Conversio Virium

Article III: Principles of Operation

Section 1: Safe Space

1. Conversio Virium, its meetings, and its activities provide a safe space for practitioners of BDSM. One of the major functions of the organization is to act as a peer support group. People with concerns about the impact of their own BDSM-related feelings are encouraged to explore them with us. To this end, we wish to engage in dialogue which is supportive, candid, and respectful of others’ rights to have differing opinions and limits. However, all those who attend our meetings must refrain from challenging the validity of BDSM in general or others’ lifestyles and identities, except when nonconsensuality becomes an issue.
2. CV is a discussion and education group. The presence of BDSM play would disrupt our meetings and events and turn attention away from the goals of the group in favor of personal interactions. In addition, some of those present might feel personally uncomfortable with such play, and therefore hesitate to attend, or participate in, CV meetings. Accordingly, BDSM play will not be a part of, nor will be permitted at, any CV meetings or events. Limited demonstrations, however, will be permitted provided that they educate members on safe BDSM practices. Demonstrations must not:
   1. produce permanent, long term, or graphic physical injury;
   2. produce excessive noise;
   3. be in any way disruptive to other activities in the vicinity;
   4. violate the principles of this constitution;
   5. exceed three presenters and/or guest speakers;
   6. involve the exposure of breasts or genitals.

Section 2: Confidentiality

BDSM is considered by many to be a private matter. In addition, misconceptions about BDSM remain widespread and may be damaging. By attending our meetings and events, one agrees not to divulge to anyone outside the group the names, statements, or actions of anyone else who attends without their explicit permission. Information on the general activities of the group will be made available to the ABC and SGA upon request.

Section 3: Nonconsensual Behavior

Mutual consent is the essential quality which separates abusive behavior from BDSM. Therefore Conversio Virium can only accept members whose activities involve informed mutual consent between responsible adults, not only within the context of group sponsored activities, but in all their sexual and/or BDSM interactions. Anything less would both risk the safety of our members, and reflect poorly on the group as a whole.

(Back to Article II: Statement of Purpose or continue to Article IV: Membership.)