M/s Connections

The time has come to step to the side.

I have been involved with MAsT since 1997, when Roger Curtman brought MAsT to Atlanta after winning International Master/slave, 1996. I belonged to a Master/slave household, so this idea wasn’t new to me.

I attended the monthly MAsT meetings that were held at Sanctuary in Atlanta. When Sanctuary closed in 2004, I moved MAsT to my living room.

During that time, I was blessed to meet so many wonderful LeatherFolk. I helped produce MAsT ’99, which skyrocketed the M/s community.

I received a phone call, in 2007, from a very dear and admired friend and mentor. His question to me was, “MsSuzan, if you had a choice to be on the Butchmann's Board or the Board of MAsT, which would it be?” You know the answer to that question.

I worked closely with Master Alex and Master Bert. Master Konrad and I had a great working relationship. He gave me the freedom to create every position on the International Board. I have worn all the hats but one, Treasurer. Master Bob and I took MAsT in new directions. Our Annual General Membership, AGM, meeting was his idea. Under him, we grew the number of international chapters.

2015 was the best year yet. MAsT sprung its own wings!! We became autonomous. I was able to form a team of the right people to get this organization incorporated. We obtained a 501c3 and we got our logo trademarked!

And now, amidst Covid, chapter are still flourishing. Since we can’t meet in person, virtual meetings are happening all over the globe, including us! I attended a Zoom meeting last week with people in the UK!

I want to thank each and every one of you that I have had the honor of meeting, even in email. The only hope I have ever had is to watch MAsT flourish. There is a great team in place to insure that.

Master Michael, with you at the helm, I know you will boldly go where no man has gone before!

Thank you for letting me serve you for all these years,

MsSuzan

2020 has been one of the most challenging years for us and seems to have extended into 2021. The Board of Directors of MAsT: International is thrilled and humbled by how you all have continued to serve and grow our community through these trying times. You kept your chapters going in the best way you could, and we've even grown with the addition of new chapters! Thank you!

There are changes coming in 2021 for MAsT, and we'd like to touch on them here.

2021 CHANGES in MAsT: International Board of Directors (BoD):

This year will see some of the biggest changes that the MAsT BoD has ever seen. We have two longtime members stepping aside; these two are members who have been with us throughout the past 20 years and who've been part of the huge growth that MAsT has seen. We also see new blood and new opportunities coming into the Board as we move forward into 2021.

Chief Executive Officer/Chair - As you know, after years of dedicated service, in multiple roles, MsSuzan has decided to step away from the CEO position and move into the next phase of her journey! MsSuzan has been a key part of MAsT's growth during the 21st century. She was instrumental in the growth of MAsT once it left the umbrella of Butchmann's. Her leadership, experience, and knowledge has been appreciated and she will be greatly missed. Master Michael, formerly the Director of Operations/Vice Chair was unanimously voted to CEO position and will lead MAsT International into the ”post-pandemic MAsT era”. Master Michael has been involved in MAsT for over a decade, as Chapter Director, Regional Representative and several positions on the board.

Secretary - slave passion has decided to explore other opportunities in 2021. Her knowledge and insight on multiple topics will be sorely missed by the BoD.

Marketing Director – Master Bill has also decided to explore other opportunities in 2021. Master Bill has given many years of service and dedication to MAsT, including its transition to an independent organization. Master Bill's key achievement the past few years has been the restoration and improvement of the MAsT Store. Like MsSuzan, Master Bill was one of the long lasting board members that has first hand knowledge of MAsT's history. As a example of his dedication, he will remain on the BoD until the next Marketing Director and Merchandise Coordinator are up to speed.

Membership Director – Master Dante Amor, current Assistant Membership Director was also unanimously voted to Membership Director. He will help prospective chapters become new members of MAsT. Master Dante will also be tasked with revising/updating the criteria used by the BoD for approval of new chapters. He will do an exceptional job and will be a valued member of the board for years to come.

IT Director/Webmaster – Master Paul was unanimously voted to continue his role on the BoD. Master Paul has served MAsT: International for many years at this position and we continue to be grateful for his expertise, his historical knowledge of MAsT and for his calm wisdom.

Director of Operations - Master Rodin was unanimously voted to assume this new role on the board. For 2021, he will continue to serve as Regional Representative Director. Master Rodin was the chairperson of the bylaws committee in 2020, which saw the BoD revise and clarify the rules by which we operate. He has streamlined the elections process and clarified how we will operate in the years to come.

POSITIONS OPEN in the MAsT: International Board of Directors:

As a result of the elections and movements in the BoD, we are pleased to announce three open positions. If you are a current or former chapter director, co-director or Regional Rep, we encourage you to apply to join our team!

