Sunday Feb. 5th we will be hosting a joint meeting of MAsT Metro NY, MAsT NY, and Jersey City MAsT.

The presenters are:
Master Griffin and slave ann goodpet. 2011 Northeast Master and slave

The topic is:

Developing Practical Protocol –This discussion and demo will focus on way to develop and use protocols to help solve problems and ease difficulties with the goal being to enhance the Master-slave relationship. We will talk about ways to develop protocols, how to maintain them, modify them, and in general how they can be used to benefit the relationship by actions and communication with an emphasis on use during discussions, arguments, decision making, and difficult times. We will also talk about some of the different types of protocols, some examples and the reason for them will be discussed also during this session.

Master Griffin and slave ann have been active in the public lifestyle for 15 years as presenters and staff at events and clubs. They make their home in District Heights, MD, where it is fondly referred to as Castle Griffin. Established in 2006 as a service and education household to the M/s and Leather community and the entire Castle Griffin Leather Family focus is on education and outreach. Castle Griffin’s events are held throughout the year, and include Master retreats, slave retreats, private events, workshops, classes and they host the Regional MAsT Masters Round Tab les and slave circles. Their annual Orphans Christmas is open to anyone in the lifestyle without a place to go over the holidays regardless of religion preference.
They are active in the local MAsT chapters: MAsT Washington Men’s, MAsT Laurel Women’s group and together in the MAsT DC Pan chapter. Both Master Griffin and slave ann are alumni of their respective Master Taino’s Training Academies. When not at an events they can be found riding and training their horses, SCUBA diving, sailing, camping, agility training their border collie, or practicing sword fighting and tournament riding for SCA events.

• Time: 2:00PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The LGBT Center 208 West 13th Street New York, NY (between 7th & 8th Avenues)

$4 members, $5 reciprocal organizations, $8 all others

Hope to see you there!

The topic is: Psychological Effects of Giving Up Freedoms.

We will be meeting at the LGBT Center 208 West 13st btwn 7-8 ave. from 2-5pm.

Hope to see you there!

MAsT Metro NY was recognized as a MAsT Chapter in December of 2001.

On Sunday, December 4th we will be having an Open House Social.

• Time: 2:00PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Center 208 West 13th Street New York, NY (between 7th & 8th Avenues)

Please join us and see what MAsT is about in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There is no meeting, no cost to you and the event is being catered by Master Paul. Sissy Stephanie will be there to help as well.

Hope to see you there!

• Time: 2:00PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Center 208 West 13th Street New York, NY (between 7th & 8th Avenues)

The topic this month is:

Communication: What is it Really?

*the following comments are from me, and in no way represent MAsT Metro or any
of its members*

“What we have here is failure to communicate.” – The Captain, Cool Hand Luke

Communication in his mind was very one sided. He initiated and commanded, the
prisoners heard and obeyed. Anyone not knowing their place was a challenge to
the system that needed to be rectified.

How different then is the Master/slave version of communication?

Obedience, after all, is of the utmost importance in a working Household
operating under this dynamic. Could there be success if every directive was
questioned, or second guessed?

Masters and slaves are different. We are drawn to either command or service for
fulfillment. Why then would we be expected to think alike?

Communication for us then is important as a way to introduce thoughts that may
prove helpful, or at least offer some understanding.

For example, how would a Master know of my need for protocol, that my submission
is a cry for organization and discipline, that i need help in making sense of my
feelings and the way to relate in a world that thinks i should be in command
because of my male gender?

Only if i communicated this, that’s how. i have yet to meet a Master who is a
mindreader.

Do i need the Master to give me a reason for every single task? Of course not.
But i am helped by knowing the aims of the Household, and of the mindset of the
Master in how they may be reached.

i can only think that Masters would find helpful truthful communication from
Their slaves as well. How are they really feeling. Or even clues to how they
react when under stress. Keeping secrets is selfish, and can impede the workings
of the Household.

If we agree that communication is important, then how does it take place? Will
there be a weekly meeting when all slaves may speak without any retribution,
respectfully of course? Certainly on matters that are not immediate, this is an
option.

There is also a self test: Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said
by me? Does this need to be said by me right now?

i look forward to hearing everyone’s views on communication. After all, isn’t
this one of our primary needs to succeed?

james

Hello everyone! We have a topic this month sure to elicit many different
opinions from our diverse Chapter!

How Much Responsibility Does a Master Actually Have for slaves?

*as always, these thoughts are my own and in no way represent MAsT Metro or any
of its members*

“You say you’re lookin’ for someone
Never weak but always strong
To protect you an’ defend you
Whether you are right or wrong
Someone to open each and every door”
-Bob Dylan

Do all slaves want and expect this from their Masters?
Should Masters be required to furnish this level of responsibility?

We are all of us adults. We need to be self sufficient in the real world to
survive. We are valuable to the Household precisely because we come from a place
of strength, Master and slave alike.

Asking a Master to treat us like a child and care for us in every way,
financially, emotionally, physically is putting on Them a tremendous burden. A
burden that over time can cause great resentment.

On the other hand, a Master who just wants slaves to carry out tasks and doesn’t
care about their well-being can cause just as much hard feelings that grow each
day.

