What is TOTEM?
The friends and family behind the Roo Bus started the TOTEM Foundation, a 501(c)(3) in September 2023. Many of us are long-time music festival veterans who wanted to give back to the next generation.
In addition to our Board of Directors, we’ve also put together an advisory committee that you can join now on our Discord.
Each scholarship we award ranges from $500 to $1,500. We hope to raise $10K for an international exchange program.


How You Can Help
The most impactful way you can help right now is by sharing the mission of the TOTEM Foundation with your network. The more people who know about our cause, the greater difference we can make together!
One of the best ways to contribute is by becoming a Patreon supporter of our podcast. 100% of the proceeds will directly fund the important work of the TOTEM Foundation, and your support goes a long way in driving our mission forward.
In addition to ongoing support, we are grateful for any one-time donations you can make. Your generous contribution will help support our goals and is also tax-deductible—be sure to consult with your accountant for full details.
Your support makes all the difference. Thank you for helping the TOTEM Foundation thrive!

What’s Up With the Name?
At a music festival, a totem is a personalized home-made sign that allows friends to find one another in a crowd. It’s a beacon that means a lot to a group of friends and keeps them together. We love the metaphor and think it makes a lot of sense for what we want to do. TOTEM is an acronym for The Opportunity to Experience Music, and was created by board members J.B., Evan, and Skyler.
We also want to recognize that the word “totem” is rooted in cultures indigenous to North America. They are monumental poles with many carved designs that can tell stories. We hope to help young people add to their stories as well.
