Community Engagement
Relationship Skills Classes
Get the skills to have the relationships you want! For the past decade, the NW Network staff and community volunteers have offered this engaging seven-week series to LGBT people and their allies. Developed out of conversations with survivors in NW Network support groups, the Relationship Skills Class series offers practical skills and creative strategies to support the creation of loving and equitable relationships of all kinds: sweeties, partners, friends, chosen family, family of origin, poly, monogamous, kinky and more!
Topics include clarifying values, power and liberation analysis, expectations and negotiation skills, accountability, boundaries, conflict strategies and strengthening support networks. Classes are open to all!
To register for the next RSC Series, visit our News & Events page.
People of Color Relationship Skills Class
Organized collaboratively by NW Network staff and interested community members of color, the first People of Color Relationship Skills Class (POC RSC) was offered in Spring 2010. This series centers the lives and relationships of people of color in an open and culturally supportive space.
This 7 week series covers such topics as: clarifying values, creating a power analysis, internalized oppression, boundary setting, accountability, conflict strategies, and increasing skills to strengthen and maintain community connections.
Please note this series is for people of color. White partners, friends and allies are respectfully asked not to attend. Please register if you self-identify as African-American/Black/of the African Diaspora, Asian, South Asian, West Asian/Arab, Pacific Islander, First Nations, Alaskan Native, Chican@/Latin@, Native American, or Multiracial/Mixed-race.
Relationship Skills Class BOOSTER Series
The BOOSTER series for people who have participated in the Relationship Skills class series and are looking to deepen their knowledge. These sessions take a closer look at skills, issues and types of relationships. Past BOOSTER classes have included Polyamorous and Non-Monogamous Relationships, Friendships, and Pop! Goes Relationships: Relationship Skills Through a Pop Culture Lens.
To see when the next BOOSTER class series is being offered, visit our News & Events page.
FAR Out!
We know that building strong friendships helps people resist isolation and abuse. Our Friends Are Reaching Out (F.A.R. Out!) program works with survivors and their closest friends and family to create a community culture that values open and honest communication, while developing more sustainable and meaningful connections among community members. If are interested in learning more about this project, contact us.
Queer Parents’ Networking Dinners
Offered monthly during the school year, this event provides free dinner and childcare and is open to all LGBT parents and people who have a significant role in the life of a child. Queer Parents’ Networking Dinners create space for LGBT parents and community members to engage in conversation, talk about skills and strategies and stay connected.
To RSVP for the next dinner, visit our News & Events page.
FAQ
How much does it cost to participate in the Relationship Skills Class Series, Queer People of Color Relationship Skills Class or the BOOSTER series?
We ask community members for a suggested donation, but our classes are open to all regardless of your ability to donate. We’d be happy to talk to you via phone or email about specific questions you might have.
Where do you hold the Relationship Skills classes and Queer Parents’ Networking Dinners?
We hold the classes in various locations throughout Seattle that are close to bus lines and light rail. Detailed information about class dates, locations and times are available upon registration. Call us with questions.
Do I have to be “in a relationship” to participate in a Relationship Skills Class?
Well, we believe everyone is in some type of relationship (friend, family, co-workers) all the time. But the short answer is “No!” You don’t have to be dating or partnered with someone to participate. Folks who attend Relationship Skills Classes are single, partnered, dating, poly, monogamous, LGBTQ identified, allies, etc.