The

Zendo Project
Harm Reduction Manual
Burning Man 2014

The following manual details standard procedures for

Zendo volunteer services at Burning Man 2014 Please read thoroughly!

Table of Contents:
1. The Zendo Project Mission Statement
2. Training Information
3. Principles of Psychedelic Harm Reduction
4. Volunteers Roles
5. Shift Meetings and Transitions
6. Feedback Forms
7. Admitting and Discharging Guests
8. Difficulties Requiring Additional Assistance
9. Medical guide
10. Self Care for Volunteers & Debrief
11. Interacting with law enforcement
12. Ethics
13. Appendix A: How to work with difficult psychedelic experiences by
Sheelo Bohm
14. Appendix B: Integrating a Psychedelic Experience by Sara Gael Giron
15. Appendix C: Medical guide
16. Appendix D: Radio protocol
17. Appendix E: Cloud9 protocol
18. Appendix F: Dcor and space keeping
19. Appendix G: Suggested reading


The Zendo Project Mission Statement
It is our mission to 1) Provide a supportive space for Guests undergoing difficult
psychedelic experiences or other psychological emergencies in order to help turn
those experiences into opportunities for learning and personal growth, and to
reduce the number of drug-related psychiatric hospitalizations; 2) Create an
environment where volunteers can work alongside one another to improve their
harm reduction skills and receive training and feedback; and 3) Demonstrate that
safe, productive psychedelic experiences are possible without the need for law
enforcement-based policies.

Training Information
A 4-hour training will take place on Tuesday August 26, 2014 from 11AM-3PM at
the FauxMirage Foam Dome, which will be located near 2:30 & E.

Volunteers are required to attend the training. At this training session, important
procedures will be discussed, as well as the principles of providing psychedelic
emergency services. Unless prior arrangements have been made, volunteers
who do not attend the training may be removed from the schedule.

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The schedule will be posted in the Zendo. There are four 6-hour shifts a day, starting
Wednesday, August 27, at 2PM. The shifts take place from 2:00PM-8PM, 8PM-2AM,
2AM-8AM, and 8AM-2PM. It is necessary that all volunteers arrive at least 15
minutes before their shift starts, for the pre-shift meeting, at which time important
information will be relayed about the current Guests status. Volunteers should also
plan on staying 15 minutes after their assigned shift for a post-shift debriefing
session.

Debriefing
Debriefing about your time as a Zendo volunteer is important. Stop by the Zendo
Sunday afternoon or Monday to chat with us about your experience and give us
feedback for next year.

Principals of Psychedelic Harm-Reduction

This year, millions of people will use psychedelics outside of supervised
medical contexts, many of them for the first time. Many psychedelic users are
unprepared to tend to a psychedelic-induced crisis. As part of our efforts to
minimize harm related to the non-medical use of psychedelics, we provide advice
for helping someone having a difficult psychedelic experience.

It is not uncommon for psychedelic users to have difficult experiences. This is
most likely with first-time users, especially with high doses and without adequate
preparation or guidance. Society has termed these experiences "bad trips."

A difficult psychedelic experience is not necessarily a bad one. With proper
preparation and understanding, it is possible to help a person having a difficult
experience so that they can receive the most benefit from it.

Difficult psychedelic experiences can be frightening, but they are also
potentially among the most valuable experiences someone can have. Difficult
psychedelic experiences can be the result of external factors, such as a chaotic
environment or traumatic events, or the result of painful or troubling emotions that
arise during the experience.

By working with these experiences, rather than trying to "talk someone
down," together the sitter and the psychedelic user can make a difficult psychedelic
experience a chance for personal growth.

Psychedelic experiences can vary tremendously, and are sometimes
unpredictable, but are most influenced by set (drug and mindset and setting).

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Set and Setting:
Set includes the drug (dose, duration, presence of impurities), and the mindset of
individual, which includes their intention/expectation, emotional state,
psychological wellbeing, previous experience with substance. Setting includes
features of the physical space such as lighting, level of noise/activity, as well as
persons familiarity and sense of safety in that place. Setting also includes the social
support available, i.e. whether the person is alone or with friends. Changes in set
and setting can radically shift a psychedelic experience.

Four Basic Principles

1. Create a safe space Try to create a calm environment, most importantly,
be being a calm presence. Ask what would make them most comfortable.
Offer blankets and water.

2. Sitting, not guiding - Be a calm meditative presence of acceptance,
compassion, and caring. Promote feelings of trust and security. Let the
persons unfolding experience be the guide. Dont try to get ahead of the
process. Explore distressing issues as they emerge, but simply being with the
person can provide support.

3. Talk through, not down Without distracting from the experience, help the
person connect with what they are feeling. Invite the person to take the
opportunity to explore whats happening and encourage them to try not to
resist it.

4. Difficult is not the same as bad Challenging experiences can wind up
being our most valuable, and may lead to learning and growth. Consider that
it may be happening for an important reason. Suggest that they approach the
fear and difficult aspects of their experience with curiosity


Provide Compassionate Listening
When providing service in the Zendo, volunteers should remain calm and open to
the needs of Guests without fussing over them. Guests should be greeted warmly
and welcomed by volunteers who should refrain from any patronizing, or
judgmental approach. Guests will often feel better by simply having a quiet
conversation with someone who will truly listen to them and talk about whatever
they are going through.

When we say "listen", we mean really listen to the Guest. Think carefully about what
Guests tell you, and avoid any instinct towards being dismissive or belittling their
experiences and concerns. Guests in an expanded state of consciousness are often
exquisitely sensitive to the reactions of those caring for them. Remember that some

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Guests who visit the Zendo may appear to be altered, but may not need or desire any
care except basic hospitality. Sometimes it may be best to do nothing but be present.
Remember that Guests are coming into an area where they may not know anyone.
Some degree of self-disclosure may be appropriate when you are working with
them.

When talking with Guests, it is often useful to echo or reflect what they are
telling you.
Let Guests know that you are listening and that you care about them.
Guests may want to discuss sensitive or personal topics.
Sitters should give Guests permission to explore these issues in confidence,
while maintaining their own emotional and physical boundaries.
Encourage Guests to explore their self-awareness and ask them to confirm or
clarify your understanding of their situation.
Respond to Guests in a way that shows that you understand, or are genuinely
trying to understand what they are saying.
Be honest about your feelings concerning their suggestions for resolution of
their distress.
Encourage Guests to discuss their own perceived emotional strengths and
resources.
Explore what they would consider a good outcome to their situation.
Ask Guests to think about the consequences of their actions, not just for
themselves, but also for others.
If a Guest indicates that they may do something that impacts their well-being
and safety, invite the Guest to explain the situation as clearly and calmly as
they can. Seek help if needed.
Suggest to Guests that they may want to wait until after their psychedelic
experience has resolved to assess their decisions in a clearer light.
Giving a Guest the time to talk about their concerns will often help them feel
less fearful.
Encourage Guests to engage in forms of artistic self-expression: writing,
drawing, etc.
If a Guest feels anxious or tense, you might encourage them to take deep,
slow breaths or engage in some form of movement that releases tightly
wound energy.
Guests should be given the opportunity to express themselves and/or release
excess energy by whatever means they feel is necessary - such as making
noises, crying, singing, chanting, or moving around in whatever way is useful
to them without disturbing others.
Sometimes, inviting the Guest to take a walk with you outside the Zendo to a
burn barrel or other place on the playa may be calming, especially if the
Zendo is crowded.

