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Submit Your ONYX Pearls Application

Want to Join ONYX Pearls New York - Northeast?

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We are currently taking applications for our 2021 Pledge Class. Please read the following information CLOSELY!  SLOTS are LIMITED.  

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ONYX Pearls New York - Northeast Pledge Applicants

 

ONYX Pearls NY-Northeast’s mission is to build a Sisterhood that supports, educates, and empowers Women of Color (Black/African America, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander) involved in Leather/BDSM/Fetish Lifestyles. As a responsible Leather Organization in the NYC Metro Community, we strive to engage in various social, educational, service, and charitable endeavors within the New York/New Jersey area that develop friendships and promote safety for women. 

 

Does our Mission sound like something you want to be a part of and help succeed?  ONYX Pearls NY-NE offers a life-altering journey of growth, inspiration, accountability and SISTERHOOD!  Throughout the Application and Pledge Process applicants will be asked to explore their priorities, needs, and desires as well as discover what valuable skills, insights, and service each applicant can offer not only the organization but to the Lifestyle Community as well.  TRUST US!  Every one of us has something VITAL to offer.  

 

Becoming a Member of ONYX Pearls NY-NE is not a casual endeavor.  It is NOT simply a patch on your vest.  It is a commitment of time, energy, emotions, and profound exploration in Sisterhood and Leather Family.  Some of our Sisters have needed two or three tries to complete the process.  

 

Pledge Line Candidates should also:

  • Be seeking a Sisterhood of like-minded, dedicated Women with integrity in the Lifestyle.

  • Feel a call to serve the Leather and Alternative Lifestyle Community.

  • Find it a priority to support Women in Alternative Lifestyles explore, be educated, and become empowered.

  • Be proactive, dedicated, and able to honor commitments and obligations.

  • Have a positive mindset and be inclusive of gender, sexual, and fetish identities. 

 

ONYX Pearls Membership Requirements

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All Pledgeline Applicants must be female-identifying and at least 21 years of age.  Photo ID and proof of age are required.  

 

While Leather Clubs were historically LGBT-orientated, ONYX Pearls NY-NE has NO restriction or requirement related to sexual orientation.  ALL sexual orientations and Lifestyle roles are welcome.  However, all ONYX Pearls Members MUST honor and practice inclusion practices. 

 

Additional Qualifications/Requirements | Full Membership 

Full Members in Good Standing are granted voting rights, eligible for Elective Offices/a seat as a Representative on the Executive Board Meetings, and leasing of Full Colors (large patch).

  • Women (female-identifying) of Color | Black/African America, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander

  • Live within the New York tri-state area

  • Must not be a full member of any other club of this type. 

  • Minimum 6 Month Pledge Commitment; 2021 Pledge Line Activities will run Jul  - Dec 2021 

  • Fees | $150* (Initiation Fee:  $50 + Annual Dues: $100)
    The $150 Fee is broken into two payments - an Initial Non-Refundable** $75 Payment due before Pledge Sessions begin and a Final $75 Payment before a Pledge can cross over to become a Full Member.

  • Yearly Service Requirements

    • Attend a minimum 8 Meetings

    • Attend 6 separate events (chapter hosting/participating in) a year which must include Folsom East and the Chapter Anniversary

    • Approximately 8-12 hrs/month service commitment not including travel time.

 

Additional Qualifications/Requirements | Associate Membership 

Associate Members are NOT granted voting rights nor eligible for Elective Offices.  They are granted leasing of Associate Colors (small patch).

  • All female-identifying persons regardless of race, color, club affiliation or distance.

  • Minimum 3 Month Pledge Commitment; Pledge Line Activities will run Jul - Sep 2021

  • Fees | $75* (Initiation Fee:  $25 + Annual Dues: $50)
    The $75 Fee is broken into two payments - an Initial Non-Refundable** $37.50 Payment due before Pledge Sessions begin and a Final $37.50 Payment before a Pledge can cross over to become an Associate Member.

  • Yearly Service Requirements

  • Attend a minimum 3-4 Meetings

  • Attend 3 separate events (chapter hosting/participating in) a year which must include Folsom East and the Chapter Anniversary

  • Approximately 6-8 hrs/month service commitment not including travel time.

 

* Fees cover membership, embroidered patch(es), and nameplate.

** Initial Payments are Non-Refundable except if the Pledge drops out or withdraws prior to Acceptance.

 

Application/Pledge Acceptance Process

 

Step 1 | Meet ONYX Pearls NY-NE/Introduce Yourself

All potential applicants should make it a priority to attend 1 - 2 ONYX Pearls events prior to completing an Application to Pledge.  You also must have a Sponsor by an active Member of ONYX Pearl or ONYX from any Chapter.  (NOTE:  Early 2021 all events will be virtual.)

 

Step 2 | Complete the Membership Application

Applications should be submitted using our Online Application Form:.   (Link to an external Google Form.)  ONYX Pearls NY-NE Board will review each application to confirm Applicant meets our basic eligibility requirements.

 

Applications will be reviewed in May.  

 

Pledge Line slots are LIMITED.  Applicants MUST respond promptly to any meeting and/or information requests.  Non-responsiveness will NEGATIVELY impact an individual’s application process.  Applications received after the deadline will automatically be considered for the next Pledge Line.  If all Pledge Openings fill prior to submission, we will also hold the application for the next Pledge Line.

 

Step 3 | Initial Board Member Interviews with Applicant

Two to three Board Members will interview the applicant to explore their personality, organizational fit, Leather Lifestyle readiness, and any concerns the organization may have about the applicant. 

 

Step 4 | Applicant Vetting

Like any responsible Lifestyle/Leather organization, the ONYX Pearls NY-NE Board will vet ALL applicants to be sure they are a good fit for the organization and ready to explore the responsibilities, benefits, and experience the Leather Lifestyle has to offer.  Sisters who wear the ONYX Pearls NY-NE colors are expected to conduct themselves by the Chapter’s Code of Conduct and Characteristics of Sisterhood.  An applicant’s behaviour and reputation is a reflection on our Chapter, so we strive to conduct due diligence.    

 

Step 5 | Chapter Interview Review

Applicants who have successfully been vetted will be offered an opportunity to virtual interview with Chapter Members in May/June time frame.  This will be a group interview with other Pledge Applicants.  This is NOT a competition!

 

Step 6 | Invitation to Pledge

Once the Chapter approves an application, the applicant will receive an Invitation to Pledge via email from the Chapter Board.  They will have 7 day to respond.  The Invitation to Pledge will include the start dates and requirements for the Pledge Process.  

 

Step 7 | ONYX Pearls NY-NE Pledging

Each approved applicant MUST complete a formal Pledge Process with other accepted applicants (a Pledge Line).  Pledging will last a MINIMUM of 6 Months for Full Members and 3 Months for Associate Members.  Pledge Line activities will require monthly educational sessions, readings, individual and group assignments, as well as attendance to organization business meetings and community events.  More information on the Pledge Process >>

 

For More Information

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Fet Profile | https://fetlife.com/users/7303831 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/onyxpearlsnynortheast/ 

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ONYXPearlsNYNE/ 

 

For additional questions or concerns related to the Application Process, please contact the ONYX Pearls Board via email at ONYXPearls.NY.NE.President@gmail.com

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