- Announce - lists.fireflyartscollective.org

Firefly 2022 Art Grants now open!
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 28 Mar '22

28 Mar '22

~*~ CREATIVITY GRANTS ARE OPEN ~*~ Over the years, mostly when there isn't a worldwide pandemic, the Firefly Arts Collective (FAC) has been proud to provide grant support to Firefly artists to enable them to express and fulfill their varied creative visions. These grants are intended to support and promote radically-expressive, community-based, interactive and/or collaborative projects that help define and shape the creative core of the event. Art is a central part of Firefly, and the event wouldn't be the same without the wonderful pieces that have been brought to Vermont over the years. Bringing art is a great way to add a piece of yourself to the event and contribute/participate in a meaningful way. *In this year of rebuilding, we are operating a reduced grant program:* - Creativity Grants [Open, Closes: 4/17] - Legacy Grants [TBD] - Burner Exchange Grants (BEX Grants) [TBD] - Smol Grants [TBD] The Creativity Grants are our primary grants, and are designed to fund creative new projects to be shared with our community during the Firefly event. Creativity grants are awarded in tiers of $150, $300, $599, $1000, $1500, $2000. The Legacy Grants are designed to support pre-existing projects which have been previously awarded art grants from Firefly. These grants go towards maintenance, repairs, minor improvements, and so forth. Legacy grants are awarded in tiers of $100, $300, and $500. The BEX Grants are for art that has already appeared either at a regional burn event or Burning Man, and showcases the local flavor of its origin. Grant money is intended to be applied to minor maintenance / improvements and shipping costs to Vermont. BEX Grants are awarded for up to $1000. The Smol Grant is our lowest grant level, between $40 and $99, for artists whose ideas are big but whose budget is smol. These grants will be awarded on a rolling basis after most other grants have been decided. *Schedule*Creativity Submissions due: 4/17 Legacy + BEX + Smol: TBD *How Do I Submit?*Submissions are handled through the Firefly Art Grants Web Portal. If you signed up in a previous year, your accounts are no longer active. Please sign up again so we are sure to have your most current information on-file! For even more information, please visit the following web page: https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/participate/art-at-firefly/art-grants/ . Feel free to reach out with any questions to: grants(a)fireflyartscollective.org. Thank you! – Firefly Art Grant Core

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Firefly at Somerville Open Studios 2022 Call for Art
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 23 Mar '22

23 Mar '22

Firefly at Somerville Open Studios 2022 Call for Art Saturday, April 30 • 12-10PM Spring is here and Firefly is once again participating in Somerville Open Studios! Do you have Firefly art gathering dust yearning to be seen again? Or a brand new concept that you can't wait to try out with a receptive audience? Firefly @ SOS is an excellent testing ground for your interactive/participatory art projects – whether your project is in progress, completed, or needs some fine tuning. Let’s share our Firefly community creations with the city of Somerville. Our event partner, SomerNova, will be creating an “art lane” in the alley between Dane Street and Market Basket. This event will be completely outdoor and run into the evening, and early sunset in the alley makes the location perfect for light art. ART GUIDELINES: - Everything will be considered – large or small. - Priority will be given to interactive and/or participatory pieces. - This year we will be completely outdoor, so bring your popups. - For those who make art and want to sell, this is the place to do it. SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS: - Need to update or tweak a piece? Firefly will provide funds for small repairs. - Local transportation to and from SOS will be provided, and stipends are available for longer distances. - Tent cover available by request. - We will have volunteers available on the day of the event. WHEN: Saturday, April 30 • 12-10PM (Rain Date: Sunday, May 1 • 12-6PM) WHERE: The Alley between Dane Street and the Market Basket which runs parallel to Somerville Ave. Please fill out this form to participate: https://forms.gle/C2vfht3Qyh5oy4zW6 If you have any questions or want to volunteer – email: FireflySOS2022(a)gmail.com

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Firefly 2022 COVID Sentiment Survey
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 22 Mar '22

22 Mar '22

Dear Fireflies, Planning is underway for Firefly 2022, and we'd like to understand your thoughts, feelings, and concerns about COVID vaccination, testing, and safety requirements for this July's event! Please answer this short survey to help inform our decisions: [ https://forms.gle/4u5kQWhznqcTF49NA | https://forms.gle/4u5kQWhznqcTF49NA ] <3, Firefly Board of Directors

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Help Make Firefly 2022 Happen!
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 15 Mar '22

15 Mar '22

Calling all Fireflies! Firefly 2022 is ON, and you can help make it happen! A core value of Firefly is that we’re participant-run. During COVID, our community has changed. Several long-time Firefly volunteers have moved away. We have many chances for you to get involved. Translation: we need everyone to pull together to make the event happen! One of the most rewarding parts of Firefly is being part of making the event happen. You get to work with a fantastic team of community members. You get to “own” your contribution to the event. Unlike other spectator events, being part of making Firefly happen makes it much more special. Right now, we’re looking for people to co-lead existing and new roles. Lead roles have co-leads to share the workload. It helps if Leads can volunteer for at least two years, for continuity, but we understand—sometimes life happens. Once lead positions are filled, we can start finding volunteers to fill out each department. Firefly needs you! We have a few key volunteer roles that we are looking to fill as soon as we can! Here is a bunch of roles we need filled in order for it to happen: - Event Lead (2 co-leads, ideally 3-year term, no experience necessary) Host monthly/bi-weekly meetings with the Festival Committee, a daily onsite meeting during the event and various other meetings. Desired skills: Project Management, Email/Document Organization, Interpersonal Skills, Conflict Resolution. How to apply? Email Lead(a)fireflyartscollective.org to see if you would be a good fit. - Infrastructure is looking for 1-2 co-leads Coordinating Firefly DPW and all equipment required to perform the tasks required. Work with outside resources including forester and lumberjack, as well as heading up sanitation contractor.. How to apply? Email Festival(a)fireflyartscollective.org to learn more! - Arrival Cluster is looking for 2-3 parking co-leads! There is ample documentation on how to do the job from 2019, including even a retro doc on what went well/what needs improvement! Desired skills: Organization, spatial thinking, friendliness, ability to lead by delegation Assistance: One Parking Lead and one Arrival Cluster Lead who look forward to helping you. Parking volunteers who are generally amazing and very very helpful, documentation on how to do the job from 2019, with what went well/ needs improvement Term: Ideally you’re open to being a Parking co-lead for at least two years - but we’re understanding as things come up How to apply? Email parking(a)fireflyartscollective.org <Festival(a)fireflyartscollective.org> to have a chat about it - don’t need to commit just yet :D - Public Service Cluster - Coffee Kitchen needs a few co-leads. - Want to “steep” up your participation—Caffeine/Kitchen Core needs a few new co-leads (the more the merrier!). As part of Firefly infrastructure we provide energy and camaraderie for all volunteers working morning, noon and night. Purchase supplies, schedule/manage coffee volunteers, create a communal space where everyone is welcome. We are looking for co-leads who want to take ownership and make a mark (coffee rings?) How to apply: Contact: terrydovidio(a)gmail.com - Gnomes need a co-lead - Create and promote volunteerism in the Firefly community. Communicate with theme camps to encourage members to volunteer. During the event help connect volunteers to available “jobs” based on their knowledge/skill level. Manage a crew of floating volunteers who help fill empty volunteer spots with available people. How to apply: Contact: terrydovidio(a)gmail.com

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Firefly 2022 Art Grants: Temple Grant Submissions Start TODAY!!
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 15 Feb '22