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Sitters should also be open to a variety of approaches that can help shift the
Guest's experience of distress to a positive outcome.
Sitters should feel comfortable utilizing self-disclosure.
Making jokes and having a sense of humor can often be very helpful.
Accept and Work With Difficult Experiences
Any difficult or powerful experience - whether involving an altered state or
not - can be considered an opportunity for personal evolution.
Not all such encounters are easy, but volunteers can help Guests remain calm
and reassured.
Reminding the Guest that their experience is an opportunity for growth can
be helpful.
Remember to ask the Guest about their immediate history such as when they
last slept, ate, and hydrated; as well as what substances they may have
consumed, especially alcohol. Ask them to describe their physical and/or
mental state.
It may also be helpful to ask them if they are not taking a prescription
medication that they should be taking.
Ask Guests if they want to lie down and rest or take a nap.
If there is any doubt that their condition may require medical care,
have the Guest checked out by Zendo Medical Volunteer promptly.
Offer to accompany Guest to outside care, if necessary, if you have already
established a rapport and if enough volunteers are present.
If possible and appropriate, remain with the person while they are being
cared for and continue to reassure them.
If Guests do not require medical care but are distressed, remember that
emotional struggles may be prompted by an effort to fight the experience in
an attempt to maintain control.
Guests may be confronted with their fears or unresolved issues from the
past.
Some may attempt to avoid this experience because it makes them feel afraid,
threatened and uncomfortable. For others, such states may simply be a case
of sensory overload.
Guests may feel panicked or overwhelmed.
Fear can quickly escalate, aggravating and magnifying the very thoughts and
feelings that the Guest is trying to avoid.
Helping to remove or reduce resistance and fear can help shift the Guest's
mental perspective.
Such reassurance can help the Guest focus on the personal growth that can
be gained from these experiences.
Confirm with Guests that they are in a safe space where they will be treated
with compassion and without judgment.
Everyone's experiences are unique. Be kind, attentive and reassuring.

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Some Guests may have preexisting mental disturbances that may remain
when their distress has subsided.
If it appears that the Guest is experiencing substantial mental or emotional
difficulties after the immediate crisis, summon mental health professionals
or encourage the Guest to seek such care.

Volunteers Roles

PILOT & CO-PILOTS
The Pilot and Co-Pilots manage all components of the Zendo. It is our job to make
sure that volunteers have what they need. We will coordinate shifts, attend some
pre- and post-shift meetings, and attend to any special situations. During busy times,
we may take the role of Sitter. Either the Pilot or Co-Pilots will have one of the
radios at all times.

MEDICAL TEAM
We strive to have at least one Medical Volunteer on each shift. Medical volunteers
will take a supportive approach to intervention, providing fundamental backup
support and supervision to Sitters and the Shift Lead . While Medical Volunteers
may choose to be Sitters, they should remain available to answer any medical-
related questions. The medical team will not provide major medical care in the
Zendo. They will triage Guests who need medical attention to a medical tent or
dispatch BMOrg medical personnel via the MURS radio.

Shift Lead
Each shift will be assigned a Shift Lead. The Shift Lead is the primary person in
charge of leading the Zendo space during the shift. In the unlikely event that the
Shift Lead does not show up for the shift, the second person listed on that shift
becomes the Shift Lead. The Shift Lead is someone who has past harm-reduction
experience at Burning Man, and who has demonstrated that they understand the
Zendo Project mission and the principles of peer psychedelic therapy. Although in
many cases the shift leader has extensive experience in the field of peer psychedelic
therapy, this person is not necessarily the most expert person on the topic, and
should be open to receiving feedback from others on the team as well. This is a
learning experience for everyone involved.

Shift Leads responsibilities:
Lead a pre-shift meeting.
Designate a Sitter or Sitters for each Guest.
If staffing permits, the ideal situation is a male/female co-therapist
team.
Supervise the team of Sitters and assist and answer questions as necessary.

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Remain mobile and engaged in the entire vibe of the Zendo (sometimes it
may be necessary to step in and assist with a visitor for an amount of time,
but generally try to be available and supervising everyone in the space).
In busy times, act as a sitter for the more difficult visitors.
Provide feedback to Sitters, or facilitate feedback between Sitters.
Make sure a Logkeeper is appointed for every shift.
Lead a debriefing meeting at the end of shift (this is re-assigned to the
Logkeeper if the Shift Lead is not ready to leave)
Make judgment calls and notify medical staff if additional intervention is
required
If a visitor is believed to be experiencing a true medical emergency, the
Shift Lead should consult the Medical Volunteer in the Zendo and notify
the BMOrg medical team via an MURS radio.

THE LOGKEEPER
A Logkeeper will be designated for each shift. The Shift Lead is in charge of
designating a new Logkeeper when necessary or desirable. The Logkeeper will
gather valuable information that will be used for shift changes, as well as post-
Burning Man, to analyze areas of improvement for the Zendo Project services. The
Logkeeper should also make sure that the Zendo itself is clean and stocked with
supplies. The Logkeeper may be assigned by the Shift Lead to assist with visitors.

Logkeepers responsibilities:
Keep records of each Guest that comes in to the Zendo (forms will be
provided).
Pay attention to what is happening with each Guest.
Try to collect information about each Guests camp location and friends
names.
During the shift, clean up the space and make sure that necessary supplies
are stocked and orderly. Remove trash from Zendo.
Check in with Sitters near the end of each shift to receive necessary
information to update incoming Sitters from next shift.
At the end of the shift, attend upcoming shifts pre-shift meeting to inform
the new sitters about the status of current Guests.

THE SITTER
The Sitters main responsibility is to assist Guests in the Zendo. The Sitter should
strive to be a calm and helpful presence. When staffing permits, ideally we will
assign a male/female co-therapist team for each Guest. Many Guests that arrive in
the Zendo are NOT undergoing a psychedelic experience, but it is not always clear. It
is important to treat all Guests with the same respect, kindness, and helpfulness
whether they have arrived because they are drunk, tired, lost, cold, having
relationship problems, off their medications, or undergoing a psychedelic
experience. It is not the Sitters job to distract a visitor who is undergoing a

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psychedelic emergency, but instead to hold a safe space for them to allow their
experience to unfold. The Sitter should utilize any skills that they feel comfortable
using in helping their Guests to feel safe to explore their experience. The Sitter is
encouraged to call upon another Sitter or the Shift Lead if they feel that additional
assistance or a second opinion is useful in serving the Guest. The Sitter should
consult with the Shift Lead if there is any question of a Guest having a true medical
emergency or a mental illness requiring outside assistance. The Shift Lead will call
the Rangers to request medical or other assistance, if needed.

