Our community is at risk. For years, we've watched as Marian Goodell, CEO of Burning Man, has received nearly half a million dollars annually ($400k + perks, benefits, and access to municipal leaders in addition to elites of the tech industry) while the beloved organization, Burning Man, has slowly crumbled under financial stress. 

This practice directly contradicts our deeply held principle of decommodification. The principle that prioritizes genuine personal growth over commercial transactions seems forgotten under Goodell's leadership. Her salary dwarfs the average compensation for CEOs of similar-sized nonprofit arts organizations, which according to a 2014 report from the National Center for Charitable Statistics, is typically $98,588 per year.

Moreover, the existence of ‘First Camp’ — a so-called “VIP” area offering perks such as priority on build efforts, preferential placement, among others — is dividing us, costing the event and its DPW teams precious resources. It's time we put an end to this seemingly favored treatment.

This is not the spirit of the Burning Man we know and love. For the sake of our principles, community, and Burning Man's future, we call for the resignation of Marian Goodell from her role as CEO and for the disbanding of ‘First Camp’. Each signatory strengthens our plea for a return to the true spirit of Burning Man. Please, sign today.