15 Feb '22

The Firefly 2022 Art Grants season has officially begun! Important Note: We are aware of and following the ongoing discussions around post-Covid funding ideas. At this time we are not announcing any changes to existing Art Grant policies or scope. Temple Grant: up to $2000 The Temple Grant supports the creation of the Temple at Firefly Arts Festival each year. The Temple aims to satisfy both civic and spiritual needs by creating a revered gathering space at Firefly. While the Temple should be spiritual in a general sense (and true to the spirit of the event), it is not intended to be a religious symbol, and overtly religious tones should be avoided. The Temple is placed in the field, and provides a space for Fireflies to seek quiet contemplation and introspection at the event. It is of the utmost importance that the Temple defines a physical (and emotional) space; that said, it does not have to be a traditional shelter or building. It is traditional for the Temple to serve as a place for participants to leave offerings, and the structure will be burned on the final evening of the event. A single Temple Grant is awarded for up to $2000. Submissions Due: 02/20/2022 What about the other grants ? Our usual grants (Creativity, Legacy, BEX, Skillshare, and Smol) will be launching soon. Stay tuned! How to submit? Via the Art Grant Portal: [ https://grants.fireflyartscollective.org/ | https://grants.fireflyartscollective.org/ ] Please sign up again for 2022 (old accounts have been archived) so that we have your most current information on file. What to know more about Firefly Art Grants in general? See [ https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/participate/art-at-firefly/art-grants/ | our page on the Firefly website ] . Warning: u nder construction! Most of this information is still out of date but we wanted to get things rolling for 2022. Other questions? Email us: [ mailto:grants@fireflyartscollective.org | grants(a)fireflyartscollective.org ] <3 Firefly Art Grant Core

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Firefly 2022
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 15 Dec '21

15 Dec '21

Greetings Fireflies, On behalf of Firefly Arts Collective, I bring you these tidings: Mark your calendars, dust off your glowy blinkies, and hold onto your butts, because Firefly 2022 is happening! Dates: Wednesday, June 29th - Monday, July 4th, 2022 Location: Bethel, VT What will Firefly look like this time? We don’t know yet. Firefly 2022 will grow from what we each bring to the event to make it great. At this point we do know that we will need more people to step up to take volunteer roles. If you know right now that you have energy and enthusiasm for helping to organize the event, please put your name on the list here <https://forms.gle/FPNHgT3PSHqmV6f7A> to be the first to know what help is needed. Otherwise, look for emails soon from Firefly about how to get involved! See you in the woods (In 197 days), Carly Nix President on behalf of the Firefly Board

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Virtual Firefly Bug Burn happening within the hour!
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 02 Jul '21

02 Jul '21

Hi, Fireflies! Virtual Firefly is happening in Topia right now. You can connect at http://topia.io/firefly . Come visit our home away from reality, in virtual reality. The 2021 Bug Burn will be happening live within the hour (it’s currently Friday, July 2, 10 pm)! How to navigate Virtual Firefly: Follow the stone walkways to find interesting things! Fire pits are suggested hangout spots to meet new and old friends. Explore, congregate, have fun! Use your mouse or arrow keys to move around. Please remember: This event follows the Firefly Code of Conduct and 10 principles of Burning Man Hope you all enjoy, and thanks to everyone who helped make this possible. ❤🔥❤ Come join us, Ranger Scooter Firefly Communications Committee

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Firefly Chrysalis Announcement
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 02 Jul '21

02 Jul '21

Greetings Fireflies! As you know, in-person Firefly is canceled this year and sadly we will not be gathering to burn a Bug next week. However, we’re happy to report that a Firefly Metamorphosis progresses in Vermont! Firefly awaits when our community will again rejoice and burn together; a mammoth insect, too, is coming into being for wandering Fireflies. We are building a monarch butterfly chrysalis in Bethel, one which cannot--yet--burn, awaiting the certain hope of finding transformation in its community’s return. When we all next gather and burn together at Firefly, the butterfly will emerge to celebrate our congregation. Soon, those who wish to make a pilgrimage to Firefly land in Vermont will find a place to reflect and commune with the woods we love; starting after July 4th weekend, the Chrysalis will await visitors there until the time is ripe for a community burn. Details about how to visit are below. The Chrysalis is a collaborative art project for Fireflies (and others) to enjoy, located in The Field where Firefly has gathered since 2009, in the form of a wood-and-fabric chrysalis structure with interior gathering space. There is a FAQ below; other questions send to chrysalis(a)fireflyartscollective.org. How to Visit To arrange a visit or overnight stay for your group, email the landowners at laurelinvt(a)gmail.com or (if you’re friends on the internets) at https://www.facebook.com/revkirkwhite. Please be respectful and don’t just show up without having previously arranged for your visit. Participant FAQ Q: How can I go and visit the Chrysalis? A: The Chrysalis is located on private land, please don’t just arrive unannounced. Make your group’s arrangements directly with the landowner for a day-trip or overnight camping--see How to Visit above. The land does not have infinite capacity, and many weekends have events occurring, so advance planning is recommended. Q: Will there be a Firefly gathering of some kind at the Chrysalis in 2021? A: The Chrysalis team intends to organize a trip this fall around September which will include an exciting possibility to help inventory Firefly storage and complete other work-weekend-style activities! Q: What will I find at the Chrysalis site? A: The woods are the same Vermont woods you remember! The Chrysalis is the large green cocoon-shaped object in the Field. Inside, you’ll find a platform for off-the-ground hangouts, some seating, solar lights for nighttime. Q: When will the Chrysalis Burn occur? A: It’s not yet possible to have an effigy Burn because the community can’t gather together, and the community is an essential part of a Burn. When it is possible, we’ll figure out how a Chrysalis Burn will happen. In addition to pandemic gathering safety, a Chrysalis Burn needs to have enough volunteers to have a safe fire, and weather which isn’t too snowy nor too dry to get a burn permit. With many planning challenges, it is likely that the best time for a community Chrysalis Burn will be Firefly 2022. Q: How can I contribute to the Chrysalis project? A: Your participation is welcome! The Chrysalis belongs to you and the rest of the Firefly community. You can contribute like you would with any art project you’d find at a Burn. If you encounter a problem with the Chrysalis, you can fix it! Or email chrysalis(a)fireflyartscollective.org and let the artists know that there’s some maintenance to be done. If you’d like to participate in ongoing maintenance, that’s also helpful, let us know! Q: Can I leave things in the Chrysalis? A: Yes, you can contribute objects to the communal art! Please don't add things to the Chrysalis which make it harder for others to interact with it, make it less weatherproof, attract hungry raccoons, or, ya know, damage it. Please note that people who aren't part of Firefly will visit the Chrysalis too, and what you add may reflect on our whole community. The structure is mostly-but-not-entirely weatherproof, and damp moldy unicorn plushies make everyone sad. Q: Can I climb on top of the Chrysalis? A: No: the Chrysalis is made of fabric, do not climb on it, the fabric is intended to keep you dry inside, not hold your weight. Q: Is the inside of the Chrysalis clothing-optional? A: 10/10 mosquitoes surveyed approve of this method of participation. Q: What do I do when leaving the Chrysalis site? A: CLEAN UP ANY TRASH! And zip the door behind you. Q: Can I host or facilitate a small event at the Chrysalis site? A: Please make arrangements with the landowner--see How to Visit, above--for all visitors to the site. Visitors can use the Chrysalis for whatever non-commercial purposes they feel called to. Q: I have another question not on this FAQ! A: Email chrysalis(a)fireflyartscollective.org!

