Nashville Authority Exchange (NAEX) (5/1/21)

All events are subject to approval by Metro Public Health Department. 

To address a definite and often expressed need in our local kink community, CPI’s Nashville Authority Exchange (NAEX) is a discussion group for those in Authority Exchange relationships and those curious about such relationships!

What is “Authority Exchange” exactly?

In a nutshell, authority exchange relationships involve empowered people in affirmatively consenting relationships wherein one or more partners are given authority over agreed-upon aspects of the others’ life and decision-making.

How does the concept of authority exchange differ from power exchange?

As anyone involved in a healthy M/s, D/s, Handler/pet, Big/little, Parent/child, Mentor/protégé, etc. relationship can tell you, although we may be giving up authority, we are not giving up personal power… in fact, we feel stronger and more empowered! (Read this for a wonderful explanation and rationale for the phrase!)

How will NAEX facilitate learning and growth for those interested in authority exchange?

• NAEX will facilitate events for those adults 18+ who have an interest in authority exchange relationships and identities, partnered or not.
• NAEX will support attendees in their self-identification, chosen path, and discovery.
• NAEX will support attendees in group discussion and self-directed learning.
• NAEX disavows any notions of (1) the ‘One True Way’, (2) valuing of one style of authority exchange over any other, (3) inherently dominant or submissive traits based on societal aspects of hardwired identity (such as gender or race).
• Though members may happen to meet potential relationship partners in the course of their attendance, NAEX is not intended as a hook-up group.

This event is open to everyone who is 18 years of age or older. Non-members do not need a sponsor for this event.

Pandemic Protocols for In-Person Events

• Attendees must register for the event ahead of time.
• Registration will be first-come-first-served.
• You will be required to wear a facemask during your entire visit to The Mark, starting when you set foot on the ramp to the front door.
  Upon entering and before being allowed past the front lobby, one of our medical advocates will take your forehead temperature with a contactless thermometer and ask you the basic COVID-19 screening questions.
• Chairs are prearranged per the MPHD-approved floor plan and may not be moved — except if you bring your own wheelchair.
• Once seated, attendees must remain in their chairs until the end of the presentation, unless they need to use the restroom, etc. and then must ensure that only one attendee is up at a time. (Staff will assist if needed.)
• Outside food or drink will be not allowed.
• The outdoor smoking deck is closed.
• Please pay attention and follow any staff instruction and informational signage!

And Please…

Although we believe that we can reopen safely with the rules above, we ask those 65 years of age and older and those with the following medical conditions to carefully consider the potential health impacts of their attendance, as the CDC identifies folks in these categories to be at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Immuno-compromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
• Obesity (BMI – Body Mass Index – of 30 or higher)
• Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Sickle cell disease
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• (The list of the known/recognized “at risk” underlying medical conditions, as well as those conditions that “might cause increased risk” for severe illness from COVID-19 can be found here.)

By registering for this event, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any place where people are present. By attending this event, you and any in your party voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Community Perspectives Inc. (CPI) or any of its affiliates, directors, management, staff, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.