What is the purpose of the bylaws and how do they relate to other documents like the Code of Conduct?

Most members do not need to read these bylaws. Documents like our Code of Conduct, Consent Policy, or informational pages like how to get more involved, provide rules and information in an easy to read and understand way. The bylaws are the foundation behind documents like the Code of Conduct, and what rules are created based off of. That means that the bylaws may be a bit harder to read; but we encourage those seeking any leadership positions within Minky to familiarize themselves with the bylaws.

History of Minky’s Bylaws

In 2019, the moderators overhauled the Minky bylaws to better fit our values and needs and with an eye towards organizational sustainability. This was again revised in 2023 to ensure that the bylaws more accurately represented the way that the group runs in actual practice. In 2024, a new article V was created to provide official policy for non-munch, non-party events. At the start of 2025, another major revision was made to remove ambiguities, reorganize sections, and provide greater transparency to our membership as well as better guidelines for moderators.

ARTICLE I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Section 1. Mission Statement

I.1.1 Minky is a queer Twin Cities-based, sex positive, and body positive kink community geared towards adults aged 18-35. We are education focused, consent forward, and operate in service of membership of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions. We strive for a community where members can comfortably, consensually, and safely get to know themselves and one another.

I.1.1a Minky is an explicitly queer group, but we still invite and welcome cis, straight, and other majority identities who join Minky.

I.1.2 Our values are our guiding principles for our organizational decisions; we believe that serving our values is how to best protect and maintain our group and community. Complex groups are often faced with decisions that may challenge commitment to their values, and so we pledge to prioritize our values, harm reduction, and community safety over claimed best interests of the group itself. This is not out of neglect for the sustained longevity of the group, but because we believe that the best interests of the group itself can only be served by adhering to and prioritizing our values.

Section 2. Leadership Values

All Minky leadership must affirm and commit to governing in service of the following value statements:

Sexual expression is an important form of self expression
Kink can exist both as recreation and resistance
All bodies are good bodies and all deserve respect and pleasure
Trans rights are human rights
HRT is healthcare
Trans women are women
Trans men are men
Non-binary identities are valid identities
Black lives matter
White supremacy is violence
Queer love, sex, and family are real, needed, and important
Sex work is real work
No human is illegal
It is both our responsibility and a boon to our safety to believe survivors
Vaccinations, testing, and safer sex are key to public health
Community safety and harm reduction are guiding principles for our actions and decisions

I.2.1 At our core, Minky aspires to be a culture of care: we believe that a commitment to trans rights, racial justice, gender equity, and sexual freedom do more to determine the safety of communities than a traditional rule-based Code of Conduct could alone.

I.2.2 Minky makes its membership, leadership, and policy decisions, host community gatherings, and organize play parties that are accountable to these values. Additionally, leadership commits to developing and hosting educational opportunities for our membership, raising funds and organizing volunteer opportunities for like-minded groups, modeling consent-forward and social justice-informed administration, and engaging in community outreach and service.

ARTICLE II. TYPES OF STATUS WITHIN MINKY

Section 1. Minky Moderators

II.1.1 Moderators are the primary leadership of Minky. These bylaws both outline what being a moderator entails, and exist to put limits on the power of moderators.

II.1.2 “Senior Moderator” is not a formal status in Minky, but is a term you may hear to refer to moderators who have served for more than three years. Senior Moderators do not have any additional voting privileges or any specially designated powers. Senior Moderators may be looked towards for helping with the success of new moderators and ensuring that their new perspectives are heard.

Section 2. Steering Committee

II.2.1 The Steering Committee are the overall planning and response leaders for the Moderator Team.

II.2.2 The Steering Committee is responsible for the scheduling of quarterly meetings and the yearly summit, as well as for setting the agenda of said events.

II.2.3 The Steering Committee shall oversee and ensure communication of ongoing tasks outside of Minky events.

II.2.4 The Steering Committee shall ensure that all Moderator and Associate applications are processed on an ongoing basis. All applications should be discussed by the entire moderation team.

II.2.5 As different members will learn best from different moderators, all moderators should be engaged with mentorship and training of volunteers, Associate Members, and new Moderators. However, the Steering Committee should ensure they take extra-effort to share their knowledge and experience with membership.

II.2.6 One member of the Steering Committee shall act as organization treasurer. This individual will perform a majority of Treasury and Supply duties [VI.2].

II.2.7 Moderators on the Steering Committee do not have votes weighted differently than the rest of the moderation team, and any different role they may have in a voting procedure is outlined in the voting section of the bylaws, [III.2].

II.2.8 In order to be appointed to the Steering Committee, a moderator must have served for at least 18 months, submit their name for consideration, and be approved by a supermajority of the moderator body.

II.2.9 Hosts of events (munches, parties, and members-only events) cannot be elected to the Steering Committee. Here, “host” refers to the noun of someone who owns, lives at, or controls property, and not to the verb of facilitating online or in-person events. Members of the Steering Committee may host meetings and team-building events that are for other Moderators, or for Associate Members.

Section 3. Associate Members

II.3.1 Associate Members assist in many of the logistical functions of Minky. They include members recognized as vital contributors to the success and safety of our community, and members who have directly applied for the role.

II.3.2 Associate Members may assist with a variety of tasks and duties.

II.3.2a These may include helping with party set up and tear down, taking a door duty shift at a party, Dungeon Monitoring duties, assisting moderators at munches, and logistical support.
II.3.2b In exchange for their support, Associate Members are granted priority to party attendance so they can come help, and are often pointed-out at events during announcements, and recognized on our Discord with an Associate Member role.

II.3.3 While Associate Members contribute in incredibly important ways to our community, they are not full organizational group leadership and their role significantly differs from Moderators.

