2024 CSPC Refund Policy

During the pandemic, the CSPC prioritized providing a safe space for our community with the unpredictability of COVID-19 by hosting masked events and revising our non-refundable policy to offer flexibility for those who were affected by this.

With the growth in memberships and monthly events selling out, the Board has concluded that it’s time to revise our “Refund Policy” once again to ensure the continued growth and stability of our nonprofit organization.

CSPC Refund Policy

Effective January 1, 2024

Event tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable to a future event, this includes no shows. The value of all unused tickets will be donated to our nonprofit organization.

I purchased a New Member Orientation ticket. Can I get a refund?

NMO tickets are a combination of a one month membership fee and event ticket. There is no obligation to join the CSPC. We understand joining our community can be a big decision, and you should do so in your own time.

• If you decide to leave after “New Member Orientation”, you’re required to inform the Event Coordinator that you’re not staying for the event. To request a full refund, send us an email.

• If you stay for the event but decide becoming a member is not for you, you can request a refund for the membership fee only. To request a refund for the $10 membership fee, send us an email.

I’m interested in becoming a member but have decided this isn’t the right time for me. What options do I have?

Send us an email before the event starts to receive a one-time credit that’s valid for one year for a future event.

What if I’m sick or an emergency comes up?

Send us an email before the event starts to receive a one-time credit that’s valid for one year for a future event. This applies to “New Member Orientation” and “Member” tickets.

I paid for a ticket but picked up a volunteer shift instead. Who do I contact?

• To receive a one-time credit that’s valid for one year for a future event, send us an email after you’ve completed your shift.

• Alternatively, you can offer your ticket for free or resell your ticket to an active CSPC Member in the CSPC Discord server.

• If you simply want to donate the value of your ticket, send us an email and our volunteers can update your event registration.

I’m an active CSPC Member and bought a ticket to an in-person event but can no longer attend. What options do I have?

• Join the CSPC Discord server to offer your ticket for free or resell your ticket at face value to another Member. This includes tickets purchased for guests of active CSPC Members.

• Transfers are a self-initiated process that is handled among members via the Member Portal. (Coming Soon - 2024: See the Member Portal FAQ for instructions on how to transfer an event ticket to another member.)

New Volunteer Position

Tabling and Vending Coordinator

The Center for Sex Positive Culture welcomes everyone and encourages our members who identify as BIPOC or LGBTQ/SGL to apply for this volunteer position.

Summary:

Coordinate tabling and vending at Center for Sex Positive Culture events by CSPC members or local sex positive organizations. Assist in the development and launch of this new program. This position reports to the Events Director and can be expanded over time.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the Events, Communications, and HR Directors to develop and launch the tabling and vending program

• Ensure alignment with the CSPC’s mission and adherence to our policies

• Coordinate promotions with the Communications Director

• Answer emails from those interested in tabling or vending

• Coordinate scheduling with Event Champions

• Communicate with the Events Director to ensure that the program adds to the overall event experience and resolve issues as they arise

• Maintain an up-to-date spreadsheet of possible organizations, businesses, and individuals, as well as those scheduled

• Communicate what products and services are suitable and keep track of what has been offered

• Meet with Directors, organizations, businesses, and individuals as needed

• Provide reports to the Events Director as agreed upon by the two of you

Qualifications:

• Active membership and volunteer status with the CSPC

• Basic understanding of Google Docs/Sheets/Forms and Google Drive and a willingness to use these tools

• Attendance at CSPC events on a regular basis (several per month)

• Track record of working well in collaboration with others

• Professional attitude

• Willingness to make a long-term commitment to develop and run this program

Note:

The Tabling and Vending Coordinator is not eligible to table or vend at CSPC events. A conflict of interest form must be signed and kept up to date. Potential conflicts of interest must be discussed with the Events Director or HR Director (e.g., if a partner, housemate, employer, etc., wants to table or vend, the decision will be made by a Director).

Contact:

Email volunteerliaison@thecspc.org to apply for this volunteer position.

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

Sex Trivia Answers

Hello you smart, sexy humans!

As promised, here are the answers for the sex trivia that we ran in the October 19 issue. A huge thanks to our trivia masters, Naomi Price-Lazarus and Breona Mendoza! We can't wait to see what questions you bring us next time.

Question #1

Oil-based lubes can be used for all of the following things EXCEPT?

B. Latex barriers (most condoms and safer-sex barriers)

Question #2

The first female condoms, reputed to have been used over 2,000 years ago in Ancient Greece, were made of what?

