Open Community Discussion Potluck San Jose 9/11/26

Come share stories, build connections, and meet new friends in a welcoming space centered on authentic, intentional, open-hearted relationships in community.

This community values consent, honesty, authenticity, vulnerability, kindness, acceptance, and accountability.

You don’t have to be dating or practicing any particular relationship style. If these values resonate with you, you’re invited.

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WHAT TO EXPECT at a glance

Overall Event Flow

We start with freestyle socializing and a casual potluck.

Opening circle starts promptly at 8pm, where we review guidelines and introduce the discussion topic. We then break into small discussion groups for about an hour. Topics vary and usually center around non-monogamy, connection, or communication.

The Social Landscape

You will see PDA between friends and partners: hugs, hand-holding, light kissing, cuddling individually or in groups, etc.

Many attendees are returning and already know each other. New attendees often find things become more comfortable by their 2nd or 3rd event.

This is more than a discussion group or potluck. It’s a community gathering place, and it is also a place to intentionally practice new ideas and skills that come up when one steps into non-monogamy culture.

You may be invited into conversation, friendship, cuddling, flirting, or more. Expect you may have to navigate and practice boundary communication if you are invited into something you do not want. You may also find that you don’t click with everyone, or that no one connects with you. Sometimes the social habits we grow up with don't vibe with how this community interacts. In those cases, it's up to the individual if they want to keep attending or not, or worth pondering if you're open to learning new ways to connect.

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COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

By attending this event, you agree to read and abide by these community guidelines.

Consent 🤝

• Ask before entering someone’s personal space: “Would you like a hug?” or “Can I sit here next to you?”
• A yes once does not equal blanket consent.
• Anything that is not a clear yes is a no, including hesitation or silence.
• People may say yes to some people and no to others. Respect both.

🫸 Physical Touch 🫷

• Consensual affection between attendees who are comfortable with each other is common. You may see or be invited into platonic touch, including hugging, cuddling, or hand-holding.
• Participation is always optional. Saying no is welcomed and respected.
• If you’re looking for spaces to build comfort with platonic touch and practice navigating boundaries, check out Autumn’s platonic touch workshops posted on EventBrite.

Conversation 💬

• This is not a kink- or sex-focused event.
• Check with others within hearing distance before sharing explicit sexual or kink details.
• Respect different comfort levels.

Holding Space 🤗

• You are invited to hold space for others and for yourself.
• Holding space means letting people speak their truth and exist as they are, without assumptions, judgment, unsolicited advice, or pressure to fix anything.

Confidentiality 🤫

• Everything shared in this group should be treated as confidential and private.
• Do not share stories that identify others without their permission.
• Do not greet people outside this group in a way that could out them.
• Do not take or share photos or videos without the clear consent of everyone involved.

Diversity 🌈

• Expect to encounter a variety of relationship styles, orientations, gender expressions, and life experiences.
• Comfort levels around touch, vulnerability, and boundaries will vary.

EVENT CONDUCT

• This event is a non-sexual space.
• Kissing, cuddling, and flirting may occur, but please keep it light and appropriate for the setting.
• Clothes stay on at all times.

SCHEDULE

New attendees: You are required to be on time for opening circle. If you realize you will be late for opening circle at your first event, please do not attend and instead plan to attend a future event.

7:00–8:00 — Socializing & Potluck

8:00–8:15 — Opening Circle

8:15–9:15 — Small Group Discussion

9:15–9:30 — Closing Circle

9:30–10:00 — Social Time

SMALL DISCUSSION GROUP

What to expect

• Attendees will be divided into small groups of 3–6 people for about an hour. Groups are conversation-focused around a shared topic.
• You’re welcome to listen, share, or simply be present. Participation in conversation or platonic touch is optional.
• Some attendees may choose to sit close, hold hands, or cuddle with other consenting participants while talking.
• If you came with a partner or support person, you can choose to be in the same group or join different groups.
• To stay together: Sit next to each other during opening circle and let the facilitator know when the count-off reaches you.

Possible Topic:

Aligning your community and relationships with your values

VENUE DETAILS

Location: Private home in San Jose. The exact location will be included in the confirmation email after purchasing your Eventbrite ticket. Be sure to scroll down in the confirmation email to find it.

Parking: Street parking nearby

Accessibility: Two-story house with three sets of stairs: stairs to enter the house, stairs to the patio, and stairs upstairs.

Pets

Two large dogs live at this residence. If allergic, please medicate accordingly.

POTLUCK 🍲

Bring food or drinks to share, either home-cooked or takeout.

On the day of the event, you are encouraged to share what food or drink you’re bringing in the Plura event chat.

SUBSTANCES

• No hard drugs
• Alcohol & cannabis okay, in moderation
• Don't get wasted. It's not that kind of gathering.
• No cigarettes
• Smoke outside, away from others

TICKET OPTIONS

There are several ticket types and ways to obtain a ticket.

1) EPAY — Skip Eventbrite Fees

Use the EPAY promo code at checkout, then send payment after your ticket is confirmed.

• $5 — Volunteer
• $15 — New & Standard
• $20 — Supporting

Venmo (Preferred): @Rosezeitler

Apple Cash: Rosezeitler@gmail.com

PayPal: @Rosezeitler

Select the correct payment option so your app doesn’t add or deduct fees. Include the event date and “potluck” in the payment note.

2) CASH

Use the CASH promo code, then pay Rose directly at the event.

3) VOLUNTEER

A limited number of discounted volunteer tickets are available.

4) MC / HOSTS

Free tickets are available for MCs and hosts.

5) FREE

If the cost of a ticket would keep you from attending for any reason, use promo code FREE at checkout.

No questions asked. No volunteering required.

CONNECTION & FEEDBACK

Want to keep in the loop about Open Community events?

Send an email to OpenHeartedCommunity@gmail.com and request to be added to the open community email list.

You can also use this email for feedback, suggestions, topic ideas, or offers to host or facilitate.

Follow us on Plura through Open Community events or join the Open Community Topic on Plura to chat with others from community