Consent Corner 23.7

By Emma Atkinson 

Hello super sexy readers! Happy May to you! It's the month that comes in like a marmoset and goes out like a mandrill. Of course, your mileage may vary.

I thought I’d use today’s newsletter to summarize the FRIES model of consent we’ve been considering. Planned Parenthood developed the acronym to help us remember what makes up a good consent agreement. Consent ought to be Freely given by all participants and is Reversible by any participant at any time. Ideally, all participants are knowledgeable enough to make Informed and Enthusiastic decisions about Specific activities.  

When you’re having consent-related discussions, can good times be far behind? While life holds few guarantees, taking the time to talk about consent will increase the likelihood that everyone will walk away from an experience with positive feelings. Don’t you want the odds to be in your favor? I thought so.  

Homework: Do you have an experience to share when you used the FRIES model for your benefit or forgot it and wished you had remembered it? Share it with us at: info@thecspc.org.  

“Be excellent to each other.” —Bill and Ted

“Be sexcellent to each other.” —Emma

CSPC Travel Guide Needs You!

By Emma Atkinson 

Here’s a scenario: You’re talking with someone who wants to attend a CSPC event, and they’re unfamiliar with Seattle and the Pioneer Square area where our parties are currently held. They have a hundred questions: Where should I stay if I want a funky boutique hotel experience or a longer-term Airbnb? What are some good places to stay if I’m on a budget? Where can I get coffee or an amazing snack after the party’s over? How can I get to Gallery Erato from my hotel or Airbnb? Are there great/authentic/good value places to eat that you’d recommend? Where should I park? Do you know a barista or coffee shop that cheers up everyone who comes in? What else can I do if I’m spending a weekend in the area?

Your experiences and insight can help us put this travel information together so we can offer it to other CSPC members and members-to-be. Please email your thoughts and suggestions to:  travel@thecspc.org.  

Thank you for taking the time to help others experience the wonderful parties that our members are creating.  

Photo by Sabine Ojeil on Unsplash

CSPC Mandatory Masking Policy Stays in Effect: Decision-Making Process

By Eirikah

As announced in the newsletter on March 16 and on Discord on March 17, the CSPC’s Board of Directors recently revisited the standing policy at the CSPC to require wearing N95/KN95 or equivalent masks at all times during in-person events except when actively eating, drinking, or engaging in a scene. This reconsideration was sparked by Washington State’s announcement that it was lifting the last remaining masking requirements at medical facilities as of April 3. The Board announced that it would consider a change to the masking policy at its April 12 Board meeting, for implementation on June 1 to allow for thorough messaging of the changes before they would take effect.

The result of the vote by the Board on April 12 was to maintain the existing mandatory masking policy at this time. The Board will revisit this issue again prior to September.

The Board recognizes that this decision is very important, as we consider the safety and well-being of our diverse, supportive community. In order to gather data about the impact this decision would have on our membership and volunteers, the Board broadly solicited responses to an online survey between March 16 and April 12 and hosted a two-hour online Town Hall meeting where members could talk with Board members directly about their desires and concerns. 

The proposal under consideration was to change the CSPC’s masking policy from the requirement of KN95/ N95 or equivalent masking when not actively eating, drinking, or involved in a scene to making masking optional, though still strongly encouraged as a method of protecting ourselves and others from spreading Covid and other airborne illness. The CSPC committed to continue providing free masks to those who wished to wear them.

The survey gathered data on the self-reported frequency of respondent attendance and volunteering at in-person events, and then asked how the adoption of an optional masking policy would impact their personal attendance or volunteering: more likely to attend/volunteer, less likely to attend/volunteer, or the same likelihood of attending/volunteering if the optional masking proposal were adopted. We also included an open text field for respondents to share their thoughts and ideas about this issue in writing.

