Couch Friends: Weekly Community Hang

## What to Expect

Couch Friends is a bi weekly, free gathering for Black folks centered on connection, presence, and shared time. The intention is to create a consistent space that feels warm, familiar, and communal—more like being in a living room with people you’re getting to know than attending an event.
This is a relaxed hang, but it’s not random. There is intention behind how we gather, so the space feels easy to enter and comfortable to stay in.

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## How the Evening Will Flow

Arrival & Settle In
People arrive, find seats, get comfortable, and support the venue if food or drinks are available.
Welcome & Opening Tone
We’ll take a brief moment to welcome everyone into the space and set the tone for the evening. This may include a short reflection or question to hold as the night unfolds. Participation is always optional.
Open Community Time
The space opens up for conversation, games, music, and shared presence. People connect naturally—sometimes in small groups, sometimes one-on-one, sometimes just by being nearby.
Wind Down
A natural close as people begin to head out. You’re welcome to arrive late or leave early.

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## What to Bring (If You’d Like)

To help create a cozy, shared environment, attendees are invited—but never required—to bring something to contribute, such as:

• a card game or board game
• a blanket, pillow, or other cozy item (if the space allows)
• a snack or food to share (if the venue does not sell food)
• a playlist, song, or music suggestion
• anything small that helps the space feel warm and lived-in

Nothing is required. Come as you are.

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## The Feel of the Space

Couch Friends is meant to feel relaxed, communal, and unforced.
Some nights are lively. Some are quieter. Both belong here.

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## Volunteer Facilitation (Community Support)

As Couch Friends gets off the ground, we’re inviting a small number of community members to help support the weekly gathering.
This is not a leadership or facilitation role in a formal sense. Volunteers help by:

• arriving a bit early to help claim space and set the tone
• welcoming people as they arrive
• helping maintain a warm, respectful, and communal environment

This role is about presence, not performance, and no long-term commitment is required. If you enjoy helping create inviting spaces and want to support this community as it grows, you’re welcome to express interest.

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## Important Notes

• Couch Friends is a Black-centered community space. Please honor the intention of the gathering.
• This is not a networking event, workshop, or facilitated discussion.
• Respect for one another and for the venue is expected.

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## Attendance & Rhythm

Couch Friends meets weekly. There’s no expectation to attend every time. The goal is familiarity over time, not obligation.
Come when you can. Stay as long as you like.