Open Love NY was formed by a small group of leaders in the New York polyamorous community at the Poly Living Conference in February 2009. These leaders envisioned a group that is membership-driven – by the people, for the people of the polyamorous community.
Open Love NY exists to build and serve the community of people in New York City and surrounding areas who aspire to love with honesty and freedom. We work with our members to educate the public about the existence and merits of responsible relationship choices between consenting adults.
President – Jeri Lynn Astra Hebert
Vice President – Stacey Capps
Treasurer – Mischa Lin
Director of Membership – Kyle Applegate
Executive Committee: Ben Silver, O Man
Organizing Committee: Christy Littlefield, Connor Arfington
General Rules of Conduct:
Open Love NY practices safer space for all sexual orientations, gender and kink identities, as well as those who identify as monogamous. “Safer space” means using inclusive language that acknowledges the diversity of this group, including diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities. Statements and language that marginalize or assume homogeneity in our audience (such as language that assumes there are no lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer people in this group), or that are offensive toward any historically oppressed group of people will not be tolerated.
Open Love NY advocates open communications with intention, fostering interactive dialogue, facilitating trust, listening to others, and giving and receiving support. We are vigilant in promoting ethical behavior that respects the boundaries of others. Any language or behavior that violates informed consent or disrupts civility at our events will not be tolerated.
Open Love NY’s Facebook space is for members to post their events and articles of interest; only one post per non-OLNY sponsored event is allowed. Dating profiles or requests for partners or friend adds are not permitted. Any posts that violate our Rules of Conduct will be removed and the member will receive a warning. A second violation in the calendar year could result in a permanent ban from the group.
Membership in OLNY is granted to individuals, subject to review of their past behavior both inside and outside of our community. Allegations of emotional abuse, assault, violations of consent, gross bigotry or other misconduct (inside or outside of relationships) that are properly reported will be investigated before action is taken by the OLNY Leadership Team.
Complaints against individuals who are applying for membership may result in denial of the application. Complaints against members or leaders of OLNY must be submitted to openloveny@gmail.com, or via email to any current OLNY leader (listed above). If appropriate, a restorative justice process may be used to repair harm and introduce acceptable alternatives. OLNY reserves the right to expel anyone for violation of our Rules of Conduct, unwillingness to engage in a disciplinary process, or for behavior that is judged to be harmful to our community.
Poly Cocktails House Rules (also applies to Poly Chai and other events)
Learn – Poly Cocktails is for learning about polyamory. It is not a play space. No nudity, kink or sex play is permitted at the event.
Open communications – Poly Cocktails is a place to exercise open communications with intention, foster interactive dialogue, facilitate trust, develop your listening skills, and give and receive support.
Verbal Consent – We encourage everyone to obtain verbal consent and explicit negotiations (as modeled at Cuddle Parties) before initiating physical contact (e.g. hugging).
Expectations – check them at the door! Interest in polyamory does not signal sexual availability or indicate sexual orientation.
Respectful behavior toward hosts and guests is required.
Safer Space – Poly Cocktails is safer space for all sexual orientations, gender and kink identities, as well as those who identify as monogamous. No photography, video or recording of any kind is allowed without prior verbal consent of all parties involved.