Charlottesville Underground Fetish Fellowship Bylaws

1.01 Name

The official name is designated as the "Charlottesville Underground Fetish Fellowship". It is hereafter referred to as CUFF.

1.02 Purpose

CUFF is a not-for-profit BDSM organization dedicated to providing education, support and a social network for its Contributors in a safe, responsible and discretion-conscious environment.

1.03 Creed

CUFF adopts and pledges to support the leather community's creed: "Safe, Sane and Consensual".

1.04 Legality

CUFF does not condone, suggest, or endorse any activity that is illegal or non-consensual.

2.01 Organization

CUFF consists entirely of paying Contributors whose membership must be renewed each fiscal year. The fiscal year runs from February 1 to the last day in January. Five Contributors are elected each fiscal year to serve as the Board of Directors.

2.02 Events

Official CUFF-sponsored events may include Contributorship meetings, meetings of the Board of Directors, munches, play parties, and other activities. Certain events, such as board meetings and play parties, are reserved for CUFF Contributors, their guests, and members of reciprocal groups, while others are open to members of the general public of age 18 or over.

2.03 Properties

CUFF owns various properties, including books, play furniture, and related equipment such as first aid kits.

2.04 Services

CUFF may maintain various services as hosted by Contributors. Examples include a United States post office box, an e-mail address, a web site, a voice mail newspaper advertisement, an open e-mail list, and an e-mail list reserved for CUFF Contributors.

2.05 Treasury

CUFF maintains a treasury funded by Contributor membership fees and donations collected at play parties and other events.

CUFF shall have members who are classified by one of two membership tiers: Virtual and In-Person.

• Contributors may change membership tiers within a given fiscal year if the below requirements have been met.
• If the individual was not a CUFF member the previous fiscal year, they must meet all membership requirements in either the Virtual or In-Person tier before rejoining.
• Requests may be submitted to the board if an individual is unable to attend in person events and is interested in the In-Person tier.
• All CUFF Members will revert to Virtual Membership if CUFF pauses in person events.
• At such time as these proposed changes become effective, all current 2022 CUFF contributors in good standing shall become classified as In-Person Contributors.

3.01 Virtual Membership Requirements

In order to become a Virtual CUFF Contributor in any given fiscal year, an individual:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age
2. Must attend at least two official (i.e., CUFF-sponsored) events, OR have been a Virtual or In-Person Contributor in good standing at the close of the previous fiscal year.
3. Must attend an orientation as described in Article IV
   ***During orientation please let us know your Fetlife username if applicable for our records***
4. Must have camera on during your orientation
5. Must pay the annual fee as published in the fee schedule
6. Must not have any active misconduct or consent reports

3.02 Virtual Membership Benefits

1. Contributors will receive a membership card.
2. Contributors may make use of all CUFF services, including the Contributor e-mail list or any groups, if they are in use.
3. Contributors may borrow CUFF properties.
4. Contributors may review account ledgers of the CUFF treasury.
5. Contributors may vote, as described in Article VII
6. Contributors may attend Board Meetings

3.03 In Person Membership Requirements

In order to become an In-Person CUFF Contributor in any given fiscal year, an individual:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age
2. Must attend 3 in-person, CUFF-sponsored events over a 3 month time period, OR have been an In-Person Contributor in good standing at the close of the previous fiscal year.
3. Must attend an orientation as described in Article IV
   ***During orientation please let us know your Fetlife username if applicable for our records***
4. Must pay the annual fee as published in the fee schedule
5. Must not have any active misconduct or consent reports

3.04 In Person Membership Benefits

1. Will receive all benefits as listed above for Virtual Members
2. Contributors who meet eligibility requirements and are in good standing as defined by Section 3.05 may run for a position on the Board of Directors, as described in Article VI.
3. Contributors in good standing may attend all functions sponsored by CUFF, including play parties. If fees are required for a specific event, the Contributor shall be allowed to pay the CUFF Contributor rate.

