A brief overview of what our meetings look like. Some meetings will vary from this, but in general this is the format we follow.
1. Read Group Guidelines
We read the group guidelines, asking anyone who’s willing to read a few sentences.
2. Check-Ins/Introductions
After reading the group guidelines, we introduce ourselves, stating our name and pronouns, as well as filling the group in on what’s been happening in our lives. This can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Break
We take a 10-minute break for folks to stretch and use the restroom (the RC has two, single occupancy restrooms; one is ADA accessible and both are gender neutral).
4. Discussion
We open up the group to questions, discussions, or further exploring any topics that came up during Check-ins. If there are 10 or more people in attendance, we sometimes break into two smaller groups to allow more people more time to participate.
5. Wrap-up, request for donations
About 15 minutes before the end of the meeting, we open it up to announcements. We also make a request for donations for the Rainbow Center. This helps the RC off-set the cost of allowing groups like ours to use their space. Whatever you’re able to contribute is welcome. There is no requirement that you make a donation.
Post-meeting gatherings
Although not an official part of our meetings, many folks get together after the meetings at a local restaurant (typically within a few block of the Rainbow Center) to have dinner, beverages, and talk more. These gatherings are open to cisgender friends and partners, as well as members of our community who were assigned male at birth.
The location can vary. Ask at the meeting to find out where we’ll be going.