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.
Details
Department: Sanctuary, part of the Safety Team
Positions: 3 (working in a team of 4 Leads)
About Sanctuary
Sanctuary is SideBurn’s peer-support space, a place for participants to find rest, reflection, and
recovery after a big emotional or altered-state experience. Our volunteers hold space rather
than fix problems, using trauma-attuned, non-directive support in our walk in space as well as a
quiet tent. Sanctuary sits within the Safety Team alongside First Aid and the Rangers.
About the Role
Sanctuary is in great shape for 2027. This year’s Leads inherit new documentation, updated
training materials, and well-built systems. What the department needs now is a Lead team to
make the right tweaks and lead it through this event cycle.
As a Sanctuary Lead, you’ll work with the other three Leads to run the department from planning
through the event. You will:
- Run the department’s day-to-day. Respond to volunteer and participant emails, and
keep communication clear and timely. - Plan training. Set training dates and formats, working with the rest of the Safety Team.
- Deliver training. Prepare Listeners, Allies, and Vibe Patrol volunteers with the
peer-support skills and escalation procedures they need. - Refine the documentation. Make updates to the guide, checklists, and other materials.
- Serve as an on-call Sanctuary Lead at the event. Complete one 24-hour on-call shift,
acting as the internal backup for volunteers. You’ll be the person they call when a
situation is complex or escalating, and you’ll coordinate with First Aid, Rangers, and
Khaki (Safety dispatch). Please note, on call does not mean awake – you can go to sleep
while on call. - Protect participant privacy. Leads have access to confidential logs and intake forms,
and keep them secure.
What We’re Looking For
Experience: A background in Sanctuary or harm reduction is ideal. Experience with festivals,
Zendo, or mental health is also appreciated. That said, we’re open to keen and trainable people,
so if you’re motivated to learn, please apply.
What Matters Most:
- You’re reliable by email. You can respond to emails within 36 hours.
- You do what you say you’ll do. Your team and your volunteers can count on you.
- You want to get more involved with SideBurn. This role is a great way to deepen your
connection with the community and the Safety Team.
You’ll also do well if you stay calm and grounded under pressure, enjoy teaching and coaching,
and take confidentiality seriously.
What You’ll Get
- A directed ticket to SideBurn
- Swag
- The appreciation of your peers
- A supportive Lead team and a department with strong existing systems
- The chance to shape how SideBurn takes care of its community
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Time Commitment
About 40 hours over the January to May pre-event period, plus one 24-hour
on-call shift at the event
How to Apply
Contact Alex@sideburn.ca with a few sentences about why you’re interested and any relevant
experience. Questions are welcome.
