In the rave community, we believe in PLUR both on and off the festival grounds. Ravers are a caring and compassionate group of people always looking to bring a little sunshine to the lives of others! If you're looking for an opportunity to spread PLUR to your community to this summer, here are some ways you can do some good and rep what the rave community is all about. 

1. PLUR Foundation

Photo from thatdrop.com

The PLUR Foundationis a nonprofit organization based in Fullerton, CA. This big-hearted group of ravers organizes charity events to give back to SoCal communities. For example, they organized a clothing drive in February and March of this year to help homeless and at-risk families (as far as we know, rave clothes were not on the list of needed items).  They have an event about once a month. Join their Facebook groupfor updates and to learn how you can get involved! You can donate to the PLUR Foundation here. 

2. DanceSafe

Photo from dancesafe.org

Almost every raver has had or has known someone who had a health disaster at a festival because they either weren't prepared or weren't educated on how to party safely. DanceSafe knows that taking substances at festivals can be a slippery slope, and they are committed to educating festival-goers on how to party safely, recognize risks, and help those in need. They also educate about consent, heatstroke, hearing damage, and anything else that may be a risk factor at a rave. You can take a free course on how to become a DanceSafe volunteer and peer-educator. Once you complete the course, you will be placed with a DanceSafe chapter near you, or you can start your own! 

3. Music Therapy

Photo from championbrevard.com

If you like to rave, it's probably because you LOVE music. Almost every raver I know has a story of how music saved them in a time of need. Music therapy has been shown to help with PTSD, dementia, autism, pain management, and a whole slew of other physical, emotional, and mental problems. If you are interested in helping at-risk individuals change their lives with music, there are TONS of opportunities available in this quickly growing field. If you're in the San Diego area, check out the Music Therapy Center of California. To find a music therapy center near you, a quick Google search will pull up about a bazillion results. You can donate the American Music Therapy Association here.

4. Substance Recovery

Photo from fullcirclerecovery.com 

Substance abuse and addiction is a heartbreaking epidemic that has touched the lives of almost everyone I know. More than 115 people in the United States alone die from opioid overdoses every day. EVERY DAY. It's a huge issue, but every person who gives their time and their heart to help those who struggle with addiction brings us a little closer to a healthier and happier world. Learn how to volunteer on the website for the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence.