Rev 2.1 of 9 Jan 2020
Creative Commons License - Attribution-NoDerivs CC BY-ND
“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law”
“The word of sin is restriction”
Consent is a wide issue. While it is easy to focus on sexual consent, the concept also implies general respect for emotional, intellectual and bodily autonomy, and freedom from unwanted harassment, emotional and physical.
Thelema can, in the religious sense, be considered a "cult" as can all forms of Christianity, Islam, and so forth. More appropriately it is a Denomination of the wider Religious and Philosophical practice of Thelema. Because Thelema is a New Religious Movement, TTO will be held to a high standard in avoiding the behaviors of negative cults. This makes respect for personal autonomy very important within TTO as it should be within any Thelemic Group.
Informed Consent means not only that activities and actions are agreed, but that the person agreeing understands as fully as is possible what they are consenting to. We will discuss what this means in regards to ritual below.
Sex magick and sexuality are core to Thelema. In many Thelemic groups this is dealt with obliquely. Symbolic sexuality is celebrated, while actual intimate acts are swept under the table. When we discuss “sex” we mean the entire range of intimate expression associated with human sexuality, not one discrete act or range of acts.
In the 1980s and 1990s, this may have been necessary. With “Satanic Panic,” the idea of “sex cults” led to immediate assumptions of Satanism, pedophilia, and antisocial behavior. There were few organizations, public or private, that allowed for sexual interaction, and such organizations risked constant friction with the law. It could be difficult to rent sites for events, or even find insurance for events if one allowed sexual activity.
That has changed in the last 20 years. Across the United States, Canada, and around the world literally thousands of Kink/Fetish, Swingers, and other groups operate in public. They may not publicize the location of their events, but they maintain websites, discuss their activities, and vette members for safety and consent. They rent hotels and banquet halls, operate private and public events, and obtain insurance.
Nevertheless throughout the late 20th century and into the 21st, many groups inside and outside Thelema had trouble with sexual coercion, assault, and rape.
The reaction of many good leaders was to chill any discussion of, or engagement in, sexual activities so as not to create an environment in which sexual behavior of any kind might occur.
Refusing to discuss sex openly is more than disingenuous, it’s dangerous. The individuals who discouraged being “out and proud” about sex magick had good intentions, but in many ways they created a monster. By attempting to shroud the sexual nature of Thelema to promote safety, they created shadows and darkness that facilitated coercion and rape. They created enforced “grey areas,”which muddies the waters of consent, empowers predators by the absence of formal structure, and destroys sex positivity by encouraging slut shaming of anyone who does engage in sexual activities.
When sex cannot be discussed openly it is not even possible to say directly “it is not appropriate now.” In addition to encouraging secrecy, which encourages predators, that means it is not possible to ensure that minors are never exposed to sexual behavior, because its existence is not admitted.
“Man has the right to love as he will:“ — Liber OZ sub figura LXXVII
“take your fill and will of love as ye will, when, where, and with whom ye will.” — AL. I. 51.
“Acts invasive of another individual’s equal rights are implicitly self-aggressions….Such acts as rape, and the assault or seduction of infants, may therefore be justly regarded as offences against the Law of Liberty, and repressed in the interests of that Law.” — Aleister Crowley, from the New Comment on AL. I. 51.
Touching – in general touch should not occur without permission, e.g. no one should receive a big hug when they are not confirming they are fine with it. Minor contact, e.g. putting a hand on a shoulder for safety, shaking hands, etc. is acceptable within appropriate context.
Personal Space – personal space can be highly subjective, however we expect Members to extend courtesy, follow broad social norms unless invited to do otherwise, as well as deferring to any other Member's expression of discomfort, either expressed directly, or through asking a Group Officer to intervene.
Property - In general it is a breach of consent to touch the personal property of others without authority. People who are tasked by the Group leadership with organizing or cleaning may move items as is necessary to keep the space usable and safe, and may examine lost items in order to determine who to return them to. People who store items in the common or some designated storage spaces are deemed to consent to their movement by Group Officers, Volunteers, property owners, or site staff, when necessary.