C. Goat's bladder

Question #3

Which of the following are aphrodisiacs?

E. All of the above (artichokes, chocolate, and chili peppers)

Question #4

What is the record number of orgasms in one hour?

D. 138

*Sylvia Konior broke the world record of most orgasms in 1 hour with 138 orgasms in total. During each orgasm a photo was made of the facial expression. The work was completely created by the artist herself. You can find the series of photos on LensCulture.

Question #5

Which of these animals have sex for pleasure (you can choose multiple)?

A. Bonobos

B. Rhinos

D. Penguins

The winner is…

Unfortunately, nobody got all the answers correct! (It's harder than it seems, isn't it?) But that just means there will be another opportunity for prizes next time! Sex trivia runs in the second newsletter each month, so you'll have another chance starting on November 16. Keep it smart and sexy!

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Marissa at newsletter@thecspc.org.

Consent Corner 23.14

Emma Atkinson

Hello, my dear ones! Yeesh, is it really November? Fred Meyer seems bent on forcing me to recognize that the holiday season has begun. Non-PNW (Pacific Northwest) readers: Fred Meyer is a store that sells everything from organic salad to tires — so, pretty much everything, including so much holiday stuff.

Ready to talk consent? We’re considering Bumbershoot’s C.O.N.S.E.N.T model, and we’re up to the letter “O.” What’s the “O” for, you ask? Open communication is key. “Yes” can change. Clever you, aren’t you glad you asked?

We’re all about open communication here in Consent Corner. You’ve no doubt come to recognize how important it is in so many ways. You’ve seen how it can make your life better. Now, as appropriate, you can make it hot too!

We’ve talked a bit about hot communication here in the Corner. I’ll be pondering it, and I’d love to hear about your experiences. The hottest stories will be included in an upcoming episode, so send yours in now!

Especially as the holiday season approaches, it’s good to keep the idea of “Open Communication” in mind. Keeping “Good Boundaries” in mind as well probably wouldn’t hurt.

Homework: ask a partner what their favorite name is for their private parts and use that name at a suitable opportunity. How did it go? Share your hot and steamy communications at: info@thecspc.org.

"Be excellent to each other." —Bill and Ted

"Be sexcellent to each other." —Emma

What's in the Bag? 11-2-2023

Ever wonder what lurks in the bottom of all those massive toy bags you see people carting around at parties? What is part of someone's kinky kit? We want you to share some of your favorite toys with us! Maybe you'll inspire someone to get that flogger they've been eyeing, or those claws they were unsure about. What's in your toy bag?

Name:

Esjay

How long have you been a CSPC member?

Almost 2 years!

What's your favorite CSPC party?

PPMT 2.0 or Myself

What's your favorite non-kink hobby?

I'm a circus artist! Aerials and Dragon Dreaming, specifically 🤩

[IMAGE TOY 1 - CLOTHSPINS]

I love my massive set of wooden clothespins! This is simply a small sampling! They are delightful to use on myself or on others. I love the level of pinch they provide when I use them on myself, but I especially love the look on a play partner's face when I first whip them out! They be small, but they be mighty — few things make me as giddy as when I find new tender spots on my play partner with these bad boys. I particularly love creating rings of magnified sensitivity with them. As one can imagine, they are perfect around a nipple. As of where I found them? Well...t'was a random closet in my grandmother's home, to be honest!

[IMAGE TOY 2 - FLOGGER]

This flogger is still pretty new to me, but I already adore it! It's very thuddy and creates the most delicious sounds. The heft to it feels particularly good to use. I got this off of Etsy from seller GoodStuff100. I'm yet to use a flogger I didn't enjoy using, but this one takes the cake as it is my favorite color!

[IMAGE TOY 3 - PINK VIBE]

This toy is called Thrust by Bellesa! I adore rabbits, but this little friend is something special. The clit stimulation part and the insertable part both have a range of vibration/movement patterns to choose from. This toy does all the work for me, which I very much appreciate!

Want your favorite toys to be featured in a future newsletter? Fill out our Google form!

If you have any questions, please contact Marissa at newsletter@thecspc.org.

Broaden Your Mind - 11.2.23

Other Community Events to Enjoy!

The CSPC throws amazing parties and hosts many important discussions on various topics. But luckily, we live in a place where there are many more options to dive into sex- and body-positive culture. The list below is just a sampling of some great events coming up in the next month.

We include non-CSPC events in the first issue each month. If you have an event suggestion, please email Marissa at newsletter@thecspc.org and it might make it into our next issue!

