Guests
The RKS Board trusts and encourages members to bring guests to RKS events. Members in good standing (who have been members for a minimum of 6 months) may bring guests to events with as little as 48 hours notice. Those still in the trial membership period (initial 6 months) that would like to bring a guest must consult with the Board as soon as possible.
If you are thinking about bringing a guest to an RKS event, here is what you need to do:
- Inform the RKS Board, via email to [email protected] of your intention to bring a guest to an RKS event.
- The RKS Secretary to the Board will verify that your guest is not among the short list of banned individuals.
- If your guest is not on the list, they are approved!
- While we still like to meet potential guests at munches and socials, and we encourage members to bring friends to those, there is no requirement that your guest must attend one first. We trust you!
- Note: The above applies only to members who have completed their trial membership periods. Trial members must submit guest requests and wait for approval prior to bringing the guest.
Responsibilities
If you bring a guest to an RKS event, you are agreeing to be responsible for your guest and their behavior during that event. Please make sure that you discuss the RKS Etiquette and play-party rules with your guests so that they are familiar with what is expected of them. Specifically make sure that your guest clearly understands our confidentiality requirements.
- Your guests must sign a guest waiver, available at the front table. Also, make sure your guest is aware of the guest fee. Finally, please make sure your guest knows that they may be required to show their valid driver's license at the door. This may be verified by an RKS Board member, but no information will be kept (aside from the guest waiver).
- It is a good idea, and helpful, if you introduce your guest to Board Members who are in attendance.
- Repeatedly bringing troublesome, disrespectful, or otherwise poorly-chosen guests may result in a loss of inviting privilege for the responsible member.
- First-time guests may not join RKS the evening of their first event. They may apply for membership at their first event, but a decision will not be made until after the event.
Returning Guests
Once a guest has attended an RKS event, and RKS has obtained a signed guest waiver, the guest may subsequently return without being the guest of a member. However, the returning guest must RSVP ([email protected]) at least 48 hours in advance. On arrival at a party, they must pay the guest fee.
There are no limits to the number of times or frequency at which a guest may attend.
All guests should email the Board ([email protected]) to verify the location of the event they are interested in attending.
Steps to Join RKS
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Attend a munch or social, or both, or many. You'll see a number of us attending
most if not all of these free events
(Membership is open to those aged 18 and older only; we do verify.)
It's never a bad idea to talk to members and guests. Get to know people. Many of our members and guests attend multiple socials and munches throughout the month to see friends and make new friends. Most people walk away from an RKS munch or social feeling like they just found where they belong. -
Talk to as many RKS Board Members as possible
This will start the vetting process. Each potential member/guest is vetted by the RKS Board and other members before attending a non-public event and for membership purposes. The vetting process is to help assure the safety of all our members and guests. -
Email the RKS Board to attend a party/workshop/event
The board typically responds to a Rochester Kink Society email within 48 hours. The more people you talked to at the munches and socials, the faster the response. -
Attend Events
Before you can apply for RKS Membership, you must attend a number of events with us. Once you have attended these events, you may apply for membership. -
Email the Board again and let them know that you would like to join as a Trial Member.
They will get back to you as soon as possible. Again, the more Board members you talk to before asking to join, the faster the response.
Trial Memberships
The RKS Trial Membership process is designed to allow potential new members the chance to get to know us, and for us to get to know them, before making a large financial commitment.
All new RKS members will start out on the trial membership period. First, a new member must complete a trial period of 6 months. The cost for the Trial Membership is $10 per member for a period of six months.
Following the completion of the 6 month trial period, the Board of Directors and the member shall consider and decide upon membership continuation.
Trial Members are entitled to most of the RKS Membership rights with the following exceptions:
- Trial Members may not invite guests who have not attended an RKS event without specific permission from the Board of Directors.
- Trial Members must attend a minimum of 2 RKS events during their trial period to be considered for full membership after the trial period ends.
- Trial Members have all other RKS Members Rights including access to the Members Only list, attendance to RKS events, and voting rights.
At any point during the trial period, the Board of Directors may terminate the member’s involvement with the group without having to adhere to the disciplinary procedure in place for members.