Photographing or recording – individuals without explicit consent is forbidden.
Exposure to bodily fluids or disease risk - exposing a person to someone else’s bodily fluids, including blood or semen, without their knowledge, is a fundamental violation of their consent and may also be a health risk, particularly in regards to blood.
Consuming the bodily fluids of another person is an act which is powerfully transgressive in many cultures and has considerable personal significance, even if those elements have been burned or otherwise rendered inert. The presence of such elements in food or ritual items should always be disclosed. This explicitly includes items for Gnostic Communion, including “Cakes of Light.”
Food
Food – while food is a matter of safety, it also figures into consent. When people put food into their bodies, they are trusting that their autonomy is being respected. To that end:
Food Issues – leaders and members of TTO Groups may be used to serving individuals without regard to particular diet, intolerance, allergy, or ethical issues. Leaders should be expected to:
Life Threatening v. Non Life Threatening - sharing in the group food is a privilege. No Group member or guest has the right to arbitrarily inflict their preferences on all other members, as that is a violation of their consent.
We may take another person’s comfort or ethical convictions very seriously, however wrongful actions can be apologized for or compensated for. When we cause a person’s death we cannot apologize or compensate them. Therefore we rightly consider risks which may cause a person to die far more seriously than those which would cause cause discomfort, irritation, or ethical turmoil, since all of those can in time be remedied, while death cannot.
It may be considered appropriate to ban entirely from a premise foods to which a member has a life threatening allergy, or to engage in arduous, expensive, or time-consuming practices in order to avoid contamination.
On the other hand to ban such a food because of the remote risk of ethical compromise or discomfort has the effect of putting the choice of the entire group at the mercy of a single individual.
Therefore it is reasonable within our consent framework to ask individuals if any intolerance to food is life-threatening. Individuals who decline to answer, but continue to eat group food, are making an informed choice with whatever risks they take.
Hospitality versus Consent - it is a matter of good hospitality to offer food choices acceptable to all members, however it is not a matter of consent. If a person who has ethical or health restrictions on food has nothing to eat at a social gathering that may be poor hosting, but it is not a violation of their consent.
When Food Choice becomes a Consent Issue - when members are unable to get other food because of duties or obligations, or are shamed from making other choices. E.g. for a given activity, all members are requested to report at 9am, and expected to work until 9pm. Volunteers are served food, but no acceptable food is presented for a member with ethical or health restrictions. If the volunteer has paid for food, but is allowed to leave or go elsewhere without prejudice, the situation is one of poor hospitality and unfairness, but falls short of a violation of personal consent. However, if the Volunteer is shamed or pressured not to go offsite for food they are being socially coerced to work without adequate food, and a consent issue has emerged.
Shaming over food restrictions - in a broader sense, any situation in which a member is shamed or coerced because of their food restrictions, whether those restrictions are voluntary or health related, is a violation of consent.
Suppression by Leadership or other Members – while it is human nature to shrink from criticism, it is also necessary for growth. Leaders and members should welcome critical thought and provide forums for it. It is appropriate to limit criticism to certain times, forums and statements but attempts to "suppress" criticism through:
Constitutes harassment and is a violation of the Consent Policy.
Social or Sexual Harassment – it is not harassment to offer a compliment, ask another member politely for a date, express sexual interest in a polite way, etc. To do so repeatedly when there has not been a positive response, even in the absence of an adamant "no," may be considered harassment.
When there is confusion about the intention of another member, or question about signals, the appropriate response is to discontinue interaction, not to wait for a stark “stop.” It is permissible to enlist a group leader to attempt to clarify, but the absence of “yes” should be taken as “no.”
No Implicit Invitations – there is no behavior which “invites” a response in and of itself. In particular engaging in intimate behavior with one individual does not grant implicit or de facto permission to any other individual, and any such assumption can be considered harassment.