II.3.3a Associate Members don’t have voting powers or privileges.
II.3.3b Associate Members don’t have access to Moderator-only official communication channels, but do have access to additional Discord channels to coordinate between moderators and themselves.
II.3.3c Associate Members don’t see and aren’t involved with report tickets, ID check tickets, and other moderator contacts or communications.
II.3.3d Associate Members are held to the same cultural standards that all Minky Members are. Associate Members are not held to the attendance standards or contribution expectations of Moderators, and are not necessarily held to the same cultural standards as Moderators.

II.3.4 Eligibility and appointment guidelines for Associate Members are less strict than those for Moderators.

II.3.4a It is recommended that before applying for Associate Membership, members have volunteered at several events [II.4.3].
II.3.4b Members applying to become an Associate Member require a supermajority of “yea” votes among the Minky Moderators in order to be onboarded. Votes for a new Associate Member should involve significant thought and discussion between moderators, and can involve talks or personal interviews between the applicant and any number of moderators that wish to. If the voting period needs to be extended as per [III.2.3] it is encouraged to do so. This uncertainty should be seen as a signal that the applicant may not be a good fit at this time. The application can be reconsidered and discussed again at a future date.
II.3.4c The Minky Moderation team is empowered to directly offer Associate Membership to a Minky Member in exceptional circumstances, such as Minky Moderators who retire on good terms, past or current hosts, or other vital contributors to our community. This may be done to ensure access to communication channels so that these contributors can continue to help improve the function and safety of our community.
II.3.4d The Minky Moderation team is empowered to remove Associate Member status at any time [II.5.1]. Some reasons for removal of Associate Member status may include persistent extremely low involvement in the group, very low effort to help-out, or concerns about group fit or culture setting. If Associate Membership is offered directly, the Associate Member will be held to the same cultural standards as Associate Members who onboarded through the application process.
II.3.4e From time to time, an Associate Member may need to resign. Associate Members resigning in good standing do not forfeit Minky Member privileges, and remain welcome at parties and events. Past Associate Members in good standing are also allowed to be invited to Associate Member social events, and welcome to apply for the role again at a future time.

II.3.5 While not required for eligibility, it is recommended that anyone interested in becoming a Moderator is an Associate Member for a year. During that time, Moderators may mentor Associate Members, helping them to learn what the role of a Moderator entails. However, while we greatly value the contributions of Associate Members, it is a different role with different eligibility and different standards. Associate Membership is a separate role and not a direct track to becoming a moderator–Minky is not required or expected to “promote” Associate Members after any period of time or at all.

II.3.6 Any Associates or volunteers acting as Dungeon Monitors will be trained thoroughly, including being partnered with a Moderator DM trainer on DM shifts until they are comfortable proceeding on their own.

Section 4. Minky Members

II.4.1 A Minky Member is someone who has met a Moderator and is approved to RSVP for and attend members-only events. In Minky, we sometimes refer to this as a “vibe check” or just “meeting a mod.” This role does not represent a thorough background check or “vetting” of an individual, nor is it an endorsement of an individual by Minky.

II.4.1a Membership is not guaranteed to any individual upon meeting a mod. This “vibe check” can be failed, or we may decide we’d like you to come to another event first.

II.4.2 Minky Member is an encompassing role. Associate Members and Moderators are also by extension Minky Members.

II.4.3 We also welcome Minky Members to volunteer to help support our group and moderation team at events. This is not considered a separate formal status. This support could include the same responsibilities Associate Members may perform as outlined in [II.3]. Those interested in volunteering should usually contact the moderation team prior to the event, or can be requested to assist by moderators.

II.4.3a Volunteering is both helping the group, and a form of mentorship. Moderators should make an effort to encourage participation from members whose contributions are valuable to our community so that they can continue to learn and practice new leadership skills. Members that are exceptionally helpful volunteers may be encouraged to apply for Associate Membership for further mentorship.

Section 5. Minky Member and Associate Member Disciplinary Actions, Reporting, and Evaluations of Concerns

II.5.1 Minky Membership can be removed at any time by Minky leadership. Minky Members are bound by our Code of Conduct, rules, moderation decisions, cultural standards, Consent Policy, “We Believe” statement and safer space commitment. Violation of any of the aforementioned, or actions representing a danger or damage to our group members or group culture, may result in removal of Minky Member status, suspension from group activities, and other disciplinary measures. Minky is a private group and is under no obligation or requirements to allow membership to any individual, and may remove Minky Member status, suspend from group activities, or enact other disciplinary measures, for any reason we deem necessary, with or without explanation being provided. Minky lacks the resources or capacity to perform investigations of wrongdoing; a ban or disciplinary action by Minky is not a statement of wrongdoing, just a decision by our private group.

II.5.2 When we get a consent report, the process is primarily shaped by asking the reporter what they need from us. Our Consent Policy can be found here: https://minkymn.org/consent_policy/. Section [II.5] is mostly about disciplinary actions that are not the result of a major consent violation.

II.5.3 While [II.5.1] is our official statement and disclaimer and nothing else within section [II.5] supersedes it, Minky is a compassionate group and the rest of this section explains how, in practice, we approach most disciplinary action. This is because the overwhelming majority of moderator contacts and interventions are not in response to a consent violation. Minky is an intimate and complex social group committed to a proactive safer space moderation style. We assist in conflict resolution as requested by reporters or as needed when we observe behavior that could result in harm if it remained unchecked, or behavior that otherwise needs correction. We are grateful for our community and everyone who talks to us not just about big issues but also small concerns, allowing us to act before a serious issue occurs with proactive harm prevention.

