We know you've got a lot of questions about Cuddle Parties. Here are some of the ones we think come up a lot. If you still have unanswered questions, don't hesitate to email us with them.
What's it going to cost me?
We request a $30 donation for each attendee, but we are fully committed to the idea that no one will be turned away for lack of funds. We know that for some people, cash exchanges are harder than for others, and so we are more than willing to talk about work-exchange (help with setup, cleanup, food supplies and preparation, etc) or 'cuddle scholarships,' where applicable. If you're concerned about this at all, just email us.
What's the deal with the donation? Why should I pay to cuddle with someone when I can do it for free?
First of all, the word "Party" has people thinking it's just an offering of a place and some snacks, so that people can meet and cuddle. Yet, the depth and power of the full Cuddle Party experience is possible only through skilled facilitation of the welcome circle, and focused and artful facilitation of the many exchanges that occur during the party itself. Effort, focus and professionalism are required to ensure that a safe space is truly maintained.
Add to this the "hidden" expenses: outreach, registration, supplies, set-up and clean-up. Similar 3-1/2 hour workshops/growth-oriented gatherings range in fee from $30-75. As a community-building endeavor, we are setting the fee at the lower end, with an additional offering that no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
We view our Cuddle Parties as workshops. They are nurturing and provide attendees with the opportunity to receive and give some much-needed touch, certainly, but first and foremost, they are an opportunity to do some real self-exploration in a safe environment under the skilled guidance of well-trained facilitators.
What if I come and don't want to cuddle with anyone?
All participation at a Cuddle Party is entirely voluntary. If you think you don't want to cuddle, but would like to just be in the room with other cuddlers, great! We have something called the "shallow end of the cuddle pool," for just that purpose. Guests will sometimes read stories to each other, look through picture books together, or just chat.
Then, if ever you change your mind, there's "the rest of the cuddle pool" to dive into: You can join other cuddlers, one-on-one, in groups or puppy-piles. You are always encouraged to check in with your own true desires about connection and touch, and change your mind repeatedly!
At each party, we encourage you to experiment with setting your own boundaries and noticing your comfort level with each choice you make. Some guests have chosen to practice saying "no" during the entire party; others have intentionally asked for what they wanted without ever offering anything in return; still others have explored cuddling with people whom they wouldn't necessarily have chosen to cuddle with, based on their "usual" preferences.
We encourage you to be entirely true to whatever your comfort or interest is in each moment. When in doubt, remember Cuddle Party Rule #3B: "You never have to cuddle with anyone, ever!"
Who runs these events? What kind of training do you have that makes you qualified?
Your Cuddle Party Hosts are Suz Strasburger, Samzy Strange, Violet Ash, Roy Turpin, Danny Cieloha, and Yvonne Shevnin.
Suz received her Facilitation Certification training from Marcia and Reid, the creators of Cuddle Party, and has over 15 years of experience teaching communication skills and coaching individuals in both corporate and community settings. Suz's private practice focuses on whole-body-wisdom as a way of addressing life's spiritual and emotional dilemmas.
Samzy received his Facilitation Certification training in September of 2005, and has received training in group facilitation and deep listening. Samzy also has a bodywork practice in which he helps facilitate deeper integration of the heart and spirit with the body.
Violet received her Facilitation Certification training in September of 2005 as well, and offers her support as Assistant Lifeguard on Duty.
Roy attended the February 2006 Training, and has extensive experience with many bodywork modalities. He is a powerful listener and brings his years of bodywork and transpersonal psychology training as assets to the Bay Area Cuddle Party team.
Danny attended the July 2005 Facilitation training in Alabama. He offers himself as a dedicated Assistant Lifeguard on duty.
Yvonne attended the February 2006 Cuddle Party Facilitator Training, and is the organizer extraordinaire of the South Bay events.
Nervous, or wanting to talk? Willing to experiment, but not with a guest? Go to Yvonne, Roy, Danny, Violet, Samzy or Suz, and we'll do everything we can to help make your experience a positive and heart-opening one for you!