Other Harassment – may also consist of, but is not limited to: offensive or lewd verbal comments non-consensually directed to an individual, the non-consensual display of explicit images (drawn or photographic) which depict an individual in an inappropriate manner.
Claiming Harassment does not grant immunity from consequence for odious beliefs or practices – it is unacceptable to subject individuals to harsh criticism or invective for their personal beliefs. It must be understood however that there is no immunity from the consequence of wrongful actions, and that lack of immunity does not constitute “harassment.” Expressing, overtly or covertly, attitudes which stand in opposition to the Understandings, particularly misogyny, homophobic or transphobic behaviors, sexual intolerance or “slut shaming,” racism including but not limited to support for white nationalism, and so forth may result in criticism or removal from TTO Groups.
Triggering behaviors – while TTO may support designated “safe spaces” Thelema as a whole does not present a milieu in which it is possible to avoid all subjects, controversy, or attitudes which might prove triggering to some individuals. That said, deliberately triggering acute emotional distress outside of some meaningful context may be harassment.
While this can be a subjective and fraught area, we look at the following:
In general we consider triggering to be harassment when the behavior can be easily avoided without lessening the self-worth of the individuals being asked to restrain themselves or where it seems to be deliberate or inflammatory without any other redeeming characteristics.
Choice and Freedom from Coercion – We make no moral distinctions among types of intimate or sexual activities, including the choice to abstain from any activity. There is no time or place where Group members are expected or required to engage in intimate activities or expression of any kind. No ritual, party, or social engagement should be structured in such a way as to coerce or create any undue social pressure for any sort of intimate interaction.
Coercion – coercion, intimidation, including shaming, or other non-consensual verbal or physical abuse is a clear a violation of consent and is prohibited in all regards.
“Soft No” - in many cases, individuals do not feel comfortable rejecting propositions for intimate contact, time spent together, and so on, because historically such rejections have been met with violence. Polite demurrals are often meant as a gentle rejection and endless repetitions of propositions after “soft nos” are not a request for more insistent requests or propositions.
When there is confusion about the intention of another member, or question about signals, the appropriate response is to discontinue interaction, not to wait for a stark “stop.” It is permissible to enlist a group leader to attempt to clarify, but the absence of “yes” should be taken as “no.”
Ability to Consent - in regards to physical interaction each member, guest, or visitor is expected to establish that others with whom they interact have the mental and emotional ability to give informed and voluntary consent.
Consent while Intoxicated - we prefer that individuals attending events are not intoxicated, but we also recognize that some individuals can have greatly varying tolerances, such that even sacramental wine might result in intoxication. There is no firm and universal legal understanding of what degree of intoxication implies inability to consent.
We we expect all attendees to err on the side of caution, and understand that taking advantage of an intoxicated individual, or encouraging an individual to become intoxicated in order to lower their inhibitions, is never an acceptable behavior and constitutes a violation of consent policies.
Clarity of Mind in Ongoing Intimate Activities – be aware that people who are already involved in sexual or related activities may not be in a clear state of mind, and exercise caution when making new plans in the heat of the moment.
Withdrawal of Consent - anyone can withdraw consent at any time. Once consent is withdrawn, the activity must stop immediately.
Safewords or Safesigns - if physical activities are intimate, emotionally challenging or involve any elements of duress for whatever reason, consider using safewords or safesigns for establishing continuing consent, and if they are being used, communicate them clearly to prevent consent violations. If such signs have been established ignoring them is a clear and absolute violation of consent.
Activities of Others - if there is a consensual activity or conversation occurring that makes you uncomfortable, it is your responsibility as an adult to communicate your discomfort and/or remove yourself from the situation. No one is expected to participate in or remain in the proximity of any activity against their will, however others are not expected to curtail consensual activities because a third party finds them unpleasant.
Permission to Join - there is no implicit permission to join others who are involved in intimate behavior. Touching, gawking, making comments, or invading personal space in a way which would not be considered appropriate at any other time, remains inappropriate.
