FAQ

Apprentice’s FAQ:
  1. What is the time commitment for an Apprentice? We meet one weekend a month for the designated six (6) months. These are full eight (8) hr days (Saturday & Sunday). Homework is assigned and expected to be completed between program meeting dates. Four (4) hours of community volunteer hours are required. There are also three (3) Mentors for one on one mentoring. You can meet as many times as is needed to achieve your common goal. This may also include homework assigned by your Mentor.

  2. Is this program for Dominants or submissives? All! We believe knowledge of what to do is as important as what to expect. There are classes and Mentors for Apprentices on both sides of the slash, including switches.

  3. How many times can I meet with my Mentors?  You will receive your three (3) assigned Mentors. You have the length of the program with each Mentor to meet as many times as you like. If you and your Mentor choose to extend beyond that month you are encouraged to do so. It is the responsibility of the Apprentice to initiate contact with their Mentors. We request that you reach out to all of your assigned Mentors and schedule your meetings as early as possible. If your Mentor is local we ask that you meet at least once face to face. After that Skype/phone/and email are accepted forms of communication.

  4. Can I change Mentors if there is a problem?  The Apprentice Liaisons are there to assist the Apprentices. If there is any conflict or issues reaching or scheduling with a Mentor, contact your Apprentice liaisons for assistance as soon as possible.

  5. What is the role of the Apprentice Liaisons?  The Apprentice Liaisons are here to assist, guide, and communicate with the Apprentices. Absences, homework, problems, questions, and special needs should be directed to the Apprentice Liaisons. They will also confirm the Apprentices have completed the requirements to graduate. If you have an issue connecting with Mentors, please contact your Apprentice Liaisons as soon as possible for assistance.

  6. Am I allowed to enter into a relationship with a Mentor?  We ask every person participating in program to sign an agreement not to enter into a relationship until the program has ended. Play for the sake of learning is acceptable but sexual play between Mentors and Apprentices is prohibited. Once graduation happens, go for it!

  7. Will there be homework? You will receive assignments that pertain to classes and you may receive additional homework from your Mentors. There is also a recommended reading list to make sure everyone starts the program with the same level of information.

  8. What qualifies for the required four (4) hours of community service? Any volunteer work that benefits our lifestyle community such as Lost N Found, Munch groups, events, cons, 1763, etc. You must turn in proof of your community service. You can complete this requirement at any time during the program.

  9. Are all classes held in the Atlanta area? All classes will be held in the Atlanta and/or surrounding areas. You will be given meeting information at orientation. We ask that you keep this information confidential. Location(s) may be subject to change and any changes will be announced via email and on the group.

  10. Who is going to be teaching the classes? What will the classes be?  The list of classes and presenters will be distributed on the first day of class.

  11. I am already CPR/First Aid certified. If you can provide proof of current certification you may be exempt from attendance to that class. Even if you are DM certified, we ask all apprentices to attend this training.

  12. What do I bring to class?  You will be required to bring a binder, paper, pen/pencil, and your own coffee mug. Laptops and tablets are welcome. Please note places to charge may be limited or not available.

  13. Do we need play partners?  Apprentices who consent will bottom/top to each other during hands-on learning.

  14. I am new, I don’t have toys, what do I do?  You will be notified ahead of time if an implement is needed for class. If you don’t have one, contact your Apprentice Liaison and we will arrange for you to borrow one.

  15. What’s for lunch?  You will have 1 hour for lunch. A list of restaurants in the area will be posted and you may also bring your own. There may be sponsors bringing lunch on some dates, in which case you will be notified ahead of time.

  16. What if I need to be absent? We understand that life happens. You are responsible for communicating with your Apprentice Liaisons before you are absent (not after). No shows are unacceptable and may result in you being asked to leave the program.  You are allowed two (2) absent days. Additional days can be made up the following year, at no charge, and you can graduate with the following class. If you need to make up more than two (2) days of classes we will require a partial registration fee.

  17. Can I leave early?  Please arrange this with the Apprentice liaisons as early as possible.

  18. I have a habit of being late:  We are all adults and it is your responsibility to be on time, every time.

  19. Smoking/Vaping: Available outside only. Please respect the property we have been allowed to use and not dispose of your cigarette butts on the ground.

  20. What’s earned at the end of the program?  Upon completion of the program you will receive your Atlanta Mentors certificate of achievement, patch, and pin that will be presented at the graduation celebration.

  21. Can I bring my significant other to graduation? This will depend on how many people can be accommodated in the space graduation is held.

