SideBurn is a regional Burning Man event held each May long weekend in Stone Mills, Ontario, on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, Mississaugas, and Huron-Wendat peoples. Rooted in radical inclusion, communal effort, and “leave no trace,” it brings together over 1,000 people to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and community.
Run entirely by volunteers, SideBurn thrives on the DIY spirit and communal effort. From theme camps and interactive art to skill-sharing and collective care, everyone is invited to show up, contribute, and be part of something larger than themselves.
About CARECrew
CARECrew is SideBurn’s new accessibility support team, helping participants with setup and
teardown so that everyone can fully experience the event. As a team under the Equity Producer,
we believe that access isn’t an afterthought; it’s foundational.
About the Role
This is a new role for a new project. It’s a good starter role if you’d like to get involved in
off-Haya volunteering.
Off-Haya: The CARECrew Lead will work to set up the CARECrew program with assistance
from the Equity Producer. They will develop (short) training manuals and intro sessions for
volunteers, determine volunteer capacity needs, and assist in recruiting volunteers.
On-Haya: The CARECrew Lead coordinates a team of volunteers during arrival (Thursday) and
departure (Monday) (can be shared with a Co-Lead), ensuring participants who need setup and
teardown assistance receive timely, respectful, and practical support.
This is a hands-on leadership role that requires both organizational skills and a genuine
commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Responsibilities
- Develop training materials
- Determine the material needs of the team
- Onboard CARECrew volunteers across Thursday and Monday shifts
- Serve as the primary point of contact for participants requesting setup assistance
- Coordinate with Equity and other departments (Gate, Rangers, Placement) as needed
- Brief volunteers before each shift on protocols, consent practices, and boundaries
- Track and document the number of participants served to inform future planning
- Respond calmly and practically to unexpected situations or changing needs on the
ground
What We’re Looking For
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- A warm, patient, and non-judgmental approach to supporting others
- Familiarity with Burning Man principles, particularly Radical Inclusion and Civic
Responsibility
- Comfort using radio communication (training provided)
- Familiarity with assembling/dismantling camping equipment
Physical Requirements
This role involves extended time outdoors in variable weather conditions. We all know SideBurn
is always too hot, always too cold, and it always rains.
Leads should be prepared for:
- Extended periods of standing and walking across the Haya
- Occasional lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs)
- Bending
- Manual dexterity
We recognize that leads may themselves have accessibility needs. If you require
accommodations to perform this role, please let us know. We are committed to making
leadership roles accessible and will work with you to find solutions.
Time Commitment
- Pre-event: planning & coordination (2 hours a week at most – virtual)
- Thursday of SideBurn: present for setup window (12 hours; shift coverage can be shared
with a co-lead – in person) - Monday of SideBurn: present for teardown window (3 hours – in person)
- Post-event: Debrief with Equity Producer (virtual)
This Might Not Be the Right Fit If…
- You are unable to be on-site for both Thursday and Monday
- You’re uncomfortable with direct participant interaction or conflict navigation
- You prefer a behind-the-scenes role (there are other great volunteer opportunities!)
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
How to Apply
Interested? Reach out to the Equity Producer (equity@sideburn.ca) with a few sentences about
yourself and why this role speaks to you. No formal application required.
This is a directed ticket opportunity. You will receive a guaranteed purchase offer for a directed
ticket to the 2027 event and a Raise the City (Early Entry) pass.