271 people responded to the survey prior to the Board’s vote on this issue at the Board meeting on April 12. The survey data for various groups of respondents is detailed below:

Data table from CSPC Member Survey on Masking, March-April 2023

The comments made by the 17 attendees at the Town Hall meeting on April 3 reflected greater support for maintaining the mandatory masking policy. All of those who spoke at the Town Hall indicated that they had also submitted a response to the survey. Most comments on the survey and at the Town Hall in support of mandatory masking were focused on the health implications for medically vulnerable members; most comments in support of optional masking were focused on reducing consent and connection challenges presented by masking (difficulty reading lips in a hearing-impaired environment, etc.).

The survey construction provided the Board with several key data points toward making this decision. It allowed analysis of projected individual choice in frequency of attendance and volunteering in a specific circumstance (optional masking) with respect to their own current participation levels. It also provided an opportunity for respondents to share their feelings, reasoning, and ideas for other possible solutions beyond the proposal presented.

With the relatively even spread of survey responses by the responding population as a whole, the Board was faced with the question of whether there might be a way to inclusively support members on both sides of this question. One idea shared by multiple sources was to make the masking policy party-specific so that more medically vulnerable folx would still have opportunities to connect with their sex-positive community in a mandatory masking environment, while also providing selected opportunities for those who struggle with reduced communication and connection due to masking to attend masking-optional events.

Of course, this idea would not be possible to implement if all Event Champions were committed to maintaining mandatory masking at their events, so the Events Director queried the Event Champions about their interest in changing the masking policy at their specific event. Of the six Champion teams responding, two of six were interested in making masking optional at their event, with four teams electing to maintain mandatory masking.

With all of this information in mind, the Board drafted the Preamble and Motion below for consideration at the April 12 Board meeting:

Preamble:

• All in-person events currently require attendees and volunteers to wear an N95/KN95 or equivalent mask.

• The decision as to whether to maintain or change the current masking policy is an incredibly difficult one. 

• The removal of the final WA State masking mandate at the start of April was the catalyst for the Board asking the membership how they would like to proceed.

• The feedback collected via the online form indicates a split in membership opinion. 

• 271 responses

• (34% more likely, 37% less likely, 29% same likelihood of attending)

• The feedback also shows that our volunteers are more in favor of keeping masking:

• 70 volunteer responses

• (17% more likely, 39% less likely, 44% same likelihood of attending/volunteering)

• The virtual town hall held on April 3rd leaned in the direction of maintaining our current masking policy.

• Given that there is no clear path forward and that this is such a deeply felt, emotional issue with serious possible health implications, the Board is leaning toward a nuanced policy, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. This policy will allow for some events to continue to require masks while others will have optional masking.

• We consulted with the Event Champions, asking them what policy they thought would best meet the needs of their regular event attendees and volunteers. 

• Any member who does not feel the decision we come to tonight represents their needs is encouraged to volunteer and be the change they want to see

• For example: Propose a new event with the policy you prefer

• The Board strongly encourages all of our event volunteers and attendees to continue wearing an N95/KN95 or equivalent mask at all times other than when eating/drinking, or when engaged in a scene. We will continue to provide masks for those without one. We also encourage our community to stay home if you feel unwell or if you have reason to believe you may be infectious with covid or any other transmissible disease. Please self administer a rapid test prior to coming to our events.

• At present and for the sake of considering this vote, Event Champions have indicated a preference for the following: 

• Fresh Meet, Sense and Sensuality (SaS), F’in Precious, and LaQueer would like to maintain the current mandatory masking requirement

• PPMT and the Myself Party would like to opt for optional masking

Motion:

The Board of the CSPC will change its current mandatory N95/KN95 or equivalent mask requirement at all indoor, in-person events to allow event Champions to alter the masking policy for their event taking place on or after June 1st 2023. Their decisions should be based on their understanding of what is best for their event and/or reflects the desires of their attendees. Any changes in policy for a specific event will need to be approved by the Board and decided before tickets go on sale. Champions of newly created events will consult with the Board and announce their masking policy prior to tickets going on sale. The Board will revisit this policy prior to the September Board Meeting, unless there is a clear need to do so before then.