II.5.3a Our commitment to basing our decisions on harm reduction and community safety requires us to evaluate situations on a case-by-case basis.
II.5.3b We do not excuse those that cause harm, nor allow it within our community; but if a situation does not call for removal, approaching with education and course correction is our goal. If a situation does call for removal we still endeavor to not communicate that in an aggressive or spiteful way and, if it fits the situation, by also still providing educational course correction or guidance; we recognize that removal from a social group feels bad and this polite approach is important for community safety and the safety of reporters, too.
II.5.3c We can’t mediate personal relationship problems, but we are also often contacted about social challenges or small issues that happen in scenes or play, at Minky or outside of it, by members wanting advice on how to prevent the same issue in the future, or how to communicate the issue. We consider this also valuable for community safety, and welcome members to contact us for these reasons as well.

II.5.4 Minky Membership is encouraged–and thanked!–for reporting any concerns about another member they may have to us whether or not they feel harm has occurred. We occasionally hear from members that they were hesitant to make a report because they didn’t feel it was a big deal, or didn’t want the person they were reporting to be banned–you can say that in your report to us, and as the reporter, we take what you say with very significant weight. The best way to share a concern is to make a “support/report” ticket on our Discord, but you can also Discord direct message a single mod, or, email at minkymods@minkymn.org with pertinent information.

II.5.4a Any Moderator who is aware of or has reported to them a concern or issue about a member is expected to communicate that concern or issue to the rest of the moderation team. This includes very small concerns; as a vote or action may not always be immediately required for very small concerns, the concern should also be made note of within official communication channels.

II.5.5 Some potential reasons for intervention or discipline may include violating the member Code of Conduct or Consent Policy, disregard for community values and community safety, or disrupting the safety of members and making members uncomfortable. [II.5.1] is our official statement and disclaimer, but Minky makes disciplinary decisions based on harm reduction.

II.5.6 In order to remove or suspend a member, a supermajority of votes is necessary. Votes for other resolutions, such as checking-in and bringing the concern to the member in question, are not by default done by supermajority.

II.5.7 Once a vote has been taken to discipline a member, a decision will be made about who will inform them and how. This decision, if not part of the proposal of the initial vote, must be proposed as a new vote. It will be ensured that the rest of the moderator team is kept informed of all relevant communications.

II.5.8 Social group dynamics can be complicated, and there may be a scenario where a moderator has a conflict of interest and may need to be excluded from conversation about disciplining a member. That moderator should abstain from participating in decision-making conversations about the member.

II.5.9 Very small moments of course correction, mentorship or advice may not require a formal vote and discussion. This may include things like deleting an inappropriate post or Discord message and letting the member know the issue, or correcting someone’s behavior at an event. Moderators have discretion to maintain the safety of spaces in this way, but if the member’s actions repeatedly fall outside of what is considered reasonable by the rest of the team, that should be addressed. All actions taken by a moderator should be appropriately logged and communicated to the rest of the moderation team.

II.5.10 Specifics about disciplinary actions are very rarely publicized, and typically only shared with harmed reporters or members. We prioritize the safety and privacy of reporters, and speculation or gossip about reports or disciplinary actions can put reporters at significant risk. We ask that membership contribute to community safety and the safety of reporters by not speculating or gossiping about reports.

II.5.10a When course correction is the goal desired by the moderation team and all involved parties, care should be taken in navigating how visible a penalty on a member is. This is most relevant when the disciplinary action is one where the goal is future improvement, such as suspension from a number of events, or a Discord server mute. If it has already been decided that removal is not the decision, then public shaming does not lend itself to harm reduction either. Minky is a community and is many member’s support network and primary social group. We don’t want to add a new social challenge onto someone we are already wanting and expecting to do better. Minky has many ways to do suspensions and non-removal disciplinary actions that are not visible to all members, including Discord via permissions and settings. This privacy is not some special treatment granted only to Moderators and Associate Members; this is considered for all members, because we want them to use the time of a suspension effectively and grow.

ARTICLE III. MODERATOR LOGISTICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 1. Allocation of Responsibilities

III.1.1 We recognize that the work it takes to keep this community growing takes many forms: along with running events and communications, moderators do a lot of logistics, policy drafting, planning, and emotional labor. These tasks must be done for organizational success. Leadership is most successful when the team is psychologically safe, has good working relationships, and can divide work equitably. We do our best for our community when we draw from a diversity of experiences, skills, and identities.

III.1.2 Moderators shall work together to ensure that all efforts of moderators are seen and celebrated. Moderators shall take into account these labor loads, the outside obligations, and the scheduling capabilities of each member of the team as they allocate the moderation responsibilities created by new tasks and share the burden of staffing any organization events. Moderators are responsible for advocating for their own needs, and placing the highest priority on their mental health.

Section 2. Voting

III.2.1 When making operational decisions or when raising a topic of discussion, any moderator may call for a formal vote. “Formal vote” may sound intimidating, but votes are a normal and important thing! Calling for a formal vote can be as simple as saying something like “I’d like us to vote on if we do this” or “let’s vote between these three choices we’re talking about.” Casting a vote can be as simple as “I agree, let’s do that” or “yea” or “nay” or “I vote for this option.” Ideally, not all discussions should require a formal vote; very small changes and decisions can be implemented with discussion with one or two other moderators, but votes can be for matters large and small and best judgment must be used.

III.2.1 The default requirement for a vote to pass is a simple majority. Also by default, votes are not anonymous and are to be taken openly among the moderation team. Any moderator may ask for a vote to require supermajority or be an anonymous vote. Each such voting format modification request for supermajority vote or anonymous vote must itself pass by majority vote within the primary voting period. In the event that not all moderators vote on the voting format modification, the vote for format modification is considered as ending and placed votes to modify the format or not are counted one hour before the primary voting period ends.
III.2.1b A supermajority is defined as a ⅔ majority in favor if the seated moderator team has 10 or fewer members, and a ¾ majority in favor if the team has 11 or more members. If requesting that a vote require a supermajority the requirement can be made stricter, but never more lenient than this definition.
III.2.1.c Votes are not necessarily a yes/no question, and can be selecting one of two or more options, or proposed as ranked choice.
III.2.1.d Any Moderator may abstain from a vote, at any time during voting. Moderators abstaining from a vote due to concern of conflict of interest should not then still be participating in the discussion or influencing the vote.