Violation of Consent - if your consent is violated, inform a Group Officer or event organizer immediately.
Consent within sacred or ritual space is a complex issue. It is the nature of such space that it creates tremendous peer pressure to conform, while making disruption questioning, or exiting more difficult. To make matters more complex some rituals or sacred space is designed to reduce ego and inhibitions in order to induce ecstatic or trascendental behavior. As we will discuss below, there scientific evidence for the stark reality of altered states of consciousness within Ritual Space.
Even if we attempt to limit the intensity of sacred space, we may not have the desired effect. A ritual which is tepid and commonplace to one person may engage another on the deepest level. There is no accounting for how and at what level of intensity, individuals will interact with sacred space.
One one hand it is impossible to look at a space which is specifically designed to alter consciousness, and believe that all matters involving consent remain the same. To do so is essentially to mandate that celebrants do not engage with the space, but instead remain in their normal state.
On the other hand we cannot create spaces where consent is irrelevant or unenforced. To do so is unethical and dangerous. What we can do is proceed with the understanding that every ritual, no matter how common it may seem, is to some extent an ordeal, and that we must use the lessons of consensual ordeal work in order to promote a consensual interaction with ritual space.
The organizers of TTO believe that Magic is inherently a risk aware activity.
The concept of "Risk Aware Consent" originated with Gary Switch in 1999 in a discussion involving ethics in the kink and fetish community. The intellectual development of the concept over the last two decades has broad application in all fields where humans push their consciousness and capabilities. It is an intellectual framework for any situation in which humans challenge traditional cultural approaches to subjects that are taboo.
Traditional society approaches magic and the divine only through established structures in ways that are specifically prescribed to mute its power. As magicians we do not.
Risk aware consent establishes that:
Magic is inherently a dangerous undertaking. Even if one believes that it is entirely within the mind, this is, in itself, still infinitely dangerous. Magic may involve the invocation, voluntarily or involuntarily, of altered states and these can affect our capacity to function and behavior.
When people interact together in a sacred or magical environment their potential to impact each other in unexpected ways adds an additional dangerous factor.
While we do not need to rely on belief in the supernatural to understand the risk aware nature of magic, addressing it from this standpoint obviously does nothing to suggest that the activity is more safe. We are interacting with an unknown and unseen world.
While we can make magic safer, we cannot make it safe. Our understanding of consent in regards to magical and sacred space focuses on Risk Awareness.
We construct guidelines for consent within ritual space that focus on these elements
Informed Consent and Disclosure - if we cannot entirely control the emotional reactions inside ritual space we can insure that people have a clear idea what is going to happen to them inside those spaces.
Skill Building - one of our intentions in building TTO is to create a structure in which ritual leaders can exchange information that leads to better control and skillsets within ritual space. Where there is no permission to discuss issues of sexual, or violent physical, interaction, or even to imply they exist, we cannot work to develop best practices for ensuring they are consensual.
Monitoring - TTO aims to create a resource base of experienced leaders who know and understand consent issues and are trained in responding to them in a positive and helpful way. We emphasize that leaders are responsible for consent. For magical activities, run under the auspices of the Order General, the TTO Group Leader, or Master, where “the buck stops” in regards to consent violations. It is incumbent on Leaders to ensure that rituals allow for some attendees, guardians, watchers, etc., who remain disengaged and retain the volition and possess permission and skills to intervene when they see issues that could impair consensuality, or see violations of consent.
Monitoring includes identification of a “safe person” who can intervene in any interaction that has become non-consensual.
Options to opt out - along with informed consent, we look to insure that rituals are structured so that individuals may opt out, disengage from certain activities, or leave, without feeling undue pressure. This includes having attendees, guardians, watchers, etc., who can help them, and in the case of rituals which can be expected to have a reasonable chance of causing individuals to opt out, a well maintained and staffed safe space or recovery area.
