Well, this is it. This is my final email to you before this year’s Burn.

I’ve saved this important topic for last because I want this information to be fresh in everyone’s minds as we head out to the desert. This one is about sexual misconduct, something that -- unfortunately and unconscionably -- can happen in our community.

I wrote about consent in a previous email and I want to emphasize how important it is in all aspects of our culture. We need to be 100% sure we have full and explicit consent each and every time we have sexual contact with someone. Because, if we don’t get an enthusiastic “Absolutely yes!,” it might be a “Hell no!”. Proceeding after being told or communicated “no” is wrong.

In Black Rock City we have zero tolerance for sexual violence. If something does happen to you, you are not alone. We have people in our community who can help you; experienced professionals who will handle your situation with care, anonymity if you wish, and without judgement.

If you witness sexual misconduct or someone tells you something has happened to them, please know that Rangers, Emergency Services and law enforcement are available to you, too.

Please visit this page on our website for related information and resources.

As Black Rock City citizens, we all can help prevent sexual misconduct from happening in our city.

Well, here we are, at the end of my missives to you. thank you for reading. Also, thanks to everyone who wrote me directly in the past few weeks. I’m genuinely hopeful that we are all inspired to create positive change in our community, and the world.

If you missed any of my emails from this year, no problem. Here are links to them all:

• The first one shared some promising stats from last year. It also talked about personal responsibility and what’s expected of you on playa (including bringing the fun!);

• Decommodification was covered in the second one and it explained why it’s important that we don’t let our unique community be exploited;

• The third one focused solely on consent and some ways we need to be aware of how our actions (and gifts) affect others on playa;

• Then, in the fourth one, I told you about a time when weird but wonderful things happened to me at Burning Man and suggested you venture out on your own journey to find the strange, small, and delightful in the back streets of Black Rock.

Be safe, drink water, and all that!

Charlie “Louder!” Dolman

P.S. You may have heard about some police activity on the road to Black Rock City. As you’re about to head out the door to go to Burning Man, please take a few minutes to read through this edition of the Jackrabbit Speaks. It contains helpful information for while you hit the road, how to handle the situation if you are pulled over by law enforcement, and what to do after an encounter with the police. Safe travels, and see you in the dust.

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