III.2.2 Formal votes have a maximum voting period of one week from the time the vote is called for, after which the placed votes will be considered and the missing votes will not be counted as part of calculating a majority.

III.2.2a A voting period ends if all moderators have voted, regardless of if the entire voting period has passed.
III.2.2b A voting period may be ended early if it requires a simple majority to pass and a supermajority vote is reached. A voting period for a vote that requires a supermajority by default (see [III.2.6]) does not end early if a supermajority is reached.

III.2.3 If a matter is particularly complex, a request can be made when the vote is called or any time during it to extend the voting period by up to one week, such as to allow for further meeting and discussion. The requested extension should be the minimum reasonable timeframe, and must not be used to intentionally delay a vote.

III.2.3a This request itself must be approved by majority vote before the current voting period ends. In the event that not all moderators vote on the request to extend or not, the vote for the extension is considered as ending and placed votes to extend or not are counted one hour before the current voting period ends.
III.2.3b An extension may be requested more than once, but a total voting period for a proposal cannot ever exceed two weeks. If it is apparent a decision is not ready to be made, the vote can of course be voted as not passed and still be examined again at a later time. If this vote involved a side chat needing to be created as per [IV.3.2], this side chat should be closed as continuing it outside of the framework of [IV.3] is a direct violation of the bylaws.

III.2.4 If the vote is extended as per [III.2.3] and the vote involved individuals such as a concern or consideration of disciplinary action, the uncertainty demonstrated by extending the vote should be taken as a signal to consider if a check-in or bringing concerns to the individual in question may be the resolution that best serves community safety and reduction of harm.

III.2.4a Privacy of reporters is of critical importance. If this vote is a result of a consent report, this sort of warning and check-in described in [III.2.4] should only be done with permission from the reporter; the reporter must have either suggested this as a resolution, or must be presented with a plan about how it will be handled and feel it is a good resolution.

III.2.5 It is indeed intended by [III.2.2] that votes are still counted and thus the proposal would be passed unchallenged in the scenario that no moderators besides the proposing moderator have voted once the voting period ends. This is true only if the vote is proposed in official communication channels and it is clear that effort was made for the vote to be acknowledged. This is not the case to allow a single moderator to sneak a vote through, but is to empower an individual mod to act in the unfortunate scenario of other moderators being negligent in their responsibilities. This is also to prevent it being possible to ensure a vote does not pass simply by spoken or unspoken agreement to ignore it.

III.2.6 The following require a supermajority vote by default: appointing new Moderators, reappointing Moderators from leaves of absence, appointing Associate Members, removing, banning, or suspending Moderators or members, changing bylaws, contacting another group about a banned member, and appointing the Steering Committee.

III.2.7 If a matter is urgent, sensitive, or otherwise needs a response more quickly, a member of the Steering Committee may call for the vote to be made urgently by attaching a timeframe necessary for response. This may be done when proposing a vote, or during it.

III.2.7.a It is understandable that a response will not always be possible for all moderators under this circumstance. It is acceptable not to be able to respond within this timeframe so long as moderators understand this leads to forfeiture of voting.
III.2.7.b If no votes are cast in that time, the responsibility for decision and action will go to the Steering Committee. Decisions can be made among the Steering Committee by methods including discussion, or their own vote.
III.2.7.c Votes to appoint a new moderator, remove an existing moderator, and to change the bylaws may not be made into an urgent vote and require at minimum a one week voting period.
III.2.7.d The Steering Committee may not intentionally set a short timeline for issues that do not require it in an attempt to exploit [III.2.2].

III.2.8 The Steering Committee may, by a super majority vote among Steering Committee members, veto the outcome of a vote. Because of our shared commitment to our leadership values this power should, ideally, never have a reason to be used. If this veto is used, it must be followed by a full review of group bylaws to ensure they are fully outlining our needs, and a plan should be developed for improving communication between moderators; these steps should be done with a tone of productive, compassionate, collaborative problem solving and conflict resolution.

Section 3. Official Moderator Communication

III.3.1 The current official communication channel for moderators is the Discord. For reasons of accountability and maintaining organizational legitimacy, barring exceptions outlined within these bylaws, moderators should not have separate side chats to discuss things with only a segment of the team; all official matters must be discussed in the official communication channels. Moderators should also not have significant in-person discussion of group topics without then proceeding to bring that topic to official channels. Put simply: if it’s about the group, it needs to be talked about in the official channels where all moderators can see it.

III.3.1a These exceptions include: very brief discussion of a member’s report or concerns about a moderator as per [IV.3.3], [IV.3]’s outlined protocol regarding discipline of a moderator, potential exceptions under Section V’s operations of non-munch non-party official member events, and short in-person questions or conversations between moderators intended to then be brought to official communication channels.
III.3.1b These exceptions do not include: discussion or gossip about another moderator, behind-the-scenes negotiation surrounding a vote, making decisions out of view of other moderators, or any other action that lacks accountability.
III.3.1.c We recognize that conversation in-person or online in direct messages can easily shift from purely private social conversation to group related conversation. If social conversation begins to shift towards a group related topic, it must be brought to official moderator channels.

III.3.2 All Moderators are expected to have a Discord account and be in the official Discord, and to check-in, at minimum, several times per week. Moderators may also “ping” others to alert the team that there is an issue, a vote, or other matter that requires attention.

