Loving More
The local polyamory group that I was involved with had copies of Loving More's magazines in their lending library. They prominently displayed the latest magazine issues at the group's information booth at different events. During one time that I volunteered to monitor the information table, I took some time to read through the issues that we brought along.
2003 was the first time that I heard of Loving More. At that time, the only thing I knew about them was that they published magazines filled with volunteer-submitted articles.
Fast-forward to a couple of years later. The first time I heard about a Poly Living conference was through a Polyamory Weekly podcast (I must have glossed over the magazine advertisements of such). I had a couple of false starts on breaking my Poly Living cherry - mostly because of finances. In May, 2009, I attended the first Poly Living West Coast event in San Francisco, California.
That event was a catalyst for me. Prior to that, the majority of my activism work was local to the St. Paul - Minneapolis area, with a small blog that I did on the side. I was able to network with fellow activists and educators. This inspired me to reach out to my community and help develop other leaders (which led to the development of this site, interestingly enough).
I was proud to be able to help the other members of the Modern Poly team attend this year's Poly Living Conference in Philadelphia. It's really important for those of us that want to make an impact to be able to see the big picture when it comes to who we are helping. It is also good to see that we are not alone in our work, and that we are supported by others who are either doing similar things or who want to be our cheer-leaders. :)
I support Loving More because I believe that they are a resource to the polyamory communtiy. The leaders within their organization have years of experience in organizing, media relations, and research work. My hope is that as our community develops more leaders - those that can help teach about and advocate relationship choice - that we remember, honor, and help those that have come before us.
To educate people about and support polyamory as a valid choice in loving relationships and family lifestyle.
Loving relationships and healthy families can come in many beautiful and valid forms. How people choose to experience relationships and love is an individual and personal choice. Through education about polyamory and other relationship or love styles, we hope to allow people the freedom to be open and honest about their personal love and relationship choices, without fear of the prejudice or hardships that being non-traditional can bring. Through education, publicity and research, we intend to open the door to freedom and safety for those who choose polyamory as individuals and as families.
Information and Education
- Lectures to colleges and universities
- Website provides links to other polyamory resources on the Internet
Media Advocacy
- Press releases sent to media across the country on happenings within the poly community and current related news, bring much needed awareness to the public.
- Working with the media to find poly families and individuals willing to interview about polyamory and their lives.
Community
Loving More hosts events (Poly Living Conferences and Retreats) to provide a place for polyamorous people to learn relationship skills, find support, and meet others of like mind.
- Loving More Retreat - Upstate New York. This event is held annually in mid-September
- Poly Living Conferences - Annually in Philadelphia, PA in February. In May, 2009 they hosted a West Coast conference in San Francisco, CA. In October 2010 they will be hosting a conference in Seattle, WA
In addition to free-form donations, Loving More also solicits funds through memberships. Depending on your contribution amount, benefits range from a magazine subscription to free attendance at their conferences. Additional information can be found on their Membership Page.
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About Jessica K
Jessica Karels is a writer, speaker, and workshop facilitator that is helping to bring about greater public awareness about polyamory. She has been a council member for the St. Paul - Minneapolis polyamory group, MNPoly, since 2004.
In addition to leading on a local level, Jessica is helping to build a poly-friendly web presence. Her blog, Young Metro Poly, consists of her writings about poly leadership development as well as her personal musings about being Generation Y, a corporate professional, and openly polyamorous.
Jessica K on Facebook Follow on Twitter(youngmetropoly) Jessica K's website: Young Metro Poly Contact Jessica K
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