The Board discussed the implications of this motion at the meeting, with concern for the plurality of members who expressed a strong need for continued mandatory masking, especially in light of the availability of other masking-optional venues in our community. The Board also discussed the long term issues that might arise from making masking policy decisions the responsibility of Event Champions rather than the Board, as well as questions about what future conditions might trigger a change to optional masking if the current conditions are not adequate. As a result of this conversation, the vote that followed was split 4 nay-3 aye, and this motion failed to pass. 

The CSPC will continue to require N95/KN95 masking when not actively eating, drinking, or participating in a scene at all indoor in-person events. The Board will continue to monitor the public health conditions and engage with the community in its decision-making processes. Thank you to all of you who so passionately shared your thoughts and ideas. You help make the CSPC the diverse, supportive, sexual, and sensual community that it is. 

Please send any questions or comments to info@thecspc.org.

So You Want to Be a Board Member?

By Skitty

Fantastic! The Center for Sex Positive Culture needs you. You are the Center. To assist with getting you more involved, here are some things you should know…

A number of people have recently put their names forward as prospective Board Members (also known as Directors). This is exciting news! The Board is always looking for folx who want to step up, take on more responsibility, and help chart a path forward for this organization that we all love so passionately. Some applicants will likely join the Board soon, others need more experience before being considered, and some will find other ways to make a difference in the community. To help you decide whether joining the Board is right for you, or simply to satiate your curiosity, here is information about the application process and what really goes on behind the scenes.

Why does the CSPC have a Board of Directors?

The Center for Sex Positive Culture is a 501(c)(7) nonprofit, operated in a manner consistent with maintaining that tax-exempt status. We are a membership-based community center for the benefit of sex-positive culture, focusing on Seattle and the surrounding areas. Here is our mission statement:

• The Center for Sex Positive Culture creates spaces to celebrate, develop, and explore sexuality and sensuality among a diverse, supportive community.

We are required to have a working Board of Directors, including the Executive Offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, with a minimum of seven Directors. We may have up to two Community Directors (more on that in a future article).

What do individual Board Members do?

• Board members typically volunteer between 10 and 40 hours per week, on top of attending events and any other volunteer roles they take on (such as EC, Champion, Online Host, etc.). 

• Basic duties include:

• participating in weekly Board video calls

• preparing for, and attendance at, the monthly Board Meeting

• engaging in a yearly Board Retreat (intensive, day-long work meeting)

• serving on committees and disappearing task forces (DTFs)(e.g., building committee, document creation/revision DTF)

• managing special initiatives

• participating in fundraising by volunteering as staff, donating or procuring items, or making financial contributions

• directing recurring seasonal events (e.g., CSPC Pride, the Frolic)

• attending/leading one-on-one and small group meetings

• answering emails — so many emails!

• writing reports, creating documents, compiling spreadsheets

• monitoring CSPC social media, engaging when necessary, and keeping a professional tone and attitude

• liaising with other organizations and individuals sharing a similar or related mission

• Executive Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) and Division Directors (Events, HR, Operations, and Communications) all handle a ton more responsibilities related to their role, contributing many additional volunteer hours per week.

• All Board Members are expected to take on an initiative of their choosing, or a Directorship, or an Executive Office, after a few months of settling in and getting a feel for the basic responsibilities of being a Board Member.

What qualifications does a person need in order to be a Board Member?

There is a lot of flexibility with respect to the qualifications required to be a Board Member. This is on purpose — to help remove barriers and promote diversity in leadership. That said, a few things are necessary.

All Board Members must be willing to:

• consistently devote productive time to the CSPC

• maintain communication with the other Directors

• serve the three-year term for which they have been elected

• allow their full legal name to be made available in public record

• provide their current address, phone numbers, and email address to the Board

• fill out a conflict of interest form, understand the implications of their personal, financial, and other volunteer relationships, and be willing to answer questions about those relationships

• maintain an active CSPC membership

• execute the documentation required for membership and Board participation

Recommended qualifications:

• minimum one year of active CSPC membership

• extensive volunteer experience within the CSPC, including leadership positions (demonstrates characteristics required for successful Board participation)

• periodic attendance at Board Meetings (demonstrates an interest in, and understanding of, the workings of the CSPC)

• work experience relevant to the role of Board Member

• volunteer experience outside of the CSPC

• education, apprenticeships, certifications (in whatever, all of these really do count!)

