The 11 Principles
Burning Nest community and events are guided by principles and values – the values that make a Burn a Burn.
Burners come in all shapes, sizes, colours and flavours. What we can fundamentally agree on is the importance of the 11 Principles. These are the values that connect the Burning Nest community and drive our collective vision.
It is up to every Burner to interpret the Principles and develop their own understanding of them. And then choose how they will apply them!
Remember that these values are aspirational. They’re also open to interpretation. Some principles overlap with others a little bit. Some can come into opposition with another.
The various ways different Burners apply the principles can be exciting and challenging. Be patient with others. We are all doing our best!
Consent – The 0th Principle
Consent underpins all of our principles because it’s mandatory – and we’re not just talking about some of the time! Practice checking in before going for a hug, taking a photo, or stealing a cheeky kiss. Remember – consent should be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific.
Consent culture is crucial to allow Burning Nest to feel safe and comfortable for all participants. Only when people feel they can trust that their boundaries will be respected, can we explore the incredible possibilities of connection, community, expression and creation to their fullest extent.
Always feel empowered to do only the things you want to do and nothing that you don’t want to do
- Always act with integrity
- Respect your own boundaries and other peoples’ boundaries
- Be aware of power dynamics, and of intentional or unintentional manipulation, pressure or coercion
Participation
There are no observers at Nest. The more you put in, the more you get out. Jump in, stretch your limits and contribute to this rich & supportive environment.
Radical Self-Reliance
You are responsible for you. Make sure you have everything you need to survive and thrive this week – nourishing food, enough water, good rest, and emotional support.
Leave A Better Trace
We care for the environment and take care of our home. We clean up after ourselves; we leave the Glade as we found it — or better! There’s no harmful trace we were even here.
Radical Inclusion
We welcome the stranger and value people for their unique contributions. Include others as you want to be included: with respect, consideration and kindness.
Immediacy
Make now count – there is no other moment but this one. Experience, participate, be present. This is all there is, and you are exactly where you need to be.
Education
Each one teach one. We celebrate our collective knowledge, skills and experiences. We seek growth within ourselves and opportunities to grow our community by sharing this knowledge and our values.
Communal Effort
We value cooperation and collaboration. Together, we are a force far stronger than the sum of its parts.
Civic Responsibility
We care for both our immediate community and its place in the world. It is our duty to engage with and contribute to this society for the benefit of all. We’re considerate of our neighbours and respect local laws.
Decommodification
We operate outside capitalism, commerce, and advertising, and instead explore the values of gifting, cooperation, and participation. Nothing to buy here, friends!
Radical Self-Expression
Consider Nest a blank canvas to express the ultimate version of yourself in any given moment. There’s space here for any emotion, any outfit, any piece of creative energy. Embrace that freedom!
Gifting
Anything offered is freely given, with no expectation of return or reward. Gifts are not limited to material things – your time and energy have unconditional value, too.
Burning Man’s 10 Principles
Burning Nest’s principles are developed from Burning Man’s original 10 principles.