3.05 Good Standing

"Good standing" is understood to mean not banned or suspended from attending CUFF events, and the individual does not have any active misconduct reports as described in the Consent Incident Response Procedure referenced in Article VIII.

Any active misconduct reports will place the individual out of good standing and can potentially pause one's membership or the ability to become a member until properly reviewed.

3.06 Length

Contributorships are valid during the fiscal year. (i.e.. ALL Contributorships expire on February 1st.)

4.01 Presenter

Orientations shall be conducted by at least one (1) appointed CUFF Contributor.

4.02 Content

Orientations shall include, at a minimum: (a) Overview of the Bylaws, (b) Discussion of scene etiquette, (c) Discussion of privacy, discretion, and respect issues, (d) What to expect, and what not to expect.

4.03 Dissemination of Materials

New Contributors shall receive a copy of the Bylaws.

4.04 Age Verification

The presenter may request proof of age at the orientation if in doubt that the attendee is over 18.

5.01 Frequency

Meetings are held once a month on a regularly scheduled day and time.

5.02 Content

Meetings shall consist of a business segment, a workshop or demo/discussion segment, and then a social segment.

5.03 Fees

Meetings are free to CUFF Contributors. The first meeting attended by a non-Contributor is also free. At the second meeting attended by a non-Contributor, that individual must either become a Contributor or pay a fee as posted in the Fee Schedule. The fee is waived for demonstration presenters.

5.04 Special Activities

Special activities occur on the following months as specified:

JAN: Election of Board of Directors
FEB: Orientation and Contributorship renewal
DEC: Nominations for Board of Directors

6.01 Responsibility of the Board of Directors

(a) The Board is empowered to make all decisions necessary for the operation of CUFF, except those specifically reserved by the Contributorship as a whole (Article VII). This includes control of all CUFF events, properties, services, and the CUFF treasury. (b) The Board may create committees, either standing or temporary, and appoint Contributors to those committees, as it deems appropriate and necessary to the operation of CUFF. (c) The Board may bring any item to the Contributorship as a whole for a vote or discussion that it deems necessary or appropriate.

6.02 Organization of the Board

(a) The Board of Directors shall be made up of five (5) Contributors. (b) Each Board member shall be equal and all shall share in the responsibility given to the Board by the Contributorship as a whole. (c) Once elected, the Board shall divide up specific responsibilities among Board members as they see fit based on individual interests and abilities.

6.03 Requirements for Board Members

(a) Must be an In-Person Contributor in good standing.(b) Nominees may not be involved in a committed relationship with other nominees. (i.e. A couple either married or living together or 2 people involved in a relationship, even if living apart, may not both be elected to the Board.)

6.04 Elections to the Board of Directors

(a) Nominations for the Board for the following fiscal year must be made by the December meeting of the general Contributorship. (b) The outgoing Board shall appoint an election committee to prepare and count ballots. (c) The Board shall be elected to a one (1) year term, by a vote to be held at the January Contributorship meeting each year. The five nominees receiving the most votes shall be deemed the winners. (d) All Contributors in attendance at this meeting are eligible to vote. Any Contributor who is not able to attend the January meeting may submit an absentee ballot prior to the meeting. The absentee ballot must be submitted in a sealed envelope showing the Contributor's printed name and signature. The envelope shall not be unsealed until the ballots are ready to be counted, and any absentee ballot submitted improperly will be discarded. The election committee will take steps to ensure that no Contributor casts more than one ballot. (e) In the case of an outcome-affecting tie vote, a runoff vote by the general Contributorship in attendance at the January meeting should be held immediately to choose between the affected nominees. If that vote also results in a tie, then the winner will be determined by a coin toss or other random method. (f) Board membership is valid for the fiscal year (i.e. Board members elected in January start their term on February 1.)

6.05 Vacancies

In the case of a vacancy on the Board, during the term year, the Board shall conduct a special election to fill the remainder of the term.

