Chicago Rad Fae

Good Gathering Guide

This document is an updated copy of the Sanctuary’s Good Gathering Guide (available on the porch of the Main House), and reflects the most recently available information.

Introduction

Short Mountain Sanctuary (SMS) strives to provide a space for exploration and discovery. The freedom one experiences at Gathering is made possible by folks taking personal responsibility for their actions. We are creating a community based on mutual aid, cooperation, love, and trust. We’re all in this together: no one is in charge here. If you see something, “out of balance,” find out how you can help. The Gatherings are what YOU make of them. If you want to see something happen, initiate it. Something bothering you? Speak up about it. Everyone is equal here. We need your help to make Gatherings flow smoothly. Volunteer when and where you can. Most of all, enjoy the incredible magic we’re creating!

We love Gatherings at SMS: it takes a great deal of energy from our stewards and the greater community to plan, prepare for, and host these events. After the fun and frolic the place gets disheveled and unkempt. In recent years, the impact on SMS’s environment has worsened. We’re asking you to help maintain this pristine, peaceful, and cared for space.

Short Mountain Sanctuary, Inc. reserves the right to turn anyone away. This is a private event. No weapons, illegal activity, or violence are permitted. We discourage the abuse of alcohol and drugs, and do not permit or condone the use of illegal substances. Our guests must understand that our facilities are primitive, and SMS cannot assume responsibility for personal injury or property damage.

Starting Out

Set some intention for your gathering: why did you come? What do you bring with you? What will you take away? What will you leave behind? What is your path in this life?

About the Land

First Aid Locations

Use first-aid supplies gently and respectfully. 

Medical Emergencies

All 911 calls require police response.  SMS medics respond faster, including transportation to urgent care.  Medic tents are marked with bright orange flags.  Emergency procedures are posted at the main cabin’s info board, and first-aid stations.

Fire Safety

We have established fire pits. Please do not make new ones at campsites. Woodland fire extinguishers are provided in some key camping areas.

In the event of a fire, find SMS residents. Call 911 only if necessary. 911 calls require police response: avoid this when possible.

Electricity

All of our power is supplied by a solar system. Turn off unnecessary lights and use lamps or flashlights when appropriate.

Water & Sanitation

Wash your hands often, and always before entering the kitchen. Please help conserve our limited spring water.

Showering & Hot Water

Be empowered to add wood to the bathhaus’s wood burning stove (even if you aren’t showering) to help maintain hot water for all

Recycling / Garbage / Composting

Please reduce the packaging you bring and consume. Place waste mindfully where space is provided. Remember to “keep it clean.”

Camping

Take responsibility for leaving your campsite (and the Sanctuary) in better condition than you found it.

Food

Please respect the food preparation space in the kitchen. Volunteer dishwashers get to be first in line for dinner! Pitch in!

Latrines

Pee anywhere outside and well away from buildings. Always remember: pee + shit = smelly.

Smoking

Tobacco smoke is a highly emotional issue. Please be aware and ask about smoking when in doubt. Respect each other.

Photography

Please use respect, discretion, and consent when posting personal photos / videos online.

Internet

SMS maintains a zero visibility policy on the internet to protect participants and residents from unwanted exposure.

Pets

You may see land-cats at the Sanctuary. These are not your animals. Do not take them home.

Love outside the box

Here you may witness a myriad of different sexual expressions, acts, or scenarios as this is a sex positive space. We hold space for people’s consensual sexual expression. We practice consent because consent is hot. Consent is the act of empowering the other person with a choice. It is not the absence of a no, but the presence of a yes. If a person says, “no,” or is unclear in any manner, respect their boundaries, step back, and ask what they are available for. Own your request and don’t pressure them, no one is in charge of other people’s bodies. When you find consent, there are things that you wanna talk about, such as: disclosure; where you can find condoms and lube (in the bath house); and any special needs they have. Enjoy!

Stay Informed

The information center is by the main cabin woodshed. Check there for messages, ride sharing offers / needs, lost and found, as well as important SMS information.