So where does that leave us? i would like to share this, by Sir Stephen:

“As a Master I provide leadership. I take responsibility for making all the
critical decisions that affect me and those in service to me. I establish and
maintain all the structures essential to a successful M/s relationship. Without
the time and effort required to do the above the space in which service can be
offered and received does not exist.”

Beyond this, it is all personal choice. What does each Master wish to control,
what needs does a particular slave have. Yet again, this is all about HONEST
communication. Don’t expect people to be mindreaders, and don’t blame them if
you haven’t clearly explained yourself.

It would be really great if Masters had all the right answers. That they could
help slaves be the best they can be in all aspects of life, and for everyone to
be secure and happy in the process.

The important thing is that positive intent is always there, for both the slave
and the Household at large. if that includes having a slave start a bank account
and be more financially responsible, or to help them quit smoking for example,
wonderful.

So, How Much Responsibility Does a Master Actually Have for slaves?

It all comes down to the particular people and circumstances. Just as some
slaves respond better to a pat on the head than a kick in the ass, everyone is
different.

i think the more a slave surrenders their will to the Master, the more the
Master must be careful to think of the slaves well-being.

Please join us!

• Time: 2:00PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Center 208 West 13th Street New York, NY (between 7th & 8th Avenues)

OCTOBER MEETING: 10/2/2011
How Much Responsibility Does a Master Actually Have For slaves?
NOVEMBER MEETING: 11/6/2011
Communication – What is it Really?
DECEMBER MEETING: 12/4/2011
Annual Social/Potluck and Elections

Please join us!

• Time: 2:00PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Center 208 West 13th Street New York, NY (between 7th & 8th Avenues)

OUR NEXT MEETING

Broken Masters, Broken slaves
The Master/slave relationship is among the most powerful and rewarding forms of personal association primarily because we deliberately focus on the values and needs of that bond. But just as with any relationship, M/s is dynamic. We will experience significant changes that could range from a layoff or sickness to separation or death. The hurt and sadness one feels during these times are known as grieving. This highly interactive workshop will discuss the feelings associated with and tools to work through the grieving process from the M/s perspective.

Master David is a retired scene-friendly psychologist who first developed his appreciation for “the fine art of SM” while growing up in the San Francisco Bay area. He swore to protect the values of a Leather Master and was presented his Master’s cover in Hayward, California in 1969. He is a long-time contributor to safe, sane, pleasure-filled learning opportunities for adults to explore and expand their self-awareness. He has the ability to befriend people of all ages, enjoys the diversity found in the kink world, and recognizes that in our lifestyle, “no one is perfect but, it’s important to strive for excellence.”

He is the MAsT International Northeast Region Representative – 2011. He founded MAsT: Baltimore and remains an active member of MAsT: Washington. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Leather Heart Foundation. He is Vice-President of MTTA, Inc. and serves on their Board of Directors; he is Senior Counselor and member of the faculty of MTTA Academy for that school for Masters and slaves; and, is the Director, MTTA Mentor Program.

Contact: 1Sensi at FetLife or e-mail: Master@DrDavidCook.com

• Date: Sunday, September 11, 2011
• Time: 2:00PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Center 208 West 13th Street New York, NY (between 7th & 8th Avenues)

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OUR NEXT MEETING
• Date: Sunday, August 7, 2011
• Time: 2:00PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Center 208 West 13th Street New York, NY (between 7th & 8th Avenues)

Conflict Resolution in M/s

OUR NEXT MEETING
• Date: Sunday, July 10, 2011
• Time: 2:00PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Center 208 West 13th Street New York, NY (between 7th & 8th Avenues)

-as always, these thoughts are my own and in no way represent MAsT Metro or any of its members-

“Picket lines and picket signs. Don’t punish me with brutality. Come on, talk to me so you can see what’s going on.” Marvin Gaye

Conflict resolution in M/s? Why? Shouldn’t it be simple, that the Master orders and the slave obeys? Where’s the conflict? What’s going on?

M/s is about the real world, not roleplay. And in the real world, there are misunderstandings. There are things that seem unfair. There are hurt feelings.

When this occurs, instead of becoming angry and having our anger manifest itself in negative behavior that upsets the Household, we can turn our textbooks to five classic conflict resolutions:

1)Accommodation – surrender one’s own needs and wishes for the common good.

This sounds fine and dandy. Aren’t we all supposed to be altruistic? But in an LTR, resentment is easily built up when one partner believes that they only give and receive nothing in return.

2)Avoidance – avoid or postpone conflict by ignoring it.

Things don’t usually fix themselves, in fact they often get worse.

3)Collaboration – work together to find a mutually beneficial solution. This option requires trust, respect and communication.

Even with a common goal, that of the Master’s vision, problems will occur. The more people in the Household, these problems can accelerate exponentially. Therefore, for long term success, this would appear to be a good strategy.

4)Compromise – bring the problem into the open and reach agreement.

Compromise may well come into play. But it is hardly the focal point of negotiation.

5)Competition – assert one’s viewpoint at the expense of another.

That is just doomed to failure, unless the Master has an endless supply of slaves.

i’m looking forward to some great ideas and viewpoints at the meeting. Our Chapter has the diversity that MAsT International espouses and makes us the envy of other chapters.

james

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Coming Up August 7th,

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