The Pacific Northwest HSP Network
A social network and support group system for Highly Sensitive People in the Pacific Northwest
All content Copyright ©2006-2009 Peter Messerschmidt & Pacific Northwest HSP Network. All Rights Reserved.
Created: 2008.07.16
Last updated: 2009.08.15
The Short Version >>
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The Pacific Northwest HSP Network:
The Brief Introduction
The Pacific Northwest HSP Network is a combination of informational web site, social network, online discussion forum, as well as a framework to facilitate the process of connecting HSPs in the Pacific Northwest, both in cyberspace, and face-to-face.
The Network is a response to the extremely positive feedback from HSPs who have attended "HSP Gatherings" and have experienced the validation and sense of connection that comes from being with other HSPs. In short, nobody understands what it's like to be a Highly Sensitive Person, like another Highly Sensitive Person.
This informational web site is public. Anyone can read it, and learn about the Network.
The Network site is private, but any HSP in the region is welcome to apply for membership. Membership is free. Memberships are "by approval," that is, your membership application will be reviewed by a Network Admin (yes, a real human being) before it is approved.
The Network serves multiple purposes:
It is a centralized meeting point on the Internet, for HSPs living in the Pacific Northwest.
If someone wishes to start a local HSP support/social group in their community, The Network offers tools, information and a framework to help create such a group-- without anyone needing to know how to build web pages, or market on the Internet.
The Network offers an online forum where all HSPs in the region can discuss topics of interest, in an HSP-safe, moderated environment.
The network acts as a safe "bridge" between making contact with HSPs on the Internet, and forming face-to-face friendships and connections, be that on a one-to-one basis, a local group basis, or a regional group Gathering.
Why a PRIVATE network?
Central to the Network's operation is that it provides an "HSP-safe zone." One of the most common themes among HSPs is a sense of "not being heard," and of "feeling marginalized" in the greater world. HSP Gatherings show us that HSPs feel comfortable relaxing into their authentic selves, in the company of their peers. By limiting membership to HSPs only, the Network provides a "container" within which HSPs can express their authentic selves, outside the public eye.
A private network with a screened application process also serves to remove the inappropriate spam, marketing and other distractions so prevalent in "open" internet forums and networks.
The membership application will ask you a series of questions about your experiences as an HSP. Some will become part of your network profile, but you can edit and elaborate on them on your profile, later. This information is only visible to fellow network members, not to the "general public" of the "greater Internet."
Hopefully this removes some of the uncertainty about the process. If you need more information, please read the other explanatory pages on this web site.
Click the button below, to get started!
...the Pacific Northwest HSP Network is private and moderated... we offer (to the best of our ability) an "HSP Safe Zone" in which members can feel comfortable to express themselves freely...
