A Bit of Consent Workshop: Connection - Wed Sep 16th

Come join our consent practice lab! Advance your consent skills using tools designed to foster deep thought and connection.

Come practice your consent skills with us!

This workshop is intended for people who want to advance their understanding and practice of consent in relation to touch. These events are for everyone, from Cuddle Party veterans looking to learn new skills and tools to those with very little knowledge of consent concepts! To help facilitate this, we’ve broken down some essential consent ideas into a series of bite-sized, rotating, standalone workshop - so you can get a taste of just A Bit of Consent!

This month's workshop will focus on: Connection!

Participants will learn how to better connect with the people around them through guided exercises designed to get you thinking about what deeper connection can look like. As always, these exercises will also function as tools that participants can use to foster closer relationships outside of the workshop space!

What are the "A Bit of Consent" Workshops?

At San Francisco Cuddles, we always encourage folks to practice their consent skills - but it can be difficult to figure out exactly how. These workshops are meant to provide participants with different exercises and concepts to aid them in their consent journey! Each event will focus on a different subject that's designed to get participants thinking deeper about the dynamics and factors that exist when exchanging touch.

These are recurring workshops with changing subjects, so make sure to try them all!

Please note that this event is not a Cuddle Party, and will not have a dedicated cuddle time.

The focus of these workshops is to learn more about one’s boundaries, how they relate to the boundaries of others, and how to use that knowledge to connect more deeply with the people around them. While some of the exercises include touch, it will not be the focal point of the event - for that we have our Cuddle Parties!

If you’d like to attend a more touch-oriented event, or explore what else SF Cuddles has to offer, check out www.sfcuddles.com or sign up for the monthly newsletter to stay up to date.

Here's some information about what to expect:

I've never been to a Cuddle Party before - is this event for me?

Absolutely! These workshops are meant to be beneficial to everyone, no matter your experience level with consent or cuddles.

I'm a Cuddle Party veteran - will I get anything new from these workshops?

For sure! These workshops go deeper into topics that the Cuddle Party workshop just skims the top of. If you've ever had any curiosity about the depth that consent holds, this event is for you.

Will there be cuddles?

Touch may be involved in some of the exercises, but there will not be a specific time to cuddle, nor will it be the focus of the event. This is more of a lab than a melty cuddle space.

Will there be snacks?

Of course! What would an SFCuddles event be without some hummus involved?

Do I have to participate in every exercise?

These workshops are focused entirely around consent - which means you are always welcome to say no to any exercise that doesn’t feel good to you. Just observing can have many benefits, as well!

COVID 19: This is a fully Vaccinated and Boosted SF Cuddles event.

This event is for vaccinated and boosted participants.

SOME IMPORTANT NOTES:

LOCATION: HeartLab, San Francisco. 3095 21st St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. The venue has three steps with handrails at the entrance, but is otherwise one level. If you need wheelchair accessibility, please reach out to us. We have a ramp we can deploy. More details will be given with your ticket.

TICKETS: $32 for single admission or $54 per two people.

CANCELLATION: Tickets are non-refundable. Having said that, please care for your fellow participants, and if you are not feeling well on the day of the workshop - please let us know and stay at home to keep our community safe.

PLEASE BE ON TIME: Make certain to account for TRAFFIC AND PARKING. Parking in the area might be a bit difficult, but the 24th & Mission BART station is a few blocks away, and there is a paid parking garage a couple blocks West at 21st & Valencia.

Doors close at 7:00pm - no late entry. The opening Welcome Circle is intended for introductions and to go over essential ideas for the workshop. This is an important aspect of the lab and creates a safe container for all participants. It is essential for everyone to be on time. You will not be admitted after doors close.

BRING: Comfortable PJs, personal water bottle, pen and paper if you'd like to take notes, and if you'd like you can bring blankets, pillows and any kind of soft fluffy things to enhance your experience. Face masks are allowed but will not be required.

Please do NOT wear heavy scents or perfumes. Many people are sensitive to them, and when we're in this space there is no way for people to avoid them. Please shower and lightly deodorize if desired, but skip the scented stuff.

NOTE: Must be 18+ to attend.

NOTE: This is a sober event. Please do not attend influenced.

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR:

Yoni Alkan, DHS

Yoni has a Masters in Conflict Resolution and Mediation. He is a Certified Cuddle Party Facilitator and is on the Cuddle Party Board of Directors. He is also a professional cuddler at Cuddlist, and the author of The Book of Cuddles. You can find out other things that he does on www.yonialkan.com.

We Could All Use a Hug | Yoni Alkan | TEDxSoMa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP74acIVs60

SOME MORE INFO ABOUT CUDDLE PARTIES:

The Live Greater Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-WwqwyGUlk

Cuddle Party is a formal, non-sexual event that offers participants an opportunity to explore intimacy with like-minded others, in a relaxed environment, that upholds personal boundaries and maintains a professional atmosphere, at all times. People are encouraged to engage in communication and touch, in a non-threatening, share-affirming environment. Cuddle Party is a holistic, social environment, that attracts fascinating people from all walks of life. It provides a special and unique opportunity for connection, learning and growth.

Cuddle Party experiences teach participants that they alone (with the staff's assistance) create their own safety container. How does it change people's lives? Many of us have a hard time saying NO to requests, and saying no might make us feel afraid that we will hurt the other person. Very rarely do we get a chance to practice saying NO, or practice getting a NO in a safe and nurturing environment.

But it's not all about the NO, it's also about the YES! We practice saying YES to one another, and asking for what we want, and changing our minds - all very important skills that we don't put an emphasis on in our everyday lives. It's transformative for people!

For more information go to https://cuddleparty.com/faq/ If you have any other questions feel free to contact us at info@sfcuddles.com

Come meet open and fun loving people and cuddle with us!