BEAR CAFE New York Inc. is also currently looking for individuals interested in serving as DEPUTY DIRECTORS for various program areas in BEAR CAFE. A Deputy Director is not a Board member, but instead functions as an assistant ("right-hand man") to a specific Director, Chair or Officer. All Deputy Directors are volunteers, and will serve from July 2006 to June 2008 program year (2-year term). We have several vacancies in our current DEPUTY DIRECTORSHIPS (instituted in July 2005).

Being a member of the BEAR CAFE BOARD OF DIRECTORS or a DEPUTY DIRECTOR has the rewards of creating great, innovative, alcohol-free social events that are welcoming to ALL men: Gay, Bi, Transgendered and those in the midst of questioning their sexual orientation. In addition, we showcase and promote homomasculine artists and musicians whose work encompasses the lives of these folks. While these positions do involve service, work and responsibility, they are a lot of fun as well!

We seek diversity on our BOARD OF DIRECTORS, as well as in our DEPUTY DIRECTORS, just as we seek diversity in our membership and among the attendees at all our events (Please see BC's "Statement of Inclusion" below).

For information on a Board position, please click the corresponding link. Further information about our BOARD OF DIRECTORS or DEPUTY DIRECTORS can be gotten by contacting: president@bearcafe.org We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions.

* All Board positions require personal and/or organizational references be supplied upon request.

Current Deputy Director Positions to be filled:

• Assistant Secretary
• Deputy Director to Fundraising
• Deputy Director to Service Workers & Volunteers (two people)
• Deputy Director to Bear Café Bake-Off
• Deputy Director to “TJ Hock Memorial Health Fund”
• Deputy Director to Pride Activities

DEPUTY DIRECTORS

Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Assist (i.e. be the 'right-hand man') a particular Officer, Director or Chair of an event.
2. Attend Board meetings in the absence of a Director or Chair, and issue a report.
3. Fill in, in an emergency, for a Director or Chair at an event.
4. Meet with the Board of Directors (through regularly scheduled 'brainstorming' sessions) to provide valuable input and feedback both from themselves, and from our members and guests.

BEAR CAFE New York, Inc. (BC) is an independent, not-for-profit, wholly volunteer-managed organization within the LGBT, Bear and Big Men's communities of New York City. We welcome the membership and participation of all persons, 18 years of age or older, regardless of creed, ethnicity, gender, gender identification, HIV status, national origin, physical ability, race, religion or sexual orientation.

BEAR CAFE New York, Inc. (BC) is a place where all Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Men and our Friends are welcomed – to meet, socialize, play games, entertain and learn from each other in a comfortable, alcohol-free atmosphere. Here, many of us wish to explore what it means to be a Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered Man within our society – specifically the outer physicality, including, but not limited to, looks, size, build, weight, hairiness and muscles (or lack thereof); and the inner attributes including, but not limited to, camaraderie, sexuality and spirit. BC was originally founded to support and provide events for Bears, Cubs, Chubs and their Admirers, all who still remain important constituency groups within BC. Today, though, our "Welcome!" to all folks is made more explicit. In addition, BC is a showcase for all homo-masculine culture: Music, Song, Art, Photography, Film, Video, Writing and Theater, and those creating it.

(Written April 2003; Revised January 2005; Revised May 2006)