Winds of Change
Summer is at it's end. I am looking towards the beginning of December already, as that is when my year term as Director of MAsT Metro NY is over. I never look forward to December, and I'm not doing so now. Just thinking about the transition that is soon to come.
I have already decided not to run for a second year. The fact is, none of the other officers with the exception of one, intends to continue through 2010.
The experience was not unpleasant. It was a little frustrating at times but over all, I feel that it was a very positive experience and I had the privilege to work with a dedicated team. I feel the team did some good. Still, the organization feels lethargic and apathetic. Participation is... somewhat paltry.
I don't blame our membership. I really don't. I don't think that it's just MAsT Metro. TES is having a hard time getting volunteers to staff their various departments, MAsT:NY was thought to have been on hiatus but actually it just runs a low profile. GMSMA faded away when they couldn't get the necessary Board members for the next year. I can't figure out if it's just NYC or what. MAsT: Central NJ seems to be thriving. MAsT:Philadelphia is doing very well. Long Island just got their MAsT Chapter up. Is it the rents in NYC? Are folks in NYC more stressed out than everyone else and no longer have the personal bandwidth to delegate to the feeding and maintenance of their kinky lifestyle? Is it because we have practically no desirable venues for socializing except for classes and meetings because the City's political agenda has cracked down so hard on clubs regarding rents, permits, zoning, and vice laws? Is the Dungeon Party Space and Kink Support Group Meeting paradigm relevant any more? I don't know. The Baroness still has her The Baroness' Fetish Retinue parties and Suspension parties are still on the calendar, although I've never been to either. Those are local NYC events. One is primarily fetish-based and the other has a core group of players but it's largely spectator-driven, as I am told. How are they fairing?
zombie roaches
I have already decided not to run for a second year. The fact is, none of the other officers with the exception of one, intends to continue through 2010.
The experience was not unpleasant. It was a little frustrating at times but over all, I feel that it was a very positive experience and I had the privilege to work with a dedicated team. I feel the team did some good. Still, the organization feels lethargic and apathetic. Participation is... somewhat paltry.
I don't blame our membership. I really don't. I don't think that it's just MAsT Metro. TES is having a hard time getting volunteers to staff their various departments, MAsT:NY was thought to have been on hiatus but actually it just runs a low profile. GMSMA faded away when they couldn't get the necessary Board members for the next year. I can't figure out if it's just NYC or what. MAsT: Central NJ seems to be thriving. MAsT:Philadelphia is doing very well. Long Island just got their MAsT Chapter up. Is it the rents in NYC? Are folks in NYC more stressed out than everyone else and no longer have the personal bandwidth to delegate to the feeding and maintenance of their kinky lifestyle? Is it because we have practically no desirable venues for socializing except for classes and meetings because the City's political agenda has cracked down so hard on clubs regarding rents, permits, zoning, and vice laws? Is the Dungeon Party Space and Kink Support Group Meeting paradigm relevant any more? I don't know. The Baroness still has her The Baroness' Fetish Retinue parties and Suspension parties are still on the calendar, although I've never been to either. Those are local NYC events. One is primarily fetish-based and the other has a core group of players but it's largely spectator-driven, as I am told. How are they fairing?
zombie roaches