November 6

Board Gayme Night at Stoup (free | in person)

A weekly meetup for the LGBTQIA+ community hosted by Seattle Gaymers.

November 8

SLSC: RopeLab (donation encouraged | in person)

SLSC RopeLab is a collaborative men’s rope bondage community for experienced rope riggers to workshop and practice rope techniques. This is a space for gay and bisexual men, transmen, and other male presenting people to participate in ropework peer-learning skillshare.

November 11

Sex Positive World: Pleasure Bound ($11–55 | in person)

Join Jamie and Lady Vivus for one or both workshops starting with: Awesome Pleasure, a workshop on how to ask for what you want and say no to what you don't! Then learn the ins and outs of getting started with rope bondage in Bedroom Bondage!

November 11

SEA-PAH: Best in Show ($20 suggested | in person)

Best in Show is a charity competition show, where contestants will be put through multiple rounds of grueling challenges to test their mettle and see who will take home the title! This year, our pups will be paired with members of Seattle Men in Leather who will act as their handlers for the night.

November 12

Abbey Arts: The Not-Creepy Gathering for People Who Want to Fall in Love ($10–30 | in person)

This structured indoor event is not about scrolling and swiping and making snap decisions based solely on physical appearance. This event is about being open enough to see each other's humanity.

November 19

Sex Positive World: Sexy Intersections ($0–25 | online)

This class helps us all think about the many power dynamics that affect us when we interact in sex positive community. This is a core class in SPW for all of us wanting to learn more about how we show up/speak up/receive feedback from others when we share space together.

November 25

Olmstead: Burlesque in the Flamingo Room ($20–120 | in person)

Fat Bottom Productions brings you the best burlesque at the best venue on the Hill! Our venue gets you up close and personal with incredible performers from across the Pacific Northwest.

December 3

Sex Positive World: Practice, Practice, Practice ($0–10 | online)

There’s so much we learn in workshops that we may not have time to fully integrate or get comfortable with at the time, so we want to give you all a chance to practice some of these skills at your own pace.

December 3

Sex Positive World: Erotic Blueprints ($0–25 | online)

Do you know what your Erotic Blueprint™ is? It's the unique map to your arousal! Haven't heard of these blueprints? Don't worry, it's a new discovery in sexuality. There are 5 types: Energetic, Sensual, Sexual, Kinky, & Shapeshifter. Each blueprint has very specific turn-ons, turn-offs, superpowers, and challenges.

Sex Trivia 10-19-23

Get ready to spice up your inbox with our new Sex Trivia segment! We're here to tickle your brain with some tantalizing intellectual treats. In each biweekly newsletter, we'll erect your curiosity with some sizzling trivia questions. The catch? You'll have to wait until the next newsletter for us to announce the winner! “I see you shiver with antici…pation!” The more you play, the more chances you have to score some fabulous prizes down the road. Enjoy playing!

Question #1

Oil-based lubes can be used for all of the following things EXCEPT?

A. Pure silicone-based sex toys

B. Latex barriers (most condoms and safer-sex barriers)

C. Bare bodies without contraceptives/barriers/sex toys

D. Toys with metal, glass, or ceramic

Question #2

The first female condoms, reputed to have been used over 2,000 years ago in Ancient Greece, were made of what?

A. Snake skin

B. Lamb intestine

C. Goat's bladder

D. Seaweed

Question #3

Which of the following are aphrodisiacs?

A. Artichokes

B. Chocolate

C. Chili peppers

D. A and B

E. All of the above

Question #4

What is the record number of orgasms in one hour?

A. 7

B. 32

C. 67

D. 138

Question #5

Which of these animals have sex for pleasure (you can choose multiple)?

A. Bonobos

B. Rhinos

C. Crows

D. Penguins

E. Salmon

Bonus!

What questions do YOU have about sex? Is there anything you're itching to know more about?

Submit your trivia responses via our Google form here!

Prize

The first person to submit their response and answer all questions correctly will win two tickets to a future “Sex Trivia Night” at Stoup Brewing on Capitol Hill. Winner will be announced in the subsequent newsletter.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

If anyone wants to try their hand at the full sex trivia, the next event is happening at Stoup Brewing in Capitol Hill on November 1! Buy tickets HERE! Sex Trivia began in 2022 as a way to provide a fun space to learn about sex, and to support comprehensive and queer-centered sexuality education. A portion of each ticket will be donated to a selected nonprofit organization whose mission aligns with our values of access, equity, and reproductive justice.

Who are our brilliant trivia masters?