III.3.2a In situations that other moderators do not reply, it is encouraged to make the discussion topic or decision into a formal vote, thus attaching to it a required timeline for response. This ensures that operations proceed at an acceptable pace.

III.3.3 Moderators should, as able, assist in moderating online Minky spaces such as Fetlife and Discord, and in facilitating community interaction on the Discord. As these are official spaces of Minky, they must be moderated to the same safer space standards. Moderators are not mandated to have direct messages open for personal messages, but always have direct messages open for moderation matters and group related questions.

Section 4. Meetings

III.4.1 Moderators will gather for quarterly meetings to review any queued applications, hear reports from ongoing work outside of events, discuss upcoming event planning, and update any necessary communications and logistics.

III.4.2.a Moderators will host at least one meeting each year where Associate Members are invited. These meetings involving Associate Members may be held before or after a meeting for Moderators only.

III.4.2.b These meetings will update Associate Members on future event planning, answer any questions about recent changes to Minky operations, provide a question and answer period, and solicit feedback on Minky operations from Associate Members.

III.4.3 Moderators will gather annually for a Team Summit, a lengthier meeting designed to help clear the agenda and define goals for the year.

III.4.4 From time to time, it will be necessary to meet outside of the projected meeting schedule to discuss something urgent or sensitive.

III.4.4.a. Under these circumstances it is understood that not all moderators will be able to meet. While present moderators should do their best to summarize discussion and action items for the absent moderators and strive to include their vote via moderator chat when possible, urgency will sometimes preclude inclusion.

III.4.5 Moderators are encouraged to meet socially and recreationally as they can, in order to foster strong relationships outside of the stress of moderation.

ARTICLE IV. MODERATOR STATUS PROCEDURES

Section 1. Eligibility for Moderator Appointment

IV.1.1 Any active organizational member in good standing is eligible to apply for a moderator position. While not required for eligibility, it is recommended that anyone interested in becoming a Moderator is an Associate Member for a year. Moderators should be known to exemplify our values and Code of Conduct. Applicants will be asked to self-audit their agreement with Minky Leadership Values of [I.2], their agreement with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement, and their ability to make all governance-based decisions in service of these mandates. Applicants should also be familiar with these bylaws.

IV.1.2 Applicants require a supermajority of “yea” votes among the current moderators in order to be onboarded. Votes for moderator applicants should involve extensive thought and discussion between moderators, and talks or personal interviews between the applicant and any number of moderators that wish to.

IV.1.2a Associate Members are capable of most of the same duties of a moderator besides voting, so even before discussions of team and cultural fit, the question of if more moderators are currently needed should all be considered. This question should be considered by looking at both current and future needs, any existing retirement plans, and so forth; a larger team is not necessarily a stronger team, but it may help with group longevity.
IV.1.2b If the voting period needs to be extended as per [III.2.3] it is encouraged to do so. This uncertainty should be seen as a signal that the group may not currently need more moderators or that the applicant may not be a good fit at this time. The application can be reconsidered and discussed again at a future date.

IV.1.3 The application form should be reviewed and if needed revised, at minimum, annually, to ensure it continues to meet group needs and goals.

IV.1.5 Invitation to apply may be given by current moderators to individuals at any time. Moderators must take exceptional care to not make any promises or statements regarding applications that could be interpreted as being the opinion of the entire Minky Moderation team and should discuss such invitations with the team.

IV.1.6 Applications are open on an on-going basis, but Minky has no responsibility to approve all applications. If the moderation team feels an applicant requires further mentorship, but that Minky would benefit from their leadership contributions, they may be encouraged to instead apply for Associate Membership. Applications may also simply be rejected.

IV.1.7 Onboarding and mentoring new moderators is a collaborative effort, and all moderators are always learning and growing. We recognize that depending on personal learning style documents including bylaws can be challenging to read, and part of onboarding should also include helping new moderators understand them.

Section 2. Changes in Moderator Status

IV.2.1 Moderators eligible to join the Steering Committee must receive a supermajority of “yea” votes in order to be appointed.

IV.2.3 Moderators may request a leave of absence at any point in their tenure. In order to be reinstated, the motion to reinstate must receive a supermajority of “yea” votes.

IV.2.3a Moderators do not need to request a leave of absence to take a break from some of the work they do. So long as a moderator is still fulfilling all minimum moderator responsibilities outlined in these bylaws, their status does not need to change. If such a break represents extraordinary organizational mismanagement requiring removal, that is a separate conversation to be had as outlined in [IV.3].

IV.2.4 From time to time, a Moderator may need to resign. Moderators resigning in good standing do not forfeit Minky Member privileges, and remain welcome at parties and events. Past Moderators in good standing are also allowed to be invited to Moderator social events.

IV.2.5 Though they may be consulted for advice on best practices or to provide organizational historical context, no confidential information will be shared with moderators who have stepped down or been removed from being a moderator.

Section 3. Moderator Disciplinary Actions and Evaluations of Concerns

IV.3.1 Like all members, moderators may require intervention, discipline, or to be removed. Valid reasons for this are violating the member Code of Conduct, abuse of power, questions of consent violation, failing the organizational commitment to our values or to community safety, disregard for or violation of the bylaws, not fulfilling minimum moderator responsibilities, or organizational mismanagement. Moderator removal is not something to take lightly, nor is it something to shy away from. Disciplining a moderator is not a punishment nor an act of retribution, and should be a decision made in compliance with our values and belief that it is the correct course of action for maintaining community safety.

IV.3.2 In the event that it becomes necessary to discuss intervention, discipline, or removal of a moderator, a new email thread or a Discord private message with all other mods will be established to discuss the situation and, if necessary, schedule a meeting before votes are cast. Starting this side chat is to be considered the start of official procedures and must proceed as outlined in this entire section [IV.3] and [IV.3.5].