Sitters responsibilities:
Maintain a calm, compassionate, and loving presence.
Attend to Guests physical needs for comfort and warmth; e.g. blankets,
water, food, a hug, etc.
Attend to Guests psychological needs by listening, reminding them that they
are in a safe space, and encouraging them to go into their experience
Conduct yourself in accordance with the principals of harm reduction that
are provided in this manual and will be expanded upon in the training.
If a visitor is believed to be experiencing a true medical emergency, the
Sitter should tell the Medical Volunteer so she/he can notify the
medical staff via a MURS radio.

Space Keeper:
The role of the space keeper is to maintain the cleanliness, organization and good
feeling of the Zendo. This role can be filled by a sitter but needs to be tended to
intermittently. If the space keeper is with a guest, requesting the help of a free
volunteer may be necessary. The details of important tasks can be found in the
Zendo Cleanliness section of the manual.

Space Keepers responsibilities:
Key an overall eye on the Zendo space, and attend to any needs of cleanliness
and organization.
Ask for help on tasks needing completed.
Look over the task list in the Zendo Cleanliness section and make sure each
item has been cared for.
Encourage any volunteers who are not sitting with Guests to help spiff up the
space during the last 30 minutes of the shift.
Keep the altar fresh.
Sage the space occasionally, if needed.
Help keep the space feeling good!

Greeter:
The Greeter, as the title implies, will be stationed at the door and will greet anyone
who approaches the Zendo. Often, people are just curious about the purpose of the
space and this is an opportunity for the greeter to inform people about the Zendo

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and psychedelic harm reduction. Other times, you will direct Guests (and the
friends that are with them) to the Logkeeper or Shift Lead, who will assist the Guest
from there.

Greeters responsibilities:
Introduce Guests to the Zendo
Make sure you or another volunteer is always at the door.
Welcome Guests kindly and with compassion.
Inform curious passers-by about the purpose of the Zendo.

Roamer:
The Roamers responsibility will be to go out into the Burning Man community and
share the Zendo mission with fellow Burners. This could include telling people
about the Zendos presence, or directing people who are in need of support to the
Zendo.

Roamers responsibilities:
Begin your shift in the Zendo with all the volunteers and familiarize yourself
with the Shift Lead and Greeter.
Go out onto the Playa with your assigned radio and be alert for people in
need of support. It is important that only you use the radio and that you
dont give it to any non-Zendo personnel.
If you come across someone in need of support who cannot make it to the
Zendo, take the opportunity to offer compassionate care, as you would if you
were a sitter in the Zendo. If you need additional support, radio to see if any
available volunteers can come to your location.
Escort any Guests who need support back to the Zendo. Please radio the Shift
Lead to let them know that you are on your way with a Guest.
Return at the end of the shift for the shift meeting and inform the volunteer
team of your experience in the community.

Shift Meetings and Transitions

PRE-SHIFT MEETING
Volunteers should arrive 15 minutes before the start of their scheduled shift to
conduct a pre-shift meeting led by the Shift Lead of the upcoming shift. Each
volunteer should introduce her/himself to the group and share what special skills
they have to contribute, what qualifications they have, and where theyre at. At this
meeting it will be confirmed that the shift has a Logkeeper. The Logkeeper from the
previous shift should be in attendance for this meeting to debrief everyone on the
status of current Guests, and show the new Logkeeper what to do.

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SHIFT TRANSITION
After the pre-shift meeting, the Shift Lead of the upcoming shift will assign Sitters to
work with current Guests. It is always preferable that Sitters remain with their
Guest for the duration of the Guests stay, but we understand that this is not
always possible. The Sitter from the previous visit should introduce the new Sitter
to the Guest. The Logkeeper from the previous shift should update the Logkeeper
from the upcoming shift on the current status of the log.

POST-SHIFT MEETING
Volunteers should plan on staying 15 minutes after the end of their scheduled shift
for a debriefing meeting. This meeting will begin as soon as the new shift has
finished their pre-shift meeting and been introduced to visitors. The Shift Lead
should lead this meeting. The purpose of the post-shift meeting is to debrief and
share information among the Zendo volunteers. This is a time for each volunteer to
share what their experience was in the Zendo and provide each other with feedback
on their work. This meeting should be held at a distance far enough away from the
Zendo as to not be audible to current visitors.

Feedback Forms

1. GUEST REPORT FORM completed by Logkeeper, Shift Lead, and Sitter(s)
When the Guest arrives, after the Shift Lead has assigned the Guest with a Sitter, the
Logkeeper and Sitter should complete the first page of the Guest Report Form. While
the Guest is resting, or right after the Guest leaves the Zendo, the Sitter(s) should
complete the remaining parts of the Guest Report Form. It is the Logkeepers
responsibility to make sure the Guest Report Form is completed.

2. ON-SITE GUEST FEEDBACK FORM completed by Guest before leaving
When the Guest is preparing to leave the Zendo, the Sitter should collect as much
information with the Guest in order to complete the On-Site Guest Feedback Form. If
possible, the Guest should fill out the chart and essay, not the Sitter.

3. TAKE-HOME GUEST FEEDBACK FORM completed by Guest after Burning
Man Sitter gives to Guest
Before the Guest departs, the Sitter should give the Guest their Take-Home Guest
Feedback Form. This form will be enclosed in a stamped, addressed envelope.
Guests are encouraged to mail this feedback form to the Zendo Team after reflecting
on their Zendo experience, up to a month after their visit. Guests who mail in their
form will receive one free MAPS-published book that will be mailed to them or to a
friend.

4. VOLUNTEER FEEDBACK FORM completed by Zendo Volunteers during
their last shift

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At the end of your last shift, please take a few moments to write about your
experience volunteering in the Zendo. Wed like to hear about your general
impressions and way we can improve in future years. Youre also encouraged to
share one or more of your more meaningful interactions with Guests or other
Volunteers.


Admitting and Discharging Guests

ADMITTING A GUEST TO THE ZENDO
At the time of admittance, the Shift Lead should meet with the Guest or the person
bringing the Guest to the Zendo to gather information about the Guests current
psychological status, reason for coming to the Zendo, and drugs they have taken.
The Medical Volunteer will greet each Guest and evaluate whether their condition is
medical. If possible, the Logkeeper and/or should acquire as much information from
the Guest as possible for the Guest Report Form.

If there arent many Guests in the Zendo, the Zendo Volunteers should feel welcome
to discuss their experiences together and reasons for wanting to volunteer in the
Zendo.

GUEST DEPARTURE FROM THE ZENDO
All Guests are free to leave at any time that they wish. The best way to discharge a
Guest is into the company of his or her friends or campmates. If a friend or
campmate arrives to visit someone, try to arrange for that person to return to walk
their friend home when that person is ready to go. Alternately, try to have a
volunteer walk a person home if the visitor is still feeling shaky. Please ask each
Guest to complete the on-site feedback form and give them one feedback form
enclosed in the stamped, addressed envelop to take with them.

