will bail you out of jail, a true friend would be locked up with you.  I know if I call on someone in my family at a moment’s notice they will come; no questions asked.  Please don’t misunderstand - there are these types of in normal D/s relationships as well as in the vanilla world.  To me it is all in the heart.  Loyalty, honor and discipline is the motto we try to live by.  We continuously try to improve ourselves in mind, body and spirit.

How important is service in your relationships? Does its importance vary from person to person – different relationships? Service is very important to me.  I do not demand or even expect service however.  I want it to be because the one serving me wants to be there.  What good would it be for me to demand respect if I don’t give it in return?  However, respect is earned- hence the service.

What forms does service take in your everyday lives?  Husband #2 is a switch.  In the beginning he was all about the submission but it didn’t come natural to him.  It took us two years to figure out that he is a boy not a submissive.  Boy, in my house, is a term used to describe a mischievous person with a will of their own.  Think about a teenager who plays video games and skips school occasionally and rebels at times.  Does this take away from his serving me?  No.  It simply means (again in my house) that he only serves me and is a Top basically with all others. 

How big a role does what most call “bdsm play” figure in your lives? If you do incorporate play, do you schedule time or just let things happen?  We love a good play session.  Having a boy is even more fun sometimes.  I don’t want a meek and mild bottom.  I like to play hard so I want someone that wants it just as hard and can take it.

Play is very important in our lives.  It’s fun and a great way to relieve stress.  It’s not just about the service.  Sometimes we try to be spontaneous but often times life gets in the way and we have to put it off for who knows how long.  This even happens if we try to schedule a set time. We do try for once a month at least.  The nice thing about being involved in a large kink community is that there are plenty of public parties to play.

I have been very fortunate to be a part of this great kink community for more than 11 years.   It has been a hell of a ride that I wouldn’t have missed for anything.  I look forward to many, many more years to come.

 

 

 

All info on the hotel is here http://www.gwnn.net/bash/2011/hotel.html including
a special link directly to the Bash rate reservation page.

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