Open Community Discussion Potluck Santa Cruz 2/21/26

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

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.

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

- Expect to encounter a variety of relationship styles, orientations, gender expressions, life experiences, as well as comfort levels around touch and boundaries. Be open minded and respectful of others.

-You are invited to hold space for others and for yourself.

-Holding space means letting people show up as they are, speak their truth, without assumptions, judgment, advice, or pressure to fix anything.

-You may see consensual hugging, cuddling, or kissing.

You may see people saying yes to some and no to others.

-Always ask before entering someone’s personal space. For example: “Would you like a hug?” or “May I sit next to you?”

-A “yes” means yes. A “no,” silence, “maybe,” or hesitation means no.

-If you hear no, respect it and move on gracefully.

-A yes now doesn’t automatically mean a yes later — unless someone offers you blanket / ongoing consent, which they can still change their mind on later.

-Some people here are open to sharing everything, while others prefer not to hear or share explicit details.

When you are considering sharing explicit details (sex, kink, BDSM), first assess the people around you, and if you are not familiar with their comfort levels regarding explicit details, ask first before sharing.

-Everything shared in this group should be treated as confidential and private.

-Do not share stories that name others without their permission.

-Do not greet people outside this group in a way that could out them.

-Do not take or share photos/videos without the clear consent of everyone who would be photographed.

-Kissing, cuddling, and flirting may happen — otherwise, this is a non-sexual space.

-Clothing stays on for the entire event.

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An Eventbrite ticket is required to attend

If cost would keep you from attending, see the "Ways to Pay or Not Pay" section at the bottom of the description for discounted or free options.

o RSVP on Plura. This lets everyone know you’re attending, adds you to the event chat, and helps make connections.

REMINDER: Plura RSVP does not hold your spot — An eventbrite ticket is needed for each attendee.

These events are posted on Plura through Open Heart Gatherings.

There is also an Open Community topic thread on Plura.

This event is being hosted at a private residence in Santa Cruz. Address will be shared in the confirmation email.

Do not share the address without permission from a host. Direct all address requests to Rose.

This is a two story house. There are some steps to get into the house, and to get to the patio. May be difficult to navigate for wheelchairs/walking assists.

There are no pets.

Arrive on time for opening circle.

New attendees: Being present for your first opening circle is mandatory. If you realize you'll arrive after opening circle, please do not attend. Instead, ask for a refund on your ticket and plan on attending a future potluck.

Returning attendees: Aim to be on time to reduce disruption. If you will arrive late, please let a host or others know, and discreetly join a discussion group that looks like it has less people.

5:30 – 6:30 PM | Socializing & Potluck Dinner

6:30 – 6:45 PM | Opening Circle (Community Agreements & Topic)

6:45 – 7:45 PM | Small Group Discussions

7:45 – 8:00 PM | Closing Circle

8:00 - 9:00 PM | Freestyle Socializing

• What types of connections are present in your life right now? (Romantic, sexual, platonic/friendly, kinky)
• Which ones feel nourishing, energizing, sustaining, or satisfying?
• Do any feel difficult, heavy, or draining?
• Are there connections you wish you had more of—or maybe less of?
• Which connections do you prioritize and value, spend your time and energy pursuing?
• Are these connections easy or difficult for you to find or cultivate?
• How do you hold space for the right connections to appear or for the ones you truly want to develop?
• Sometimes the connections that are easiest to access aren’t the ones we truly want or need. Have you ever found yourself investing time, energy, or attention in connections that weren’t actually what you wanted or needed, or weren’t healthy? They were simply convenient, or something that you were good at attracting and cultivating?
• If so, how did you notice, and what shifted for you?

• How have your connection needs shifted as you’ve grown, healed, burned out, parented, or aged?

• Has being in this lifestyle changed what you value, want, or expect from yourself and others in terms of connection?

This is a dinnertime potluck—please bring food or drinks to share. Home-cooked or takeout is welcome. Gluten-free and low-sugar options are often appreciated, and wholesome, filling dishes are always a great choice.

Please write in the Plura chat what you will be bringing in the days before the event.

Please do not park in the private driveway to the left of this home. That neighbor will get upset at us if we park there. Street parking is otherwise easily available

No smoking. Drinking alcohol is ok, and should be enjoyed in moderation. Drinking is not the focus of this event.

Use promo codes at checkout

1) EPAY $14 (Skip Eventbrite fees)
Choose the EPAY option, then pay $14 directly:

• PayPal: @Rosezeitler
• Venmo: @Rosezeitler
• Apple Cash: [email protected]
  (Select the correct payment option so your app doesn’t take or add fees.)

2) VOLUNTEER

• A limited quantity of discounted volunteer tickets are available

Volunteer roles can include:

• Greeting attendees
• Directing potluck items to the food table
• Managing the food table
• Dishes & cleanup
• End-of-night tidying

3) MC / HOSTS
Free tickets for MCs and Hosts
Let Rose know if you have a co-host

5) FREE
Use promo code FREE at checkout.
No questions asked, no volunteering required. Limited quantity per event

#Nonmonogamy #Non-Monogamy #Polyamory #OpenRelationship #EthicalNonMonogamy #AlternativeLifestyle #Community #Nontraditional

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