If the Sitter and the Shift Lead believe it is in the persons best interest to stay, but
the person wants to leave, the Sitter and Shift Lead should gently encourage the
Guest to stay. For some Guests, it may be appropriate to go on a walk together,
returning if the person is not yet ready to leave alone. If the Sitter and Shift Lead
believe that leaving the Zendo may pose an immediate threat to the visitor, they
should explain this to the Guest and try to keep the Guest present. Consult with the
Medical Volunteer, and dispatch a Ranger or Medic using the MURS radio. Do not
attempt to physically restrain anyone. At time of discharge from the Zendo, the
Logkeeper should be certain that all paperwork has been completed on that visitor.

Difficulties Requiring Additional Assistance

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Mental Illness
Not all visitors in the Zendo can be treated with a safe place to reflect. We try to
have at least one Medical Volunteer on the staff during each shift. Many psychedelic
and spiritual emergencies can masquerade as more serious psychiatric ailments. If
the Medical Volunteer and/or Shift Lead believe a Guest should have medical care,
please contact a medic on the MURS radio. Consult with the Pilot first, if time
permits. This most often happens after a day or more of symptoms that do not
appear to be improving.

Violence
If a visitor displays violent behavior towards him or her self, try to stop the behavior
without putting yourself in danger. If a visitor displays any violent behavior towards
others, or a Sitter, volunteers should try to move to safety and keep them from
hurting others. The Shift Lead should contact a Ranger or Medic on the MURS radio
to take the person away.

Medical Emergencies
If a visitor is believed to be experiencing a true medical emergency, the Shift
Lead should notify the Medical Volunteer, who will decide whether to notify
the BMOrg medic via the MURS radio.


Self-Care for Volunteers
Volunteering in the Zendo may at times be demanding work. It is essential that
volunteers take good care of themselves in order to be fully present to serve others.
During your shift in the Zendo, don't forget to drink water, snack, breathe, and
stretch. If you feel that your calmness, patience, or positivity is slipping, take a break
and ask another volunteer to take your place. Introduce your replacement volunteer
to the Guest before you depart. You cannot be fully present for others if you do not
treat yourself with respect. Check in with the Shift Lead on your shift before leaving
the Zendo for any reason.

Carefully monitor your own fatigue and emotional state.
Recognize your personal limitations and ask for help if needed.
Bring needed personal supplies with you for your Zendo shift including
hydration, snacks, and warm clothing.
Do not try to apply skills you do not possess.
If you become ineffective while caring for a Guest, kick it sideways and ask
another volunteer to replace or assist you.
Be open to suggestions from your fellow volunteers.
Allow yourself to be the grounded energy that helps the Guest transition
toward their calm, unaltered self.
Help promote harmony among the volunteers.
Seek the assistance of a Shift Lead to promptly settle disagreements.

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Share your expertise with fellow volunteers and encourage them to develop
their skills.
Honor yourself and your fellow volunteers.

Ethics
Full Circle Tea House (9:15 & B) Code of Ethics (Annie Oak)
The following code of ethics has been adopted from the Full Circle Tea House:

In order to provide a consistent level of compassionate care, Zendo volunteers must
embrace impeccable ethical standards while providing service. Guests who visit the
Zendo may be in a vulnerable state, and they must be treated with care and dignity.

Volunteers must be calm, compassionate and alert as they hold space for
Guests.
Remain focused on the needs of Guests and remain attentive to changing
conditions while providing assistance.
Keep all discussions and events in confidence.
Ask senior volunteers for advice and assistance if needed.
Do not provide care while excessively fatigued.
Request permission from a Guest before touching them in any way.
Request permission from a Guest before using any special techniques in your
peer counseling and avoid pressuring them into accepting.
Sexual advances from Guests should be tactfully deflected.
Sexual advances from volunteers towards a Guest are forbidden.
If you provide any form of care to a Guest, remain with that person for the
duration of their visit unless another volunteer or medical staff takes over
their care or relieves you.
Respect your fellow volunteers and strive to be helpful.
Seek assistance from senior volunteers to resolve any disputes or
disagreements with other volunteers or outside services.
Treat Guests with the care you would want for yourself or your own family.
Act with integrity.

Interacting with law enforcement
If law enforcement organizations arrive at the Zendo, the Pilot, Co-Pilot, or Shift
Lead should be the point of contact. Please remind them that it is a safe space where
people in vulnerable states are seeking rest. Suggest that any law enforcement
activities or discussions take place outside the Zendo. None of the Zendo team
should have any illegal substances in their possession when they are inside the
Zendo.

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Appendix A

How to Work with Difficult Psychedelic Experiences

A true psychedelic experience, even a so-called bad trip, is sacred. In earth-oriented,
shamanic cultures, even a psychotic breakdown, induced by a psychedelic, is part of
the initiation.

So remember the way of the ancients: this is a process, a process of awakening,
healing, and ultimately celebrating life.

To avoid psychologizing the psychedelic experience I have avoided medical or
traditional therapeutic language.

Overview of what we will cover:

1. Role of the Sitter or Facilitator
2. Varieties of Psychedelic-Induced Crises
3. Working and Being with Psychedelic Emergencies
4. Aftercare
5. Related Readings

This is a short overview of the material we will cover in this hands-on training. It is
based on 30 years of experience sitting for people. It has therapeutic value, but goes
beyond therapy and moves into transpersonal and spiritual realms.
The manual is based on training, schooling, teachings and hands-on work with the
leading people in the psychedelic movement, and on in-depth work with
healers/shamans from Nepal, Ecuador, and the Navajo nation. It is based on my own
healing and therapeutic work, using psychedelics, western psychology, bodywork,
breathwork, art, and different eastern tools, like meditation, Zen koan study and
nature work.

1. ROLE OF THE SITTER OR FACILITATOR
The work with psychedelics, entheogens, and plant teachers is an area of the healing
arts that is ancient and has been rediscovered in the last 100 years. There are many

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different ways to work with and understand the psychedelic experience. When we
work and sit with a person going through a psychedelic-induced crisis, it is
important to understand that in a certain way this is a dialectic relationship, a way
of relating that is ancient.

Every person is a psychospiritual system, meaning there is no separation of body,
mind, emotion, soul, imagination and energy. Therefore it is very important to see
each person as a unique individual.

There is always the tendency to overpower the other with our knowledge, wisdom,
and insight. So let go of all knowledge regarding the experiences that the person is
having. Just be with, listen, and observe. This brings us back to the dialectical
relationship, paying full attention, allowing the other to express and communicate
whatever they want. Just being, without a putdown or judgment.

It is important for the healer/sitter/helper to believe in her/his way of working. The
belief in the method is important for the results.

The healer/sitter therefore is someone who has had their own psychedelic
experience and has had some experience sitting for people, guiding her/his friends.
Without any experience, it is impossible to just be with someone having a
psychedelic experience or guiding someone having a psychedelic crisis. It is good to
know that we all have blind spots and there is the danger that we might stop the
experience if we have not explored this material or are afraid.

Rule #1, under any condition, is that we honor and respect the person having the
crisis.