• life experience and the ability to demonstrate how that is applicable

What are the characteristics of a successful Board Member?

The CSPC is a diverse community and so are Board Members. That said, there are a number of characteristics needed to be successful and effective:

• consistently demonstrate a solid understanding and application of consent culture, commitment to consent culture, and a willingness to engage in ongoing consent education

• demonstrate an impeccable practice of confidentiality

• behave with emotional intelligence

• when applicable, disagree productively in the appropriate venue

• ability to collaborate and communicate electronically or have a willingness to learn how to use Google Drive, docs, spreadsheets, etc.

• consistently represent the organization, adhering to the mission statement and House Rules

• think and act independently

• be highly motivated

• be reliable

• be dependable

• follow through on commitments, responsibilities, and projects

What else do I need to know before applying?

Volunteering as a Board Member is an enormous responsibility. It is not for the faint of heart. You will be a public-facing representative of the organization, both within our events, and outside of the community. Most of your work will go unrecognized and will often be criticized. There will be much you cannot speak about publicly — ever. It will change the way you interact with the rest of the community. Many of the things you can do as a regular Member, you cannot do as a Board Member. For your entire term, and quite a while after that, everything you do or say will be interpreted (rightly or wrongly) as coming from “the Board.” It is, at times, exhausting.

All that said, being a Board Member is an honor and a privilege. It is an opportunity to connect with membership in a unique way, and provides a profound opportunity to shape and change the organization. It is an act of service that will forever change you and the way you view this beloved community.

What is the application process?

• Reread the above information and consider whether this is the right time for you to put your name forward. We will always need new Board Members — next month, next year, next decade… There is no rush. 

• Engage with current and/or past Board Members, asking them about their experiences and any questions you may have.

• Fill out the Google Form.

• Include some sort of résumé. This can be along the lines of a customary business résumé or some other format that provides information as to your skills and experience relevant to the work of a Board Member. If this, or any aspect of the application process is preventing you from putting your name forward for consideration, please let us know. Assistance can be provided or accommodations made.

• Demonstrate your ability to represent the community in a respectful, informed, and civil manner. This includes the ways you interact with others at CSPC events, on social media, and in the surrounding sex positive community.

• Demonstrate your ability to lead by becoming more involved: 

• If you haven’t already, volunteer to take on other leadership positions within the CSPC. If you are not sure how, ask someone in leadership, preferably in the area that interests you the most.

• Check out our monthly Board Meetings and if applicable, participate during the attendee comments period. Get to know the inner workings of the organization, the Board Members, and help us get to know you and your vision of the CSPC.

What if this isn’t the right fit? How do I make a meaningful contribution to the organization?

Not everyone is best suited for the role of Board Member. Not everyone wants to serve on the Board. It takes a special breed of masochist. That doesn’t mean you can’t contribute to the CSPC in a substantial, meaningful, and enriching way. The CSPC needs volunteers in every capacity. If you see a need, bring forward your ideas of how you can make changes in the community.

Approach this as you would when considering a new play partner. Think about what you have to offer, what attracts you to the other person, what kind of play you are interested in, and then negotiate a scene or a relationship that can be enjoyable and fulfilling for both of you. As with play, you may not end up with the scene you first envisioned, but hopefully something even better!

Please direct questions and feedback arising from this article to: president@thecspc.org

Consent Corner 23.6

By Emma Atkinson 

Hello lovely readers! It must be spring — robins seem to be everywhere, don’t they?  

