The 11 Principles
Burning Nest is part of the wider Burning Man regional culture. We’re guided by the Ten Principles of Burning Man, written by Larry Harvey as cultural guidelines (not rules).
We also include AfrikaBurn’s 11th Principle – Each One Teach One – which was added to encourage active sharing of knowledge as the culture grows.
Consent – our 0th Principle
At Burning Nest, consent underpins everything. Before touch, photos, intense interaction, or involving someone in a scene/ “bit” /experience: ask first, listen, and respect the answer.
A helpful checklist is FIRES:
- Freely given (not assumed or coerced)
- Informed (everyone understands what’s being agreed to)
- Reversible (can be withdrawn at any time)
- Enthusiastic (a clear yes – not pressure or uncertainty)
- Specific (yes to one thing isn’t yes to everything)
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.
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.
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-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.
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 – with respect for recipients’ rights and liberties, of course. Embrace that freedom!
Communal Effort
We value cooperation and collaboration – building community, public spaces, art, and systems that support connection. 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.
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!
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.
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.
AfrikaBurn added an 11th principle: Each One Teach One – a reminder that everyone helps pass on culture and knowledge.
AfrikaBurn’s wording is:
“All of us are custodians of our culture – when the opportunity presents itself, we pass knowledge on.”
At Nest 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.