It may be reasonable to conceal some things about rituals or other sacred-space events. It is not always possible to know precisely what will happen in sacred space. However, viewing any unknown ritual as an ordeal, ritual leaders have an obligation to attempt to allow for informed consent.
Note that the details do not have to be fully disclosed, but neither should they be misleading.
Blanket terms such as “very shocking” should not be used to describe specific experiences that are widely known to have the potential to cause disproportionate reactions.
Negotiations can be carried out for blanket experiences sometimes described as “Ordeals” in which anything may be expected, but there is still an obligation to convey the general level and type of safety or risk and insure that the range of possible risk is well understood.
Things which it is our general policy to disclose include but are not limited to:
Magical invocation is not simply theater. Many individuals have personal relationships with various spirits, entities, or deities, and these may involve various restrictions. While you do not need to disclose all things, it is a violation of consent to fundamentally misrepresent the nature or intention of a magical invocation in a way to deliberately mislead.
At the beginning of the 21st century, many scientists believed that altered states of consciousness not caused by chemicals were effectively “make believe.” Work with hypnosis led to some of the first breakthroughs indicating this was not the case. Through the early 2000's researchers such as (Cojan, et al. 2011), (Lifshitz et al. (2013), determined that “the body of research discussed so far indicates that the perceived effects of hypnosis and hypnotic suggestion have clear impacts on brain activity...supporting that these effects are “real”; hypnotic subjects are not merely pretending when they report profound changes in their experience due to hypnosis.” (Jensen, et al., 2017)
Following and paralleling more sophisticated research on Hypnosis has come research on Altered States of Consciousness (ASC). One specific type of ASC is Shamanic States of Consciousness (SSC). This is undeniable and scientifically observable and detectable using Quantitative EEG mapping and LORETA (low resolution electromagnetic tomography) source imaging. (Flor-Henry, et. al., 2017)
Magical rituals, particularly spirit possession rituals, may involve individuals in Shamanic States of Consciousness.
Normally, in society, being in an altered state of consciousness is a choice, and we place the onus of responsibility on the altered individual. They chose to drink, or take drugs. In this situation however, we create a space in which we ask them to undergo an altered state of consciousness in order to act as a bridge for us.
Ethically we cannot say both “lose yourself to bring us contact with something greater,” while simultaneously saying “you are wholly responsible if you lose yourself and act inappropriately.”
In general terms we expect spirit mediums and shamans to exert control over their state. That is to some extent the definition of skill at the art of shamanism.
At the same time we must be aware that seeking both loss of control and expecting personal accountability are to some extent contradictory.
Understanding how consent functions in a liminal ecstatic space with individuals who have been asked to enter into an altered state of consciousness is something we are still learning.
There are no absolute rules, however the further one strays from full disclosure, the “less safe” the activity is, and the more likely to create consent issues.
Violence, Sex, and Mood Alterants are three areas for exceptional care, forethought, awareness, and disclosure.
The responsibility for maintaining consent in ritual space where individuals are asked to enter into an altered state rests with the organizer, the person who creates the space. Whether through delegation to others or through their own interaction, they, not the person whom we ask to enter into an altered state, are responsible for safety and consent.
The page below can be used as a handout for Groups
Organizers
Disclose fully - any elements which are likely to be specific issues, with specific reference to the list above.
Identify safe people - specifically by role and face. Make eye contact, raise hands, etc.
Monitor - ensure that safe people stay visible and accessible and that there are enough to take care of everyone. Safe people should not be tied up in ritual functions that make them appear to be inaccessible.
Allow for graceful opting out - and insure there is safe space for anyone who leaves the ritual.
Offer alternatives where possible - if there is an element that may be risky or provocative, consider how you can offer alternatives. Choice is core to consent.
Think twice about exceptions - there is no rigid rule, however the more exceptions that are made in a given setting the greater the chance of consent issues.
Choosing non participation should not be penalized - It is not acceptable for event runners or ritualists to confront, demean, or demand information about anyone’s personal decision to leave an event in progress. It is fine to ask politely provided you politely accept whatever answer was given.
