Folsom Street is committed to cultivating a safe, open, and inclusive environment for the kink, leather, and alternative sexuality communities while centering equity for BIPOC and LGBTQA2I+ people in our work. We are rooted historically in the fight against gentrification and displacement both here in San Francisco, on unceded Ohlone land, and worldwide. We unite, strengthen, and affirm the community through support, resources, education, advocacy, visibility, and celebration by centering and uplifting marginalized voices. We are dedicated to sexual liberation and the right to pleasure as a crucial part of the whole liberation movement.

Folsom Street is an explicitly anti-racist organization and we are committed to decolonizing our practices. We welcome feedback and guidance from our communities. 

Charter for VISION BOARD for Folsom Street

This advisory and creative board is authorized by the Folsom Street board of directors and will serve in cooperation and collaboration with the board and staff. 

Purpose, Scope of Work and Benefit - The Vision Board is being formed for the purpose of steering the evolving community based work of Folsom Street. The committee will advise on matters that directly concern the organization’s programs and events. The committee shall have no legal responsibilities and is formed to give advice and recommendations to the board and staff. The board and staff will evaluate the feasibility of the recommendations of the committee, and will act on its recommendations or feedback where possible and align with our mission.

The Vision Board is composed of community members with diverse skills and identities to provide the board and staff with feedback based on lived experience. Members provide input, skills and knowledge towards specific projects. Specific scope of work of the committee may include the following: identify community outreach and marketing messaging, assess the impact of programs, projects and events, serve as ad hoc on short-term events such as the street fairs/festivals and serve as non-political advocates for the organization.

Benefits of being an advisory member: This board can be a tremendous influence and complement to the effectiveness of the board of directors and staff as they work to serve the community and fulfill the mission. Other benefits include: Giving back to your community. Sharing expertise, insights, and experiences to develop emerging community leaders. Working with peers and valuable networking opportunities. Engaging in strategic dialogue and participating in robust discussions that will help shape the organization in the future and assist the organizational growth and equity. Sharpening leadership skills in a supportive environment with the goal to fill board positions that become available.

Advisory members shall have no power to make final decisions about the organization. They cannot outline rules for how the organization operates, give employees instructions or give directives to the board of directors or staff. Advisory members may not speak on behalf of the organization without collaboration with the board and staff, including speaking to the press or discussing confidential matters with employees, clients or vendors.

The Vision Board will consist of at least six members. Members will be selected and appointed by the board and any community member may apply to represent the community on this advisory board. Committee members who hold marginalized identities as well as being active participants in the leather/kink/alt sex communities. 

The Vision Board will appoint a chair of the Vision Board and serve as a representative to the board. 

Procedural Rules Meetings: The committee will meet at least four times per year, and as frequently as monthly. Written notices of upcoming meetings will be emailed to members at least seven days before a meeting. Meetings shall be held on Zoom, unless otherwise notified. An electronic copy of meeting minutes will be kept on google drive and will be accessible to board and management within two weeks after a meeting. 

Recommendations and Reports: Committee recommendations and reports will be submitted in writing to the board. Documents will include both suggested action and justification for suggestions. The board will respond/react to such recommendations/reports in writing. 

Dismissal: Members who are absent without reasonable cause from three successive meetings will be considered to have resigned their seat. The board will move to fill the position.