What is Spousal/Lifetime Partner Forum?

A structured support environment which allows EO spouses and lifetime partners, to receive the benefit of their peers’ experiences, insights, and resources. It operates exactly like the members’ Forum program and provides a completely confidential structure in which you are able to capitalize on the wisdom that your fellow EO spouses have to offer.

Who will be in my Forum group?

SLP Forums are comprised of approximately 6 to 10 EO spouses. There are no rules regarding the demographics or composition of these groups. However, there is a “business conflict rule” which does not allow spouses of competing business owners to join the same Forum group. This situation can create a major barrier to trust and bonding.

I might not feel comfortable sharing the struggles in my life.

The SLP Forum environment is a completely confidential setting of trusted peers. Strict behavior codes prohibit the sharing of any information outside of the private monthly meeting. These behavior codes are enforced by the group itself. Your Forum will establish its own rules about confidentiality conduct and penalties if it is violated (i.e. removal from the Forum group).

What kind of time commitment does SLP Forum require?

Forum groups meet on a monthly basis. Exceptions to this monthly schedule would include any planned retreats or group outings, emergency meetings (called by the Moderator due to the specific need of one member), or make-ups for meetings cancelled. All groups are encouraged to have a MINIMUM of 11 meetings per year.

What happens at a SLP Forum meeting?

Typically, one member will present an issue that is greatly affecting his or her life— this issue could be business, personal or family related. This is a Forum to discuss anything about which you feel peer feedback and wisdom would be beneficial. The presenter provides the background to his/her current situation and specifies the kind of assistance they are seeking. Then, when it is time for other members to give their feedback, important Forum language and behavior protocols ensure that each speaks only from his or her past experience and not from a personal judgment or belief. Forum is the perfect setting to explore complicated issues in a private and trusting environment.

It sounds complicated. How will I know what to do?

EO will send a professional facilitator to your city to run a full-day training session for you and other new members of an EO-Member or Spousal Forum. In this training you will hear about the history of Forum, learn listening skills and communication techniques that are unique to the Forum environment and have the opportunity to practice these skills in a mock Forum meeting. Mixed throughout the day are self-awareness exercises and activities aimed at creating group bonding.

What are the fees associated with joining SLP Forum?

There are no annual membership dues associated with our SLP forum and the one-time initiation fee of $350 for forum training is being waived this year.

I’m interested in joining an SLP Forum. Now what?

1. Please fill out our EO Seattle SLP Forum Application
2. We will begin the placement process. You will hear directly from Jeremy Norberg introducing you to an SLP Forum moderator.