There are all kinds of ways to volunteer and get involved at Burning Man.. And this year, like any other year, Lamplighters needs your help to make one of the largest art protects at Burning Man happen.
In 2012 Lamplighters will be lighting the city for the 19th year in a row. This year Lamplighters will need about 60 people off of the streets every night to get the city lit. Over the years thousands have helped light the city and many of them speak highly of the work. It is a great way for newcomers and veterans alike to get involved and do something.
So, how can you help?!
Individuals and small groups looking to help:
Show up at the Lamplighters Chapel Workspace at 5:00PM Monday through Friday and Sunday to help out. There will be a white board with a sign up to work for that night. Lamplighters will be around to help you figure it out.
On the day the Man Burns, Saturday, show up at 4:00PM. This is a tough day to get volunteers but work starts early so it can be finished and still allow you plenty of time to get ready for the burn.
Where do you show up?!
Lamplighters is usually located right behind the Center Camp Cafe, towards the 6'o'Clock road behind the Cafe. It's usually on the map handed to you by the Greeters. You'll be looking for the camp with a bunch of tables setup and hundreds of lanterns..
What do I do?!
There are multiple ways to help!
A way to help without any commitment is to help at the tables trimming wicks and refilling of the lanterns. Show up around 5:00PM Monday-Friday (4PM saturday) and a Lamplighter will help you with the process.
But what we really need is the commitment of a few hours.
The roles we need filled each night:
Carriers: Slowly carry 12 lanterns on a pole on their shoulders (we have pads to make it easier).
Lifter: Lift lanterns up on a pole and hang them on the spires (we train you how to do it.)
Support: Go around relighting lanterns that may have gone out during the procession, and where needed you'll help the other roles in some way. This may include pulling goggles down on a carrier, or temporarily filling in for a carrier/lifter if they cant carry on (though that rarely happens).
There are multiple routes to choose from, such as doing the Center Camp ring, or the 3 o'Clock promenade, or the route that leads to The Temple...
Large Groups and Theme Camps:
Do you want to bring your whole camp, or a part of it, along for a Group Lamplighters Shift?! It's a great way to volunteer together, and whether it's your whole camp or not Lamplighters welcomes Theme Camps, Art Groups, Builders, etc,.. Perhaps you want to dedicate your group to all working on the same route.. Or just want to help out where youre needed.
If your group is interested in a large group shift contact the Lamplighters Project Manager directly: snotto [at] burningman [dot] com
If youre interested.. don't be afraid to help out! Lamplighters arent just a theme camp but a part of the Community Services Department and our work is seen by most everyone in the City every night. Looking back after you've finished a shift and seeing all those lanterns up is a cool feeling.
Hopefully you'll help out!
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lemur - member of lamplighters management team/council, village kitchen manager: contact me: lemur [at] burningman [dot] com
