goingnowhere / nowhere_training_input.csv
robkaandorp's picture
Add faq dataset
ccebcb5
prompt;completion
When is the Nowhere event?;The Nowhere event will be held from July 2 to July 7, 2024.
What is the Nowhere event?;"Nowhere is a creative, safe space for humans across the world to learn, grow and explore, for collective communities to be built; partying, playing and working together to create something special. Nowhere is an annual event in the northern spanish desert; an official Regional Burning Man event which follows the 10 principles. Come and Join us!"
What are the Nowhere principles?;Nowhere follows the 10 principles of Burning Man which were created by founder Larry Harvey in 2004. They are a collective reflection of our worldwide community’s ethos and culture. From being Radically Inclusive to Leaving No Trace, the principles are there as guidance for how we should act at Nowhere and beyond.
Tell me about consent.;At Nowhere, we are free to express ourselves, to share, to co-create, to be in the moment: but when our actions directly alter someone else’s experience, we need to get their consent. Clear, verbal (explicit) communication is very important to ensure that each person’s boundaries are understood and respected.
What is NOrg?;NOrg is our nickname for the Nowhere Organization - the company and legal entity that runs the Nowhere event. Everyone is a part of NOrg by participating and volunteering at the event however some roles have more responsibility and form part of NOrg’s legal requirements mandated by Spanish law.
Will there be art?;Art at Nowhere comes in all shapes and sizes! Whether you want to delight the Nobodies on site with an eclectic theater performance piece, build an avant-garde tower or a small and intricate art installation, or drive around on a weird and wonderful transport sound system, we’ve got room for it all. Plus you can get an art grant to make it happen!
What are barrios?;Theme camps also known as barrios make life at Nowhere much more exciting! Different barrios offer different experiences including live or electronic music, weird and wonderful activities, or just being a chill space. You can start your own barrio or join an existing barrio! Whatever you decide, barrios make living in the desert for a week a (slightly) less strenuous task.
Can I volunteer on site?;FIST is our online volunteer management system where you sign up for on site shifts - there’s something to suit every skill! Whether you want to check tickets at gate, look after Nobodies at Welfare or sell ice - FIST is where you’ll find the details. FIST will open the week tickets go on sale and we encourage everyone attending to volunteer.
How is Nowhere structured?;"Nowhere is run by a Spanish company, Going Nowhere S.L., a type of company common in Spain called a Limited Society (“sociedad limitada”) which produces Nowhere, Annual Leads Meeting and other related events from time to time. Its principal purpose is to act as the legal entity on behalf of the event to the default world – we need a legal structure to be able to sign contracts for all the suppliers, rent the land we hold the event on and buy insurance.
Although these types of companies can make a profit, any surplus the company makes goes straight back into our event. None of the Directors are remunerated for their work but we do have paid employees (Coordinators) who manage the event along with the volunteer MetaLeads (see below).
Day-to-day running of Nowhere is delegated to the Coordinators, MetaLeads and Leads. However, as the company holds the legal and financial liabilities for the event, the Directors are the final decision-making body on all issues affecting Nowhere. Directors have responsibility for strategic oversight over the event and company as well as management responsibilities for Coordinators and MetaLeads.
The first Nowhere company started in 2006."
Which roles are there within NOrg?;The main roles of the NOrg organization are: the directors, the finance and legal coordinator, the site and logistics coordinator, the production manager, the metaleads, the leads and the volunteers.
Who are the NOrg directors?;The current Directors are Paloma Zulueta, Pete Johnson and Erin Healy.
Tell me about the finance and legal coordinator role.;The Finance & Legal Coordinator role is responsible for securing the required event permits, completing all the administrative obligations and is the interface with the local authorities. This role is also responsible for purchasing materials required by all departments and monitors the day to day event finances. The Finance & Legal Coordinator is empowered to make decisions within agreed limits set by the Directors and is part of the MetaLeads committee.
What does the Site and Logistics Coordinator do?;The Site & Logistics Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all external services required for running the event are ordered, delivered and received as necessary. This role also supports City Planning in preparing the layout of the site, supports the rest of the coordination team in their duties and is part of the MetaLeads committee.
What is the job of the Production Manager?;The Production Manager maintains an overview of event production throughout the year and works closely with Coordinators, MetaLeads, and Directors to produce our annual fun in the sun extravaganza, keeping timelines within different departments. The Production Manager is empowered to make decisions within agreed financial limits as well as liaise with the local authorities and suppliers when needed. This role is also crucial to producing our annual All Leads Meeting (ALM).