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Virtual Firefly 2021 Announcement
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 09 Jun '21

09 Jun '21

Greetings Fireflies, As you know our in-person festival is canceled this year. While we can’t gather in person, we are organizing a Virtual Firefly event that will include virtual spaces to explore and interact with art and other Fireflies, some Firefly events and traditions adapted to virtual spaces where possible, and other offerings made by the community! Virtual Firefly will occur over Thursday, July 1 - Sunday, July 4, 2021. This is an official Burning Man regional event reflecting the Ten Principles <https://burningman.org/culture/philosophical-center/10-principles/> and the Firefly Code of Conduct <https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/firefly-arts-collective/firefly-polic…> . There will be a Firefly map and navigation environment that will visually reflect the land where Firefly is held each year (for the experience of wandering around in the woods or field). The main gathering spaces and events will be hosted or linked on Firefly’s Topia (for example, a camp’s Zoom space could be linked from Firefly’s Topia). This event will be what we all make it. Please join us in making Virtual Firefly possible! - Place a Camp or virtual art <https://forms.gle/gxcLKBbVBLaYMo2r8> - Submit an event <https://forms.gle/zWak99RM1K6FfmVB7> - Express interest in volunteering <https://forms.gle/SJLPG5pv5E17mwhRA> - Learn more about Virtual Firefly here <https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/virtual-firefly-2021-info/> More information is available on the following topics on our Facebook Event <https://www.facebook.com/events/168565625281349> and on the Firefly Arts Collective website <https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/virtual-firefly-2021-info/> See you in the virtual woods, Yaycat (Carly Nix) on behalf of Virtual Firefly Committee

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Glow Project Announcement!
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 25 May '21

25 May '21

Dear Fireflies, There is a new, virtual art project on the scene and you are all invited to participate! Glow wherever you are! -To participate, Fireflies will create artwork of any nature (visual, performance, music, etc.) in response to our monthly prompts. -Share these with both the Firefly community as well as the wider community around you. -This will take place throughout the month each month ongoing, beginning on June 1st. -Our prompts will be posted on the Glow Facebook group, the Firefly Facebook group, and via the Firefly Official Announcement List. Please join our Facebook group to participate: www.facebook.com/groups/glow.firefly/ ***The prompt for the month of June is CATHARSIS!*** The goal of this project is not only to allow for the Firefly community to continue to glow in the age of social distancing but also to utilize Firefly as a jumping off point for bringing art and creative inspiration to the world as a whole; a mission which many of us have been seeking as we wish to utilize our festival experiences to enrich our wider communities. A few rules: Your artwork must... -Be inspired by our monthly prompts. -Be viewable by the public in some manner. -Be documented in some way (or streamed live) and shared virtually with the Firefly community in the Glow Facebook group. -Be respectful and reasonably uplifting. -Abide by both Firefly's 10 principles and code of conduct and the laws/regulations of the wider community. -Abide by Covid safety precautions, particularly if made interactive to the public. Now go forth and Glow!!!

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2021 Firefly* Art Grants - Submissions Opening Today!
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 25 Apr '21

25 Apr '21

Greetings Fireflies - We probably don't need to remind you that there will be no event in the woods this summer <https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/news/no-person-event-july-2021/>. However, that does not mean that art cannot be made! Firefly Arts Collective has set aside a limited budget for facilitating art grants this year, and we are opening submissions *today. * *Types of projects may include: * - Art that is purely virtual - Art that is physical and live streamed and/or virtually interacted with in some way - Art that is publicly viewable in a way that doesn't discourage responsible social distancing - Art that replicates the "Temple" or "Burn" experiences. - (Insert your creative idea here!) Please note that, as per usual <https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/participate/art-at-firefly/art-grants/>, we do not pay for labor (labor/effort is how we all participate and contribute!) or general-purpose durable goods (e.g. generators, DJ equipment, etc). If you are interested in applying, please fill out the following application form: https://forms.gle/CJmo6s78qHTWPmV66 Since deadlines can be helpful: we are planning to review submissions on May 2nd, May 9th, and ~weekly thereafter as needed. Funded projects should aim to be operational by the first week in July at the latest. Please also note that receiving a grant is certainly not required for sharing some Firefly-inspired art with the community this summer, or at any time. Questions? Email: grants(a)fireflyartscollective.org. <3 Firefly Art Grants Core

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A Message from Firefly Arts Collective
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 09 Mar '21

09 Mar '21

Hello Fireflies, As many of you have no doubt surmised, we will be unable to gather this June and July for what would have been Firefly 2021. The Firefly Board in consultation with the Festival Committee have decided to officially cancel our in-person event this year. While it pains us to do so, we feel it would be irresponsible and potentially damaging to the health and well-being of our extended community to hold our event this year, and wanted to let you all know so that you may plan accordingly. Our biggest concern around holding a 2021 Firefly event is the safety and wellness of our extended community and the communities in and around Bethel, VT. Because we cannot guarantee the safety of these communities in the event of a large gathering, we cannot in good faith organize a regular Firefly in 2021. Planning and organizing for Firefly begins 7 months before the gate opens, and there are many hours that need to be put in by numerous volunteers. We would like to take a moment to acknowledge those who makes Firefly possible: - Festival Committee - Arrival Cluster (Gate, Greeters, GTFO, Parking) - Art Cluster (Art Grants, Placement, Art Truck, Sound, Stage) - City Cluster (Coffee Kitchen, Gnomes, Map, Signage) - Infrastructure Cluster (Accessibility, Bug Builders, DPW, Early Arrival, LNT, Surveys, Ticketing, Transportation, Work Weekends) - Safety Cluster (Fire, First Aid, Sanctuary, Radios, Rangers) Thank you to all of the volunteers who create our temporary home and city in the woods! There are still many unknowns surrounding the vaccine roll out, what the new “normal” will be, and the future recommended safety precautions for events. With these points in mind, we are uncertain as to when will be safe to gather in person again. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we on the Firefly board are considering options for what we can do when it is safe to gather, and other ways we can connect virtually (such as another virtual/distributed Firefly). The Firefly board welcomes your ideas on how we can safely engage as a community during these times. We encourage anyone with a vision on virtual Firefly events to help create and facilitate experiences that express the Firefly mission “to foster a collaborative environment and community for participatory arts, encouraging people to express their creativity, and challenging them to extend their concept of both community and art.” If you have ideas or would like to help organize online Firefly events, please fill out the form here <https://forms.gle/ohWGei3cmXCHaxae7>. We are also taking this time to ask ourselves how we can use this extended off-season to make improvements, and how we can better communicate and collaborate as a large collective organization throughout the year. Please keep an eye out for more on this in the coming months! We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy, and hope to see you at upcoming virtual events and That Thing In The Woods when it is safe to gather again. With gratitude, Carly Nix Firefly Arts Collective President on behalf of the Board

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REMINDER: (Closing 2/14) Seeking Feedback on the Firefly Board of Directors and Candidates
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 07 Feb '21

07 Feb '21

(REMINDER: Please provide your feedback, particularly on candidates, via [ https://forms.gle/8P66SmPyeCTQUNwYA | https://forms.gle/8P66SmPyeCTQUNwYA ] by Sunday, February 14! This is a critical way in which you can shape the leadership of our event and community!) Dear Fireflies, This past autumn we sent out our periodic open call for interest in joining the Board of Directors of Firefly Arts Collective. We received a number of enthusiastic responses, and asked for and received thoughtful feedback from the Firefly Planning team. We then invited several candidates to meet with the current board to better understand how we operate. We would now like to solicit community feedback on the current round of candidates under consideration for joining the Firefly Board via the survey linked below. We also welcome feedback on current board members, to help keep us accountable to our community. For the participants listed below, please consider the following thoughts as you write us: 1) Do you feel that the candidate or board member is well-suited for participating on the Board of Directors, based on your experience and board duties as described in our bylaws ( [ http://fireflyartscollective.org/about-fac/firefly-bylaws/ | http://fireflyartscollective.org/about-fac/firefly-bylaws/ ] )? 2) What are some qualities in the candidate or board member that would assure success as a member of the Firefly Board? 3) If you have worked with the candidate or board member on a project before, what was that experience like? 4) Is there anything else you would like to share about the candidate or board member? Any and all of the candidates listed could join our board. There's no need to rank candidates in your feedback, just tell us what you think individually. When considering your feedback, keep in mind that beyond the yearly camping festival, there are year-round activities of Firefly Arts Collective. The board works to build long-term plans to further our community values, and we are hoping to expand the year-round activities of Firefly Arts Collective. We seek members who are excited not just in helping coordinate our festival, but who also have the time and energy to expand and strengthen our regional community. Candidates for February 2021: Alexander “Spencer” DeFelice-Kent Arlee Monahan Lia Rudolph Peter Salomone Dennis Zografos Current Board Members (years on board, rounded): Brian “Bendy” Endy (1) Jon Evans (1) Jered Floyd (7) Mike “Magneto” MacHenry (1) Carly Nix (1) Kendra Pugh (6) Dan Snyder (7) Julia Vilner-Shimoni (3) Non-Voting Board Members (formerly “active board alumni”): Frank Gerratana (3) Brian Gowdey (3) Forest Handford (9) Liz LaManche (7) Sage Kochavi (15) Sharon Kubo (3) Non-Voting members are past board members in good standing who have chosen to participate in an advisory role, but are no longer able to fully meet the participation responsibilities of a board member. We haven’t previously noted the tenure of these participants, but are now doing so for increased transparency. Please provide your feedback, particularly on candidates, via [ https://forms.gle/8P66SmPyeCTQUNwYA | https://forms.gle/8P66SmPyeCTQUNwYA ] by Sunday, February 14 . You may also send comments to board(a)fireflyartscollective.org if you do not want to use the Google form. (If you wish to send feedback anonymously, feel free to relay it through any board or community member that you trust.) We welcome feedback on the Board at any time. Thank you for your participation and we look forward to seeing you in the woods soon, once it is again safe to gather in-person! Sincerely, The Firefly Arts Collective Board of Directors

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Seeking Feedback on the Firefly Board of Directors and Candidates
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 31 Jan '21

31 Jan '21

(Summary: Please provide your feedback, particularly on candidates, via [ https://forms.gle/8P66SmPyeCTQUNwYA | https://forms.gle/8P66SmPyeCTQUNwYA ] by Sunday, February 14!) Dear Fireflies, This past autumn we sent out our periodic open call for interest in joining the Board of Directors of Firefly Arts Collective. We received a number of enthusiastic responses, and asked for and received thoughtful feedback from the Firefly Planning team. We then invited several candidates to meet with the current board to better understand how we operate. We would now like to solicit community feedback on the current round of candidates under consideration for joining the Firefly Board via the survey linked below. We also welcome feedback on current board members, to help keep us accountable to our community. For the participants listed below, please consider the following thoughts as you write us: 1) Do you feel that the candidate or board member is well-suited for participating on the Board of Directors, based on your experience and board duties as described in our bylaws ( [ http://fireflyartscollective.org/about-fac/firefly-bylaws/ | http://fireflyartscollective.org/about-fac/firefly-bylaws/ ] )? 2) What are some qualities in the candidate or board member that would assure success as a member of the Firefly Board? 3) If you have worked with the candidate or board member on a project before, what was that experience like? 4) Is there anything else you would like to share about the candidate or board member? Any and all of the candidates listed could join our board. There's no need to rank candidates in your feedback, just tell us what you think individually. When considering your feedback, keep in mind that beyond the yearly camping festival, there are year-round activities of Firefly Arts Collective. The board works to build long-term plans to further our community values, and we are hoping to expand the year-round activities of Firefly Arts Collective. We seek members who are excited not just in helping coordinate our festival, but who also have the time and energy to expand and strengthen our regional community. Candidates for February 2020: Alexander “Spencer” DeFelice-Kent Arlee Monahan Lia Rudolph Peter Salomone Dennis Zografos Current Board Members (years on board, rounded): Brian “Bendy” Endy (1) Jon Evans (1) Jered Floyd (7) Mike “Magneto” MacHenry (1) Carly Nix (1) Kendra Pugh (6) Dan Snyder (7) Julia Vilner-Shimoni (3) Non-Voting Board Members (formerly “active board alumni”): Frank Gerratana (3) Brian Gowdey (3) Forest Handford (9) Liz LaManche (7) Sage Kochavi (15) Sharon Kubo (3) Non-Voting members are past board members in good standing who have chosen to participate in an advisory role, but are no longer able to fully meet the participation responsibilities of a board member. We haven’t previously noted the tenure of these participants, but are now doing so for increased transparency. Please provide your feedback, particularly on candidates, via [ https://forms.gle/8P66SmPyeCTQUNwYA | https://forms.gle/8P66SmPyeCTQUNwYA ] by Sunday, February 14 . You may also send comments to board(a)fireflyartscollective.org if you do not want to use the Google form. (If you wish to send feedback anonymously, feel free to relay it through any board or community member that you trust.) We welcome feedback on the Board at any time. Thank you for your participation and we look forward to seeing you in the woods soon, once it is again safe to gather in-person! Sincerely, The Firefly Arts Collective Board of Directors

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Closing October 12: Call for New Board Member Candidates for Firefly Arts Collective
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 22 Sep '20

22 Sep '20

This is a reminder regarding our Call for New Board Member Candidates, below, and an update on our timeline. We plan to close the application form on October 12 , about three weeks from now. We've received several thoughtful applications so far, but want to make sure we don't leave anyone out! If you're interested in participating in this role, please see the details below. Based on this schedule, we expect to solicit community feedback on new board member candidates in November. We are looking for motivated participants to add to the Firefly Arts Collective Board of Directors to fill positions vacated in the past year. The Board is responsible for the financial and legal obligations of Firefly Arts Collective Inc. The Board is also responsible for planning the long term development and growth of the organization. Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings (physically in the Boston area one it is again safe to do so, electronically until then) and contribute several hours of work per week on a year-round basis. Through the new Board candidate process we wish to further increase the diversity of our organization, both in terms of demographics and ideas, to best represent both our Firefly community and the surrounding artistic and cultural communities from which we draw. We welcome suggestions of participants to include in this process, and greatly appreciate community support in outreach and encouragement. Other qualities we’re looking for in Board candidates include the ability to execute projects from beginning to end, ability to participate in consensus decision-making (and the cooperation that entails), showing initiative on new projects, being actively involved in the Firefly community, and having attended at least one Firefly in the past. To learn more about the specific responsibilities of Firefly Board Members, please [ https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/firefly-arts-collective/bylaws/ | review our Bylaws ] . [https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/firefly-arts-collective/bylaws/] If you have interest in contributing to Firefly at this organizational level, please [ https://forms.gle/MmzLEDK2BsDske3r5 | fill out this Application for Board Membership ] . [https://forms.gle/MmzLEDK2BsDske3r5] Responses to this application will be shared to the Firefly Planning team, which consists of Core, Cluster, and Committee leads in good standing (past and present) for voting and feedback. If there are any responses you wish to be kept confidential to the current Board of Directors, please note this in responses or email us at [ mailto:board@fireflyartscollective.org | board(a)fireflyartscollective.org ] . After you fill out the form we will reply to confirm receipt and may get back to you with some follow-up questions. We may invite you to attend a meeting to chat more about your responses and let you learn more about how we operate. Once we've had a chance to review all responses, votes, and Planning Team feedback, we will solicit public comment on both final candidates and currently sitting board members. The Firefly Board of Directors is relatively small to keep discussion and consensus-based decision making practical. Any candidates who we are unable to invite to join the Board will be considered as future vacancies arise, and we will also send out this request for expression of interest on a regular basis. We're very excited to get new participants involved with the Firefly Board! Beyond the yearly Firefly camping event we would like to expand the year-round activities of Firefly Arts Collective. Firefly continues to collaborate with [ https://www.somervilleopenstudios.org/ | Somerville Open Studios ] and [ https://boston.figmentproject.org/ | Figment Boston ] to bring more community art to our cities, and we are exploring other opportunities to engage more deeply with our larger home communities. We look forward to hearing from motivated participants with the time and energy to help expand and organize our community! Sincerely, [ https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/firefly-arts-collective/board-of-dire… | The Firefly Arts Collective Board of Directors ] [https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/firefly-arts-collective/board-of-dire…]