Secretary - The Secretary for MAsT: International is responsible for maintaining our official documentation, recording the minutes of our meetings, release official notices and updates to our meetings and Annual General Meeting, as well as other tasks that the Board may ask them to perform.

Marketing Directory - This position is being revised into an exciting new role! The Marketing Director will be responsible for creating and coordinating a marketing plan as well as managing our social media. The Marketing Director will negotiate MAsT: International's participation and sponsorship of regional/international events that align with MAsT's mission.

Merchandise Coordinator - This is a new service position within the Board of Directors. The Merchandise Coordinator's main focus will be to maintain and improve the MAsT Store, as well as coordinate the shipment of product to customers.

We hope YOU will apply!

DIRECTION AND FOCUS for MAsT: International in 2021:

The pandemic and various lockdowns have not stopped the pace of meetings and education within the M/s community! Rather, it's made it clear that education is deeply desired. Adapting to the Zoom-event has happened and is now considered "normal" and even preferred - giving access to those who might not have otherwise been able to attend.

In 1999, the first conference was held that was dedicated to education for the Master/slave lifestyle and community. It is directly because of this event that we have the MAsT organization and the focus on education that we see today. 2021 is going to be a new world and new opportunity for us to continue that work from 22 years ago.

Master Michael has shared his vision, with the board and regional council, to renew that focus and to seek out new opportunities that present themselves in the changed world of 2021. The BoD has formed a committee with the goal of facilitating education at an international level. Ideas such as online panel presentations, increased presence at events (both virtual and physical) have been already put forth and are being considered.

We can't do it all though! As always, the local chapters are the heart of our organization and we hope you will consider 2021 the year of education. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please reach out to us - either through your Regional Representative or email us directly: board@mast.net.

Thank you so much for what you have done in service to your local and regional M/s and Power Dynamic communities. You are the reason that MAsT continues to succeed in our mission. You are the reason that we will continue to be a vibrant organization coming out of the other side of this pandemic. Thank you!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
The Board of Directors, MAsT: International

Check out all of the places where we are in the world!

Australia and New Zealand: Master Tag and Master Joe (Regional Representative Emeritus)

Canada: [Vacant]
Caribbean: [Vacant]
Central America: [Vacant]
Europe: Master Rodin
Great Lakes: slave Lyon
Northeast: Master Dante and Lady O
Northwest: slave evelyn and slave maya
Oceanic: [Vacant]
South America: [Vacant]
Southeast: Master IceDog and Cynthia
Southwest: Lady Morgan and Master Todd

We have an e-group for all MAsT members called MAsT Chat! Just email koneko at education@mast.net with your name, email and which MAsT chapter you belong to and she will get you added! Take a moment and post thoughts, ideas, questions, whatever you'd like to share across the MAsT family!

Lady O has accepted the position of Assistant Northeast Regional Representative, and will be taking over from Master Dante as the NE Regional Representative on May 1, 2021!

Slave Gaia also accepted the position of President for the HardPink Sisterhood and was inducted as an associate member of the Onyx Pearls Northeast!

Master Dante was elected to the Board of Directors of MTTA, Inc. producers of the Master/slave Conference and MTTA Training Academy!

Master Dante is also the new Director of MAsT: Metro New York and Slave Gaia will be acting Treasurer!

Would you be interested in being a part of our Member Spotlight series? We post one in each newsletter, except this one, as we had so much board news to share. But if you're interested in being a part of our spotlight series in the next newsletter, email koneko at education@mast.net!

Chief Executive Officer: Master Michael

Director of Operations: Master Rodin
Secretary: [Vacant]
Financial Officer: Master John
Regional Representative Director: Master Rodin
Assistant Regional Representative Director: [Vacant]
Membership Director: Master Dante Amor
Assistant Membership Director: [Vacant]
Marketing Director: Master Bill
Education Director: koneko
IT Director/Webmaster: Master Paul

The following positions are available within the Board of Directors: Secretary, Marketing Director, Merchandising Coordinator. Each position is for a two year term, up to a maximum of three terms.

You’ll be joining a dynamic group of individuals who are committed to serving MAsT: International in its mission of support for the M/s, Power Dynamic community!

SECRETARY - DESCRIPTION:

• The Secretary shall keep the minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors. These meetings specifically include official Board meetings and Member meetings (e.g. Annual General Meeting),

• The Secretary is responsible for ensuring that accurate and sufficient documentation exists to meet legal requirements within the provisions of the Bylaws or as required by law. Provide access to authorized persons when required,

• The Secretary is the custodian of the corporate records (such as the bylaws and incorporation papers) and seal,

• The Secretary shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Chief Executive Officer/Chair or by the Board of Directors,

• The Secretary shall ensure that proper notification is given of Directors' and members' meetings as specified in the bylaws, and

• In the absence of the Board Chair and Deputy Chair, the Secretary shall call the meeting to order and preside until a temporary chairperson is elected.

