Whether you are here for a couple of weeks or a few months, your presence is valued and the work you are committing to is important. The buffalo are the reason we are here, and everything we do connects back to them. Please respect them by respecting everyone who is here to help protect them.

BFC has learned and grown tremendously since our founding in 1997, and continues to grow and evolve. The following volunteer agreement reflects the experience we’ve gained over the years and the realities of maintaining a healthy, harmonious community and an effective campaign worthy of representing the sacred buffalo. If you have comments about this agreement, please bring them up before making your travel plans, so we can address them to everyone’s satisfaction.

New volunteers will be asked to show state-issued identification. Anyone living in the campaign headquarters with a warrant will be asked to leave until the warrant is cleared. We are here to serve and protect the buffalo, and we cannot allow anyone to compromise the integrity of that mission.

BFC is a nonprofit organization working to exemplify non-violent philosophy and practice. We do not condone property damage or any act that could cause harm to others. We provide training in the theory and techniques of non-violence on a regular basis to help you learn more about what "non-violence" entails...and we strive to live as examples of this philosophy—on our Base Camp property and everywhere we go.

BFC is a non-discriminatory organization.

All volunteers are expected to treat others with respect and remember that your actions reflect on the Campaign and will affect how future buffalo-defense volunteers are perceived and treated. We are all unofficial ambassadors of the buffalo, and of BFC.

On patrol, in camp, and everywhere people are representing BFC, volunteers must use proper conduct when interacting with others. Inappropriate profanity and/or sexual harassment will result in the offending volunteer being asked to leave.

Volunteers are expected to live communally. From sharing housework responsibilities to providing a safe environment for everyone, communal living in our camp encourages sharing, patience, and acceptance of diversity. You do not have to agree with each other, but you must always treat each other respectfully.

New volunteers are paired with an experienced volunteer for at least their first two patrols. Experienced volunteers assume responsibility for training new volunteers in all areas of campaign life. New volunteers will be given opportunities for additional responsibilities as they gain competence and prove themselves.

Alcohol and non-prescription drugs are not permitted on the premises of the BFC: in the main cabin, porch, or offices; on or during any patrol, nor in campaign vehicles. This applies to all volunteers and as well as visitors passing through. Violation will result in the violator being asked to leave.

Those who choose to drink alcohol must do so away from the main cabin and may not be in the main cabin while “under the influence.” Those consuming alcohol must stay away from the main cabin until 8 am the following morning. However, if a volunteer is still under the influence by 8 am they are required to stay away until full sobriety is achieved and maintained. It is not acceptable to go on patrol in the morning if you have been drinking the night before. There will be times when protocol requires a period of sobriety from volunteers if they desire to participate in ceremonies or events.

Anyone that has had ANY amount of alcohol is strictly prohibited from driving any BFC-owned vehicle, regardless of their level of intoxication or blood alcohol.

New volunteers may only bring pets with them to BFC with express prior written approval. Pets impact wildlife and other residents of the property, jeopardizing our ability to live where we do. The dogs that already live here are set in their hierarchy, and new animals upset the balance, causing fights, distraction, and noise.

Generally, dogs that are allowed are expected to remain outside all day until after dinner and the nightly meeting, except for dogs with special circumstances, e.g. an injured or sick animal. Owners are solely responsible for their pet, and must quickly and respectfully address complaints of disturbances their pet may cause and resolve the issue(s) to all parties’ satisfaction.

Puppies are highly discouraged, and allowed only in rare, exceptional circumstances.