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Call for New Board Member Candidates for Firefly Arts Collective
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 18 Aug '20

18 Aug '20

We are looking for motivated participants to add to the Firefly Arts Collective Board of Directors to fill positions vacated in the past year. The Board is responsible for the financial and legal obligations of Firefly Arts Collective Inc. The Board is also responsible for planning the long term development and growth of the organization. Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings (physically in the Boston area one it is again safe to do so, electronically until then) and contribute several hours of work per week on a year-round basis. Through the new Board candidate process we wish to further increase the diversity of our organization, both in terms of demographics and ideas, to best represent both our Firefly community and the surrounding artistic and cultural communities from which we draw. We welcome suggestions of participants to include in this process, and greatly appreciate community support in outreach and encouragement. Other qualities we’re looking for in Board candidates include the ability to execute projects from beginning to end, ability to participate in consensus decision-making (and the cooperation that entails), showing initiative on new projects, being actively involved in the Firefly community, and having attended at least one Firefly in the past. To learn more about the specific responsibilities of Firefly Board Members, please [ https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/firefly-arts-collective/bylaws/ | review our Bylaws ] . [https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/firefly-arts-collective/bylaws/] If you have interest in contributing to Firefly at this organizational level, please [ https://forms.gle/MmzLEDK2BsDske3r5 | fill out this Application for Board Membership ] . [https://forms.gle/MmzLEDK2BsDske3r5] Responses to this application will be shared to the Firefly Planning team, which consists of Core, Cluster, and Committee leads in good standing (past and present) for voting and feedback. If there are any responses you wish to be kept confidential to the current Board of Directors, please note this in responses or email us at [ mailto:board@fireflyartscollective.org | board(a)fireflyartscollective.org ] . After you fill out the form we will reply to confirm receipt and may get back to you with some follow-up questions. We may invite you to attend a meeting to chat more about your responses and let you learn more about how we operate. Once we've had a chance to review all responses, votes, and Planning Team feedback, we will solicit public comment on both final candidates and currently sitting board members. The Firefly Board of Directors is relatively small to keep discussion and consensus-based decision making practical. Any candidates who we are unable to invite to join the Board will be considered as future vacancies arise, and we will also send out this request for expression of interest on a regular basis. We're very excited to get new participants involved with the Firefly Board! Beyond the yearly Firefly camping event we would like to expand the year-round activities of Firefly Arts Collective. Firefly continues to collaborate with [ https://www.somervilleopenstudios.org/ | Somerville Open Studios ] and [ https://boston.figmentproject.org/ | Figment Boston ] to bring more community art to our cities, and we are exploring other opportunities to engage more deeply with our larger home communities. We look forward to hearing from motivated participants with the time and energy to help expand and organize our community! Sincerely, [ https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/firefly-arts-collective/board-of-dire… | The Firefly Arts Collective Board of Directors ] [https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/firefly-arts-collective/board-of-dire…]

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TONIGHT! VIRTUAL BUG BURN!
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 03 Jul '20

03 Jul '20

Reminder! This is tonight!! Exclamation points!!!!! Though we can't burn together in person at Firefly this year, a few of us are organizing a virtual bug burn the evening of 7/3. All Fireflies are invited to participate by hosting or attending a virtual event that day! Share your firespinning, build a little bug and and burn it on stream (maybe in your grill?), make an event or art which speaks to you right now. We can send out a link to your event on this mailing list. Friday 3 July Conclave 9:00pm (email Bugs BURN 9:30pm Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81075908608 Meeting ID: 810 7590 8608 Password: 349892

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Firefly 2020 Update and Bug Burn Announcement
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 20 Jun '20

20 Jun '20

We're writing to sadly confirm what you may have already expected, that Firefly 2020 is canceled due to COVID-19. Though we can't burn together in person at Firefly this year, a few of us are organizing a virtual bug burn the evening of 7/3. All Fireflies are invited to participate by hosting or attending a virtual event that day! Share your firespinning, build a little bug and and burn it on stream (maybe in your grill?), make an event or art which speaks to you right now. We can send out a link to your event on this mailing list. If you're interested, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/fZguUHcwDLdvrBuU6 Friday 3 July Conclave 9:00pm (email bendy(a)fireflyartscollective.org to get involved in Conclave) Bugs BURN 9:30pm Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81075908608 <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81075908608?fbclid=IwAR2dIlY7LkNIkZcqGeWCsVMFMRnZ…> Meeting ID: 810 7590 8608 Password: 349892

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2020-06-19 Special Edition Glowbe
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 19 Jun '20