IV.3.2.a As per [III.3.1]’s requirements of official communication channels, and to maintain organizational legitimacy, the discussion to remove a moderator must be treated in a very formal way. This side chat should not be made if a vote is not intended to be called. This side chat should not be made in an attempt to gossip about another moderator or convince other moderators to see a moderator in poor light. This side chat should only be made when a moderator believes another moderator requires intervention, discipline, or removal because they have violated one of the things listed in [IV.3.1]. As with any other Minky Member, in case of removal, it should be believed that removal is the needed path to serve community safety. Immediately when the side chat is opened, it must follow the protocols here in the bylaws.

IV.3.3 Any moderator who is aware of or has reported to them a potential indiscretion, violation, or issue about a moderator that needs evaluation, is expected and required to make a report to the remaining members of the mod team through an email thread or a Discord private message. As per [III.3.1.a], if it becomes apparent that discussion needs to extend beyond a few very brief comments, it is to be considered the start of official procedures and must proceed as outlined in this entire section [IV.3] and [IV.3.5].

IV.3.3a For organizational legitimacy and integrity of leadership, it must proceed in this official way even if it is acknowledged as extremely unlikely that a vote to discipline or remove the moderator in question will be passed, and even if it is acknowledged that removal is not needed to uphold our values, or that removal is not even being considered. This process is an expected, healthy part of improving communication across the team, and not something to be feared.
IV.3.3b Non-removal resolutions may involve discussion and course correction with the moderator in question, or no action being taken, but should not involve indefinite, on-going side chat discussion in violation of [III.3.1]. If concerns persist, they should be brought to the moderator in question, or evaluated as per any report, but any side chat must comply with this entire section [IV.3] and [II.3.1].

IV.3.5 After the side chat is made and official procedures begin, or once they must begin as per [IV.3.3], a vote is considered as being called as per the timeline of voting procedures in [III.2]. Discussion may be had, but a vote has begun. This does not mean, nor would it be expected, that all such voting periods will result in moderator removal, but again, it must be treated in this formalized way to ensure organizational legitimacy and integrity of leadership and prevention of an ongoing side chat in violation of [III.3.1].

IV.3.5.a As per [III.1], we recognize the incredible emotional labor that can be involved with moderatorship and feel that a failure of responsibilities may most often be caused by pressures we may not be aware of. We also recognize that high tension situations can arise between leadership of an intimate and complex social group, and with that acknowledgement we try to commit to conflict resolution. It should be considered if the situation is one that calls for discipline or removal, or calls for checking-in with the moderator in question and bringing concerns about their behavior to them. This voting procedure may involve drafting and agreeing on communication for such a check-in.
IV.3.5.b If this voting period is deemed as needing to be extended as per [III.2.3], care should be taken that the minimum required time is used. The uncertainty demonstrated by extension should also be seen as a signal to consider if checking-in with or bringing concerns to the moderator in question may be the resolution that best serves community safety, reduction of harm, and our leadership team.
IV.3.5.c In order to remove or suspend a Moderator, a supermajority of votes is necessary. Votes for other resolutions, such as checking-in and bringing the concern to the moderator in question, are not by default done by supermajority.
IV.3.5.d If the vote is to remove or suspend the moderator in question, a discussion period is required between a minimum of two rounds of voting. The next round of voting and its associated timeline starts once the prior round ends, and discussion is encouraged prior to the voting period ending. This discussion period must last at least 24 hours before votes may be cast.
IV.3.5.e Any Moderator may abstain from the vote, at any time during voting. Moderators abstaining from the vote due to concern of conflict of interest should not then still be participating in or influencing the vote.
IV.3.5.f Any Moderator may choose to abstain in a subsequent round of voting after having earlier voted, or may choose to vote after having abstained in an earlier voting round.

IV.3.6 Once a vote has been taken to discipline a moderator, a decision will be made about who will inform the moderator and how. This decision, if not part of the proposal of the initial vote, must be proposed as a new vote. It will be ensured that the rest of the moderator team is kept informed of all relevant communications.

IV.3.7 Social group dynamics can be complicated, and there may be a scenario where a moderator besides the moderator in question may need to be excluded from conversations, such as if there is a concern with more than one moderator. If this occurs, it must be voted on to exclude additional moderators by the remaining moderators, and if it does not pass, the moderator will be included. However, this cannot be exploited or abused to empower one moderator to remove all other moderators.

ARTICLE V. OFFICIAL MINKY EVENTS

Section 1. Play Parties and Moderator Play Party Responsibilities

V.1.1 Play parties are dedicated kink events. Minky endeavors to have at least one play party each month.

V.1.2 In order to safely and successfully host a party, there must be at least two Moderators and two Associates OR at least three Moderators on site. Moderators are not required to perform all of the outlined duties at every party, but should be fulfilling the responsibilities they are suited to.

V.1.3 Moderators are asked to be present for seven parties a year and to fill in as necessary when the team is smaller or schedules conflict.

V.1.3.a A smaller leadership team will likely need to attend and facilitate more than this number to meet the minimums specified in [V.1.2] and to safely maintain organizational operations. Moderators are responsible for ensuring that these overages are shared equitably and with respect for team members’ outside obligations and duties performed outside of events.

V.1.4 Moderators are responsible for ensuring that party set up and tear down is completed and is low stress for the party hosts.

V.1.5 Moderators are responsible for ensuring door duty is taken seriously. Someone must be stationed at the door to verify attendees and collect donations.

V.1.6 Moderators are responsible for providing the safest possible party environment. This includes DMing, monitoring safer sex supplies, ensuring that all guests know party rules both in advance of and at the party, and introducing new members and guests to the space.