Can you tell me more about the MetaLeads?;"The MetaLeads run the various departments of Nowhere. These will normally be a logical collection of a group of smaller projects. MetaLeads have executive authority for their department. A department may have either one or two MetaLeads, depending on individual strengths and the requirements of the specific role.
MetaLead tasks include managing budgets for their area, recruiting and managing leads and volunteers for the projects within their area, and ensuring that work schedules are in place, ensuring the health and safety of volunteers and participants, and working with other MetaLeads on cross-departmental projects.
MetaLeads are also part of the decision making as a team alongside Directors."
What are Leads?;The Leads are responsible for coordinating a particular function before, during and after the event, such as safety, toilets, barrios, communications, gate, MoN, recycling, tickets, translations, art and performance.
Why are volunteers important for Nowhere?;The volunteers are also responsible for making nowhere happen, Everything at Nowhere is run by volunteers – this means YOU!
What is the responsibility of the Nowhere directors?;Directors manage the big picture. They are responsible for strategic planning and have the final decision making power. They keep the event ethos in mind while empowering the leadership team (MetaLeads) through mentorship and guidance. Directors are also responsible for hiring contractors, company filings and the health and safety of all participants. Directors also complete some operational duties as required to meet deadlines, cover vacancies, and minimize disruption to event production.
How can I help?;Climb aboard this crazy ride with us. Nowhere is a totally safe space to do, and to be, anything you want to! The more you get involved, the more fun you’ll have and the more you get to experience the things that will totally blow you away. Nowhere is a do-ocracy – we do hard and fun things together to reap the rewards together as a community. Come be a part of the magic that helps make Nowhere an annual reality!
Will Nowhere move to a new location in the future?;The idea is planted, and we dream of owning our own land for our community where innovation can grow, and smooth down the annual bureaucratic tango. Nowhere is looking for new land in the near future. The current site has its limits and has a high operating cost. So naturally, we are looking for new options to explore. Since there are a lot of rules connected to this area, we might be looking to go to an area with fewer limitations.
What is Nowhere?;"Nowhere is an experiment in creative freedom, participation and cash-free community, conceived, built, experienced and returned to nothing by YOU. Created by a diverse, artistic global community, Nowhere is a unique event held in the hot, dusty desert of northern Spain.
Nowhere is based on 10 core principles, inspired by the core principles of Burning Man."
What are the 10 core principles of Nowhere?;The 10 principles are: Self Expression – The freedom to be yourself, Self Reliance – You are responsible for you, mentally and physically, No Commerce – Forget about money, there’s nothing to buy, Leave No Trace – From dust to dust, we only leave footprints, Participation – Get involved, Nowhere is what we make it, Inclusion – Everyone is welcome to be a Nobody, Gifting – We give our time, effort, and gifts freely, Cooperation – Together we are stronger, Community – A family of individuals, we look after each other, Immediacy – Make now count.
Where is Nowhere?;Surrounded by rocky mountains in the scorched Spanish wilderness, Nowhere is in northern Spain, between Zaragoza and Lleida. The nearest villages are Castejón de Monegros (12km) and Sariñena (19km), and from both directions the last 10km is on gravel roads.
Tell me more about the community principle.;As a family of individuals, we look after each other. A diverse group of separate self-reliant beings, we are united in our need to be part of something larger than ourselves. Community, others, self – united by tolerance and joy.
Tell me more about the cooperation principle.;From how we work together to how we communicate, co-operation is at Nowhere’s core. If we can make life easier, we will. If we can make life better, we will. Together we are stronger.
Tell me about gifting.;We give to help others and because it makes us feel good. From a cold beer to digging out a tent pole to a small badge, our gifts are from our heart. We give our time, effort and gifts freely.
What is immediacy?;Be now here, be nowhere. Make now count. All this will soon be gone, so enjoy now. Experience, participate, be. This is all there is, so enjoy it!
What does inclusion mean for Nowhere?;We welcome everyone for their unique contribution to our community. Include others as you want to be included, with respect, consideration and tolerance. Everyone is welcome to be a nobody.
Why do we leave no trace?;"We care for the environment, and we take care of our home. We clean up after ourselves; we leave nothing behind; we leave no trace we were there. From dust to dust, we leave only footprints."
Can I buy things somewhere on Nowhere?;One of the Nowhere principles is no commerce. By removing commerce from our community, we create co-operation and participation. We plan ahead and work together. We live without money to remind us of what’s really important. Forget about money, there's nothing to buy.