MARKETING DIRECTOR - DESCRIPTION:

• Plan and coordinate efforts to promote our organization and its mission at events, on social media and on the Internet,
  

• Coordinate with the Board of Directors, the Regional Council and individual chapters to carry out the marketing plan,
  

• Negotiate with events and organizations for visibility, participation and sponsorship of appropriate events at a local, regional or international level. Appropriate events are those that are in alignment with the mission and purpose of MAsT: International. These events include, but are not limited to, regional MAsT meeting events that bring the chapters from specific regions together on an annual basis, and

• Work with the Merchandise Coordinator on the design and details of marketing to the chapters, with a focus on the products that the store offers trying to maintain/increase sales for the store. The store’s income is an important part of MAsT International’s overall budget.

MERCHANDISING COORDINATOR - DESCRIPTION:

We are looking for an individual to manage merchandising for MAsT International and operations of the online store. This position is a non-voting, volunteer service position.

• The store operations are defined as: Control, safe, and secure storage of The MAsT stores inventory, processing incoming orders from existing inventory and placing orders for special items, shipping of items, timely and courteous communications to keep the customer apprised of the status of the order,

• The Coordinator will provide timely inventory and money management control as required by the treasurer to meet appropriate fiscal responsibilities. The Coordinator will provide monthly reports on sales and inventory to be reported to the Board,

• The Coordinator, as required from time to time, will reorder new inventory material which will potentially include seeking out a new vendor on the basis of both quality and price, and negotiating the terms of those purchases,

• The Coordinator will work with the Marketing Director on the design and details of marketing merchandise to the chapters, focusing on the products that the store offers and maintaining/increasing sales for the store. The store’s income is an important part of MAsT International’s overall budget.

REQUIREMENTS FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS POSITIONS:

• Education and/or practical experience with a large organization that is directly applicable to the Board position,

• At least two years of practical experience leading or managing within the MAsT organization (for example: as a chapter director, chapter co-director) or a similar organization,

• The skills and ability to perform the duties listed in the Job Description, and attendance at monthly conference calls,

• Current and continued membership with an active MAsT chapter, and

• We encourage all members of MAsT: International to attend the Annual General Members’ Meeting, if they are able to do so.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, use the MAsT Management Qualification Questionnaire format below to tell us about yourself and your qualifications for the Secretary position. Please send your application to Board@MAsT.net no later than Jan 30th, 2021

MAsT Management Qualification Questionnaire

This questionnaire (Personal Qualities, Competencies) provides you with the opportunity to explain some of the personal qualities, knowledge, and skills you can offer for the job. In addition to your basic resume information, the selection will be based on your responses to this questionnaire and any potential interview.

1. Personal Qualities

We would like you to share your thoughts on your personal qualities.

The Personal Qualities desired for Board Members are:

• being respected by the M/s community,

• reliable and trustworthy,

• respects policies and procedures,

• forthright, authentic, and

• willing to contribute as a team member.

2. Competencies

Competencies are all of the knowledge, skills, and other attributes (e.g., willingness) required to perform an activity. We ask that you explain your experiences for each of the competencies and add your estimated competence level using the five point scale for each competency.

The Competencies considered important for Board Members include:

• experience coaching and influencing others,

• communicating effectively,

• resolving conflicts,

• networking,

• leading by example,

• thinking politically (the need to give and take for the sake of organizational success),

• being approachable, and

• evidence of consistent positive outcomes over an extended period.

Five Point Competence Scale

A five point competence scale from 1 (Low) to 5 (High) can include:

• Level 1, learning basic knowledge and skills that allow safe, reliable work with direct oversight;

• Level 2, understands all knowledge and can complete all basic skills with less direct oversight and is learning more complex knowledge and skills;

• Level 3, understands all knowledge and skills for accomplishing complex requirements of the job with minimal oversight;

• Level 4, continually exhibits highly developed skills and provides insight for new knowledge or highly complex procedures and is included in expert discussions;

• Level 5, provides expert advice and understanding, develops new complex thoughts and activities, recognized by others as the "go to" person for designing, developing, and implementing new processes or procedures.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Please send your application to Board@MAsT.net no later than Jan 30th, 2021

There is still a pandemic happening and changing all of our lives. Please be safe - both physically and mentally. Seek help if you need it. Reach out to those you haven't heard from in a while and check in on your fellow M/s Community folks. Be present even if it's virtual. We all need one another.