What Is Van Aid? I wrote this bit below on the Nomadity FB page to help folks understand what Van Aid is all about ... and thought I should post it here as well... the 5 Cs is important - Clear Concise Candid and Complete Communication! In that spirit, many people do not do FB, so it is presented here as well.
There will be follow-up posts over the next month that will target the questions and responsibilities of those is need and those wishing to help.
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Van Aid is an unorganized event where in people with skills to give, meet up with people that need people with skills, to work out on their own, who pairs up best.
Needers are encouraged to bring materials, like roof vents, lumber, fabrics etc... whatever they think they need to install a vent, build a bed, wire some solar, fix a leak.... helpers are under no obligation and needers need to have realistic expectations... people pair up on their own at "skill tables" where people list their needs and skills and meet up in the mornings to pair off... it is totally organic.
Everyone is responsible for helping everyone else find what they need. There is a bulletin board for people to list needs or opportunities, like a ride to town or a haircut, some with a lot of solar was allowing people to charge devices. There *might* be funds to help people, but there is no guarantee and it should not be expected, as it depends on donations. This is an open event and as such everyone should make sure they are dealing with people they can trust. There have been situations and incidents that spoiled a few peoples days in a few ways, so keep up your guard a bit.... 98% of people were awesome, a few made it tougher for others.
There is no fee, there is no pay, there is no management... there is no domain name or board of directors, but there are some basic rules/guidelines... no selling, no vending.... if someone has a part you need and can offer money, please do.... dogs on leashes.... shut it all down by 10pm as the focus is working hard, people need sleep... and the desert is huge.. if you want to howl at the moon, please do not do it in camp...
pick up you garbage.... drive slow through camp...
It is important that as we spread the word of Van Aid that people seeking help understand it is not a given. The only way this works is with committed and talented volunteers and it is important that they do not feel taken advantage of... there are no filters to attend. but being humble goes a long way to attracting willing helpers....
Van Aid dates will be determined in the Oct/Nov window. The location will not be the same as last year, will be announced in January, and will be between mid Jan and mid Feb.
The community did well in '23 considering Tyll's departure. It was important to me that Van Aid could stand on its own without a manager hovering over everything, and it did just that. It was impressive so see so many people helping and being helped.
It is critical that this non-event, informal gathering stays under the radar... there is no logo, no signs, no website, no board of directors, and no money... as soon as any of that creeps in it raises the return signal on the radar.... over the last year a nonprofit that was helping with vehicle build outs had to stop because they couldn't get insurance coverage, ... there is a two edged sword to this kind of effort, and it is critical that everyone understands the Van Aid mission and how they can help protect it for the future.
Please, if you are not coming to help or be helped, consider not attending... OK, I know this sounds.. well it sounds rude... see, if Van Aid becomes a gigantic party, it will faces challenges none of us want, and "powers that be" getting involved. If you follow the community at large you will have noted what happens when gatherings get too popular.
..and yeah.. .there is a pied piper, but you would be surprised how little I had to do with 99% of what happened at Van Aid, because it is all about no one being in charge, it is, as is nomad life, a situation where you are on your own in your own way.... so spread he word but keep the message that Van Aid isn't a stop on the winter party circuit, but a gathering of nomads there to help other nomads get a bit better quality of life..... that said, people will still celebrate, and there will be a friendly fire.... and a few other surprises.... Thank you for reading all this and being a part of the spirit of Van Aid.
There will be follow-up posts over the next month that will target the questions and responsibilities of those is need and those wishing to help.
***************************
Van Aid is an unorganized event where in people with skills to give, meet up with people that need people with skills, to work out on their own, who pairs up best.
Needers are encouraged to bring materials, like roof vents, lumber, fabrics etc... whatever they think they need to install a vent, build a bed, wire some solar, fix a leak.... helpers are under no obligation and needers need to have realistic expectations... people pair up on their own at "skill tables" where people list their needs and skills and meet up in the mornings to pair off... it is totally organic.
Everyone is responsible for helping everyone else find what they need. There is a bulletin board for people to list needs or opportunities, like a ride to town or a haircut, some with a lot of solar was allowing people to charge devices. There *might* be funds to help people, but there is no guarantee and it should not be expected, as it depends on donations. This is an open event and as such everyone should make sure they are dealing with people they can trust. There have been situations and incidents that spoiled a few peoples days in a few ways, so keep up your guard a bit.... 98% of people were awesome, a few made it tougher for others.
There is no fee, there is no pay, there is no management... there is no domain name or board of directors, but there are some basic rules/guidelines... no selling, no vending.... if someone has a part you need and can offer money, please do.... dogs on leashes.... shut it all down by 10pm as the focus is working hard, people need sleep... and the desert is huge.. if you want to howl at the moon, please do not do it in camp...
It is important that as we spread the word of Van Aid that people seeking help understand it is not a given. The only way this works is with committed and talented volunteers and it is important that they do not feel taken advantage of... there are no filters to attend. but being humble goes a long way to attracting willing helpers....
Van Aid dates will be determined in the Oct/Nov window. The location will not be the same as last year, will be announced in January, and will be between mid Jan and mid Feb.
The community did well in '23 considering Tyll's departure. It was important to me that Van Aid could stand on its own without a manager hovering over everything, and it did just that. It was impressive so see so many people helping and being helped.
It is critical that this non-event, informal gathering stays under the radar... there is no logo, no signs, no website, no board of directors, and no money... as soon as any of that creeps in it raises the return signal on the radar.... over the last year a nonprofit that was helping with vehicle build outs had to stop because they couldn't get insurance coverage, ... there is a two edged sword to this kind of effort, and it is critical that everyone understands the Van Aid mission and how they can help protect it for the future.
Please, if you are not coming to help or be helped, consider not attending... OK, I know this sounds.. well it sounds rude... see, if Van Aid becomes a gigantic party, it will faces challenges none of us want, and "powers that be" getting involved. If you follow the community at large you will have noted what happens when gatherings get too popular.
..and yeah.. .there is a pied piper, but you would be surprised how little I had to do with 99% of what happened at Van Aid, because it is all about no one being in charge, it is, as is nomad life, a situation where you are on your own in your own way.... so spread he word but keep the message that Van Aid isn't a stop on the winter party circuit, but a gathering of nomads there to help other nomads get a bit better quality of life..... that said, people will still celebrate, and there will be a friendly fire.... and a few other surprises.... Thank you for reading all this and being a part of the spirit of Van Aid.