Even if we dont understand whats happening (the person having the crisis might
be much more developed than we are, lost in worlds unknown to us, or reliving a
drama we cant comprehend), we serve as an anchor, a resting place, and a quiet
center. We know that our presence is helpful. At this moment we dont have to solve
all the problems and answer all the questions that the experience or the persons life
presents.

We have to remember that tens of millions of people have used psychedelics, in
many different, sometimes not very supportive, environments, and returned home
safely. With support, knowledge, and integrative work there is very little danger in
the psychedelic experience itself. Even the most frightening and bizarre behavior,
when explored and worked with, will turn out to be beneficial and enlightening.
As stated earlier, the positive outcome of our work requires trusting the wisdom of
the ancients, trusting the wisdom of our modern teachers and healers, and trusting
the built-in wisdom of our bodies, minds and souls.

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We frequently pick up emotions and feelings and energies from others. We will
cover ways of clearing, cleansing, and purification.

2. VARIETIES OF PSYCHEDELIC CRISES
This is a vast area, so we will just touch on it. For a more in-depth study, see the
reading list.

There is no clear manifestation of any substance or mixture of substances. But there
are some generalities. It is very important to know the active duration of the
different substances. All psychedelics have a similar pattern: theres the doorway
with different physical, mental and emotional manifestations. There is a buildup,
then an extended stay on a plateau, then the coming down, re-entry.
The most common felt threat to sanity is the feeling/experience that one is going
crazy, losing ones mind, or that this will never end. This feeling/experience is
supported by changing mental states and powerful (sometimes) changes in
perception. Major shifts in ego/personality structure, regarding ones belief and
understanding of oneself, the world, and god, are common.

Old traumas can be remembered and relived. These memories can be of a physical
nature (reliving ones birth, childhood abuse and/or illness, memories of famine
and/or war, accidents, rape are some of the possibilities of re-emergence). These
memories can also be of an intellectual, emotional nature (reliving verbal abuse, a
lack of basic emotions, body contact, love, nurture, or a disassociation due to a
traumatic experience).

These traumas can also be of a transpersonal nature, meaning phenomena that go
beyond our personal identity or biographical understanding of the universe. These
could be experiences from another life, becoming one with the earth or other life
forms, or experiencing the life cycle of an animal. One could leave ones body, have
the experience of merging with an archetype, or experience the world of a god or a
goddess. The memory of a violent death can be a most traumatic experience.

There can be many different, sometimes never experienced, sensory, energy, and
body sensations. These can range from hearing colors to seeing music. It could be an
extremely heightened sense of smell, taste, hearing and vision. Some of the most
frightening manifestations of the psychedelic experience are energetic. People go
through powerful releases, rendering their bodies out of control, shaking, twisting
and vibrating. These energies, being activated by the psychedelic substances, could
be related to birth, an opening of a frozen body pattern, bioenergetic, neo-Reichian
type of release, or be a reconnecting with the universal life force. The life-force is
called the kundalini and it manifests in a powerful opening of the bodys energy
center. It could also be an intensive sexual or other emotional release.

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The body sensations also cover a wide range of sensations and feelings. This can be
the feeling (for the first time in ones life) of coming home into the body.
Heres a small list of other possible experiences:

Relieving birth
Remembering different deaths
Relieving accidents
Reliving illness
Reliving drowning, torture, and many other physical experiences from this
and other lives
Reliving mystical states
Identifying with and reliving in detail the victimization of humans
throughout history.
Leaving the body and traveling in the spirit realm
Merging with rocks, animals, plants and experiencing the pollution and death
of the planet and different species
Merging with people, reading their minds, feeling their emotions
Being caught in a certain experience
Being overwhelmed by feelings and emotions

In a psychedelic experience and crisis the person may react to the healer/sitter and
project her/his own feelings and experiences onto the healer/sitter. This could be a
sexual, demonic, godlike or fearful transference. When this takes place it is
important just to be with, not to defend the transference.

3. WORKING WITH THE PSYCHEDELIC CRISIS
The experience of the persons crisis is, many times, one of letting go on all levels of
ones being. So we have to create a space where it is possible to be open, a space
thats quiet, warm, safe, and beautiful. This space is as important as the
sitting/facilitating itself. If possible, have flowers, candles, art and writing supplies,
blankets, quiet music and soft light.

Pay attention to the body language while you listen to whats being expressed
verbally and emotionally. Follow the expression of the person. If they have a lot of
energy, let the energy move, let it express itself (we provide a safe space) in
whatever form: uncontrolled shaking, yoga postures, dancing, ritualistic type of
movements, hyperventilation, kundalini type release.

If the person wants to speak, if sounds come out uncontrolled, support the
expression. This might be: a different or dead language, prayers from the different
spiritual traditions, far-out stories and memories, jibberish, animal sounds, looping
sentences (repeating over and over the same words), lamenting, cries, or screams.
Respond when needed, do not take over, try to (if appropriate) engage in a calm
conversation, responding to fear and anxiety.

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The most appropriate response to a powerful psychedelic crisis might be to just sit
quietly with the person, making them feel safe.

If the person is stuck there are several different ways to respond:

Wait and calm them down through talk, knowing the duration of the
substance taken
Walk with them, talking or not, until they calm down
Have them express the experience through sound
Have them move through it, through a physical expression, holding a certain
posture or letting the body go
One could do some deep, focused bodywork, just hold someone (meeting
their needs) or gently massage them. Always ask for permission regarding
any kind of physical contact.
Have appropriate sitter regarding male/female, important when recall of
sexual abuse takes place.
The person could recline, eyes closed or blindfolded, being in a safe place,
listening to comforting music and grounding the experience.
If their emotions are overwhelming them, encourage their expression.
When the person is calm enough or has come back from their difficult
psychedelic experience, have art supplies and writing material available.

Reassure them:
1. This will pass, this is a process.
2. This is an experience other people have had.

There will be support afterwards.

4. AFTERCARE
There are many ways to integrate the experience and to continue working with the
opening that took place. It is important to complete any unfinished gestalt. Further
reading should be encouraged, and the person should work with a trained
practitioner to complete the experience. This could be:

Transpersonally-oriented psychotherapy
Holotropic Breathwork
Shamanic Integration work
Different forms of bodywork
Different forms of energy release work
Work with archetypes
Different art forms, making music, dancing, painting, sculpting
Meditation and other spiritual practices (following the images or insights of
the experience)

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There are certain medical conditions that should be treated by the medical
management. There can be medical pre-existing conditions that are adverse to the
taking of psychedelics. Some of the most common are: pregnancy, mental illness,
cardiovascular problems like abnormal blood pressure or other heart problems,
recent surgeries and/or accidents, and epilepsy.




