Mega projects

[LionsNzebras]

How does one get involved in the temple build, or the man build? Or Giant builds in general?

Being our first burn, we are unsure if we want to do something as grandiose as that.

My gut tells me to just go, and build, become one with the universe and suck it up.
My mind tells me to experience the burn a few times, get used to the fact that the environment is trying to kill me...then figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

[Captain Goddammit]

it sounds like you've got the right idea.
Just go, and see what interests you. There's zillions of volunteer opportunities.

[Elderberry]

Agree with CG.

Additionally, there is a volunteer form you can fill out on your Burner Profile for many other volunteer opportunities that might interest you and let you test the waters without over committing, yet still participating.

[LionsNzebras]

I was just told about a place in center camp that you can go and talk with someone about volunteering and get a better idea.
Perhaps its better to do some random stuff, like lamplighters or whatever, before diving into a mega project?

We just learned about spark.burningman.com too.

[Melonblue]

I have a hard time deciphering Spark.

I find it illogical. Lol why not just have a forum for

Wanted: volunteers seeking projects
Wanted: projects seeking volunteers

like a matchmaking service for the greater playa good.

Though, the department I work for has a saying...."logic isn't welcome in the building"

[LionsNzebras]

I have a hard time deciphering Spark.

I find it illogical. Lol why not just have a forum for

Wanted: volunteers seeking projects
Wanted: projects seeking volunteers

like a matchmaking service for the greater playa good.

Though, the department I work for has a saying...."logic isn't welcome in the building"

Hahah you must work for the government

I think were just going to fly by the seat of our pants. Look for a Canadian flag flying off of a shade structure

[FlyingMonkey]

I don't know who is planning what "Mega projects" this year, but in the past projects like Anubis & Alien Siege Machine always appreciated help with perimeter & LNT. If you are lucky enough to live nearby you can always volunteer for a build team, but if you are like most of us you will have to wait until the Burn to lend a hand.

Typically big projects will have a Facebook/web page to unveil their vision & solicit volunteers. I suspect we will see some of this as we get closer to the event.

I've always wanted to help the Lamp Lighters. Maybe this year I will make that happen.

[Melonblue]

Hahaha

Dang right I do

Lol I'll have my Canadian flag flying proudly and was seriously considering having a poutine dinner night.

Imagine the hot greasy gravy cheesy smooshy curdy salty fries and an ice cold Shocktop Belgian white beer at three am after wandering deep playa.

heck ya

[Elderberry]

I was just told about a place in center camp that you can go and talk with someone about volunteering and get a better idea.
Perhaps its better to do some random stuff, like lamplighters or whatever, before diving into a mega project?

We just learned about spark.burningman.com too.

Lamp Lighters is a good one. No sign up required you just show up at their camp at, I believe, 6:00pm

Plus, they have real nice bling they give you after the shift.

[LionsNzebras]

Hahaha

Dang right I do

Lol I'll have my Canadian flag flying proudly and was seriously considering having a poutine dinner night.

Imagine the hot greasy gravy cheesy smooshy curdy salty fries and an ice cold Shocktop Belgian white beer at three am after wandering deep playa.

heck ya

Poutine at midnight, totally, some of the people in my camp are going and I have promised to go with them.

[LionsNzebras]

I don't know who is planning what "Mega projects" this year, but in the past projects like Anubis & Alien Siege Machine always appreciated help with perimeter & LNT. If you are lucky enough to live nearby you can always volunteer for a build team, but if you are like most of us you will have to wait until the Burn to lend a hand.

Typically big projects will have a Facebook/web page to unveil their vision & solicit volunteers. I suspect we will see some of this as we get closer to the event.

I've always wanted to help the Lamp Lighters. Maybe this year I will make that happen.

I know some of the teams have requirements like (2 consecutive burns. I think rangers have this) so lamp lighters it may be.
Or hitting center camp and finding that volunteer stand.

[robbidobbs]

I will be posting at Playa Info again this year. Hopefully they get the address right this time. I ADORE virgins!

[LionsNzebras]

I will be posting at Playa Info again this year. Hopefully they get the address right this time. I ADORE virgins!

Ah robbi, we have herd many a story about potti central hehe. Might just wonder down your way and pickup some simple to do jobs while you guys are out "taking care of business"

Feel free to PM me, and we can chat, no promises or commitments yet though (kiss)

[robbidobbs]

No commitments expected in the Land of Blinky Lights!
Just find me. The PoopMobile's car doors are always open.
I'll be posting location info as it comes, so watch my thread in Get Involved.

[BoyScoutGirl]

As for "Mega..." Lamplighting is the longest running participatory art project at the burn - lanterns have been going out since before there were porto-potties on the playa. Depending on the size of the city, we fuel, light, and lift roughly 800 lanterns every night without fail. This means we need nearly 100 walk-in volunteers, every night.