V.1.7 Moderators are responsible for scheduling Associates and volunteers, and managing their efforts during the party.

Section 2. Munches and Moderator Munch Responsibilities

V.2.1 Munches are social, non-play kink events. Minky endeavors to have at least one munch each month. Minky’s munches are low-structure, low-pressure social mixers and not a facilitated discussion event.

V.2.2 Moderators are asked to attend several munches a year. There should be no fewer than two moderators at any munch.

V.2.3 Moderators will establish the safety and cultural norms at a munch. Be mindful of volume and dress.

V.2.4 Moderators should be engaging with new members at munches, to approve them to RSVP for parties as a Minky Member, as described in [II.5].

V.2.4a Moderators should design munches with time to meet new attendees. This can follow any format but must be prioritized by Moderators; for example, the first hour being unstructured social time, then announcements, and then moderators dedicated all remaining needed time to talking to new attendees.

V.2.5 Minky also occasionally hosts digital munches via Discord. These have the same standards as in-person munches, and the Code of Conduct applies in the same ways. Minky Member approval is held to higher standards for digital munches; we ask that prospective membership respect if we inform you we’d like you to attend an in-person munch before being granted membership status.

Section 3. Proposing, Approving, and Facilitating Non-Munch, Non-Party Events

V.3.1 Non-Munch, non-party official events may be “vanilla,” “safe for work” affairs. Or, they may be dedicated to the discussion, exploration, or education surrounding a specific kink or BDSM activity in much the same way a themed Munch or Party may be, but held within the existing Minky organizational structure. Events may be hosted in-person, or online.

V.3.2 Official events must have no less than two participating Associate Members or Minky Moderators, with at least one Minky Moderator. If the event may involve non-demo, non-instructional kink or BDSM activity or play, there must be at least two Moderators and two Associates (two Moderators and one Associate if the event is under 20 attendees total) OR at least three Moderators attending, and at all times at least one Moderator or qualified Associate Member must be acting as a Dungeon Monitor. If the event cannot have these requirements met, the event cannot be held regardless of if it was scheduled and approved–it must be canceled.

V.3.2a Minky recognizes that the social dynamics of a smaller group event can be distinct from those of a larger group event. These requirements are for both logistical and accountability reasons. The Associate Member and Moderator requirements to host an official event should be fulfilled cognizant of this, especially for any event that may involve non-demo, non-instructional kink or BDSM activity or play, with selected Associate Members and Moderators certain that Minky’s high accountability standards are retained.

V.3.3 Events may be proposed by any Associate Member or Minky Moderator to the Minky Moderators. When proposed, the person proposing the event must explain their plans, RSVP system, meeting time, requested budget, and general purpose. The event proposal will be reviewed by the Minky Moderators; if the event requires resources or budget from Minky, or if the event is proposed by a Minky Member who is not a Minky Moderator, it must be approved by a simple majority vote. Moderators proposing an event requiring resources or budget must abstain from the vote to approve it. Minky may approve, conditionally approve with required revisions, or decline with feedback.

V.3.4 Minky Members may, of course, socialize outside of official events. However, should a Minky Member express interest in starting an official event with no available or interested Associate Members or Minky Moderators, that individual can, if deemed appropriate by the Minky Moderators, be directed towards potential paths of growth to develop their ideas down the line.

V.3.5 Events may not be scheduled further than three months in advance unless there are exceptional circumstances that require the event to have such significant planning time.

V.3.6 Events may be proposed as occurring at another Minky event, such as a Munch or Party. Examples may include a themed fundraising idea or activity at a Munch, or a proposed group discussion at a party.

V.3.7 Events may be proposed as recurring for a specified number of repeated events. Examples may include an event repeating on a set date each month for 3 months, or repeating every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Events may not be scheduled further than three months in advance unless there are exceptional circumstances that require the event to have such significant planning time. Associate Member and Minky Moderator availability must be required for the event to occur each time, and events can be canceled individual days or indefinitely by the Minky Moderators.

V.3.7a If an event has a need to have communication channels at or during the event, a Discord category will be created and attending parties added to the channels. If the event has public attendance to all Minky Members, the channels will be open to all Minky Members. If the event has an RSVP system, only Minky Mods and attending membership will be added.
V.3.7b If an event is significantly recurring, it may be given a Minky Discord category consisting of discussion channel(s). This may be proposed alongside the event itself being proposed to the Minky Mods. Channels may only be visible by specific permissions granted to those attending or planning to attend such a recurring event and all Minky Moderators; how the permissions are distributed may be part of an event proposal.

Section 4. Disciplinary Actions Involving Non-Munch, Non-Party Events

V.4.1 Consistent to all Minky Membership activities, attending an event is a privilege, and may be revoked by Minky via suspension, banning, and other disciplinary action.

V.4.2 Should any attending Minky Member act in a way that the leaders of an event are uncomfortable with, they must report this to the full Minky Moderator team so that it can be addressed.

V.4.3 If an attending Minky Member acts in a way that event leadership deem to be harmful, disrespectful, or in any way by and large a violation of the Minky Code of Conduct, they may be removed from the event by event leadership, prior to or during the event. Event leadership must then report this to the full Minky Moderator team.

V.4.3a Should a suspension or removal of an attendee during or prior to an event not be communicated to the Minky Moderation team within a reasonable timeframe, the Minky Moderation team may enact potential disciplinary action for abuse of this suspension system.
V.4.3b The suspension system shall not at any time be used for abuse or personal gain by any Associate or Moderator. Should anyone of event leadership be found in violation of this policy (for example, using the system to suspend an ex-partner from an event) their misconduct shall be reviewed and appropriately sanctioned by Minky.
V.4.3c Disciplinary actions may include but not be limited to: Removal from future event leadership, removal from Minky Moderator or Associate Member status, suspension from Minky, and/or banning from Minky.