19 Jun '20

2020-06-19 Special Edition Glowbe Available in your browser at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQZ8m9IAP52THSjBEum_6Ni54iCCljT… Table of Contents 1. Dear White Burners <https://docs.google.com/document/d/19a2WOQ5UqiBi0bCWH1pJbXPJhfuDmZo07lGA8F0…> 2. Support Black-owned Businesses <https://docs.google.com/document/d/19a2WOQ5UqiBi0bCWH1pJbXPJhfuDmZo07lGA8F0…> 3. Thinking About Police Abolition? Let’s Talk About Firefly <https://docs.google.com/document/d/19a2WOQ5UqiBi0bCWH1pJbXPJhfuDmZo07lGA8F0…> 4. What Can We Do About Police Brutality? <https://docs.google.com/document/d/19a2WOQ5UqiBi0bCWH1pJbXPJhfuDmZo07lGA8F0…> 5. Greater Boston Orgs to Support Right Now <https://docs.google.com/document/d/19a2WOQ5UqiBi0bCWH1pJbXPJhfuDmZo07lGA8F0…> 6. Why Now?: How the Pandemic Shook White Americans Out of Complacency <https://docs.google.com/document/d/19a2WOQ5UqiBi0bCWH1pJbXPJhfuDmZo07lGA8F0…> 7. Taking Action Through Sewing <https://docs.google.com/document/d/19a2WOQ5UqiBi0bCWH1pJbXPJhfuDmZo07lGA8F0…> Dear White Burners Originally publishedat https://www.blackburnerproject.com/dear-white-burners and reprinted with the author’s permission Trying to explain what it is like being Black in America to the extent where you truly understand is like trying to explain Burning Man to a Non Burner- realizing no matter how detailed you get they’ll never get it; it's impossible. The difference is, someone can always go to Burning Man but you can never step into my brown skin for the true experience. In fact, you’d probably never want to. This type of experience you most likely could not handle. I remember being a young girl, in the back of my moms car, riding down a street in Baltimore we commonly took to get my favorite food, Maryland crabs. This street was lined with crab shops. The sweet smell of Old Bay forever in the air. Looking out the window I’d see what I always saw, people of all kinds, but what stood out were the boarded up homes, people who seemed to have a hard life, and the men and women on corners, veins full of poison. But it wasn’t just Black people, it was White people too. That’s what I always saw. White people looking and doing the same as everyone else. But that day (at 7 years old), something clicked. Why was it that the only people I ever saw on the news depicted in this negative light, had melanated skin like mine? It was confusing. What I saw with my own eyes didn’t align with what the news/media was telling me. They were trying to convince me that only Black people were “bad like this, did these negative acts, talked like that, looked like that”. But I knew otherwise. I had proof. However; you, your parents, your grandparents probably did believe them. I was always told White lives mattered, even if it was indirectly. We know that. You know that. What you have been taught, just like me, is that Black lives have never mattered and they will depict us in any way so that you will believe it to your core with no proof except what they tell and show you. This is the danger of a single narrative. It’s why I started Black Burner Project; to share the narrative of POC who show up in this space fully and open and radically, but often go unseen. This is why our stories matter. It is why we say Black Lives Matter; because you, non person of color, for so long have left us out of all the lives that have mattered. “All” lives can’t matter unless you include Black lives mattering too. I am grateful for the experiences I have had at Burning Man. It is like no other. I am grateful that because of Burning Man, I found purpose with my passion. This project has meant so many things to me, but it’s never been just about Burning Man. This project is for People of Color because we need it, but it is for White Burners too, because you need it. You need to see us, you need to get used to us so you don’t look at us in awe, like aliens who have come down just to visit. If you as a non person of color have met any of the people of color I have been so honored to meet through this project, you are one lucky and blessed human. You are lucky that they were bold enough to step into a space that on the surface is not inviting. You are lucky that they did not judge you for who you usually may be in the default world. You are Lucky that they still love and accept you. Lucky that in those moments even forgive you. You are lucky for the magic they bring to the playa. You are lucky because they are beautiful humans worth knowing, worth seeing, worth befriending, worth being mute for and listening to, and worth trying to understand. Black Burner Project is about the importance of radical inclusion, diversity and community. It is about sharing our stories and creating a space where we can be seen. But We had to do that. I ask as a Burner for you to stand up and do that too. Ride with your Burners, all Burners! Burning Man is a space for some of us to go who live exhausting, socially unequal, traumatizing lives 358 days of the year outside of Burning Man. Will you continue to bring the default to the playa or are you determined to bring more of the playa to the default world? What you can do is some deep Burning Man soul work like you’ve never done before to understand where you play a role in this, even if you don’t think you do. Ask how you too can prevent this outcome. It’s gonna take some uncomfortable work. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, things will come up you didn’t know existed within. Yes, you will have to face some real hard truths, about yourself, family, friends and this country. But, like Burning Man, facing truths, challenges and self work all for the outcome of the better is part of the Burner journey. So why won’t you? We are a part of this community and we should be — we are Humans. However, have you ever wondered if we’ve truly felt seen or included the same? Have you gone back to the default with a new understanding of race, privilege, injustice and action steps to take so you truly bring your lessons from the playa and its essence back home to be an example other people can learn from? You play a major role in making a difference! Know that the pain you are witnessing is real. Know that it is valid. This community is large, creative, kind, and powerful. Don’t leave it up to us, we should be able to lean on you. Don’t leave us out in these dusty moments alone, here too. And if you don’t understand it all, all you have to do is be willing to. I hope you are ready and open to continue these discussions but more importantly ready to take radical action not just now, but always. Love and Light, Erin Black Burner Project <https://www.blackburnerproject.com/> Erin Douglas is a photo journalist and 3 time burner who saw the desperate need to document other Burners of Color and share their stories to create a space where the misconception that burning man was just for “white hippies” could be squashed. Support Black-owned Businesses A few resources for supporting Black-owned businesses in ways that may be relevant to Firefly and Fireflies. - A List of Black-owned Businesses for Vermont Residents <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b7hErQP4ynM9BXyOymjtE6xXyR1RPKWgYIf…> - ZAFA Wines: Vermont-Based, Black-owned Winery (with online ordering, including merch and other goods if you aren't able to have wine shipped to you) <https://zafawines.com/> - Global Village Cuisine: African Cuisine, with Local Delivery for parts of VT and NH, and nationwide shipping <https://globalvillagecuisine.com/> - Meet Burlington's Black-Owned Foodscape <https://spoonuniversity.com/place/meet-burlington-s-black-owned-restaurant-…> - Vermont Business Registry's Database (searchable for "Minority-owned") <https://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BusinessSearch.aspx> - America's First Black-owned Outdoor Goods Store <https://slimpickinsoutfitters.com/> - BLK + GRN: An All-Natural Marketplace by All Black Artisans <https://blkgrn.com/> Thinking about Police Abolition? Let’s Talk About Firefly. In the past month, we’ve watched problems that our default world has created and failed to address reach greater scale and urgency htan many thought possible. In the past three weeks, the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony Dade, and others and the uprisings that have followed have forced many white people to acknowledge the brutal, overwhelming reality of police violence, especially against Black, brown, & indigenous people. White people are faced with the knowledge that this violence supports white supremacist social structures that whtie people have all benefited from, even if unwillingly; because we benefit from this violence, we are all complicit in it and responsible for ending it. How do we even begin to address any of these serious problems when we have no idea what the solutions look like? Look at Firefly. First, let’s acknowledge what is not right: Firefly is very white, relatively affluent, and draws a lot of its resources from a tech-centered economic boom that has given even greater power and influence to a small number of mostly-white professionals, extending even to the ways we think at a very basic level. A lot of people believe that Firefly has not done its fair share to reach out to communities of color.Many of us have viewed inclusion as a passive verb which happens to us, rather than something we do. Gendered and sexual violence remains an ongoing issue, accentuated by the economic divides in the community and in-group dynamics. The physical environment presents struggles for people with disabilities, while the financial resources funding blinky things make a lot of people, myself included again, uncomfortable, when considered in contrast to these unaddressed issues. But when we look at Firefly through the lens of changes we would want to make in the default world, I (a white person) also take inspiration and strength In trying to solve the problem of police violence as an oppressive tool, especially against Black people, Fireflies can easily imagine a world without them because we’ve already experienced one in miniature. While Rangers are often compared to cops, the comparison doesn’t hold up to much scrutiny: while police are trained to use violence, force, and coercion (and are typically immune in law and in fact from the consequences of doing so), the first lesson of Ranger training is to do nothing: be present, watch, and listen, and then if needed, de-escalate and connect people with help. What would it mean if our first responders only had the mandate to intervene forcefully in cases where people were in imminent physical danger , and then only after other methods had failed, and most of what they did was just talk to people and find out what they needed? Rangers learn that if they are in a physical encounter, they have already failed; de-escalation, distraction, or simply walking away, is usually the better option. Rangers operate along principles of respect & consent: they certainly don’t have no-knock warrants. And if someone breaks our trust by continuing to harm others and renders their inclusion a de facto exclusion of vulnerable others, we still don’t lock them in cages or brutalize or traumatize them. We keep them out of spaces where they can cause further harm and offer them chances to be accountable and, ideally, to grow, change, make amends, and rebuild trust. One of the first things we would need to end the oppressive police state is a more robust, non-coercive mental health support system, which Firefly also has. Sanctuary volunteers are easy to find at all hours, often