And we get them, because there is nothing like being a part of the lamplighting procession.

...
I've always wanted to help the Lamp Lighters. Maybe this year I will make that happen.

...
Lamp Lighters is a good one. No sign up required you just show up at their camp at, I believe, 6:00pm 5:00pm

Plus, they have real nice bling they give you after the shift.

Lamplighters would love to have every one of you! No prior sign-up required, just swing by Center Camp around 5:00pm* any day you're feeling it and we'll put you to work in the best outfit on the playa! *4:00pm on Saturday


Our bling has, unfortunately, changed a little bit since years past but it's still pretty cool.

[trilobyte]

Getting involved with a big art build happens in a few ways. It can start with being the artist or friends with the artist and being on board from those early days of tossing ideas around. If you don't know the people involved personally, then it's a matter of seeing someone post or announce their project someplace (in their regional group, online, etc), seeing that they're building or working in an area close to you, and then you just reach out and let them know you'd like to help. Some projects will also put out calls for volunteers - heed those calls if it's something that resonates with you and you want to be a part of.

My advice for someone making their first trip to the playa is to be very careful to not over-extend yourself. Signing up for lots of work either before or during the event is easy, but can be extremely difficult to follow through with. Prepping for Burning Man usually winds up being more time consuming than you think, and then between the heat and the altitude and the city full of shiny blinky things it can be really difficult to stick to scheduled commitments... and stressing out over being late or not showing up is no fun (it's also no fun for a project when their volunteers don't turn up when expected).

There are a lot of great opportunities to volunteer on the playa without making any big advanced scheduling commitments. Lamplighters is an AMAZING group, and they take walk-up volunteers every afternoon. Another fun daily option is the BRC post office. Located in the center camp ring and with satellite locations in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock plazas, they can use a hand every day delivering mail, packages and messages throughout the city. Beyond that, there is a job bank of sorts adjacent to the Playa Info tent (right next to Center Camp) where people can find projects that need a hand, too.

[jcliff]

Just another addition to the Lamplighter info (I LOVE you Scout!).....Lamplighters host a Happy Hour Monday-Saturday in our awesome Lounge every afternoon between 3 and 5 pm (Burn Saturday is 2-4.) The best Lamplighter volunteer scenario is to come to our Happy Hour, have delicious libations, and then get signed up for a route and a role in the procession right there in the Lounge starting at about 4:30. You're commitment to this long-standing and important work that we do on the Playa will be wrapped up by about 8pm. You'll be a part of the oldest, continuous art installation on the Playa! You will ILLUNINATE so the citizens of Black Rock City can NAVIGATE so that we all may CELEBRATE! You can find the Lamplighters at about 5:30 and Center Camp....look for the large Chapel with the spires. Our Lounge is behind the Chapel on Rod's Road. See you in the Dust!

[Jovankat]

My advice for someone making their first trip to the playa is to be very careful to not over-extend yourself. Signing up for lots of work either before or during the event is easy, but can be extremely difficult to follow through with. Prepping for Burning Man usually winds up being more time consuming than you think, and then between the heat and the altitude and the city full of shiny blinky things it can be really difficult to stick to scheduled commitments... and stressing out over being late or not showing up is no fun (it's also no fun for a project when their volunteers don't turn up when expected).

This is good advice but I think there can possibly be a middle ground. A lot of the big art projects I've seen advertise their build times as times that they are happy for folks to just drop in and help. If you go along when you can as a casual thing and don't officially commit to it if you find yourself getting too busy with your own prep as the burn approaches you can just skip it.

I've also noticed some build teams talk about people bringing food along to feed the workers, they are ways to help these groups even if construction isn;t you thing.

[maladroit]

In 2013 I met a girl who was about one day into her first year on the playa. She had spent that day roaming the streets jumping in to help anyone struggling with setting up their camp. Said she had helped build about 9 hexayurts and innumerable monkeyhuts. Within her first ever 24 hours spent at Burning Man she had made scores of new friends and was welcome anytime in dozens of camps.

So, ok, if she walked up and said "I helped set up two hexayurts for Camp Fluffy Giraffe Nipples" it would have no real impact on you, as opposed to "I helped build the Giant Art Structure this year!" or "I told people when to drive forward!" But I think she helped a lot of people in the best way she knew, and in return gained a great sense of belonging that many Burners chase for years.

Go your first year, be nondescript, look for random opportunities to ask if you can hold that rope or carry that thing. Do something that no one will care about except you and the person you're helping.

[LionsNzebras]

Lots of good advice here, thank you very much everyone.

[trilobyte]

Yeah, getting in touch with projects is how you find out if they plan on having open build days. Those that do will tell you so, and tell you where they post the information.