Our Bylaws 
                                                       

Preamble

Conservative Kink, hereafter known as "CK" is a non-profit organization. Our members are consenting adults (18 years and over) who enjoy erotic D/S (Dominance/submission) and BDSM (bondage, dominance, sado-masochism) interactions. The main goal of the group is to create and maintain a safe environment for its members to socialize and to explore their own inner issues with others of similar inclination. Other goals of the group include providing information, education and support to the members whenever possible. The group first serves the goals of its members, but also will use its resources to support the goals of the entire Leather Community at every level. 
We enjoy socializing with one other while in role. We make new friends, we watch each other and we have opportunities to play together. Our members may want to do more than just watch, but there is never any pressure to do anything you don't want to do. Each one of us feels like a student and we are all learning from each other, no matter what our level of experience. It is not the purpose of CK to make determinations of fitness to join based on outside influences, however, while attending meetings/Affairs, members are expected to stay in roles. 

Article I - Governing Body

Section A: Council of CK

1. CK will be governed by a council comprised of an odd number of members in good standing. The number of council members shall be voted on by the body of membership. The duties of the councils members to be described herein. 
2. The founding council body is comprised of members commissioned by the initial membership group at the first meeting of CK. Subsequent council bodies shall be voted in once yearly by all members in good standing of CK. Each member to have one vote. 
3. Council members can be either Dom or sub and should be experienced in the lifestyle. They should be willing to dedicate the time and effort needed to perform required duties. Council members should be examples to others as leaders and mentors. 
Any council member may resign his/her position without explanation with a letter of resignation.
Vacancies on the council will be resolved by a vote of all attending members in good standing at the next CK meeting.



6. A quorum is assumed when 2/3 of council members are present. 


Section B: Membership

1. Membership of CK is open to Dominant males and submissive females without regard to race, religion, physical attribute or outside lifestyle choices. 
A. Members at large must be current with dues to remain members in good standing. 
B. CK operates as a non-profit organization with all work being done by volunteers. All funds are used to benefit only the group, not any one individual. CK will establish and maintain an official bank account and check register which will show all deposits and withdrawals. Any member in good standing may review the check register upon prior reasonable written request. Checks shall require a minimum of two council member signatures. 
C. All membership application fees and dues shall be deposited into the Group Bank Account. Payment shall be made on a reasonable basis for charge incurred on Group business, such as phone charges while conducting interviews of applicants, materials and postage for the Newsletter, and other similar items. 
2. Application process
A. Each applicant must complete a screening process to determine overall suitability and fit within the goals of the group. The applicant must complete a written application form, a telephone interview, and whenever possible, a personal interview in a face to face setting with a council member, prior to attending an Affair. After attending three meetings, the applicant may be offered membership in the group. 
Fees are due upon application for membership for one year. 
Membership fees for couples shall be $25.00
Membership fees for singles shall be $15.00 

Fees paid by singles shall be deducted from couples fees if such time as a single member adds to His/her household so that no more than $25.00 is paid for a couple. 
Fees are refunded if application for membership is denied. 
Fees are refunded at a rate of 50% if member cancels application before attendance of a 4th meeting. 

B. Council members will bear the primary responsibility of the personal face to face interview with applicants. Council members will be expected to make a brief report together with a recommendation to accept or deny the application. When a single submissive applies for membership the council members will take primary responsibility at any Affair to make certain that the applicant is comfortable and safe within her desired limits. Prospective members will be allowed to attend both open and closed meetings. 

1. Council members will act to ensure the safety off all submissive members. 

C. Members may be expelled for violations of the rules as defined by the bylaws of CK. 
1. Upon the first violation the violating member shall be given a verbal warning which includes an explanation of the rule that has been violated. Upon subsequent violations the member may be expelled or be given additional warnings dependent on the following: 
a. Whether the violation appears to have been willful or inadvertent b. Whether it is a repeat violation of the same rule 
c. Mitigating circumstances associated with the violation 
2. Each violation will be considered on a case by case basis by a quorum of council members. 

3. Certain acts shall warrant automatic and immediate expulsion from CK (i.e., ... intoxication, use of a controlled substance or physical abuse of an unwilling or non consensual partner). 

4. Expulsion of a member requires the convening of a special committee consisting of a minimum of one member at large and three council members. This committee will review any circumstances concerning the events surrounding the violation. The violating member may/may not be asked to offer an explanation. Refusal of a member to offer an explanation when requested by the committee may be grounds for summary expulsion. Final disposition of each case rests with the special committee. 

C. There shall be a once a year membership fee for all members. The yearly membership fee will be voted on by current members in good standing. Said fee may be waved at the discretion of the council. 

D. Signed Waiver Forms - Once each year, prior to attending any Affair that year, each member shall review and sign a waiver of liability. The waiver shall be for the purpose of having each member make a knowing waiver of any rights to make a claim against the Host or the group for damages for injury to person or property as a result of any activity during or arising from the Affair. The waiver shall also include an agreement to abide by these rules. Real names, addresses and phone numbers must be provided, and photo ID must be provided upon request. These documents shall be considered confidential and held and seen only by council members. Additionally, a general waver may be required at each affair prior to play. 

Article II - Code of Conduct

Our members subscribe to a simple code of conduct: Safe Space, Confidentiality, and Consensuality. 