6.06 Benefits

CUFF Board members are not bestowed any special considerations.(i.e.. Board members shall have the same yearly Contributor rate and social entry fees as other Contributors).

6.07 Board Meetings

Board meetings will be held at the request of the Board.

6.08 Impeachment of a Board Member

(a) A Board member may be impeached for a willful violation or inappropriate use of his/her power as a Board member. (b) Upon a receipt of a complaint of misconduct, the Board shall form a judicial committee of three. This committee shall be comprised of one Contributor selected by the accused, one selected by the accuser, and chaired by a third selected by the first two. (c) The committee shall investigate the allegation, and upon finding cause, shall present the findings to the Contributorship as a whole for a vote. A majority vote is required for impeachment.

7.01 Voting Requirements

(a) Item(s) proposed for Contributor vote shall be presented to Contributors via relevant social media platforms, (e.g. Fetlife, Discord) and at a general CUFF monthly meeting.

(b) Voting will occur within a suitable online service which ensures that only Contributors are able to vote and that each Contributor may only cast a single vote per item. Anonymous voting is not a requirement of the chosen online service. There shall be an open voting period of one week, ending no earlier than a week after the monthly meeting at which the item was announced. The times during which voting by Contributors is allowed will be clearly defined and shared via relevant social media platforms, (e.g. Fetlife, Discord) and at a general CUFF monthly meeting

(c) All Contributors in good standing at the beginning of the voting period may vote on the proposed item(s).

(d) A 50% majority of those Contributors voting must be in favor of the specified item(s) for it to pass into effect.

(e) The results of any such vote shall be posted on relevant social media (with a link to the Bylaws update, if applicable), and will be announced at the following general CUFF monthly meeting. Any item(s) which reach a majority vote becomes effective immediately.

7.02 Voting Powers

(a) Adoption and amendment of Bylaws (majority vote).
(b) Election of Board members (top five).
(c) Changes to the Fee Schedule (majority vote).
(d) Approval of expenditures over $250 (majority vote).
(e) Acknowledgement of reciprocity with another group (majority vote).
(f) Other items as presented by the Board of Directors (majority vote).

The Code of Conduct and Consent Policy and Consent Incident Response Procedure (excluding External Resources and Sources and References sections), are hereby incorporated into these Bylaws.

9.01 Admittance

An attendee must be a Contributor, a guest of a Contributor, or a member of a reciprocal group and have RSVP'ed for the party in order to gain admittance. Attendees agree to abide by the CUFF rules for play parties and may be asked for proof of age. Although donations are suggested as indicated in the Fee Schedule, admittance to play parties is free.

9.02 Guests of Contributors

Contributors may bring guests to CUFF play parties. However, the following rules shall apply: (a) Each Contributor may bring up to 2 guests to a particular event. (b) The Contributor is directly responsible for the behavior of the guest and the guest's adherence to CUFF rules. Violations committed by the guest can lead to warnings or expulsion of the sponsoring Contributor. (c) Guests must be at least 18 years of age. (d) Guests are encouraged, but not required, to make a donation as indicated in the Fee Schedule.

9.03 Scene Etiquette

CUFF recognizes that "Scene Etiquette" is dynamic and personal. It differs depending on the individual and the situation. CUFF hereby adopts and promotes the practice of "Scene Etiquette" which fosters courtesy and respect among individuals within the leather community. Being mindful of "Scene Etiquette" is strongly encouraged. Some specific guidelines:
(a) Do not interfere with a scene.
(b) Do not invade scene space.
(c) Keep conversation, laughter, and comments to a minimum in the play area.
(d) Do not monopolize the equipment.
(e) Do NOT join a scene unless specifically asked to do so!

9.04 Consensuality and Legality

All play shall be consensual and legal. Specifically, no illegal substances of any kind or firearms are allowed on the premises. Prostitution, solicitation, and negotiation of compensation for sexual services are illegal and are not tolerated. Violations shall result in immediate removal and banning from future events. Scene professionals may not accept payment for any services rendered at a CUFF event.

