Notes from MOD/DM Discussion

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Here are the notes from the October 27th MOD/DM Discussion and social:

Background:

At the last Members Meeting, it was indicated that communication and consistency has been the source of a lot of frustration among our volunteer teams. This discussion and social was scheduled to try and address any policies, procedures and/or rules that have caused confusion between the DM and MOD teams.

Notes:

  • Reporting:
    • MOD reports should include any information from the DM on issues they dealt with including any member behavior that was a problem. This is to ensure that patterns of behavior are documented.
  • Flags
    • MOD will deal with any issues regarding flags that appear when a Member badges in.
    • The Gatekeepers shouldn’t be put in a position to have to engage in potential conflict with members who have been flagged.
    • When a Gatekeeper sees an “Allow Access” flag appear in the system:
      • If the flag says “Allow Access”, let the member in, but make a point to discreetly tell the MOD about the flag at the next opportunity to have a private discussion.
        • We don’t want to embarrass members or create conflicts
        • “Allow Access” Flags could be as simple as not having returned a library book or may involve some other issue that requires watchfulness by the staff (Drinking in the parking lot, for example.) Neither of these issues require holding up the Member at the door. Make a note of the name and/or member number and speak quietly and privately to the MOD once the Member has been given access. Again, we have to address issues, but we also don’t want to embarrass our Members.
    • When a Gatekeeper sees a “Deny Access” flag in the system:
      • “Deny Access” Flags indicate a more significant issue. They may be banned from the club or are serving a temporary suspension of Membership. In both cases, it’s important to notify the MOD right away and to not allow that member into the club until the MOD can look at the information regarding the flag. It is possible that the flag had been lifted, but just not updated in the system.
      • The Club Owner will publish notes into an MOD section of the Membership System that should answer those questions.
    • We are updating the Database to include the “Allow Access” and “Deny Access” notifications
    • We are also going to update training to inform staff on how best to manage Members who display flags when they check in at events.
  • Photography Policy Update:
    • The current policy is that there will be no photography in the Dungeon on Party nights unless:
      • It’s a private event that allows photography and it is indicated in the event description.
      • We need to update this policy to be included in New Member Orientation
      • We may schedule some special events, specifically to allow Members to take photos during a party,
  • Shadow Shifts
    • All DM Shadows must work the following before being approved to DM solo:
      • One 1st Shift (at any party)
      • One 2nd shift (At any party)
      • One Dungeon Party Shift
      • Either one Fusion or one Tastings Party
    • Shadows should complete the Shadow Feedback Forms to help us see how we can improve training.
  • Scenes/Dungeon Conduct:
    • All Members should check in with the DM before setting up their scenes.
      • DMs make recommendations but do not say you can only do your scene in one place or another. (Make recommendations, based on current Dungeon Environment)
    • Fusion Nights and Edge Play:
      • Any play that can instantaneously end with loss of life is not allowed on fusion night.
      • Examples:
        • No Singletails
      • Fire
        • Fire play is not allowed at Fusion parties
        • ·Wax play (even with an open flame) allowed.  
        • Fire cupping is not allowed.
        • Candles on a body are allowed.
        • Ruling with fire is nothing with an accelerant.
      • Bloodplay
        • Blood play, needles, cutting, piercing not allowed.
      • Rope
        • Suspension, even partials, not allowed.
      • Knives
        • Sharp knives are not allowed.
        • Knives that are dull and used for purposes like removing wax are allowed.
      • No Breathplay at all on Fusion Nights
        • No carotid/blood choke type strangulation allowed at any party
      • Electrical Play
        • Allowed at Fusion parties
      • Primal play/Takedowns are at DMs discretion
  • Smoking policy
    • Members are encouraged to smoke in the back area, but may not reenter through the back door. The must return through the front to be checked by the Gatekeeper.
  • Food and Drinks in the Dungeon:
    • Having aftercare snacks, drinks are allowed in the Dungeon at all regular parties
    • Please do not eat full meals in the dungeon (Snacks ok… but leave your Alfonso’s in the Social Area)
  • Lights and Music:
    • MODs should have music and lighting set before Members arrive.
    • If you want to change the music to fit the vibe of the party, cool.
    • If you do change music, wait for a natural pause and don’t abruptly start and stop things as it can be jarring to folks in a scene.
    • Use your best judgement.
  • Alcohol on shift
    • We are still working on the alcohol and play policies that impact our volunteers.
    • 2nd Shift Volunteers receive the biggest impact from this policy
    • Playing or consuming alcohol before or during your shift doesn’t impact 1st shift volunteers as they can always play or drink after their shift.
    • Considering incentives for 2nd shift volunteers.
    • The discussion is tabled for now, but we’re working on it.

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