Section A: Meetings & Affairs

1. Safe Space - We insist that our Affairs and meetings remain a safe space for each participant. Attacks on other members are not tolerated be it verbal, emotional or physical. Slander of another member is not permitted nor is any form of gossip. 
2. Confidentiality - Privacy is important to our members. We do not discuss our Affairs with persons outside the group. Each member is expected to protect the anonymity of other members. Members never give out another members phone number, name, address or information sufficient to permit identification of a member or a host. Members may take down a phone number of prospective member and offer to have another member and/or council member return the call of the prospective member. No member is allowed to 'out' another member. "Outing" shall be described as taking any punitive or disciplinary action or behavior between members. These decisions and actions are for the council to decide and/or act upon. 
Consensuality - Our members participate because they want to. No one is ever forced to do anything against his or her expressed wishes. Members do not touch another person without express permission, or the permission of a submissive’s Dom. Members do not join in scenes nor do they interrupt a scene without being invited. 
4. NO alcohol or drug use shall be tolerated at any group event where play may be involved. 
5. No non consensual activity may take place at any meeting or Affair. 


Section A - Meetings

1. Meetings shall be held every two weeks on Saturday evenings at a predetermined location except for the months of November and December. Members will be notified of all such meetings in advance. Guests are not permitted at membership meetings without prior council permission. 
2. Meetings will be chaired by council members all votes to be called for by council members with a motion and acceptance to vote. All members in good standing may participate in voting. Any member in good standing may petition for a vote to be called. 
3. Scheduled meetings may be canceled at the discretion of the council due to unforeseen circumstances.. (i.e.. Inclement weather, location problems etc.) 
4. The 'Code of Conduct' and all rules contained herein must be followed by all attendees of meetings. 
5. Meetings shall be classified as 'open' meetings and 'closed' meetings. At "open" meetings members in good standing may invite or sponsor guests to learn more about CK. "Closed' meetings shall be for members only and may involve demonstrations for the edification and enjoyment of members in good standing. 
6. Meetings may, if necessary, take the place of an Affair or vice/versa. 

Section B Affairs

An affair is an interactive social gathering, all members remaining in role throughout the event. 
1. Affairs will be held once a month except during November and December. Dates and times to be determined. 
2. Affairs will be held at private homes. 

A. Attendance to an affair will require a per person charge for admission to cover cost of hosting the Affair. Any member who brings a guest shall be responsible for the actions of that guest. 
B. Entry fees for members in good standing shall be: Member couple - $15.00
Member single - $10.00

C. Entry fees for guests shall be:
Couples - $30.00
Singles - $20.00

D. The actual costs for food, drinks and other supplies shall be deducted from the gross proceeds at each affair, along with a payment of $50 to the host for the use of the location. The remainder shall be deemed to be a surplus, and shall be deposited into the Group Bank Account. 
Special Affairs may be arranged from time to time in other locations and may require a large or smaller admission fee. Members of sister organizations may pay fees in accordance with members in good standing. 
3. Members must ensure the privacy of the host by arriving circumspectly attired until such time as they are allowed entry into the Affair, where fetish clothing is permitted. Only submissives/slaves may be fully nude. 
4. Each Dom/Master will bring his own portable equipment, which can be shared with other members. 
5. Blood sports, water sports, fire play, enemas, or asphyxiation are not permitted unless prior arrangements have been made with the host. 
6. Non-alcoholic beverages and snack food will be provided at Affairs. 
7. No alcohol or uncontrolled substances will be permitted at any group event where play may be involved. Persons that appear to be intoxicated or influenced by controlled substances shall be asked to leave and may have membership summarily revoked. 

8. Latex gloves and/or condoms should be utilized during the exchange of bodily fluids and/or for any insertion into a bodily cavity. It is left to the discretion of established couples to abide by this recommendation. No open intercourse will be permitted. 
9. Members will not touch another person without permission although permission to touch a submissive may be granted by her Dom/Master. 
10. Members will not join in scenes nor interrupt a scene without expressed permission. 
11. Watching a scene is always permitted at Affairs. 
12. Safe words will be employed at Affairs during event play. Members are free to utilize their own custom safe words, which need not be recognized by anyone except the Dom/Master responsible for the sub. At every affair, the word 'safe word' shall be recognized by every member as an immediate request by the submissive to speak. All activity focused on that submissive shall immediate cease until such time as the submissive gives consent to resume activity. 
13. Non-members shall not be brought to any Affair without consent of council. 
14. Anyone is free to leave any Affair at any time; however, once the doors are closed reentry is not permitted. 
15. Photographs are not permitted at Affairs except on a case by case basis and with the consent of all parties to be photograph. Anyone that desires to reenact certain activities may contact the host to make arrangements. 
16. Any person who exceeds reasonable limits or demonstrates irresponsible behavior may be asked to leave the Affair and may be expelled as a member depending on the individual circumstances. 
17. At any Affair, council members shall attempt to maintain safe conduct of all members and their guests within the bylaws of the organization. While council members shall endeavor to be the voice of the whole, at any affair the word of council members shall be law. 
18. Admission to Affairs is predominately issued to couples with certain exceptions. A couple is defined as two individuals who arrive together, enter and pay admission fees together, and spend most of their time together during the affair. Marital status or length of acquaintance is irrelevant.
19. Members wishing to bring guest to an affair, will also check with the host of the affair for there approval prior to the event. 
A. Exceptions - Singles may attend when they are already members in good standing, or they may attend as a guest of a member couple, or they may attend at the discretion of the council. 

Article IV - Amendments and additions to the bylaws

The CK bylaws are a living document and as such are subject to change. The CK Council will review the bylaws periodically to determine the necessity for amendments or additions and to ensure the growth of the organization. CK members may petition the council to make amendments or additions to the bylaws. A copy of the bylaws shall be made available to all members. 

We recognize that the group represents a complex mixture of people and situations, and that it may be impossible to predict all possible problem areas in advance. These rules may be amended from time to time to include additional guidance and safeguards to assure the safety of all members in the group. Such additions or amendments shall be described in the Newsletter, or at regular meetings by the council. 

Amended 1/11/99

Celeste CK secretary                         

Written by Master G