9.05 Dungeon Monitor

CUFF sponsored play socials may have one or more Dungeon Masters/Mistresses (DM), appointed by the Board, on duty, if feasible. (a) The DM shall not be encumbered with any other duties that may distract him/her from the role of DM. (b) The DM will have access to all areas during an event. (c) All concerns should be brought to the attention of the DM. Only DMs may interrupt a scene. (d) The decisions made by the DM are final. (e) In the event that no DM is available or on duty, all persons in attendance will be notified and the party host assumes final authority.

9.06 Discretion

For emphasis, the conduct of discretion in Article VIII applies in particular to play parties as it does to all CUFF events. In short, an attendee should not willfully disclose another attendee's identity without that person's express permission.

9.07 Private Event Photo Policy

At private events, photography or recording of any kind is not allowed, unless the host has organized controlled photography for the event. The rules controlling the photography must be clearly stated and emphasized by the host beforehand in the event description and RSVP. If no photography is mentioned, NO PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALLOWED.

Please alert the dungeon monitor, a board member or the event host if you become aware of anyone breaking the photography policy. Anyone found taking unauthorized pictures will be required to leave the event and it is possible their membership, or if a guest, the sponsoring member's membership could be permanently revoked.

9.08 Clean-Up

Please clean up after your scene. Leave all equipment free of sweat, blood, other bodily fluids, wax, toys, etc. Bring bodily fluid concerns to the attention of the DM. Wax, fire. and scenes involving bodily fluids need prior permission of the DM, unless a designated area has been set aside for these purposes.

9.09 House Rules

Additional "House Rules" may also apply, depending on location, host, and/or other circumstances.

Neither the Charlottesville Underground Fetish Fellowship (CUFF), its Board of Directors, nor the management, owners, or operators of event space, nor any agents, successors or assigns of any of the foregoing shall be held liable to any attendee for injury to person or property incurred as a result of attendance at any CUFF event.

11.01 Openness

Any group that CUFF enters into a reciprocal agreement with should follow CUFF's general guidelines of safe, sane and consensual play and have an open organizational structure similar to ours. This does not mean that groups for gay men or lesbians or het couples or any other subset of our community will be ineligible for reciprocity. Not all groups are pansexual and we shouldn't penalize them for that. What it does mean is that any group seeking reciprocity with us should have open meetings and educational events available to the interested public rather than only hosting closed events attended by members or by invitation of a member. CUFF meetings are open to all and membership requirements do not include sponsorship by an existing member or approval of prospective members by the existing group.

11.02 Communication

It is important to have a contact person in each group that we enter into reciprocity with who can verify membership in good standing of folks who want to come to our parties and who can keep us informed about the other group's activities. It would be a good idea to have that contact person subscribe to the CUFF open mailing list so the burden of keeping track of our activities would be on them. Finally, CUFF members and one or more members of each reciprocal group must meet face to face at a club event twice a year. It makes no difference if they attend two of our events or we attend two of theirs or we split the difference, just as long as twice a year we get together.

11.03 Process

Requests for reciprocity with other groups will be made to the Board by a governing member in good standing of the requesting group. The request will be considered by the Board, which will then make a recommendation one way or another to the membership. The membership will decide the issue by vote. It will be the responsibility of the Board to keep track of reciprocal groups and the contact person for that group, and this information will be published on the web site. Requests to end reciprocity can come from the reciprocal group or from a CUFF member in good standing; and then the above process will be followed.

11.04 Other Considerations

(a) Registration for CUFF events will be opened first to CUFF members and their guests, then members of reciprocal groups, then the larger leather community. (b) Membership by a CUFF member in good standing in a group will exempt that group from all reciprocity requirements other than the first one.

• Fix inconsistencies and ambiguities created by the Article III changes adopted 2022-09-26