Appendix B

INTEGRATING A PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE

By Sara Gael Giron

A psychedelic trip does not end after a substance wears off, rather it continues on
through the process of integration. Integration is the phase within which an
individual assimilates and incorporates an experience into their psyche, body, and
life. It is the process of reorganizing the self to include the material experienced
during the altered state. The integration phase has no definitive time frame. In fact,
it can be said that once one has ingested a psychedelic substance, they will be
integrating the experience for their entire lifetime!
Some Guests stay in the Zendo until after they come down from a trip and are with
us through the acute integration phase. Some people come seeking support with the
integration of a previous experience. In either case, helping an individual process
and integrate their experience can be hugely helpful, especially if the experience
was difficult, extremely mind altering, or disruptive to their life or relationships.
The following tools can be used to support the integration process:

INTENTION

The psychedelic experience really begins when we choose to ingest a substance.
Intentions for taking a psychedelic medicine affect the entire experience, all the way
through integration and are the threads that tie the whole experience together.
Having a clear intention (ex. to access my creativity, to help heal my relationship
with my family, to explore stuck life patterns, to connect with others, to play, etc.)
sets the stage for a positive experience. When possible, we encourage people to
develop clarity around intentions before taking a substance. However, in the Zendo
we most often see people after the fact. Intention is still just as important during
integration as it is in the pre-journey phase.

Helpful questions you can ask include:

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Now that you have had this experience, what would you like to
remember/carry forward/complete?
What visions/information are you bringing home to your community?
How can you manifest these visions on the physical plane? In your life?
Work? Relationships?
What was your intention before taking the substance? (There is always some
intention, even if it wasnt consciously considered at the time). How did your
experience reflect your intention?
How does your experience affect your identity? Who is the person you want
to become in your life and how can this experience contribute to your growth
and expansion?
What are your intentions in life and how did this experience contribute to
your larger goals and desires?

Focusing on the experience as a positive life-changing event (even if it didnt feel
like one) can help the Guest focus on potential outcomes and help them connect
with how to use the experience as a catalyst for change and transformation in their
lives. Intention setting helps an individual use what they have learned during the
journey to manifest change in their lives.

COMMUNITY

One of the most difficult aspects of integration is returning to a society that doesnt
understand or support psychedelic exploration. In fact, re-entering society can feel
like a stark contrast between the interconnected, transpersonal state of the
psychedelic experience. Therefore, one of most important tools for successful
integration is a supportive, understanding community.
The Zendo is a community space where Guests can come to feel this supportive
connection with others who can hold their stories with respect and reverence.
Listening, mirroring, and reflecting someones story helps them feel seen and
understood and incorporates the experience into their psyche and life. Stories are
sacred. Remind an individual that their stories are important, not just for them, but
also for the collective. Creating a community culture where we share our visions and
revelations with each other is profound and necessary not just for the individual but
also for their community. We encourage our Guests to connect with and build
supportive communities around themselves when they return home from the event.
We support them in seeking professional help if necessary.

EMBODIMENT

It is relatively easy to ingest a substance and have a mind-altering experience. The
real work begins when we try to carry what we have learned back to our daily lives
and communities. Embodiment is the process of integrating knowledge, wisdom,
and experience into the fabric of ones being. It is the process whereby ideas become

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actual beliefs, practices, and behavior. One thing that can be helpful is to remind the
Guest that the ego mind cannot possibly comprehend and make sense of the totality
of a peak experience. When we try to mentally understand every aspect of the
experience, we can become anxious, depressed, etc. The body and the heart have the
capacity to hold our most intense life experiences including the grief, trauma,
ecstasy, overwhelming emotions, and revelations that can come with psychedelic
use. Tools for embodiment include: art, movement, talking, music, dance, poetry,
writing, the language of symbols and archetypes, spending time in nature,
bodywork, somatic therapy, etc. It is never too late to begin this process.

Appendix C
Zendo Medical Guide
MEDICAL VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITY
The Medical Volunteer will be responsible for assessing the medical status of each
Zendo guest upon their admittance, keeping an overall idea of the current condition
of each guest during their stay.

Members of the Zendo Team may provide basic life support, regardless of their
medical experience. This involves maintaining a patent airway, rescue breathing and
CPR.
The Medical Volunteer will be responsible for contacting Emergency Services when
necessary, using the MURS radio (see radio manual for specific instructions).
As the Medical Volunteer it is your decision to contact ESD. First, take necessary
steps to get the guest into a private controlled space where you will be able to
transfer care to ESD appropriately and without disrupting other guests as much as
possible. Make sure you have other volunteers with you and dictate the help you
need to them while you make the ESD call. In the field, the ambulance is used for this
type of private controlled space. At the Zendo, it could be just outside the door or in
one of the other more private spaces.
Emergency medical attention is required for a patient showing signs of:
Fever higher than 103F
Confusion
Sluggishness (lethargy)
Headache
Seizures
Difficulty breathing
Chest or abdominal pains
Fainting
No urine in the last 12 hours

DEHYDRATION

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Volunteers should be aware of the symptoms of dehydration:
Increased thirst
Dry mouth and swollen tongue
Weakness
Dizziness
Palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding)
Confusion
Sluggishness fainting
Fainting
Inability to sweat
Decreased urine output
Urine discoloration; if highly concentrated and yellow or amber

SKIN TURGOR

Decreased skin turgor or doughy skin is a late sign in dehydration that occurs with
moderate to severe dehydration. To determine skin turgor, grasp the skin on the
back of the hand, lower arm, abdomen, or front of the chest between two fingers so
that it is tented up. Hold the skin up for a few seconds, then release. Skin with
normal turgor snaps rapidly back to its normal position. Skin with decreased turgor
remains elevated and returns slowly to its normal position.

ESD
The Emergency Services Department (ESD) coordinates all professional emergency
resources on the playa 24 hours a day, including requests to outside agencies. ESD
responsibilities cover all responses in the field including but not limited to fire,
medical, or psychiatric emergencies. ESD and LEAL (Law Enforcement Agency
Liaison) together provide the primary interface between all outside health and
safety agencies and the Burning Man organization, both on the playa and year-
round. It operates as a Unified Command Post coordinating all emergency responses
within Black Rock City for the ESD and allied agencies, such as Humboldt General
Hospital (HGH), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and law enforcement.

ESD provides four branches of service -- Fire, Medical, Communications, and Mental
Health.

RAMPART
Rampart General is the field hospital for Burning Man. The employees of Humboldt
General Hospital make up the staff of both its comprehensive on-site medical clinic
and a high performance ALS ambulance service over the course of the event.

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Appendix D

ZENDO RADIOS
For team communication on the playa, the Zendo has been provided with 15
handheld UHF business band radios and one mobile radio station, as well as MURS
radios for the emergency contact of ESD. Radios will be assigned to key members of
the Zendo Team including both the Medical Volunteer and Shift Leader on every
rotation.

KEY MEMBERS & CALL SIGNS
Call sign
Volunteer member
CORD

Zendo coordinator
PEDALS

Art car driver
MED Zendo
Zendo Medical Volunteer
LEAD Zendo
Shift Lead Volunteer at the ZENDO



RADIO USE PROTOCOLS
1. Presence of Rangers, ESD, LEO, or other party representing the L.L.C.,
Contact COORD, followed by STAFF ZENDO and STAFF TEA if COORD does not
respond.

