Every month LBF holds a monthly planning meeting that provides members an opportunity to socialize, share stories, eat good food and plan for the coming month's events and activities.� These events and activities can range from sporting events to nights at the opera. To encourage diversity and participation, all members are encouraged to plan and lead events.� If you are new to LBF, we encourage you to attend a monthly planning meeting and sign up to participate in a couple of events to learn how the process works and meet other LBF members.
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If at any point you have questions or concerns about how event planning works, e-mail Julie at [email protected] and she'll guide you through the process.� Once you're comfortable with LBF event planning and you've seen how it works, you might want to lead your own activity.
The information below will give you some safety tips and guidelines that are designed to encourage maximum enjoyment and safety for all LBF members and activity participants. Activity coordinators have the right to refuse permission to participate to any individual who acts in an unsafe manner, does not act in accordance with these guidelines, or does not act in accordance with the event guidelines established by the coordinator.
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Event Planning � LBF members use an Event Planning Form to summarize important information about the event they wish to lead.� These forms are distributed via e-mail prior to each planning meeting.� Our newsletter and web site coordinator, Erin, then compiles the event announcements into a monthly newsletter that is distributed via e-mail over the LBF group.� Other information such as networking and community announcements may also be included in the newsletter and they should also be sent to Erin for inclusion.�
Sometimes, an LBF member decides spontaneously that she would like to plan a get-together and these last minute announcements can be posted to the group e-mail list even though they may not be included in the newsletter.� Member feedback has told us that many LBF members prefer to learn about events through the newsletter because it gives them a chance to plan their schedules ahead of time.� Whenever possible we encourage you to plan your activity far enough in advance that it can be communicated through the newsletter.
Safety Disclosure� Activities sponsored by LBF are conducted on a common adventure basis.� LBF leaders and guides are volunteers and may have a wide range of skill levels, but they are not paid professionals and should not be assumed to have professional skills or certifications.� Activity coordinators are responsible only for planning the logistical arrangements such as the date, time and place for events.� Each participant is solely responsible for her own safety and well being.� Activity coordinators are not trained to administer first aid, nor do they carry a first aid kit for participants. The event leader and/or LesBeFriends Santa Fe are not liable for participants' accidents or damages during LBF events.
Member Planners� Activities may be planned and coordinated by any LBF member.� We encourage each member to plan and coordinate at least one activity during the course of the year.� Your enthusiasm and participation are essential factors in LBF's continued viability.
Importance of RSVPs� We request that, whenever possible, LBF members who wish to participate in an event RSVP two days in advance to sign up for an activity.� If you are unable to attend, please call to cancel. �Activity leaders may cancel an event due to lack of sufficient response.� Participants who show up to an event without an RSVP take the risk of being the only one there!� Some events may have limited space, and in these cases the RSVP is essential.� Each event announcement in the newsletter contains contact information about the event leader including an e-mail address or phone number for RSVPs.
Carpooling� When carpooling to activities, please remember to reimburse the driver for gas!� Drivers and passengers should work out an appropriate cost sharing arrangement.
What to Bring� Members are responsible for providing their own equipment and food (including any needed emergency or safety equipment), unless otherwise specified.� Each event announcement will include information about any items that are required or recommended in order to participate in the activity.� If you have questions about equipment, please contact the activity coordinator.
Pet Policy� Activity coordinators specify whether or not dogs or other pets are allowed on their activities when appropriate.� If not otherwise specified, participants should assume no dogs are allowed unless they clear it specifically with the activity coordinator.� For activities that include dogs, the owner is expected to act responsibly with regard to the safety of other participants and animals.� If necessary, the owner may be asked to take her dog(s) ahead of the group or to leash her animals.
Kid Policy� Activity coordinators may plan activities that welcome families with children and teens. Family events are the one exception to LBF's women-only policy. Members are welcome to bring their sons to LBF family events.� It is the decision of the event leader to determine whether any age restrictions apply to a specific event based on safety and other considerations.� The activity planner's decision is final.� If an event description does not specifically address whether kids are allowed, participants should check with the event leader before bringing children.
Weapons� No weapons or firearms are allowed on LBF activities.
Drugs and Alcohol� Drug and alcohol abuse is not condoned at any LBF event.� Guidelines for alcohol and tobacco use may be established by the activity coordinator, who has the right to refuse participation to anyone who is under the influence.� The event host may also determine if an entire event will be alcohol and/or tobacco free.�
Outdoor Activities� Participants are responsible for their own safety and well being. Participants are responsible for bringing their own gear and equipment, including emergency supplies.� Hiking boots are strongly recommended for hikes, and adequate water is a necessity on all outdoor activities.� Depending on the activity, participants may also want to bring food, layered clothing, rain gear, hat, gloves, first aid kit, flashlight, waterproof matches, compass, mirror, and a space blanket.
Skill Levels� When participating in group activities, each member accepts that there will be a variety of skill and ability levels.� Every effort will be made by the activity coordinator to accommodate these differences so that all participants enjoy a quality event.� However, the group must work together with the activity coordinator to insure that it remains a coordinated unit for safety and logistical purposes.�
Last Minute Updates� It is the responsibility of the event activity coordinator to ensure that all participants who RSVP'd have any last minute information that may be needed.� Event cancellations or last minute changes are communicated via the group e-mail and by phone whenever possible. Event leaders should provide at least 48 hours' notice of any changes or cancellations..
