For over a decade, PolyColumbus was “the little discussion meeting that could.” Under a variety of leaders, we would bring together anywhere from a few people to a dozen or so to talk about our experiences being polyamorous in a poly-unfriendly world. Although our number of attendees grew — and the venue occasionally changed to accommodate — we largely stayed an informal discussion meeting.
In 2013, things started to change. More and more people started not only coming to meetings, but saying “let’s do this other nifty thing as well!” Dan, dawn, and Karen also launched the first Beyond the Love polyamory conference that November.
In early 2014, the decision was made to formalize the organization. We incorporated with the State of Ohio, drafted an internal Code of Regulations, formed a board of directors, and applied for (and received!) tax-exempt status from the federal government.
Many different people were key to our continued growth. This page recognizes as Founding Members those who, prior to December 31, 2015, either gave financially at the Lifetime Member level prior, or whose contributions of time and skill were so immense that the board of directors awarded them an honorary Lifetime Membership.
We have included links below to projects or pages of special interest to some of these Founding Members.
- August Brunsman
- Trina “Brat Sheba” Gardinier
- Karen Hill
- Mike Leahy
- Susan Porter
- John Tucker
- Neil Wehneman
- Dawn Williams
And a big thank you to our many other Founding Members who preferred to be anonymous.