PEER Group is a multifaceted group that tries to combine the positive attributes of both a small intimate group, with that of the resources that only a large group can provide.

 

Since no one can be an expert on everything, PEER by working to expand and renew its membership base, seeks to provide a resource where members can get a variety of perspectives to address and answer lifestyle and relationship questions.

 

In addition, this larger base permits our group to provide the human as well as the financial resources to meet the goal of providing well-rounded lifestyle opportunities for our members as well as all in the region.

 

By hosting both weeknight as well as weekend munches each month we are the only group in the region, which provides the opportunities for those who are restricted by family and/or work obligations from attending one or the other.

 

There is not now, nor never has been any charge to attend a munch except for any food or beverages you might choose to order.

 

These social interaction opportunities provide new people an opportunity to enter the lifestyle in a safe way - to put their toe in the water, so to speak. These munches are social in nature, with good food, fun, conversation and interaction, held in public places. The individual conversations run the gambit from family vanilla issues, to lifestyle questions and answers. They are not “meat” markets for those who are not connected, but do offer the opportunity to come out and meet others with similar interests. From time to time they will provide for a connection, just like in a vanilla social atmosphere. We refer to them as, “Vanilla with a twist.”  Maybe for some… “Twist with some vanilla”

 

Our munches have been running continually for over 14 years, the longest running munch in the entire region.

 

While the social interaction of a munch is a very important, it is but just a beginning, so PEER seeks to offer a variety of additional paths to help along the journey which munches alone can not do.

 

PEER group is committed to helping newcomers as well as those more seasoned members who desire to learn by providing the resources both by way of classes and presentations as well as an extensive library to all who are interested. In addition we have the resources within our membership to provide any level of mentorship on a particular lifestyle technique or relationship dynamic.

 

We start this process by offering two - four hour newcomer classes where we discuss a variety of subjects including the group itself, how to play safely, first aid, basic techniques, protocols, honorifics, resources available, mentorship and a host of other important lifestyle topics.

 

We provide an extensive monthly presentation schedule that allows for in depth discussions of specific lifestyle topics both in the area of relationship as well as play techniques in a unique small group format, unlike any other group in the country. Since these presentations are extended, often including a meal and break times, they offer an additional opportunity to meet others, forming friendships or more. We also offer the traditional lifestyle “teaser” discussions and demonstrations prior to every party.

 

In addition, our monthly general meetings include informative discussion topics that everyone can use in their lives as well as a question and answer period where our presenter’s can answer specific questions you might have. During these meetings there is an additional opportunity to meet and socialize with others from the group as well as guests from other groups in the region who regularly attend.

 

The group has several SIG’s and will consider the addition of more as interest indicates they would serve the best interest of the group.  These SIG’s provide for the respective constituencies to find a place to discuss with others of like mind the dynamics of a specific lifestyle topic.  They are limited to the membership of the group only, so as to provide for a safe haven for more in depth discussions. It is not unusual for the relationships formed as a result of these SIG’s to provide the basis for extended discussions and personal friendships that extend far beyond the SIG meeting.

 

We conduct quarterly business meetings to keep our membership up to date on the management and leadership functions of your group, as well as needs of the group, as this is a group lead by the members of the group, for the benefit of members and the community at large.

 

Our group, while formed as a recognized and legally authorized not for profit corporation, operates under the tribalism model where all are encouraged to take a roll to their own personal skill and commitment level.  As the members are ready, they are encouraged to take on a leadership role as their time resources permit.

 

Did someone say party?  Yes we did, and yes we do.  We are the only group in the region that holds a member party every month and have done so for years.  Some of these parties have a very small group and others have had as many as 60 people in attendance. We have the finest of equipment/furniture and these parties also have a social component as well.  In most cases, these being potluck, you are exposed to the culinary delights of our member’s skills as well.

 

From time to time our group holds larger events in hotels which are open to the members of the regional communities at large, with both educational as well a play opportunities.  These events are either 2, 3, or 4 day events and either have narrowly focused or broad educational opportunities with the nation’s best presenters, are reasonably priced, and hosted in first class facilities. They are supported by the best dungeon furniture, well run hospitality, an organized and secure registration process, a variety of vendors, and, again, the best learning and presenter offerings of any group anywhere in the country.

 

PEER group and its members are, and have been for years, an integral part of the national lifestyle community, providing to other groups and events our individual member’s support, leadership and management council resources, as well as monetarily support as may be needed, all in support of their respective endeavors.

 

Our members seek to support all of the local and regional groups often making up significant numbers of their attendees. We encourage our members to get directly involved by becoming actual members of these groups where that opportunity presents itself.

 

As an example, through the generosity of our members, and with the support of our treasury we host the breakfasts, and snacks throughout the day annually at the GLLA event for over 400 people each day of the event in Indianapolis, and have been doing so for many years.

 

We provide the finest of dungeon equipment anywhere in the world as well as one of the best trained dungeon staffs to many of the regions events and have done so for years as well. Our DM manual has been the model used by many of the groups throughout the country including those, which are much older and acknowledged as the “larger” more “established” groups or events.

 

We are one of only 3 groups in the US, which has recognized Red Cross Certified Trainers leading, and certifying it’s own members in approved and certified First Aid, CPR, and AED training techniques.

 

Over the years our leadership has crafted and drafted many of the original legal waivers, registration documents, as well as policy and procedure manuals used by many of the events and other lifestyle groups across the country and are openly acknowledged as being the authors.

 

We provide, through our members and the groups leadership presenters to other groups both on a regional and national basis who are recognized for their knowledge, expertise, and accepting, non-judgmental demeanor.

 

We provide, through our library and Web Site, extensive resources that our members, as well as those from other groups, may use free of charge. We provide, through our membership’s support to other publications on the lifestyle, information for use in articles in support of the lifestyle, as well as speaking to interested groups at regional colleges and public interest meetings.

 

Our members serve on the committees, boards, and leadership councils of many regional and national leadership organizations in fulfilling their own mission of supporting a healthy and vibrant lifestyle community for all. In addition we support through individual, group, and vendor contributions the financial operating needs of many of these groups to the best of our ability.

 

While our group is a membership group, it is open to all.

 

In support of the membership security and its mission and various goals it does require a membership application and the payment of dues.

 

While there are annual dues charged, (initial $40.00, renewal $30.00) we have never turned down a person for membership who might be financially unable to afford our dues, granting full or partial scholarships as well as delayed payment options as appropriately necessary.

 

We are the only group in the region that provides, as a part of our mission, a safe gateway into the lifestyle through our formal newcomers program, information and resources about how to replace the euphoria with the reality of what it is we seek to do, providing a safe and guided path that, if followed, will allow for a guided journey rather than a self indulgent and potentially personally detrimental destination.

 

As the members and leadership of PEER Group we are proud to have been among the very few groups in the country who have taken the time to define responsible goals and of our accomplishments in the pursuit of our mission and vision statements while we remain consistent in the pursuit of them.

 

We invite you to join us, and be a part of the journey.