2. STAFFING PROBLEMS
If a volunteer is unable to make a shift or has to leave early, or if a volunteer does
not arrive for a scheduled shift and they are a KEY MEMBER, then contact should be
made by either LEAD or MED to their corresponding STAFF member. Also, if the
space is particularly busy and our ability to properly serve guests cannot be
adequately helped by transfer requests, contact should be made to the
corresponding STAFF member followed by COORD to assist.

3. GUEST TRANSFERS
This year we will have an art car, Cloud9, and we will be collaborating with the Tea
House at Soft Landing at 9:15 & B. Overflow transportation for guests will be
possible via radio requests. We can transport guests from space to space, or from
Cloud9 to the Zendo or Tea House. The request transmission should be made

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between LEAD and PEDALS. Initial contact should be made from LEAD to LEAD
requesting for the admittance of guests, making sure to include a number and an
idea of the guests state (making sure to remember the NO-NOs). Once a Transport
has been agreed upon between LEADS, the LEAD is responsible for contacting
PEDALS and requesting a transfer.
PEDALS will be bringing guests to both spaces throughout the burn. It is the
responsibility of PEDALS to coordinate the arrival of guests to a space before a
drop-off is made. PEDALS will initiate contact with the LEAD at the closest space.
There will be a red yurt near the main Zendo where guests needing further attention
or privacy can be helped. PEDALS and LEAD should keep this in mind when
deciding to make transfer requests and use this as a tool to appropriately
accommodate guests.

4. ADVICE
Use the radios for contact between Key Members when advice is needed. For
example, MED may need advice before making a decision to call ESD. MED and
LEAD may need assistance helping a guest who requires more attention. Use the
radio with discretion and remember the NO-NOs, if conversations are extended, go
Direct via one of our admin channels.

5.TECHNICAL
Small tasks, such as getting more water or basic supplies, should be handled by
volunteers on shift and should not require radio communication. Any technical
issues, including the solar-powered cooling system in the Zendo can be directed
towards TECH. There will be two assigned tech volunteers on radio support.
Anyone can initiate a technical request by calling for TECH 1 followed by TECH 2. If
no response from TECH 1 or TECH 2, tech problems can be directed towards
COORD.

Radio Operation

Our radios are Motorola Business band Push To Talk radios capable of broadcasting
on 12 pre-selected frequencies. Handheld radios will be labeled and will be kept on
the charging station. Select the proper radio for your position at the beginning of
your shift and return it to the charging station at the end of your shift.





Controls
There are two knobs at the top of each radio, one turns the unit on and controls
volume. The second knob selects one of the 12 pre-programmed channels. We will
function on one PRIMARY channel for all use, and one ADMIN channel for extended
messages. The channel numbers we are using will be on a marker-board next to the
radios and may be changed at anytime by TECH 1.

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There is one button on the side of the radio. Push and hold to talk and release to
listen. Each radio will also have one extension lapel speaker/mic that can be clipped
onto the shirt for easier use. The lapel also has one large button that you push and
hold to talk and release to listen.






INITIATING A CALL
To make a radio call to another Volunteer, wait until the channel is clear and then
clearly name their Call Sign twice followed by your Call Sign. For example, if COORD
wants to get a hold of TECH 1 he should say, CORD, CORD, TECH 1. Tech 1 will
respond, COORD, go for TECH 1.








LISTEN
Listen to make sure the channel is clear and that you are not interrupting something
important. Only one person can talk on the channel at a time, so if you transmit
when somebody else is talking, you both lose. Similarly, do not interrupt emergency
radio traffic with low priority messages.








PUSH
Push and hold the button on the side of your radio or shoulder mic to let the system
know that you want to transmit.







PAUSE
Wait until you hear the beep from your radio that tells you its ready for you to talk.















TALK




Speak calmly, slowly, and clearly.


The Zendo Team will function on one PRIMARY channel for all use, and one ADMIN
channel for extended messages. The channel numbers will be displayed next to the
radios and may be changed at anytime by TECH 1.


Common Phrases






ALLCOM

Allcom is a call for all stations and is a clue to you that something important
is about to follow. For example, TECH 1 might say, Allcom this is TECH 1. We are
moving ADMIN to 4. This would mean that our admin channel is moving to channel
4 and the radio channel key should be changed.

BREAK BREAK BREAK
Sometimes a channel can get busy. If you need to use the channel and there is an
extended conversation blocking your use, continuously call Break Break Break to
clear the channel. If you hear Break Break Break cease all communication until the
Break Break Break call has stopped.

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Open Mic
If the talk button of the radio is locked on or depressed it will block any other
transmissions from coming through the radio. If you hear an open mic, check your
radio and anyone else around you who has one.


Use Discretion
Know what to say and what not to say. All radio traffic is monitored by law
enforcement or other outside agencies, as well as Guests (fellow burners) and other
departments. A general rule is that we dont say anything on the radio that we
wouldnt want to see on the front page after the burn. Avoid saying any of the
following on the radio:

PROFANITY
Of any kind

DEATH or DEAD
DEATH OR DEAD,this may draw unwanted attention. Instead request an
immediate face-to-face with COORD and MED 1 MED 2.




SEXUAL ASSAULT, CHILD ABUSE, ELDER
ABUSE: If someone reports to you, or you suspect a sexual assault, child abuse, or
elder abuse, report to COORD STAFF 1 and STAFF 2 that you have a situation and
would like assistance. If COORD asks for more information be discreet but give any
information requested.





DRUGS, Pharmaceuticals, Psychedelics, Entheogens
(by name or generically), overdose, or high. Again, do not try to diagnose;
instead describe a guest as altered, disoriented, unresponsive, or
unconscious, as
appropriate. (severely, slightly use a 1-10 scale)







FULL LEGAL NAMES OR IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
INFORMATION of Guests, real world names, camping areas or any other personal
information.

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Appendix E
Rainbow Bridge Guide
DRIVING RULES IN BLACK ROCK CITY
Anyone driving at Burning Man must adhere to all BRC driving rules. These include:
Only drive vehicles licensed or allowed to drive in Black Rock City
Abide by all applicable federal and Nevada state laws, including all open container
laws (no open containers within reach of the driver)
Drive at a speed of 5 mph or less (less if kicking up dust, or in hazardous
situations such as tight crowds)
Give the right of way to pedestrians, bicycles, and emergency services vehicles
Follow the reasonable and applicable vehicle laws for road safety
Stop immediately upon being hailed by any BRC Staff member, Black Rock Ranger,
or law enforcement officer
No driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
No driving on pedestrian-designated streets (see your map for details)
No driving during whiteouts
No driving on wet or freshly-watered roads
Maintain a clear field of vision for the operator, including rear and side mirrors
Utilize ground guides (walkers) if the vehicle has a limited field of vision or is
dangerous to pedestrians.
Ensure a safe access area and procedures for loading and unloading passengers.
Display the Mutant Vehicle license in a location specified by the DMV
Obey the sound policy

ZENDO ART CAR DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY
1. Drivers must show up for their shift rested and not under the influence.
2. At the start of every shift, the driver should initiate a radio-check under the call
sign PEDALS. To perform a radio check, the message relays as Pedals Pedals Tech
Radio Check. Tech will respond Tech1, good check. If Tech1 OR 2 does not
respond, the radio should be taken to the Zendo.

