Newbie Only Coffee Social -- Observations from the Mentoring Director

Attendance at our August Newbie Only Coffee Social (NOCS) continued our recent trend of a packed house with seventeen attendees in addition to Dr. Anna as Welcoming Director, Charles G, and a cameo appearance by our Program Director, Kester.

Dr. Anna and I never cease to marvel at the diversity of our group, each month filled with interesting backgrounds, very varied interest, and often some amazing insights. Despite this variety, two themes are repeated at every Social: someone(s) experiences that wonderfully cathartic experience of being able to declare his or her kink and do it in a supportive and respectful atmosphere, and often draw energy off of the smiles and nods of understanding that the other participants display. The second is simply the question—“How do I get involved?”

The answer for one is they already are getting involved simply by attending a function like the SoJ NOCS. From there everyone is always urged to participate, volunteer, attend play parties (even if only to observe other kinksters and the dynamics of the relationships that get displayed), classes, and other socials.

Wicked Grounds is certainly a great place to hold the event. As the most kink-friendly café west of the Mississippi, we can have our discussions in a relaxed and open atmosphere and even get visitors interested in the group. This month four of our participants found us because they saw our group in the back meeting area and asked to join in. Two were traveling from Florida, and only in our fair city for the day, another two were from the other side of the country, no…not SF, but instead from Hawaii.

So—if you are a Newbie (or know one) looking to “get active", we’d love to see you at a NOCS. And our next one will be just before the Folsom Street Fair. You think we had a packed house this month? I expect our September one will be an overflow crowd.

Charles G - SoJ Mentoring