our values
We’re connecter to Burner culture through a system of values that we all share, and which underpin all our collective initiatives, inspired by the core ideas of Burning Man at the time of its creation, and renewed to continue to resonate today in our rapidly evolving society.
We’re aware of the ways in which our flagship event has been drifting, and we’re not necessarily defending it, but instead pursuing its values of mutual aid, sharing, inclusivity and personal and collective responsibility.
Radical Inclusion
Each person is a unique being, and what they are made of is precious. Radical inclusion means adopting an active behaviour that makes everyone feel welcome and able to play an active part in the community.
It’s also about speaking up when things aren’t going right and fostering adjustment rather than exclusion. It’s about always keeping an open mind about ways to improve to promote diversity.
Radical Self-Expression
Use every form of expression at your disposal to be authentic, without fear of judgment. Remain respectful, avoiding any behaviour that might infringe on the consent of others.
If any tensions do arise, engage in dialogue with humility and respect, and refer to a Ranger if necessary.
Immediacy
In our anticipation-obsessed world, we sometimes forget that sticking firmly to a plan can create more frustration than enjoyment. In a Burner event, we prepare everything we can ahead of time, and then we forget about the plan! We put our cell phones aside and adapt to the unexpected, letting ourselves be carried by the flow, without feeling any pressure.
Participation
In a Burner event, there are no spectators. Everyone participates as much as they want (and can): financially, creatively, helping out, organizing, etc. Every contribution counts, as long as people are well-intentioned!
Gifting
Participants offer whatever they wish: food, art, music, objects, activities, or whatever! Gifts are offered freely, with no expectation of return or exchange, to anyone, in a spirit of respect and consent. No selection, no performance. Just the joy of sharing.
Decommodification
Radical Self-Reliance
Us Burners take care of our own basic needs so we can better help those who need help. Without sacrificing collaboration, we need to be able to manage ourselves without being dependent on others. Self-reliance makes the community more resilient.
Civic Responsability/Accountability
We all make mistakes. The important thing is to own the mistake, repair any damage and do better next time. We don’t beat ourselves up too much. Instead, we humbly learn and forgive ourselves.
Communal Effort
A Burner event only exists if people make it happen. Some prefer to be in a group, while others prefer to do their own thing. Some want to contribute by sharing their art, while others want to provide logistical support. That’s why the event always needs volunteers to help with various tasks. Bar, reception, leave no trace, and so on. There’s a place for everyone, and it’s a great way to meet new people.
Leave no trace!
At a Burner event, we respect the place that welcomes us. That means that we avoid using any material that breaks down, we use biodegradable soap and we collect our grey water to avoid MOOP (Matter out of place). The aim is to leave the place as we found it (or better). Everyone is responsible for their own waste and for what they leave behind.