Flufftastisch is much more than just a regular get-together or a furry meetup. It’s a place for creative expression, a place for community, and a place for social growth.
In this post, you’ll learn how we incorporate the values of “Creativity,” “Belonging,” and “Awareness” into our events and our event culture. You’ll also learn why we chose these values and what benefits they can bring to you as a participant.
The furry fandom is known for its creative minds. Everyone is already aware of this through the illustrations and the creation of their own “fursona.” However, this creativity extends far beyond that, a fact that is often overlooked at events. Whether it’s in music, stories, or even things that go far beyond the furry fandom. Sure, we’re all brimming with ideas. However, it requires a place where these ideas can be shared and where interest can be sparked. Providing such a place is often not easy. It’s not enough to simply organize a meetup. Instead, there must be active exchange—with the team, with new people, and with participants. If we don’t share our creativity with one another, it won’t find a place to thrive and will be ignored. Even though this often gets overlooked, it’s not easy for many in the fandom to talk about these ideas. Whether out of fear of rejection, loss of interest, or the complexity of addressing people’s interests in the right way.
Belonging
Even though the furry fandom is described as open—which is true—that doesn’t mean there aren’t groups (so-called “cliques”). Of course, it’s great that there are groups of friends; after all, the furry fandom is meant to help people make new friends. However, it’s also important to be mindful of newcomers and help them feel included. It doesn’t matter whether that person is already part of the fandom or not. That’s why we, as the Flufftastisch team, take special care to create many opportunities so that even new furries can feel at home (even in the long term). You don’t have to know anyone or do/have anything special to participate in our events. We didn’t know each other beforehand either, and sometimes we’re out and about in places where no one knows us. Even places where people don’t always speak the same language.
Awareness
One of the most important aspects that is often overlooked is awareness. It plays a major role in ensuring that the other values can actually be put into practice. In the past, this was still very strong. However, it is losing its significance. Whether it’s not listening to one another properly, avoiding problems instead of solving them, or failing to address issues that definitely need to be brought up. This is where we place our focus. Because this is something we’re really good at. Through mutual respect and openness to different ideas, opinions, and values, we’re charting the right course together for the future of our events and the fandom.
We have chosen these values because we are committed to creating a better furry fandom. They were not chosen arbitrarily. They also serve as the foundation for how we interact with one another and with other event groups that are dedicated to building a better furry fandom. This is particularly important in a social context and strengthens the fandom like never before.