February Cuddle Party

CUDDLE PARTY IS A WORKSHOP AND SOCIAL EVENT ABOUT CLEAR COMMUNICATION, consent, and platonic touch. It's a great way to connect and relax. CUDDLE PARTY: A playful, supportive, nurturing event to connect with others. The first 45 minutes to an hour is a workshop where we get to know each other and go over ways to ask for what you want in a clear way, practice saying yes and no, how to change your mind in a graceful way, and more. The rest of the PARTY IS FREE-style cuddling where you get to practice and explore the skills learned in the workshop. You can find out more about CUDDLE PARTY WORKSHOPS HERE: http://www.cuddleparty.com/ [http://www.cuddleparty.com/] Please register as space is limited to 20 people. This is an LGBTQIAA+ welcoming space. COST: $20 early bird (ends Feb. 22), $30 regular. Contact Nellie at nelliecuddles@gmail.com [http://gmail.com] if you'd like to volunteer (3 spaces available) or if cost is an issue (we can work something out). The Cuddle Party lasts for about 4 hours. LOCATION: Eastworks Building, Easthampton, MA – specific Suite number and details provided with registration. SCHEDULE: Doors open at 2:30pm 2:30 – 3:00pm: arrive, check in and put on pajamas. (Please bring clean, comfy clothes. There is space to change when you arrive.) 3:00 - 4:00pm: The Welcome Circle. Attendees MUST be present for the whole welcome circle to participate in the free-style cuddling. If you are not here by 2:00 pm and have not called/texted, you may not be able to participate. Please call/text 413-341-0316 if you are running late. 4:00 - 6:45pm: Free-style Cuddling – practice and experiment with what you learned. 6:45 - 7:00pm: Closing Circle, facilitator evaluation, and goodbyes. Questions? Email nelliecuddles@gmail.com [http://gmail.com] or call 413-341-0316. DETAILS: ARRIVE ON TIME: Once we begin the Welcome Circle and orientation, we cannot let people in late. This creates comfort and safety by knowing that everyone is on the same page about rules and expectations. WHAT TO WEAR: Pajamas or sweats, think comfy rather than sexy (no nighties, lingerie, or short shorts). A limited number of spare pajamas and t-shirts are available to borrow for the party – if you arrive wearing scents, you may be asked to change into spare pajamas. WHAT TO BRING: Extra pillows and blankets are very welcome but not required. You’re welcome to bring juice or seltzer, or a snack to share (please no nuts or peanuts due to allergies and label food). No alcohol. Otherwise, just bring your wonderful self. SCENT FREE & SUBSTANCE FREE: This is a Scent Free event. Please come freshly showered but leave the colognes, perfume, and other scented body care products, including essential oils off. Please refer to this guide for more information on how to be scent free: http://hedonish.com/accessibility-fragrance-and-chemical-sensitivities/part3 [http://hedonish.com/accessibility-fragrance-and-chemical-sensitivities/#part3]. We also ask that you refrain from using recreational substances before attending a Cuddle Party, oxytocin is a powerful hormone that our bodies create when sharing touch. It’s wonderful to experience its effects on its own! STICK TO THE RULES: The rules are tried and true, and there’s a logic to them that goes deeper than you might think to create a safe, fun environment for people to connect. RULES OF CUDDLING: Pajamas stay on the whole time. You don’t have to touch anyone at a cuddle party, ever. You must ask permission and receive a verbal YES before you touch anyone. (Be as specific in your request as you can.) If you’re a yes, say YES. If you’re a no, say NO. If you’re a maybe, say NO. You are encouraged to change your mind. Respect your relationship agreements and communicate with your partner. Get your Facilitator or the Assistant if you have a question or concern or need assistance with anything during the event. Tears and laughter are both welcome. Respect people’s privacy Keep the Cuddle space tidy