  22. What if I enroll and then can’t make it? (Refund Policy) Registration donations are NON-REFUNDABLE. A registration donation can be transferred if during a 101 program ONLY. No refunds are available.

  23. What does my registration donation pay for? The registration donation is applied to the costs of room rental, CPR/First Aid/DM training, graduation, printed material, and other admin costs. We are fully transparent with our costs and expenses. Details are available upon request.

  24. Do you recommend any reading before I enroll?  In order to make sure all apprentices are familiar with basic terms and beginner information we recommend the following reading materials before entering the program. 1) The Topping Book by Easton, Dossie; Hardy, Janet W. 2) The Bottoming Book by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton and 3) Real Service by Joshua Tenpenny and Raven Kaldera

  25. How do I apply?  Fill out the Apprentice application. You will receive an automated email notification when it’s received. Once it’s reviewed and determined you are a good candidate for the program you will be invited to pay your registration donation securing your spot in the next class.
Mentor & Presenter FAQ:
  1. What is the time commitment for a Mentor?  We appreciate our Mentors being able to attend the orientation and introduce yourself and your background. Teach the group 1 – 2 hands-on and/or interactive classes. Mentor three (3) apprentices in a one on one mentoring relationship during a length of the program.

  2. Are Dominants, submissives, and switches needed as Mentors/Presenters? YES! We are looking for participants from both sides of the slash, including switches, who would like to Mentor/Present on a variety of topics, skills, and discussions.

  3. How many times can I meet with each apprentice?  It is the Apprentices’ responsibility to make contact and schedule meetings ahead of time. You have the length of the program to meet with each Apprentice as many times as you like. If you and the Apprentice choose to extend beyond that month you are encouraged to do so. If you are local, we ask that you meet at least once face to face. After that, Skype/phone/and email are accepted forms of communication. Feedback from prior Apprentices have stated that face to face meeting are more productive.

  4. As a Mentor, do all of my meetings have to be face to face? If you are local, we ask that you meet at least once face to face. After that Skype/phone/and email are accepted forms of communication. Feedback from prior Apprentices have stated that face to face meeting are more productive

  5. Can I change Apprentices assignments if there is a problem? The Mentor Liaisons are there to assist the Mentors. If there is any conflict or issues reaching or scheduling with an apprentice, contact your Mentor liaisons for assistance as soon as possible.

  6. What is the role of the mentor Liaisons?  The Mentor Liaisons are here to assist, guide, and communicate with the Mentors. Problems, questions, and special needs should be directed to the Mentor Liaisons. They will also ask you to confirm that the Apprentices assigned to you have completed the requirements to graduate. If you have an issue connecting with an apprentice, please contact your Mentor Liaisons as soon as possible for assistance.

  7. Am I allowed to play (bottom/top) or enter in a relationship with an Apprentice? We ask every person participating in program to sign an agreement that they agree not to engage in play or a relationship until the program has ended. 

  8. As a Mentor, do I have to pay for anything? If you have a handout and are unable to provide printed copies for everyone, please communicate with the Mentor Liaisons and it will be emailed out to the Apprentices for them to print ahead of time. For any other costs, please speak to the Mentor Liaisons, prior to incurring costs, to get reimbursement approval in advance.

  9. As a Mentor and/or a Presenter will I be compensated? This is a volunteer run program. Unfortunately, we cannot offer you any compensation but we appreciate your contribution and are happy to promote you, publicly thank you, and have you join us for our graduation celebration. 

  10. Do I need to be a Mentor to be a Presenter? We value your experience and understand that not everyone will have the time to be a Mentor. We welcome you as a Presenter and hope that in years to come you will consider mentoring.

  11. As a Mentor do I have to/can I attend every session/class? We have to limit extra attendance based on room size. If there is a specific class you are interested in attending, please notify the Mentor Liaisons and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

  12. Demo Bottoms:  You are required to bring your own demo bottom. We will require the name of any person(s) who will accompany you when you present for our program. If we meet in a private home, those person(s) will need to be approved by the homeowner.

  13. Can Mentors purchase a program patch? Yes. To qualify for a patch, we ask that you mentor at least two (2) Apprentices.

  14. How do I apply? Fill out the Mentor/Presenter application and attach your resume of classes. Please remember to include your list of set up needs. You will receive an automated email notification when it’s received. Once reviewed, you will receive another email to let you know how your resume and experience will compliment our program and how we can best partner together.