Participants
Take note of the character of the ritual and ask appropriate questions in advance - if you are not certain what to expect. For example, in a ritual for a fertility deity, where “sexual content” has been noted, it may be appropriate to ask the specific nature of that content, if you feel that you have limits on what would be acceptable.
Note who the “safe people” are - if you aren’t certain stay close to them and make sure you are aware of where they are. Don’t be afraid to seek them out, even if they seem busy.
Make sure you know how to leave the space - if you feel that there is any possible reason you might be in any way uncomfortable with any content, please ask in advance how to leave the ritual space, so that you can feel increased permission to do so.
Ask about alternatives - if there are any elements which make you uncomfortable, raise them in advance, and ask if there are alternatives.
Don’t consume anything you aren’t certain about - your body is your own, and you are never required to consume anything you don’t feel comfortable with. If you are pressured to do so in order to conform, you may wish to leave.
You can choose not to participate - every ritual, and every event, are not ideal for every person. If you feel you might be uncomfortable, remember it may be the best choice to “sit it out.”
Handout for Social and Sexual Consent
This is a summary - ask about the full TTO Consent Policy
Touching – don’t touch without permission, allow Personal Space
Property - don’t disturb the property of others without permission
Photographing or recording – individuals without explicit consent is forbidden.
Exposure to bodily fluids or disease risk - exposing a person to someone else’s bodily fluids, including blood or semen, without their knowledge, is a fundamental violation of their consent and health risk.
Food – deliberately misinforming someone about the contents of food, or likelihood of cross-contamination, is a violation of consent.
Social or Sexual Harassment, – it is not harassment to offer a compliment, ask another member politely for a date, express sexual interest in a polite way, etc. To do so repeatedly when there has not been a positive response, even in the absence of an adamant "no," may be considered harassment. When in doubt, don’t persist, ask a leader to help clarify,
No Implicit Invitations – the way that people behave, or behave towards each other, does not invite you to do the same thing. Ask.
Other Harassment – offensive or lewd verbal comments non-consensually directed to an individual, the non-consensual display of explicit images (drawn or photographic) which depict an individual in an inappropriate manner.
Claiming Harassment does not grant immunity from consequence for odious beliefs or practices
Triggering behaviors – Deliberately triggering acute emotional distress outside of some meaningful context may be harassment.
Choice and Freedom from Coercion – We make no moral distinctions among types of intimate or sexual activities, including the choice to abstain from any activity. There is no time or place where Group members are expected or required to engage in intimate activities or expression of any kind. No ritual, party, or social engagement should be structured in such a way as to coerce or create any undue social pressure for any sort of intimate interaction.
Coercion – coercion, intimidation, including shaming, or other non-consensual verbal or physical abuse is a clear a violation of consent and is prohibited in all regards.
“Soft No” - in many cases, individuals do not feel comfortable rejecting propositions for intimate contact, time spent together, and so on, because historically such rejections have been met with violence. Polite demurrals are often meant as a gentle rejection and endless repetitions of propositions after “soft nos” are not a request for more insistent requests or propositions.
If you’re not sure, don’t persist. Ask a Leader to help clarify.
Ability to Consent - in regards to physical interaction each member, guest, or visitor is expected to establish that others with whom they interact have the mental and emotional ability to give informed and voluntary consent.
Consent while Intoxicated - we prefer that individuals attending events are not intoxicated, but we also recognize that some individuals can have greatly varying tolerances, such that even sacramental wine might result in intoxication. There is no firm and universal legal understanding of what degree of intoxication implies inability to consent.
We we expect all attendees to err on the side of caution, and understand that taking advantage of an intoxicated individual, or encouraging an individual to become intoxicated in order to lower their inhibitions, is never an acceptable behavior and constitutes a violation of consent policies.
Clarity of Mind in Ongoing Intimate Activities – be aware that people who are already involved in sexual or related activities may not be in a clear state of mind, and exercise caution when making new plans in the heat of the moment.
