Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

This code of conduct outlines our expectations for Participant behavior both at the event and in the year round community that exists beyond the event. This code of Conduct shall apply to all individuals who volunteer year-round, those who attend these events, as well as those who participate in posting publicly on social media, discussion groups, and any other forum in which Burnt Oranges, Inc. may have a common interest.

The Preheat and Afterburn Events, sponsored by Burnt Oranges, Inc. (BOI) expect attendees and volunteers to create and maintain a space that is welcoming for all ticketed attendees.  We do not discriminate on gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, or religion.

We are guided by the Burning Man 10 Principles.  When in conflict with other participants, we use FLAME: Find out, Listen, Analyze, Mediate, Explain.

Participation in this community and event is open to all ticketed attendees; however, continued attendance may be revoked if a participant fails to respect other attendees or behaves in a way that endangers themselves, the event, or the broader community.

Expected behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Consent has the support of our whole community. You are obligated to get someone’s consent in a sexual context, in a situation involving video or photography, or in any situation affecting the experience of another person at BOI Events.
  • Be considerate and respectful of fellow participants and the community around the event.
  • Refrain from non-consensual demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participant’s safety.

Unacceptable behavior which may result in immediate expulsion from the event and future bans includes but is not limited to:

  • Predatory behavior, defined as any unwanted and non-consensual form of the following: intimidation, harassment, stalking, verbal or physical abuse, violence against people or other’s property, and inappropriate behavior with a minor attendee before, during, or after an event.
  • Non-consensual physical contact, including unwelcome sexual interaction.
  • Abuse or neglect of BOI or venue property, physical or otherwise, such as vandalism, theft of event property, abusing the ticketing process, or impersonating a lead or event organizers.
  • Disrespecting the community surrounding the event such as dumping trash in local dumpsters, trespassing, or repeated violations of the event’s sound ordinance.
  • Wanton, flagrant, or repeated disregard for one’s own safety or well-being in a manner that demands the intervention of other participants, community members, volunteers or outside agencies, such as intervention by local law enforcement or fire department staff regardless of whether charges are filed.
  • Repeated or egregious violations of any and all policies put in effect by event organizers.
  • Non-return of BOI-owned property, event equipment, and data. If you sign out a tool, that tool is expected to be returned at an expected date. BOI does not have time to chase you down and retrieve gear that you’ve taken and not returned. YOU are responsible for returning ANY property that you use. You may be held liable for equipment that you signed out and do not return, including, but not limited to event radios, generators, signage, tools, legal forms, and digital data including but not limited to receipts, department emails, correspondence, and departmental funds issued to you for your department.
  • Non-compliance with Art Grant stipulations. If you receive money for an art grant and do not follow the instructions 100% to the letter you may be held liable for paying that money back. If you do not pay the funds back, you will be banned from future events until such date that you comply with your Art Grant Requirements, or refund BOI the monies forwarded to you under the contract.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior:

  • Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. This includes expressions of this behavior at the event as well as pre- or post-event via phone, social media, or face to face communication.
  • Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.
  • If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, the event organizers, board of directors and private security may take any action they deem appropriate to ensure the safety of the event and its participants.  This action may include expulsion from the event, revoking tickets, or removing a volunteer from their shift.
  • If a participant’s behavior is found to be predatory, an expulsion for the present or following years may be instituted in extreme cases.  There may be an opportunity to appeal and show progress towards resolution of these issues after the following year’s event.
  • Burnt Oranges, Inc. or individuals may pursue potential legal action.

What to do if you witness or are subjected to unacceptable behavior:

If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to it, or have any other concerns:

  • First, speak up. Ask the person to stop. Say no.
  • If you feel unsafe, leave the situation.
  • If you feel uncomfortable but the person’s behavior does not cross a line, step away from the situation.
  • If you need help, ask for it. If someone asks you for help, do your best to help or find someone who can. (How can we better identify someone who can help?
  • Report your concerns to a Ranger, Medic, Event Coordinator, or BOI Board Member; these individuals are prepared to assist participants and listen to your concerns. All reports will remain confidential.
  • If you would like to call in law enforcement or need professional medical treatment, the Board of Directors and the Event Coordinators will support you taking that action.

We thank you in advance for your adherence to this code of conduct. Together we create an event and community that is welcoming for all participants.

To report an incident, please email board@burntoranges.org