Planned Parenthood developed the FRIES model of good consent that we’ve been pondering in recent editions of this amazing newsletter. It’s time to consider the final letter in the acronym, and that’s the letter S, and that stands for school, which rhymes with pool, and that’s big trouble! Oops, sorry for the inexplicable reference to The Music Man. Our S actually stands for Specific, which makes way more sense.  

Good consent is specific. All participants agree that x, y, and z will happen. As long as x, y, and z occur, all participants will likely have a wonderful experience. If at any point v happens, you’d be well advised to pause activities and get more information. Assuming good intentions, there’s lots of valid reasons that activity v could be brought into play. Who hasn’t been swept away in the heat of a moment to do things one later regrets? An ounce of conversation is so much better than a pound of regrets. Or, maybe it’s just me.  

Homework: please remember FRIES when embarking on consent conversations. And share your thoughts and experiences with us at: info@thecspc.org.

“Be excellent to each other.” —Bill and Ted

“Be sexcellent to each other.” —Emma

More Than Kinky Parties

Don’t forget our monthly online discussion groups!

CSPC is so much more than just live parties. We have many online forums to connect, question, and discover. Not seeing what you want to talk about? Contact us at EventsDirector@thecspc.org and help us form a discussion group that is important to you!

All discussion groups run for one to two hours, and are FREE for members. Simply register within the membership portal. 

Below the Slash: submissive Discussion Group

When: second Tuesday

Time: 7 p.m.

What: Come talk about your subby side!

BIPOC Discussion Group

When: first Thursday

Time: 7 p.m.

What: A space for BIPOC folks across the kink, gender, sexuality, and neurodiversity spectrums!

Community Munch

When: second Thursday

Time: 8 p.m.

What: Connect and explore with others in the community while maintaining a safe distance. Tell a story, show and tell, ask questions!

Finding Your Way

When: second Monday

Time: 7 p.m.

What: Come talk over your experiences and find your path in the CSPC community!

More Amore: A Consensual Nonmonogamy Discussion

When: second Sunday

Time: 3 p.m.

What: Explore the practicalities and possibilities of consensual nonmonogamy with members of the community. Ask questions, share experiences, find resources, and develop new friendships.

Neurodivergent Discussion Group

When: first Sunday and fourth Tuesday

Time: 5 p.m. (Sunday) and 7 p.m. (Tuesday)

What: Using communication styles unique to the neurodivergent population, we’ll explore the world of kink in a comfortable and inclusive environment.

The Queer Discussion Group

When: first Tuesday

Time: 8 p.m.

What: A discussion group for and by Queers!

S/switch Discussion Group

When: third Tuesday

Time: 7 p.m.

What: Come talk about your S/switch-y side with fellow switches!

Wicked Wordplay

When: fourth Wednesday

What: Co-write erotica and read it aloud–or just come to listen and enjoy the hotness!

The Frolic is Back in 2023!

early bird tickets now on sale!

Click the link above to purchase!

What: The Frolic 2023

Where: Buckley, WA

When: August 15–20, 2023

Who: All humans 18+ welcome. You do not have to be a CSPC Member to attend.

Cost: see below for price structure*

*Tickets must be purchased online, there are no door sales. Please note: ticket sales for the Frolic are final; they are not refundable or transferable to other events.*

THE FROLIC 2023 IS BACK - bigger, better, and EPIC at our own private Field of Dreams in Buckley!

This year’s theme is Forge Your Fate - Choose Your Adventures! 

The Frolic is located on a 40-acre private property in Buckley, WA. The gates open Tuesday, August 15 at 10 a.m. and close Sunday, August 20 at 4 p.m.

Your ticket includes entertainment, many education classes including a featured presenter, skill shares, activities, a flea market/swap meet for campers, a place to camp, play equipment, access to fire pits, a community hot tub, meals, and more! The fee covers food, utilities, property and equipment upkeep, porta potty rentals, and all the minutiae involved in planning an event like this, as well as ongoing expenses keeping the CSPC open and kinky for all our members. Your ticket does not include: a shelter*, guaranteed play partners, or parking. (*Although a large meeting tent will have some non-private dorm space for those without tents. Email frolic@thecspc.org to let us know you need a space.)

