What We Do: Resource Center / Drop-In

SMYRC is a safe, sober space for LGBTQ and questioning folks between the ages of 12 and 23. We have open drop in hours on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm-9pm. During drop in, folks have the opportunity to cook meals in our kitchen, work on art projects in our art studio, use our computer lab, play games, check out our drag closet and clothing "free pile" and meet and connect with other LGBTQ and questioning youth! We also offer haircuts, a library and much more! Some of our monthly special events include Drag Night on the second Friday of every month and Open Mic Night on the last Friday of every month! We also ofter a variety of different regular small groups such as a writing group, gardening group and community outreach group as well as one time groups such as safer sex education groups and craft groups. SMYRC Drop In is a youth run program, and folks who want to be involved in programming, rule changes and other planning and volunteering within the space are encouraged to come to Steering Committee, which meets every Wednesday at 6pm. Every youth who attends gets a vote on how SMYRC operates!

Please contact Jess Herbach at 503.969.2266 or jess.herbach@smyrc.org for more information.

What to expect on your first night at SMYRC:

When you come to SMYRC for the first time, we welcome you by giving you a tour, going over the community agreements (which are created by the youth who come to SMYRC) and sitting down to talk one on one about the opportunities available at SMYRC. This is a great time for us to answer any questions you might have about SMYRC. We also fill out a bit of paperwork that helps us better serve you here at SMYRC.

If you are a parent, teacher or other adult ally who is interested in referring a youth to SMYRC, please contact Jess Herbach at 503.969.2266 or jess.herbach@smyrc.org for more information.

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SMYRC RULES
(pun intended)

These rules are created by the youth steering committee and enforced by youth and adults at all times.

SMYRC is a confidential space.

1) Respect:
Respect will be given to all people and the SMYRC space at all times. Names, pronoun preference and privacy will be respected and there will be no hateful language used.

2) Age Guidelines:
SMYRC youth are defined as those 12-23. Guests over 24 may stay for 15 minutes on regular drop-in nights, and for the duration of an event on a show night with adult guest name tags.

3) Drug and Alcohol Policy:
SMYRC is a drug and alcohol free space. No illegal drugs or paraphernalia will be possessed, dealt, glorified, offered or exhibited while at SMYRC. No one is allowed to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at SMYRC.

4) Smoking:
There is no smoking in SMYRC or on SMYRC property. Cigarettes and tobacco are not to be seen on SMYRC property. This includes, but is not limited to: asking for, selling or trading cigarettes or tobacco on SMYRC property.

5) Violence/Fighting:
Absolutely no running, rough housing, verbal or physical confrontations, or threats toward anyone or SMYRC’s space.

6) NO Stealing:
No stealing.

7) Weapons:
No illegal weapons or associated paraphernalia at SMYRC. This includes no firearms, fireworks, explosives and anything specifically designed to inflict harm.

8) Clean Up:
If you make a mess clean it up. All youth are to participate in clean up time.

9) PDA:
SMYRC is a safe place for us to show affection, however, please ask before you touch. If you feel uncomfortable please approach a staff or volunteer with your concerns. Do not touch genital or breast areas.

10) Self Harm:
We ask that all people respect their own bodies while at SMYRC. Anyone engaged in self-harm or self-harm ideation while at SMYRC will be referred to a counselor or staff member. Please ask staff if you would like someone to talk with.

11) Abuse Reporting:
All staff, volunteers and some youth are mandatory abuse reporters. If youth disclose to any staff, volunteer or some youth, incidents of child abuse, illegal dating, intent to harm others or other reportable incidents, staff will make a report with the child abuse hotline.

12) Neighborhood Respect:
No smoking, loitering or loud activities in front of SMYRC, neighboring businesses, or on neighboring private property.