reachable by radio, and are trained to help when someone is simply having a hard time. In certain situations, Sanctuary volunteers have been able to travel to the people in need, as would our default world mental health services if given the resources they so fully require. What is our recourse if there’s a fight, or if someone is frightening, harming, and/or d threatening others and doesn’t respond to volunteers? We do have one (1) security contractor, who has been very rarely needed in the years where they’ve been present. Mostly, however, we take care of each other. By simply keeping watch over each other, building trusting bonds, meeting each others’ needs in the ways we’re each able to, and by staying in tune with our neighbors and our surroundings, we ensure our collective safety and security more than a roving police force ever could. Of course, we don’t always live up to these principles and need to work hard to do so consistently. But the fact remains that Firefly’s underlying security framework is radically different than that of the default world--and more often succeeds in keeping us safe in ways that the violent, coercive, and traumatizing approach the default world uses does not. When people wonder out loud how we could possibly be safe without the police, tell them: we don’t need weapons, expensive equipment, or even years of training. What we need is each other. Peter Salomone is a member of the Communication Committee, co-founder of Breakfast Sandwich Camp, and Glowbe Editor What Can We Do About Police Brutality? Join other Fireflies online Wednesday, June 24 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm EST to write government officials to ask for changes to policing. You may already be doing things like this -- why not do it together? Write letters during the meeting and share letter templates, addresses, and information about who needs to hear our calls for change. This is a hang-out meet-up with a purpose. Drop in or out as you like, no masks needed. To join Go to: https://meet.google.com/ddh-dzez-boz Meeting name: fireflydirectaction Questions? Sage: sage(a)fireflyartscollective.org Pete Salomone: pete(a)fireflyartscollective.org Greater Boston Orgs to Support Right Now Looking for ways (other than or in addition to protesting) to support the movement for Black lives? Consider making a donation to a local grassroots organization by and for the people most directly affected! To ensure your donation has the largest possible impact, look for orgs with the following traits: - Black-led and accountable to & trusted by the people & communities they serve (vs. outside donors on institutions) - Goals include cultivating organizers among those directly affected for a long-term movement - Fights for local, state, and/or national political change to address root causes of police brutality, mass incarceration, violence, and the criminalization of poverty along with providing material aid - Relies on mainly volunteers and small donations vs. large governmental or institutional grants and does not collaborate with police departments or district attorneys Click here <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11k2223YTZYViOB6YEvOB-gS-c5mJrqNFRAm…> for non-exhaustive list of 11 greater Boston organizations that exhibit all or most of the above traits and have shown that they’re in the struggle for liberation for the long haul. To increase your impact, consider suggesting your employer make a matching donation based on employee contributions, organizing a donation drive in your communities, or sponsoring a donation match on your own social media page! Kit is a Library Camp-er and a volunteer political organizer with Boston DSA. She formerly worked in the development department of a local domestic violence nonprofit. Why Now? How the Pandemic Shook White Americans Out of Complacency As the country rises to the brink of a social justice revolution, many Black voices are asking white people “why now? Where was your outrage years ago? How can I trust you’ll actually keep fighting for us?” All valid questions. [Disclaimer: I’m a white person, so I can’t speak for the Black experience. I also can’t speak for all white people. But I’m a human being capable of empathy. Empathy acts as a bridge to connect people with disparate life experiences. It illuminates our shared humanity. And it makes you give a damn.] Before George Floyd’s murder ignited the Black Lives Matter movement to reach a fever pitch around the country, the silent majority of white Americans were sympathetic to anti-racism, but not really motivated to effect change. We knew there was a problem, but it felt too big to fix. The hopelessness was demoralizing, so we didn’t act. The specific issue of police brutality felt abstract to most white people. We knew it was happening, that it was wrong and inexcusable, that the system was broken. But we didn’t feel the injustice in our bones. It was an intellectual exercise to care about something that could never happen to us. Then COVID hit. Many volumes will be written on how the Coronavirus Pandemic has changed us forever, in ways we can’t foresee while we’re still in the thick of it. But one thing is clear. The pandemic helped trigger the sea-change against racial injustice and over-policing in America. There are economic reasons for this. The skyrocketing unemployment and looming recession (depression?) are ratcheting up Americans’ feelings of instability. When financial pressures squeeze an already struggling public, it’s like – to quote Hamilton – “a powder keg about to explode.” Even the looting that is tangential to the protests is evidence of people’s financial turmoil. Looters aren’t stealing for the thrill of it. These are acts of desperation. There are logistical reasons for COVID’s influence on this movement, too. All those people who wouldn’t normally have the bandwidth to go to a protest, to swarm social media, or to make phone calls to their representatives? Well, a lot of them are unemployed now. And those who still have jobs? All the ways that they would spend their free time – watching or playing sports, attending events, visiting friends, going out to eat, or travelling on vacation – all cancelled. Finally there are no distractions. No excuses. Nothing to compete with the need to act. But the biggest effect COVID has had on white Americans’ relationship to the Black Lives Matter movement is the emotional impact. The pandemic has robbed white people of our sense of safety. Especially at the beginning when so little was known about the virus, how it spread, how contagious or deadly it was, what all the symptoms were, whether we could trust the test – (and where were the tests? Who could get them? Who would pay for them?). So many questions and no solid answers. It didn’t feel safe to leave the house. It didn’t feel safe to be around people. Going to the grocery store was frightening. Going for a jog felt risky. Not just risky – it felt like a matter of life and death. Sometimes it didn’t even feel safe inside your own home. This is a new feeling for us. It is not a new feeling for Black people. We begin to understand. Weeks drag on with the world in begrudging quarantine, and our sense of safety is still elusive and fleeting. Our government utterly fails to calm a distressed nation. No leadership, no reassurance, no plan for recovery. Testing is a disaster. Front-line workers risk their lives without fair compensation or adequate PPE. “Something must be done, this is unacceptable!” we cry into the void as little changes. We feel ignored and abandoned by the systems (that we pay for) that are supposed to help us. We feel angry and betrayed. This is a new feeling for us. It is not a new feeling for Black people. We begin to understand. As the data rolls in about COVID deaths, the numbers are staggering: Black people are dying of COVID at 2-3 times the rate of white people. When politicians plead that we must reopen businesses and sacrifice potential lost lives for the sake of the economy, they are volunteering Black people to carry the lion’s share of that sacrifice. Working Americans who are forced to choose between losing income and endangering their household are outraged by this choice. This existential outrage is a new feeling for us white people. It is not a new feeling for Black people. We begin to understand. Then the news hits of fresh killings. Ahmaud Arbery, killed going for a jog. Breonna Taylor, killed in her own home. George Floyd, killed running errands. All of them killed doing the same circumscribed activities we’re all doing, trying to stay sane and survive. After weeks of psychological turmoil, when we’re all just desperately trying to stay alive, these killings prove one thing: that Black people are never safe, no matter what they do, no matter where they go. Internalizing this truth is new for us. It is not new for Black people. We begin to understand. “This is unacceptable, we demand justice!” cry the many people who are beginning to understand. After protests all over the country, satellite protests around the world, riots, 3 Million+ signatures on a petition, countless angry phone calls, emails, and tweets, finally 4 officers were arrested for George Floyd’s murder. It took over 2 months for Ahmaud Arbery’s white assailants to even get arrested. Breonna Taylor’s are still at large. There is a seemingly endless parade of police officers who were never fired, nor indicted, nor convicted for killing Black people. Justice is not being served. That is the rule, not the exception. It’s undeniable. This is not news to Black people. We begin to understand. “These are isolated incidents, very tragic, we condemn them. A few bad apples,” say the people in charge. Meanwhile, we are flooded with footage of fresh acts of police brutality against peaceful protestors, onlookers, and members of the press. These are direct and intentional attacks, often unprovoked. Particularly graphic footage circulates of a peaceful, elderly protestor getting strong-armed by police in Buffalo. When he falls to the ground, blood pools out of the man’s ear. “He’s leaking!” shouts one officer, as if describing a machine in need of repair. The dehumanizing word choice is startling. Not as startling as watching the whole group march past the man in distress. Despite a public outcry over the incident, the entire police squad of Buffalo, NY resigned in solidarity with the two colleagues who were suspended for shoving the man. No good apples to be found. At a time when no one feels safe, when we’re fighting an invisible virus that we don’t understand, we know we are all in this together. No one is swooping in to save us. We have to protect one another. The pandemic has primed us to prioritize survival over civility, justice over peace, life over wealth. We have begun to understand the pain and fear that plagues our Black community because it is no longer theoretical. We feel it, too. In a deep and inexpressible way. Now it’s a shared pain. It could be our father who lies bleeding on the cement. It could be our daughter who gets tear gassed. It could be us in a chokehold. Any of us. No one is safe. No one can breathe. We begin to understand why Black people have been fighting for their lives. And we are ready to fight, too. Taking Action Through Sewing Would you love to help youth-led protests, but aren’t sure how to help? Do you have some fabric or sewing supplies that you would be willing to contribute to the cause? Izebel would love to hear from you! Please reach out to izebel(a)rocketmail.com in the next 24 hours. Thanks in advance!

