Burners Responding to Menasha, Wisconsin
August 1, 2026
On July 26, 2026, severe storms and a tornado tore through the Menasha area, damaging homes, downing trees and power lines, and leaving many residents facing extended power outages.
After the tornadoes, a community member put out a call for “disaster relief, Burner style.” on the BWB Worldwide Facebook group. And people showed up.
Within a day, local Burners began transforming existing theme camp infrastructure—solar power, shade structures, charging stations, and more—into a neighborhood mutual aid hub.
Among the core responders were three members of The Tayo Clinic community, a Wisconsin nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to care for underserved residents. It was a powerful example of what can happen when people bring the skills, relationships, and spirit of service from the different communities they’re part of and put them to work together.
Working alongside the city, volunteers created a place where neighbors could charge devices, access resources, cool down, connect with one another, and find a little support during a difficult moment.
This is what it looks like when our principles become practice—and when the skills and infrastructure we build together are carried home and put to work in our communities.
❤️ Well done to everyone who stepped up in Menasha. While the initial response is complete, this community will likely need support for months to come.
As one of the organizers reflected at the end of the response:
“It’s been an exhausting week. We successfully raised the morale of people, got goods to the people, and completed the task at hand. Today we’re resting. I personally need to regenerate if I’m going to be effective. I’m picking up the work tomorrow. Peace, love, and light.”
That last piece matters, too. Community response isn’t only about showing up—it’s also about knowing when to rest, regenerate, and prepare to show up again.
Inspired to get involved?
🔥 In Wisconsin? Join the BWB Madison Working Group community and connect with people taking action locally:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/227021010117091
🌎 Anywhere in the world? Join the BWB Volunteers Worldwide Facebook Group to connect with people, share needs and ideas, and find ways to turn them into action:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/volunteersBWB/