Withdrawal of Consent - anyone can withdraw consent at any time. Once consent is withdrawn, the activity must stop immediately.
Safewords or Safesigns - if physical activities are intimate, emotionally challenging or involve any elements of duress for whatever reason, consider using safewords or safesigns for establishing continuing consent, and if they are being used, communicate them clearly to prevent consent violations. If such signs have been established ignoring them is a clear and absolute violation of consent.
Activities of Others - if there is a consensual activity or conversation occurring that makes you uncomfortable, it is your responsibility as an adult to communicate your discomfort and/or remove yourself from the situation. No one is expected to participate in or remain in the proximity of any activity against their will, however others are not expected to curtail consensual activities because a third party finds them unpleasant.
Permission to Join - there is no implicit permission to join others who are involved in intimate behavior. Touching, gawking, making comments, or invading personal space in a way which would not be considered appropriate at any other time, remains inappropriate.
Violation of Consent - if your consent is violated, inform a Group Leader, Officer or event organizer immediately.
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Alcohol Policy
Mystical Order of St. Cyprian
Drinking alcohol can:
For this reason we promote moderation and restraint in the use of alcohol.
It is important that the information is communicated in a mature sense which emphasizes importance without being condescending or insulting the intelligence of the attendee.
1) Pre event counseling
As part of the preparatory talk for any event or ritual which involves consumption of alcohol, the following information will be explicitly conveyed to participants by a person in a position of authority.
2) Flyers/Posters outlining the Dangers of Excessive Alcohol Consumption and showing safe quantities will be displayed in the common space, or provided as handouts.
The sample posters below were produced by the UK National Health Service and by presenting facts about alcohol in a mature, non insulting, way they are more likely to be taken seriously by adults who may be “turned off” by more alarmist messages.
3) Keep alcohol in a secure storage area
Alcohol owned by the group will be stored in a secure or restricted area, and only be made available on an “as needed” basis.
4) Alcohol will be stored at appropriate temperatures
To avoid spoilage which might tend to cause sickness or promote overdrinking
5) Alcohol will be served in a measured fashion
When alcohol is served in punches or cocktails it will be served in measured amounts (shots, half shots) so that drinkers can easily keep track of the number of units of alcohol they have consumed.
6) Alcohol served in open containers
7) The Group does not serve alcohol to minors
At any event where minors are present
8) The Group does not serve visibly intoxicated individuals
At any event where alcohol is served as a part of entertainment, visibly intoxicated individuals will not be served alcohol
7) Serve Food
At any event where alcohol is served, we will serve high-protein, non-salty food like cheese and meat which have been shown to stay in the stomach, moderating and slowing the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
8) Safe Ride/Crash Space
9) Followup Counseling
Photography Policy
Rev 1.1 of 9 Jan 2020
Privacy and confidentiality is of utmost importance to TTO. We do not always know, and are not entitled to know, why someone does not wish to be pictured. For some people, particularly those who are survivors of various types of abuse, simply having their image posted online can be a life-changing and threatening event that exposes them to unacceptable risk. For others their livelihood might be threatened. Some people simply prefer not to have their image shared. It is important to be aware that there are many reasons for us to be considerate and diligent, in regards to the image of others.
Therefore there are restrictions on photography at national/international events. The policies are designed to allow for relatively streamlined consensual sharing of photos of friends, without violating anyone’s privacy.
Informal events typically involve people dressed in street clothing in normal settings, e.g. social spaces, restaurants, etc., carrying out normal activities , e.g. talking, eating.
In these settings:
Formal events are typically any situation in which people are dressed in unusual or ritual clothing, are in ritual spaces, or are carrying out activities that are uncommon to most people, such as summoning Belephegor or worshipping a live goat.
TTO further recommends that for any photos taken by TTO Group Staff and Officers to be posted to TTO Group Social media, or Websites, a model release be obtained. A sample model release is included below.
