Be Courageously You!  

The universe has given us a wonderful gift - we are all different. This blessing makes life so much more interesting. The original definition of courage was to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart. We hope that everyone who enters this space has the courage to be authentic, to tell and show us who they really are. This is a safe space for you to be yourself, regardless of the labels others have given you or you have chosen for yourself. There is nothing more wonderful than a person who is passionate, comfortable in their own skin, and courageous. We can't wait to meet you!

Be Kind!  

You are responsible for the energy you bring into the space. Please do your best to make it good energy! We are a community rooted in respect and compassion. Do your best to treat all members with consideration, friendliness, and warmth. We are all just looking for more community and connection in an increasingly disconnected world.  

No Technology! 

We're going back to a time when there were no cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, or devices that could access the internet in any way, on our person 24/7! Exclusions are, of course, made for necessary medical devices. We have enough places in this world where it's acceptable to be distracted. Presence&Co is all about being in the present. 

When you enter the space, you will see what we affectionately call phone jail. Please stow your devices in a locked box and take the key with you. You are free to go out front and check your devices at any time, but they cannot join you in the space. We do have a phone at the front desk that you can share the number of, so in case of an emergency, you can be reached, but otherwise, let's enjoy some screen-free time. 

Alcohol Free!

When we opened Presence&Co, we made a conscious choice not to entertain the idea of allowing alcohol. We know a lot of people will wonder why that is; alcohol and socializing go hand in hand, don’t they? When trying to relax and socialize with others, we often reach for liquid courage to aid us. This is true.  In fact, in this country, almost all of our social activities are unnecessarily permeated with the addition of alcohol. But not here.  We are all about being courageously yourself and fostering genuine connection, neither of which is aided by the addition of alcohol. No alcohol is allowed on the premises, and anyone who is visibly under the influence when they arrive may be asked to leave the premises and refused service. 

Be Present & Engage with Openness 

We ask that participants engage with intention and be present during our activities. We invite you to do your best to listen actively, avoid distractions, and contribute positively to the collective well-being of the group. We celebrate diversity and value all perspectives. Everyone is welcome, and differing viewpoints should be met with an open mind and heart. When confronted with a different viewpoint, please do your best to assume the best intention and lead with curiosity; we have so much more in common than what one might think at first glance. 

Be Respectful of Healthy Boundaries 

We ask that you help maintain a welcoming environment by being considerate of others' comfort and boundaries. Please respect personal boundaries and communicate on your own. We encourage clear and compassionate communication among members. If something doesn't feel right, we encourage you to bring it to the attention of the staff. Further, what is shared in our space stays in our space. Respect the privacy of others by keeping personal stories, conversations, and experiences confidential. Finally, please do your best to maintain a respectful volume so everyone can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. We have a shared responsibility to help foster a nurturing environment by maintaining a safe, peaceful, and supportive space for all.

Spread joy, not germs! 

We ask all members to prioritize health and personal hygiene to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Please ensure that you are feeling well before attending any activities, and refrain from joining if you are experiencing any symptoms of communicable illness. Our space is regularly cleaned and sanitized, but we also encourage regular handwashing and the use of provided sanitization stations to help protect the health of our community.