Do I need to participate?;Participation is one of the Nowhere principles. The more you do, the more you get back. When you join others in play and in work, you are part of Nowhere. Your contribution is more valuable than you realise. Get involved, Nowhere is what we make it.
What is self expression?;Be the person you are. Be the person you want to be. We respect and value you, and expect the same from you. You have the freedom to be yourself. Become who you are.
Why are these people dressed so weird and what are they doing?;Now that is called self expression!
What does it mean to be self reliant?;From food and water to a hug or quiet, you need to take care of yourself in Nowhere’s challenging environment. Give yourself what you need – and ask others for help when you need it. You are responsible for you, mentally and physically.
What is consent?;"At Nowhere, we are free to express ourselves, to share, to co-create, to be in the moment: but when our actions directly alter someone else’s experience, we need to get their consent.
As a community with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and communication styles, it’s best to use clear verbal communication to make sure everyone’s boundaries are understood and respected. Give only what's appreciated, take only what's offered."
Will the weather be any good?;"Nowhere takes place in the Spanish desert, in a very hot, harsh climate, with none of the amenities of modern life.
Expect temperatures of well over 40 Celsius (over 105 Fahrenheit).
It takes time to adjust to the desert climate. Don’t be surprised if you spend your first day or so feeling a bit queasy and cranky.
BEWARE: Things you can handle in the default world may hit you much harder out here! Be prepared!"
What happens at nowhere?;A lot of things! Really, we can’t list them. Basically, what happens and what is there is what you bring with YOU, what YOU want to share. And, what the other participants want to share. This can be an art project, performance project, innovation project, workshop, event, art-car, barrio..
Is consent the 11th principle?;The community may decide at some point to make it a principle. Ultimately, whether it is a principle or not doesn’t change the fact that we value consent and remain dedicated to creating an event in which everyone’s boundaries are respected.
Why is there a need for consent?;"Because respecting each other is a value held above any other within our community, and facts show that not everyone understands how to respect themself and others.
Because ANYTHING wonderful can be terrible if given without consent. This includes sex experiences, food, any form of touch, a picture taken… Even a cool spray of water!
Because what feels great for you right now could be exactly what another person does NOT want, or what you would not appreciate for yourself, in a different setting.
Because it is horrible to realize that what you gave with good intentions may have been experienced in pain. Just take the extra step and check.
We promise you will find people who want and appreciate what you have to offer, or want to offer what you want to receive.
Find them, talk with them, and have fun!"
I have experienced a consent violation, what should I do?;If you feel this is an emergency a Nomad or any person(s) around can help. Furthermore Welfare Enough and Malfare are welcoming you 24/7 in confidentiality. You can report a consent violation in the Consent violation reporting box (at Welfare Enough) and the Yellow Reporting Box between the sex-positive barrios and the freecamp showers. The boxes are checked every day at 10:00. Also, you can stop by at The Safer Space from Tuesday to Sunday from 16:30 to 18:30.
What is a Safer Space?;"Anybody who feels impacted after a consent breach (whatever it is, not only sexual or physical assaults) is very welcome to have a confidential chat in the Safer Space.
The Safer Space is a secure place specifically designed for listening to you without being disturbed. In this environment we invite you to have a confidential support talk with a qualified volunteer.
You can ask, in filling a report, for an appointment and be supported at the Safer Space."
How will I be able to survive Nowhere?;The Survival Guide has everything you need to know to survive and thrive at Nowhere.
What is Middle of Nowhere?;The Middle of Nowhere (MoN) is a large communal space. It has shade and a sound system and can be used to host workshops, performances, talks and live concerts. It’s also perfect to take a nap in the hot hours of the afternoon.
What is the Survival Guide?;It’s a guide packed with important information about what to expect, what you’ll need to get the most out of the experience and, of course, how to actually get to Nowhere.
What is Free Camping?;You do not have to join a barrio. Plenty of Nobodies have a good time camping alone or with a few friends in the free camping areas. If you choose to do so, you will have to organise your own food, water, and shade. Be self-reliant! Another big difference with the barrios is placement: you cannot reserve space in the free camp in advance, so you won’t know exactly where you’ll be camping until you put up your tent. The free camp is settled on a firstcome, first-camped basis.
Is there anything to be aware of during the day?;Things you can handle in the default world may hit you much harder out here! Respect the sun at Nowhere! It is not the place to work on your tan! Stay out of the sun from 1-4pm (try a siesta). Use hats, shades, sunscreens, wet clothes, and shelters to minimise your exposure.