Masking is optional and distancing is up to individuals, but we invite you to discuss safety protocols and comfort before approaching someone closely.

Please keep an eye on this space for more information as it becomes available!

All humans 18+ welcome. You do not have to be a CSPC Member to attend.

The address, rules, and other information to participate will be emailed to you shortly after you register. Please check your email’s spam and/or promotions folders if you don’t see it in your inbox. If you haven't received it within an hour of registering, contact us at registration@theCSPC.org.

TICKETS

Tickets go on sale April 10, 2023. 

The next tier goes on sale immediately after the previous one sells out. 

$250 per person Early Bird tickets for the first 30 people

$275 per person Second Tier tickets for the next 30 people

$300 per person Third Tier tickets until we are sold out

*There is limited free ticketing for volunteers working the entire event. You must obtain a registration code from your Lead.

ADDITIONAL FEES

$50 additional for an RV (hook-ups are not available)

$50 additional for a tent trailer (includes a parking pass for the vehicle towing the trailer)

$25 Parking Pass - Parking is limited and must be prepurchased. Your parking pass will be available at registration when you check in. 

$10 for a round-trip ride from the Sumner Sounder Station

ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATION

We’ve got tons to learn and do planned throughout the week! Presenters will be unveiled at the beginning of May. Stay tuned for more information!

COMMUNITY SERVICE

We are a community. We are people coming together to create something wonderful. To reflect that and to make sure what needs done gets done, we are asking everyone who comes to The Frolic to contribute to the running of the event. We do this through community service. We ask that everyone participate in one volunteer shift of about 2–3 hours during their time at The Frolic. When you register, you will be asked to prioritize the type of service you would prefer. We will be making a schedule that will be emailed out and posted at the event. We are glad you are part of the community and for all the special nuances you bring to our celebration. frolicvolunteers@thecspc.org

MEALS

We will provide a continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. We will also have a hospitality area with snacks and drinks, but it is best to bring any additional meals or snacks you feel like you will want. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated. Please indicate your needs when purchasing your tickets, and feel free to email us at frolicmeals@thecspc.org.

VIP ROOMS

We have four yurts to auction! Imagine spending this Frolic warm and cozy inside at night with your plus-one in a beautifully decorated Mongolian yurt with a queen-size bed. Bidding begins at $200, but we fully expect this to go higher! These rooms normally rent for $150/night online and you get it for six days and five nights! Please keep in mind that your ticket to The Frolic is not included and must be purchased separately. Bidding is for the add-on VIP room only.

Auction Dates:

Yurt 1 (Heart Yurt) - Auction starts April 10 and ends May 1 (see images of the Heart Yurt below!)

Yurt 2 - Auction starts May 2 and ends May 23

Yurt 3 - Auction starts May 24 and ends June 14

Yurt 4 - Auction starts June 15 and ends July 7

Contacts

General Frolic@thecspc.org 

Education froliceducation@thecspc.org 

Entertainment frolicentertainment@thecspc.org

Security frolicsecurity@thecspc.org 

Volunteers frolicvolunteers@thecspc.org 

Meals frolicmeals@thecspc.org 

Parties from the Past: Rough-N-Tumble

By Teeebone

In this next series, I'd like to talk about the other parties from the CSPC's past, back in the days of Interbay. One party that stands out is one called Rough N' Tumble or RnT for short. This event was first conceived on FetLife, of all places. The champion posted a thread there on July 29, 2009 to get the ball rolling. And roll it did.

Interest was generated, and an in-person meeting was put together at the Free Tuesday Social that was held at the Center in early August. After that, the pitch for the party was made at the Big Committee Meeting later that month, where it got a tentative green light. At that time, the party had the working title "Tuesday Night Fights" with the focus being on takedowns, wrestling, boxing, sparring, and other contact sports. The core crew started gathering the necessary gear to make things happen: Boxing gloves, headgear with face protectors, chest protectors, karate gloves, footgear, assorted padded weapons, and rubber training knives, to name a few.