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Glowbe: Call for Submissions for Special Glowbe Edition
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 08 Jun '20

08 Jun '20

It's a weekend in June, and in a normal year Fireflies would have started congregating in Vermont, clearing fallen trees, building art, checking each other for ticks,and finishing the plans for coming together with joy and meaning in a month. 2020 is not a normal year. Firefly is a focal point for an array of disparate communities, one focused on self expression and experimentation; on participation; on raising up voices to be heard. The Glowbe is opening its pages for a special edition to come out in a week on Firefly's website and Announce list, which goes to all ticket holders past and present, as a place for all interested members of our community to share their experiences of this moment and how they see Firefly's values working within themselves and the larger world. The Glowbe will accept a wide range of submissions on the theme of police violence against black bodies, ways our community can contribute to change in the world, and how the world can change our community. These submissions could take the form of a call to change for more racial equity and inclusion, seeking awareness and resources for a project or action, and what the values and experience of Firefly can bring to the default world. The Glowbe will offer assistance to anyone who would like to contribute, and is willing to help turn complicated thoughts or feelings into words. Submissions and requests will be accepted at communications(a)fireflyartscollective.org. All the best, Glowbe Editor and Communication Committee

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A Message from Firefly Arts Collective
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 07 Jun '20

07 Jun '20

Fireflies, At this time of year we’d normally be frantically planning for our trip to the woods, but in 2020 our possibilities and our priorities have changed due to the many happenings in the default world. Our mission is to "foster a collaborative environment and community," and to “extend our concepts of both community and art”. Our activities are about providing a platform for that work. Recognition of the pain in our community about injustice in the greater world absolutely has a place here. As the individuals serving on the Firefly Board of Directors, we all feel strongly in support of racial justice and equality, and condemn violence and oppression against people of color in all forms. However Firefly is a community-driven organization, and we're wary of simply speaking on behalf of all Fireflies -- anything we say might sound false or forced. Instead, we want to support all of you, and elevate voices that need to be heard in this moment. To this end, we’re soliciting contributions for a special edition of the Firefly Glowbe to start conversations on what we can do as a community to support justice and equality, in our community and beyond. Please send your thoughts to communications(a)fireflyartscollective.org to be published in a week in our Announce mailing list [ https://lists.fireflyartscollective.org/listinfo/announce] and join our Blink discussion list [ https://lists.fireflyartscollective.org/listinfo/fireflyblink] and Facebook group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/firefly.arts.collective] to be part of a broader conversation. We want to elevate the voices of Fireflies working towards justice. If you are working on projects to this end or want your voice heard, the forthcoming message from the Glowbe will have more information. Sincerely, Firefly Arts Collective Board of Directors

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Tuesday night meetup Virtual CBC on Zoom
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 31 Mar '20

31 Mar '20

We'll be staging our Meet-n-Greet online again from 9-10:30pm Tuesday (tonight)! Bring your canned CBC beer or other libation of choice. Now with a tip jar: Anna, our Tuesday bartender, can receive your dollars via Venmo at @Anna-Ireland, and she will probably also pop in to say hello tonight! Virtual CBC meetup, Tuesday 9pm-10:30 pm: Join Zoom Meeting [ https://affectiva.zoom.us/j/876262197 | https://affectiva.zoom.us/j/876262197 ] Meeting ID: 876 262 197 One tap mobile [ tel:+16465588656 | +16465588656 ] ,,876262197 # US (New York) [ tel:+13126266799 | +13126266799 ] ,,876262197 # US (Chicago) Dial by your location [ tel:+1%20646%20558%208656 | +1 646 558 8656 ] US (New York) [ tel:+1%20312%20626%206799 | +1 312 626 6799 ] US (Chicago) [ tel:+1%20669%20900%206833 | +1 669 900 6833 ] US (San Jose) [ tel:+1%20253%20215%208782 | +1 253 215 8782 ] US [ tel:+1%20301%20715%208592 | +1 301 715 8592 ] US [ tel:+1%20346%20248%207799 | +1 346 248 7799 ] US (Houston) 877 853 5247 US Toll-free 877 369 0926 US Toll-free Meeting ID: 876 262 197 Find your local number: [ https://affectiva.zoom.us/u/aVinFEuXu | https://affectiva.zoom.us/u/aVinFEuXu ]

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New Virtual CBC meetup address NOW
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 24 Mar '20

24 Mar '20

Join Zoom Meeting [ https://affectiva.zoom.us/j/174896169?fbclid=IwAR0pHknIP1BWE2CVLLYBMiqRog_q… | https://affectiva.zoom.us/j/174896169 ] Meeting ID: 174 896 169 One tap mobile +16465588656,,174896169# US (New York) +13126266799,,174896169# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) 877 853 5247 US Toll-free 877 369 0926 US Toll-free Meeting ID: 174 896 169 Find your local number: [ https://affectiva.zoom.us/u/aVinFEuXu?fbclid=IwAR23Qfyap7XC6IM33-UYuK_uWyOr… | https://affectiva.zoom.us/u/aVinFEuXu ]

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Virtual CBC Tonight!
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 24 Mar '20

24 Mar '20

Trying out the first official Virtual Meet'n'Greet on Zoom tonight! >From 9-10:30 grab your own favorite libation and go here to drop in- say hi to fellow burners and Fireflies! Feel free to pop in and out, you don't have to stay for the whole thing. [ https://zoom.us/j/811728732?pwd=dTZWNHRQRTRlOUE0VE5qN2lWZGUwQT09 | https://zoom.us/j/811728732?pwd=dTZWNHRQRTRlOUE0VE5qN2lWZGUwQT09 ] See you there, --Lizm

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Statement from Firefly Arts Collective Leadership on Firefly 2020
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 24 Mar '20

24 Mar '20

Statement from Firefly Arts Collective Leadership on Firefly 2020 As of this Monday, March 23, Governor Baker has issued a stay at home advisory, to begin at noon on Tuesday the 24th. This highlights even more the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation. After careful consideration, Firefly Arts Collective is postponing Firefly 2020. We will explore having Firefly at an alternate date later in the year, if it becomes safe to do so. The Art Grants cycle is well underway, and a number of grants have thus far been given for projects to appear at Firefly 2020. As an arts-focused organization, we are happy to honor these existing commitments should the artists desire to still complete the projects. Art Grants will be in contact with these folks to disseminate information about what this will look like. New grants for the July 2020 event, including the Moonshot Grants and the 2nd Round Creativity Grants, will not move forward at this time. Stay tuned for information about future art grant programs later this year. The Firefly community will certainly feel the loss of our primary in person gathering, so please maintain your connections with other people through digital/virtual means. We’re all in this together. Firefly Board & Festival Committee

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