Naomi Price-Lazarus (she/her) is a sexuality educator, event facilitator, and dance party host. Naomi is the Founder of Papaya Project, a Seattle-based non-profit organization that offers comprehensive sexuality education and community-building events to youth and adults. With a queer-centered and pleasure-focused approach, Papaya Project aims to destigmatize and expand understandings of identity, sexuality, bodily autonomy, and pleasure. Naomi also creates and sells art that celebrates sexual anatomy and pleasure (@PapayaProjectOrg). Naomi spends her free time playing sports, baking cookies, and traveling around the world.

Breona Mendoza (she/her) is a queer sex educator, sex therapist, author, and avid supporter of self-love in all respects of the word. Her book, Clitaurus Chronicles, is a sex education story that uses art and metaphor to convey important lessons around communication, consent, and pleasure. She owns and operates a therapy practice called Colorful Therapy where she works with youth and adults to build relationships skills, self-love, and liberation. She spends the rest of her time cultivating a sex-positive community, eating absurd amounts of peanut butter, finding excuses to play dress up, and contemplating ingenious ways to empower people to become more comfortable and loving with their parts. Follow her @ClitaurusChronicles.

Honor system

We know that Google is a convenient and helpful tool, but please look upon this as an intellectual challenge; something fun and educational to help us learn and grow within the sex-positive and kink communities. Please don't look up the answers and respond simply to win stuff.

If you have any questions, please contact Marissa at newsletter@thecspc.org.

Consent Corner 23.13

By Emma Atkinson

Hello lovely readers! Kisses and hugs all around, and all of them consensual, of course. I'm back from traveling to France and double air kissing many French folx, as they do — so much magnificent art to see and so little time. Count me convinced that seeing art live and in person is several orders of magnitude greater than seeing reproductions.

Bumbershoot Festival at Seattle Center this year featured a poster with the word "consent" written down the left side and an explanation of what each letter represents in the land of consent. It was kind of awesome to see consent reminders as one experienced the many wonders of the festival. And, we're going to consider how each consent concept affects our lives and our experiences.

So, let's start with the letter C, which means to check yourself and your friends before you wreck someone's night. Isn't there a line in a song with the advice to check yourself before you wreck yourself? Thich Nhat Hahn suggests that one might have on one's wall the question, "Are you sure?" I'm thinking that it can't hurt to stop whatever one is up to, especially at highly emotional times, and take a good look around.

Have you ever been swept up in some hysteria of the moment only to think, in hindsight, how you might have made better choices? Who of us hasn't let our better judgment take a back seat to the lure of something or someone? As an added benefit, when you stop to look around, you have the chance to express your gratitude, as needed.

Homework: At some random time, check out yourself and your friends. What did you find? Let us know at: info@thecspc.org.

"Be excellent to each other." —Bill and Ted

"Be sexcellent to each other." —Emma

Consent Advocacy Training for Volunteers

We are excited to announce a new training opportunity! As part of our ongoing work to update and expand our consent policy and practice, we have partnered with Consent Academy to create an exclusive Consent Advocacy workshop, just for CSPC volunteers!

This two-part, six-hour course will cover:

• The expectations and basics of the Consent Advocate role

• Communication and active listening skills

• Working with trauma and people caught in acute trauma reactions

• Consent-Focused Psychological First Aid

• Bystander intervention and de-escalation skills

• Supporting those involved in a consent incident

Yours to keep:

• Consent Advocate handout and presentation slides

This workshop is intended for those currently volunteering in one or more of the following capacities: Event Coordinator, Monitor, Event Host or Champion, Orientation Leader, DG Host, Tech Host, Team Captain, Discord Mod, Tasting Top, or Board Member. It is a requirement for volunteers who wish to become part of the upcoming Consent Advocate Team. Click here for more information on becoming a Consent Advocate.

This workshop is being offered at a reduced rate. For the same price as attending a CSPC event, ($25-35), this workshop offers information and skills applicable in everyday life, opens the door to enriching volunteer opportunities, and entitles you to add this Consent Academy training to your résumé. There will be a limited number of scholarships available.

Who: active volunteers (max. 35 participants)

What: six-hour workshop

When: Saturday November 11th and 18th, 1-4pm (this is a two-part workshop)

Where: online

Why: to be considered for the Consent Advocate Team and/or to expand your understanding and ability to create and maintain consent culture within our community

How: registration information coming soon

If you have questions or are unavailable on these dates, contact Skitty at HRdirector@thecspc.org. The next opportunity for this training will be in early 2024.