Our Network

The Burners Without Borders (BWB) Network is a constantly evolving collection of people, organizations, communities, theme camps, projects, and ephemeral entities. The network is connected into other Burning Man Project networks, and extend into the wider world.

We strive to be a distributed and mutually supportive network. BWB offers advice, connectivity, resources and where appropriate, intellectual property licensing, but we do not direct, manage, or dictate how or where the network activates. 

Below you will find definitions for our different ‘Network Engagement Mechanisms’ which are different ways that you can affiliate with or contribute to BWB’s Community Structure.

PROJECTS

Projects are the backbone of Burners Without Borders and anyone can create a BWB project that is mission and value aligned. We try to bring as much creativity and collaboration to our projects as possible and think about how the Burning Man 10 Principles influence the work.

Steps to creating a project:
1. Check out our Create a Project Page
2. Consider reading our Kickstarting Local Projects Tool-kit
3. Fill out our Project Proposal Form

“Find a space, get people to show up, and then ask them what they want to do.”

– Mike Zuckerman (BWB Volunteer & Collaborator)

GRANTEES

BWB began providing grants to innovative community projects in 2008.  We know that real change starts at the grassroots level and healthy communities emerge from citizens participating in actively creating the kinds of communities they want to live in.

BWB Grantees are an essential part of the network because they highlight what programs, subject areas, and emerging topics are important to our community. To learn about upcoming grant programs be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.

“I truly appreciate the attention, recognition and support you have given me over the past few years. It gets lonely out here. I hope you can come visit us and see for yourself how much of an impact we have had thanks to our BWB Grant.”

– Jenn Archer, Grant Recipient ALAS

CHAPTERS AND WORKING GROUPS

Burners Without Borders chapters and working groups play a critical role in extending the principles of Burning Man to the wider world by engaging in community service, civic action, and humanitarian efforts. They provide a framework for groups to come together, take collective action, and contribute positively to their communities.

If there’s already a chapter near you, it’s always best to try to plug into what’s already happening and grow your participation there. If you would like to start a new chapter based on your region or interest, the first step will be to start a Working Group. After successfully completing 2-5 projects, we’ll be ready to have a conversation about formalizing your group. Email bwbchapters@burningman.org if you’re interested in starting a working group or getting connected to an existing chapter.

“ With the support of advice from the BWB calls we have delivered 70,000 meals through Medellin Columbia in impoverished areas. We have a 97.01% efficiency rate and this project is 100% crowdsourced. If you run a nonprofit or project I urge you to take advantage of the knowledge in these meetings. Thank you for all the support”

– Steve Cha (Community Round-up Calls)

BWB AFFILIATES AND PARTNERS

Our Affiliates and Partners are essential in extending the reach and impact of Burners Without Borders. By collaborating with a diverse range of organizations, both within and outside the Burning Man Network, we amplify our efforts in community service, civic action, and humanitarian projects.

These network partners are organizations and entities that we collaborate with. While Partners are usually project-based, Affiliates are longer-term collaborations. We strive to share resources, volunteers, and our communication channels with these collaborators.

If you’re interested in having your organization become a Partner or Affiliate Group, please email us: bwb@burningman.org

“Five years ago, hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria were among the most destructive hurricanes to ever hit back-to-back. As we exited the desert to learn of the damage caused by Harvey, Irma was already approaching Florida with a trail of destruction in the Caribbean. Sail Relief Team was started as a Burners Without Borders project in response to Hurricane Irma and we were able to provide immediate medical and logistical help to the communities in the Florida Keys.

We sailed to Puerto Rico with a sailboat of aid and supplies and have served the community since. As we were still responding to issues caused by Maria, years later, now in 2022, we reflect back on five years of overcoming challenges and look towards the ones we currently face in the wake of hurricanes Fiona and Ian.”

– Oscar Ruiz (Sail Relief Project)