Volunteering

[Jstrat]

Hi all,

I am a first-timer and I'd like to volunteer, but I have not heard back from anyone after filling out the Volunteer Questionnaire, which I did about two months ago. Is it still possible to stay after the event and volunteer for clean-up? Who should I contact? I can stay for about a week after the event ends.

Thank you,

Jeff

[Savannah]

Even if you don't hear back, you can do these two things on a walkup basis:

The Lamplighters begin EVERY EVENING of the event in their center camp workspace at around 5pm. The ceremony begins around 6, and soon the work is done. No experience is required. We welcome virgin and seasoned burners alike. One thing is certain though. We can't do it without YOU.

http://www.burningman.com/participate/lamplighter.html

Or at the Black Rock City Post Office (9 o clock Plaza, orientations twice a day).

http://playaevents.burningman.com/2011/ ... vent/4398/
http://brcpo2oh.weebly.com/

It sounds like you were more interested in DPW-style stuff if you're interested in building/teardown/cleanup. This time of year you won't hear back from them generally, 'cause they went out to the desert weeks ago. Not sure what advice to give about that, other than start earlier in the year to volunteer for that group--but someone else here might have an idea . . .

[trilobyte]

What Savannah said. I'm not certain of the specific questionnaire you're talking about, but the big volunteer drive for BMHQ type stuff happens in March/April, and then any additional volunteer opportunities (for example, helping to make decortations for center camp), get listed in the Jack Rabbit Speaks.

There are plenty of 'walk-up' volunteer opportunities, both with organized projects that could use another pair of hands and with people you pass on the street that may benefit from your kind assistance.

[Savannah]

Jstrat, I forgot to say that there is probably a slight bias towards at least 2nd year Burners among the volunteer activities that involve the questionnaire. I think the people in charge want to make sure a virgin doesn't overcommit or have unexpected issues they couldn't have expected. And it's not quite fair to the virgin to have too much scheduling their first year. Run! Be free!

[Clar-i-ty]

When you get to the Playa, go hit Playa Info, they can connect you from there. Keep in mind, it's your first Burn, and you might be worn out by Monday. Plenty to do during the week.

[Jstrat]

Thank you Savannah! Lamplighting looks great.

And ty trilobyte and Clar-i-ty. I suppose I don't want to over-commit, but I really don't have any commitments atm, so it would be nice to contribute. Plus my time is about all I have to give away.

[theCryptofishist]

There are always people who need help. Pitching tents, if you don't want to go to playa info. Get to know your neighbors that way.

[Savannah]

Thank you Savannah! Lamplighting looks great.

And ty trilobyte and Clar-i-ty. I suppose I don't want to over-commit, but I really don't have any commitments atm, so it would be nice to contribute. Plus my time is about all I have to give away.

I've never done Lamplighting, but I hear them cheered and applauded as they make their rounds.

[phil]

Hi, Jeff, sorry you didn't hear back from anyone. I was talking to someone in DMV last week, and she said there were problems getting back to people, but didn't go into details. Stuff that should have been getting emailed out wasn't, but she said it was being worked on. You may hear yet.

On a contrary note, I recommend that first timers not volunteer for BMOrg. I suggest just being there to soak it all in and realize what you need to do for next year. Many people disagree with me, but I remain convinced first timers should just enjoy the experience and not worry about officially volunteering. I have no clues on whether you didn't hear because this is your first time or some glitch and they would have loved to have you, but take it as a sign from Thor that this is the year not to volunteer. :->

If you want to stay and help clean up, you need to contact DPW. So take the opportunity this year to look them up and ask someone how to get on their list if not for this year then next.

You think you know what you're getting into at Burning Man, but I guarantee you don't know. Use your first year wisely and just be there. Then repeat next year.

[Bob]

Some art stuff gets taken down the day of the burn, or the next, and the art sites raked for moop. Just wander around and someone might need help. Could just hike along the perimeter fence on your own, bag trash in a trash bag, and leave it securely tied at one of the corners. Most of what DPW does is just trash collection.

[dcweas]

Not to hijack, but I had the same problem - months ago (in December of 2010) I gave my information for volunteering - I am an experienced RN, in school to be a Nurse Practitioner, and was interested in volunteering with the medical folks - I have never heard back from anyone. Is there a chance to get involved with that at this point still (I did Lamplighters last year, and would certainly do it again, but wanted to make use of my skill, really the only thing I have to offer is my nursing know-how!).

[theCryptofishist]

No, I'm pretty damn certain that the time has past. (My qualifications are based on my husband's having been in the Emergency Services Department from 2002 to 2005, so some of it rubbed off on me.) They are very focused on emergency medicine, so working in an ER would be more attractive than, say, working in a pediatrician's office dispensing shots and lollypops. (Okay, that lollypops was probably below the belt. I'm a nasty little snark and that's me, not the fine folks in ESD.) Anyway, the core people are well into prepping for the big event this year, and have no time to process in any more bodies. Next year, if you don't hear by July, please email 911 at burningman dot com so they have plenty of time to ask any follow up questions and to do what they need to. Sorry, you got shut out. If you're anything like Scott it's hard to stop you from working.
You might be able to take care of small things with lamplighters and other people camping near you. If anyone needs it. I wouldn't sneeze at that. Most of the treatment is of the boo-boo and playa foot level. You can certainly stop by at either of the outposts (at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock plazas) or the main medical station in center camp and chat with the guys and gals on duty. View it as an informational interview if you want.

[theCryptofishist]

No, I'm pretty damn certain that the time has past. (My qualifications are based on my husband's having been in the Emergency Services Department from 2002 to 2005, so some of it rubbed off on me.) They are very focused on emergency medicine, so working in an ER would be more attractive than, say, working in a pediatrician's office dispensing shots and lollypops. (Okay, that lollypops was probably below the belt. I'm a nasty little snark and that's me, not the fine folks in ESD.) Anyway, the core people are well into prepping for the big event this year, and have no time to process in any more bodies. Next year, if you don't hear by July, please email 911 at burningman dot com so they have plenty of time to ask any follow up questions and to do what they need to. Sorry, you got shut out. If you're anything like Scott it's hard to stop you from working.
You might be able to take care of small things with lamplighters and other people camping near you. If anyone needs it. I wouldn't sneeze at that. Most of the treatment is of the boo-boo and playa foot level. You can certainly stop by at either of the outposts (at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock plazas) or the main medical station in center camp and chat with the guys and gals on duty. View it as an informational interview if you want.

Edited to add that I"m sure that many of the core people are on the playa already.

[Savannah]

dcweas, try again next year. Submit a form in late Winter/Early Spring, and then follow up a month later via email. Shifts are made available mid-year. It's hard to say why they didn't contact you, but you have to know that it's not necessarily an intentional rejection. Things fall through the cracks, there are browser errors, etc.

ESD Stations 9 and 3 have nurses. There is a mix at any given time, per shift: a couple of Medics, a couple of EMTs, a couple of nurses, sometimes an MD, etc.