ARTICLE VI. DUTIES OUTSIDE OF EVENTS

Section 1. Duties Outside of Events

VI.1.1 Moderators perform various tasks outside of or to facilitate running events. Not all moderators need to do all or any of these tasks, but all moderators should be aware of the labor that happens outside of Minky events. Moderators have different skill sets that may be suited to different tasks at munches, parties, and other events, as well as outside of them.

VI.1.1a Likewise, moderators may be perfectly content with the tasks they do outside of events and are not required to purposely share, split-up, or delegate work to new moderators. However, moderators should be aware of the obligations they have towards themselves outlined in [III.1]. New moderators should offer assistance where they can, even if they’re just looking to learn and not to take ongoing responsibility for the tasks.

Section 2. Treasury and Supply

VI.2.1 Treasury and Supply duties mostly relate to keeping track of group budget and managing supplies for our events. This includes tasks such maintaining an up-to-date inventory of party supplies and ensuring that supplies are replenished before events and parties. These tasks are of course strongly entwined with Minky’s budget. If these tasks are not performed by the treasurer, purchases should be made with the treasurer’s knowledge and permission.

VI.2.2.a Many tasks within this section may require delegation to assign moderators and Associate Members to purchase supplies or to assist with transporting them. This may mean liaising with hosts, securing adequate volunteer or associate help, and maintaining and updating party location specific set up and tear down checklists.

VI.2.3 Treasury and Supply duties include ensuring that all party and event supplies arrive at the location to ensure successful setup, at the beginning of setup and that they are all reassembled and stored at the end of a party. Special care should be taken to track the expiration date of things such as snacks and safer sex supplies.

VI.2.4 Treasury and Supply duties include liaising with the treasurer to secure and give the hosting gift.

Section 3. Technology

VI.3.1 Technology duties refer to web administrative work. This includes tasks such as maintaining and updating the official website, the Discord, and any other systems, websites, and applications used by Minky. This also includes staying aware of any policy or technology changes made by services or applications Minky uses, and updating procedures as needed.

VI.3.1a As per standard security protocols, the number of individuals with web admin access should be limited to the individual(s) performing the tasks, and another or a method of access if needed in case of emergency.
VI.3.1b There may arise situations where the best person to do web admin work for Minky is not a current or active moderator. This is allowed, but if this is the case, care must be taken that any confidential moderator communication is kept confidential.

Section 4. Operations

VI.4.1 Operations duties include handling party, munch, and event communications and announcements. This includes updates on the Discord, official website, and any other websites used.

VI.4.1a These tasks are of course strongly entwined with, and may be performed in part or whole by, Minky’s web admin.

VI.4.2 Operations duties include managing RSVPs and managing the party and event channels on Discord.

Section 5. Outreach

VI.5.1 Outreach duties include communications with outside groups, vendors, or locations, as well as designing programming for potential new members.

VI.5.2 Outreach duties include designating community partners to benefit from fundraising and volunteer activities.

VI.5.3 Outreach duties include communicating with munch locations in advance of each munch and presiding over munch scheduling.

VI.5.4 Outreach duties include maintaining relationships with other community groups, as to help ensure a safer community both within Minky and at-large. Good relationships with other groups benefit everyone involved with increased safety, and additional opportunities for collaboration.

Section 6. Education

VI.6.1 Education duties include organizing regular party workshop programming, which may include networking with and scheduling presenters, managing workshop materials, and publishing advance information about the workshops.

VI.6.2 Education duties include connecting membership with any specific safety, play, or practice questions to resources as possible.

Section 7. Communications and Publications

VI.7.1 Communications and Publications duties include handling all public facing and sensitive organization communications. Such communications include those regarding consent reports, updating and writing new governance policies, and announcements that are made about current events on behalf of the group.

VI.7.1 In general, important communications should be reviewed by the entire moderator team before being posted or committed to public record. Attention should be given to culture setting and communicating culture to the community, and review within the moderator team can help ensure this.

VI.7.2 Communications and Publications duties include review of important documents:

VI.7.2a The Code of Conduct should be reviewed, at minimum, annually, to ensure it continues to meet our cultural and community safety goals.
VI.7.2b As per [IV.1.3], application forms for moderators and associates should be reviewed at least annually to ensure they continue to meet our needs and goals.

ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS

Section 1: Amendment Procedure

VII.1.1 As necessary, amendments or revisions may be made to the bylaws. An amendment or revision may be proposed casually as a suggested topic to add or revise before it is actually written, or may be fully written and then proposed.

VII.1.1a Minor language revisions, such fixing a typo, a grammatical error, or a confusing sentence, may be made with simple collaborative approval among moderators, provided they do not substantively alter the bylaws.

VII.1.2 Once the amendment or revision is fully drafted, it must be approved by a supermajority vote in favor of implementation.

Section 2: Amendment Documentation

VII.2.1 These bylaws are intended as both a living document and a historical record. In the interest of accountability, prior major versions of the bylaws should be kept available on our website and/or to the moderation team.

ARTICLE VIII. ADOPTION OF BYLAWS

We, the undersigned, are all of the moderators of the organization and we consent to and hereby do adopt the foregoing bylaws, consisting of the preceding pages, as the bylaws of this organization.

We adopt these policies with the intent and knowledge that this document and all codes and systems therein are designed to act in the service of our mission statement, leadership values, and the success of the leadership team. These bylaws are designed to be revised and updated as often as necessary to adapt to the needs of a growing organization and leadership team.

(https://minkymn.org/bylaws-archive/)

REVISED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Minky moderators on this 17th day of January, 2025

Zaldra

Sciencesub

ArcturusCrane

UpperCaseQueer