However, there was one problem. The Center did not have any mats, which would be required in order for this event to be more safely held. The estimated cost was $2,000. The CSPC provided the funding for this purchase, which was also supplemented by the Naked Women's Oil Wrestling fundraiser.

Another issue that came up was when the director asked that the name of the event not have the word "Fight" in it . . . And "We've got to figure out a way to describe it that involves sex or sexuality. That keeps it within our mission statement and won't (I hope) draw the attention of the state regarding fighting." After some discussion, it was decided that "The Tuesday Rough-N-Tumble" would be the name of the party.

And so, on November 17, 2009, the first Tuesday Rough-N-Tumble happened. Here's a quick review from an attendee: "Forty-plus people came to the party, which I thought was great for a first-time party. We had boxing, kickboxing, grappling, wrestling, pillow fights (which were adorable), and boffer fighting. Everyone was responsible and the party went extremely smooth for a first event. There was some instruction by an MMA practitioner on grappling and jiu-jitsu techniques. A Judo practitioner did some instruction and demonstrations on various throws. Some of the hottest action I saw was when they were teaching a new person (visiting from out of state) some moves and then of course a bit of wrestling for fun too . . ."

But in spite of an excellent opening night, the party was put on hold, due to some things that became apparent to the director afterward: "There are several logistic issues that need to be addressed before we can put this party on again. One deciding factor was that there were too many people in attendance for the space and we may have to move it to a different night or just a once-a-month event when we can use the RAW/Annex or the RAW/mainspace." Luckily, the wait was a short one. It was decided that the party would be scheduled for the fourth Monday of the month, in the Annex/RAW Dungeon and simply named "Rough-N-Tumble." On December 28, 2009, the party started all over again.

In August of 2010, the founder of RnT stepped down as host and chose a successor who would carry the party legacy. And carry on it did. So much so that in January of 2012, an additional RnT event called "The Dojo" was created, which focused on instruction and demos of fighting techniques, and it was scheduled on the second Monday of the month.

Both events ran until the Center closed at the Interbay location in 2016. The last Dojo was on August 8 and featured "The Art and Science of the Pillow Fight," while the last RnT was held on August 22 and featured an American Gladiators theme, complete with a photo shoot area for publicity, promotion, and posterity and a generous potluck dinner!

Rough-N-Tumble was an excellent party and remains a good example of consistent quality delivered to the community on a steady, reliable basis. Rumors abound that this event has even been rebooted yet again and is now being hosted at a different venue . . .

Consent Corner 23.5

By Emma Atkinson 

Hello again, you sexy thing! Can you believe it’s already April? Isn’t it the month that comes in like a lemur and goes out like an aphid? March has its animals (lion and lamb) and other months ought to have some too. Right?

Enough of the foreplay, let’s talk about consent! We’re exploring the Planned Parenthood model for good consent: FRIES. We’re up to the letter E, and you know what that means. You’re right, it stands for Enthusiastic! In good consent situations, all participants are super excited about what’s about to go down. Oops, I meant to say “super excited!!” Once you get started using exclamation points, it’s hard to stop!  Or, maybe it’s just me!

Any hint of hesitation among participants during consent conversations ought to be considered a good time to get more information. Plus, don’t you love it when you can put aside worries for a while and focus on the present moment? Worries might include: Did I lock the car door? What are my kids doing? Fill in your own worry here.

Interactions in which everyone’s excited to be there and knows that good times are ahead are super hot. Who doesn’t want to be part of that? You can make it happen by recalling that letter E when you’re in the middle of consent conversations. Oops, I mean “you can make it happen!!!” It couldn’t hurt to remember the other four letters in the FRIES model, too. Just saying. Enthusiasm probably = fun times. 

Homework: Does Enthusiasm actually = fun times? Check it out and let us know at: info@thecspc.org.

“Be excellent to each other.” —Bill and Ted

“Be sexcellent to each other.” —Emma