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3. Drivers must have their drivers license on them while operating the Zendo Art
Car.








Appendix F

Dcor and Space Keeping

ZENDO DCOR

SUPPLIES:

Staple guns
Thumb tacks
Decorative fabrics
Christmas lights
Cloth lanterns
3-outlet splitter with short extension cords
Power strips
Extension cords
Alter table
Alter cloth
Alter pieces
Carpets and rugs
Blankets
Pillows
Carpet foam bench padding
2 Tables
Supply shelf

FABRIC:

Fabric drapes from ceiling center circle to top of wall and then down to benches.
Fabrics should overlap significantly at ceiling circle because the ceiling widens as it
goes out. This will provide full coverage with the fabric on ceiling and walls.

LIGHTS:

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Christmas lights (white) will hang around the top of the wall. Cloth lanterns can
hang from the ceiling near the center circle on the ceiling.

POWER:

There will be one primary source of power coming into the Zendo, with one outlet.
This will be expanded using a large power-strip. Additional extension cords can be
plugged in here, if needed, and run to necessary locations within the Zendo. All
cords should be under the carpet to prevent tripping. The power-strip should be
accessible but out of the way and away from potential liquid spills.

Connect three lanterns together electrically with 3-outlet six-foot extension cord-
then connect that with a single longer extension cord to run to the floor power
source. Check that lanterns are switched on and that the light bulbs are working
before hanging is considered complete.
ZENDO PAPERWORK ORGANIZATION:

PAPERWORK:

Blank feedback forms can be found in the large, clear file box. Each will be in
its own file, labeled.
Finished paperwork will be given to the Shift Lead- and they will place
the forms into a smaller black file lock-box. There will be a file called:
Current Shift Paperwork. The Teamer Leader will file all paperwork for the
current shift in that file, in case it needs to be accessed again. More specific
instructions for Shift Leadss see section on Filing Paperwork.
Both file boxes will be stored on the shelf.

FEEDBACK FORM DETAILS:

It is essential that there be a GUEST REPORT FORM for every Guest. Please
fill out this form before your shift ends. If your shift ends while the Guest is
still present, but you need to depart, please pass the form onto a Sitter on the
next shift.
If a Guest is willing and able to fill out the ON-SITE FEEDBACK FORM, that is
great. If not, dont force it, its okay if they dont want to or if it doesnt feel
correct for you to ask.
Please remember to give each Guest the TAKE-HOME GUEST FEEDBACK
FORM when they leave. There will be instances when a Guest leaves and is
not able or willing to take the form with them. In these instances, that fine.
At the end of your last shift, please fill out the VOLUNTEER FEEDBACK
FORM and file it in the file labeled: Volunteer Feedback Form- Final Shift.

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FILING PAPERWORK; Shift Lead:

At the end of the shift, the Shift Lead will go through the logged paperwork from the
current shift and make sure there is completed paperwork for all Guests who used
the space during that shift; they can cross-compare with the Logkeepers entry log to
make sure everyone is accounted for. Then the Shift Lead will file that paperwork
into the specific files for each individual feedback form, also in the black file lock-
box. If a Guest stays between shift switches- make a note on the entry log and dont
worry about that feedback forms for that guest. The next Shift Lead on the following
shift will take care of feedback forms for remaining guests. Shift Leads can ask the
Logkeeper for help with this task, if needed. The Shift Lead will keep the black file
box locked for confidentiality purposes.

ZENDO CLEANLINESS:
Supplies:

Rags
Bleach spray
Paper towels
Trash containers (collapsible laundry baskets)
Trash bags

Keeping the Zendo orderly and clean provides Guests with the warm welcome to a
glowing safe space. We all feel more comfortable, especially when things are
chaotic, in peaceful, orderly, and clean environments. Lets all work together to keep
our space feeling good!

SPIFFING UP:

If you have extra time during a shift and see things that can be cleaned up, please go
for it! We will also have do clean up in the last 30 minutes of a shift, for any Sitters
not sitting with Guests. Shift Leads; please remind your shift volunteers when there
are 30 minutes left on the shift, to ensure that the tasks listed below are addressed.
Supplies will be in labeled bins. Items will be stacked on shelf. Please keep things in
their rightful homes when they are not in use .

END OF SHIFT CLEAN UP (& during shift, if time allows):

Straighten blankets and shake outside if needed. Put pillows against walls.
Empty trash and recycling if needed, replace trash bags.
Fill 5 gallon water dispenser
Resupply cup stack & place near water dispenser
Wash any dishes that have migrated into the Zendo in the camp kitchen &
return them to their rightful places.

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Put away extra supplies laying around- use the shelves. Put pens and pencils
back into their tray. Put clipboards in a stack. Keep art supplies together and
organized.
Make sure there are tissue boxes dispensed around the Zendo.
We know its not the most fun but please check the status of our personal
porta potty- We will all be forever grateful. Make sure that there is TP.
Check to see that the small trashcan isnt overflowing and that things havent
gotten too out of control! Isnt it great to have our own!

Appendix G:
Suggested reading:

MAPS Psychedelic Harm Reduction:
http://www.maps.org/resources/responding_to_difficult_psychedelic_experiences/

MAPS Treatment Manual
www.maps.org/research-archive/mdma/Manual_MDMAPTSD_30Nov11.pdf

Erowid Psychedelic Crisis FAQ
http://www.erowid.org/psychoactives/faqs/psychedelic_crisis_faq.shtml

THE SECRET CHIEF REVEALED
by Myron J. Stolaroff
http://www.maps.org/resources/responding_to_difficult_psychedelic_experiences/
184-the-secret-chief-by-myron-stolaroff

Video: How to Work with Difficult Psychedelic Experiences
http://youtu.be/1aBjoARwlOY

Psychedelic Reflections, Ed. Lester Grinspoon & James B. Bakalar
The Adventure of Self-Discovery, Stanislav Grof
LSD Psychotherapy, Stanislav Grof
Spiritual Emergency, Stanislav and Christina Grof
Green Psychology, Ralph Metzner
The Unfolding Self, Ralph Metzner
The Healing Journey, Claudio Naranjo
The Cosmic Serpent, Jeremy Narby
The Ethics of Caring, Kylea Taylor
Shamanism, Roger Walsh
The Psychedelic Explorers Guide, James Fadiman
Healing with Entactogens, Torsten Passie

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A special thanks to Annie Oak for allowing us to adopt the following parts of the Full
Circle Tea House Manual for the Zendo Project Manual: Code of Ethics, self-care,
compassionate listening, and accept and work with difficult experiences. Also, thanks
to Linnae Pont, Chelsea Rose, Sara Girn, Zevic Mishor, Darwin Westich, KosmiCare,
and everyone whose knowledge of harm reduction contributed to this manual.

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