It is so hot around here!;"Nowhere takes place in the desert, in a very hot, harsh climate, with none of the amenities of modern life.
It takes time to adjust to the desert climate.
Don’t be surprised if you spend your first day or so feeling a bit queasy and cranky."
How can I get involved?;"There are countless ways to get involved, including: arriving early for setup or staying late for strike, volunteering for a shift, making and bringing art, running a workshop, playing music, putting on a show or
performance, creating and running a barrio."
I don't want to lose anything, what can I do?;"Every year a lot of things go missing at Nowhere. It is easy to lose or misplace items while wandering around!
You can do a few things to make it more likely for your stuff find its way back to you.
- Label your cup and water bottle with a sharpie or a name tag.
- If you bring a phone or tablet replace the lock screen with your contact details, or maybe just label them in case the battery runs out.
- The item that gets lost the most are flip flops. Try to make yours easy to spot by adding something to them. Label them."
I have lost something, what do I do now?;"Most Barrios have a lost and found of their own.
Check the places where you have been, before trying NoInfo’s general lost and found.
Sometimes, items need a day or two to turn up. It is worth checking for your stuff more than once if you have been unlucky so far.
Photos of valuable items not claimed during the event will appear online some time after strike is finished. Keep an eye out. Many participants have been reunited with their valuables this way!"
How do I use the toilets?;"There are some key differences compared to domestic toilets. Only the 3Ps should go in any toilet: Pee, Poop, Paper. NO wet wipes, tampons, plastic or any other objects please.
Each portaloo is regularly stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
Toilets are looked after by an army of awesome ‘SHIT Ninjas.’ Each barrio has one, and their name will be posted by each toilet.
If there is a problem with a toilet (lack of paper/hand sanitiser, etc.), please let them know so that the problem can be fixed ASAP and to everyone’s benefit.
Human faeces are toxic and can cause serious illness. PLEASE DON’T POOP ANYWHERE OTHER THAN THE TOILETS PROVIDED!"
I am a bit shy, how can I connect to others?;"Meeting new people is one of the best parts of Nowhere, but some people may find this more challenging than others, especially as lots of Nobodies know each other from previous Nowheres and local events. Luckily, there’s plenty of ways to feel more integrated.
- Volunteering is one of the best ways to meet new people. Working towards a common goal as part of a team lets you meet a great variety of people without having to find ways to break the ice, while giving back to the event. Build and strike are among the best opportunities to do this. Check out our volunteers page for more ideas.
- Workshops are a great way to meet likeminded people especially if you’re walking around on your own.
- Your own barrio or camp is a natural place to meet new friends. Don’t be intimidated if people all seem to know each other – Nowhere is one of the most friendly places you can be, so feel free to join in with groups.
- Icebreaker questions can be a useful thing to have up your sleeve if you’re feeling quite nervous. Some to consider are ‘How did you hear about Nowhere?’, ‘What camp are you in/Do you have a project?’ or ‘What’s been your favourite thing so far?’ are all good conversation starters."
I am injured and I need help!;If you’re injured or need medical assistance, and it is an issue beyond the basic first aid kit that you, your friends, and your barrio have available, head to the Red Cross.
Nowhere is almost over, what should I do now?;"Nowhere can be challenging… but so can be returning to the ‘default world’ after a week (or more) of freedom and self-expression. Side effects might include temptation to throw everything away and run away to the circus, or similar.
You should not, however, rush into any life-changing decision right away, even if it feels like Nowhere has changed you and opened your eyes. Leave some time for the dust to settle (no pun intended) before you decide to quit your job, leave your partner, move country or otherwise. If you’ve been doing it for so long, what difference will one month of waiting make? It might be the right decision in the long run, but chances are that you’re not thinking quite rationally yet.
Try your hardest not to be insensitive to the people you’ve left home either. It can be easy for your friends or partner to feel bland and boring compared to the desert extravaganza: take the time to reassure them that you still love them and find them interesting, even if they haven’t been to Nowhere.
And eager though you might be of sharing this experience with them, respect their wants and needs too, and don’t force-feed them Nowhere stories if they’re not that interested."
What is a nomad?;Nomads are Nowhere’s Rangers, who patrol around the site in pairs, checking on the safety and wellbeing of participants during 6hr shifts.
What is a Nobody?;Participants of the Nowhere event are commonly revert to as Nobodies.