**2:30 start time** Community Cuddles April 13 Boulder

In a world where we are more connected than ever through technology, we often forget the power of physical touch. Humans have always known that touch can be healing, and it’s about time we put that knowledge to good use.

Consensual touch has been proven to improve our relationships with others and ourselves. It can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, heal old trauma, and promote positive attachment. However, without enough touch, people tend to feel lonely, afraid, stressed, and unhappy - which is something that many of us can relate to. Research shows that people can reduce each other's pain just by touching.

This is where Community Cuddles comes in. It’s a space where people can come together to explore giving and receiving touch in a safe, non-sexual, and consensual way. The first 60-90 minutes of each event are a structured workshop focused on knowing what you want, asking for it, and setting boundaries. If on any given day you don’t want to touch, then don’t. You never have to touch anyone, ever, at any of our events.

Community Cuddles is for anyone who is curious about safe, consensual, platonic touch, especially if you're nervous or have been hurt in the past. It’s about moving from pain to healing and celebration together. This is a closed event, and people of all backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, races, spiritual or religious beliefs, sizes, and ages (18 and over please) who are feeling healthy and have no known exposure to illness are welcome.

Remember to arrive on time for the Welcome Circle and shower and brush your teeth, but don't use strong scents. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and stay clothed in a minimum of shorts and a t-shirt for the entire event. Do not drink or smoke before or at this event. You may bring snacks to share, blankets, pillows, and anything else cuddly that helps make the space more comfortable. The only thing that you are required to bring is a clean and sober you.

Community Cuddles promotes a culture of authentic connection based on full honest consent. It’s about trust, belonging, and empowerment. So, come join us in exploring the power of touch and let’s heal each other one cuddle at a time.

Community Cuddles Itinerary

2:30 PM – Cuddlers arrive, help set up blankets and pillows, share snacks, get a feel for the space, and socialize.

2:45 PM – Welcome Circle. This is the most important part of the event and we ask that all attendees be present for the whole Welcome Circle. This part of the event will include practice setting boundaries and communicating around consent. If desired, you could maintain social distancing while doing the Welcome Circle; no touch is required. Sometimes people come for the Welcome Circle and then leave. This is a totally valid option and you won't be asked to explain yourself.

3:45 - 5:30 PM – Open cuddling! Per cuddle party rules, you MUST ask and get a verbal ‘yes’ before touching or cuddling with anybody at this event and you don't have to touch anyone ever. If you are not sure how to do this - great! We will talk about it during the Welcome Circle.**

5:30- 5:45 PM -- Closing Circle. Share insights and takeaways before helping to fold up the blankets, finish the snacks, and head home.

5:45 PM-6:00 Packing the cars, leaving no trace, and everyone has said their goodbyes or made plans to meet elsewhere.

ETIQUETTE

ARRIVE ON TIME: It is important that all participants arrive before the Welcome Circle. The Welcome Circle serves the purpose of creating the safe space for consensual, non-sexual touch between participants and making sure that everyone is informed about the rules of cuddling.* While you must arrive on time you may leave at any time.

HOW TO PREPARE: Shower and brush your teeth but don't use strong scents. Many of us get headaches or would rather not be close to someone who smells of cigarettes, perfume, or even essential oils. Your clean self is a good smell.

BE SOBER: Do not drink or smoke before or at this event.

WHAT TO WEAR: Pants and a shirt. Pajamas. Sweatpants, yoga pants, onesies, t-shirts, sweatshirts are all welcome - anything that you feel comfortable in. Please stay clothed in a minimum of shorts and a t-shirt for the entire event. Please do not wear anything that you consider sexy or risque – think elementary school slumber party.

WHAT TO BRING: You may bring snacks to share. Blankets, pillows, and anything else cuddly help make the space more comfortable. You are welcome to wear a mask if you choose. The only thing that you are required to bring is a clean and sober you.

TICKETS: Buy your ticket via the Eventbrite link. No need to print your ticket. If you'd prefer to pay cash or need financial assistance (no one will be turned away because of $), let Kassandra know by emailing [email protected] or texting 720-340-2246.

CANCELLATION OR REFUNDS: If weather, covid or other things beyond our control require cancelling this event, your ticket will be good for any other Community Cuddles event within the next 6 months. Need to cancel for just you? Contact Kassandra before the event and we'll work out the details on a case-by-case basis.

COMMUNITY CUDDLES GUIDELINES

( based on the Rules of CuddleParty.com)

1. You agree to keep this event non-sexual in both words and body language.

2. You will speak up or move if you are uncomfortable at any time, for any reason.

3. Clothes stay on for the whole event.

4. You do not have to touch anyone at a Community Cuddles event, ever.

5. You must ask permission and receive a verbal YES before you touch anyone. Please be specific in your requests.

6. If you’re yes, say YES. If you’re a no, say NO.

7. If you’re a maybe, say NO. You can always change your mind, in fact -

8. You have the superpower to change what you are dong at any time. You are encouraged to use it. AKA you are welcome to change your mind at any time about anything.

9 . Tears, laughter, and all emotions are welcome.

10. Get your facilitator or assistant if you have a question or concern or if you need assistance with anything during the event.

11. Respect people’s privacy when sharing about Community Cuddles.

12. Keep the cuddle space tidy. No one likes to cuddle in a puddle!

CUDDLING WITH STRANGERS

Cuddling with strangers sounds weird to most people, and may sound scary. “Will I like it?” “What if someone wants to touch me and I don't want to?” “What if I say yes and it’s not what I want?” “What if I really want to touch someone and they say no?” Are all normal concerns.

My response to all of them begins "This is a space created to ask for exactly what you want, and receive NOTHING you don’t want. You may not get everything you ask for, but more than anywhere else, here you are encouraged to ask for what you want, and say ‘no’ or ‘stop’ to anything that you do not want."

Many people start out nervous at a cuddle event. Most end relaxed and joyful, really, really glad they came.

If you'd like to hear about future Cuddles and other touch and quality gatherings, join our group at https://www.meetup.com/Community-Cuddles-Meetup/

Our Group Cuddle is a group cuddling event and we love it - it is NOT a cuddleparty.com official Cuddle Party. Please visit CuddleParty.com to find a list of currently scheduled Cuddle Parties.

Buy your tickets and we'll see you soon!

Event location is a private residence near Valmont and Airport Roads in Boulder. Exact location sent in your ticketing email. Be sure to read to the bottom!

Host or Publisher Kassandra Brown