Consent Plus – Directional Touch weekend workshop May 13-14 2023

Who is it for?

This weekend workshop is intended for people who want to advance their understanding and practice of consent in relation to touch. It is recommended that you will have participated in at least 1-3 Cuddle Parties™ run by a certified Cuddle Party facilitator before attending this weekend. (if you’re looking for a Cuddle Party – click here!)

This is NOT a Cuddle Party – it is a fun practice lab!

The Directional Touch weekend workshop is intended to help better understand the dynamics when exchanging touch. It is based on Betty Martin’s Wheel of Consent which helps us ask these two simple yet intricate questions: Who is doing the touching, and who is this touch for.

This 5.5 hours-per-day weekend workshop is comprised of guided exercises which will allow you to look at touch in a different light. These activities will be done alone, in couples, or as a group. They will give you an opportunity to practice new tools and reach insights, so that you could implement them in your personal life.

We will all learn in what ways we can give to one another, and how to wholeheartedly and gratefully receive.

Oh, and did I mention that it’s gonna be fun?!

COVID practices

While we understand that you can never have a non-distanced multi person event that is 100% safe, we are incorporating some basic safety precautions in order to mitigate the risk for those who feel comfortable participating. Here are the main steps we are taking:

• Proof of vaccination from all participants. All participants MUST BE BOOSTED as well.
• You will be asked about Mpox symptoms at the door.
• While tickets are not refundable, in case anyone feels unwell, please reach out and exceptions will be made for those cases.

Some more important information

LOCATION: HeartLab, San Francisco. 3095 21st St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. The venue has one step at the entrance, but is otherwise wheelchair accessible. More details will be given with your ticket.

BRING: YOUR VACCINATION CARD (without it you will not be let in) – an image of it on your phone is also ok. Digital card for CA residents can be accessed here: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov. Please also bring a photo ID with you.

Other than that: Comfortable clothes, personal water bottle. Face masks are allows but will not be required.

PLEASE BE ON TIME: Make certain to account for TRAFFIC AND PARKING. Parking in the area might be a bit difficult, but it is a few blocks away from the 24th & Mission BART station.

Doors close at 12:30pm – no late entry. This is an important aspect of the event and it creates a safe container for all participants. It is essential for everyone to be on time. You will not be admitted after doors close.

SPOTS: This is going to be a smaller, more intimate event. So make sure to secure your place early. Simple snacks will be provided.

TICKETS: $250 for the entire weekend. If you are encountering difficulties paying, please reach out to me and we’ll see what we can do.

NOTE: Must be 18+ to attend.

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

CANCELLATION: Barring an emergency or health issue – tickets are non-refundable.

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.

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 http://www.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!