Full Briefing FAQs International Rebellion: London
The FAQs below should give you all the information you need to support the Rebellion in October. Whether you are a seasoned rebel or a first-timer, everyone is welcome and we need everybody now.
BACKGROUND – WHEN, WHAT, WHY
- What’s all this about, why should I come to London on Oct 7th?
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The breakdown of our climate and ecosystems has begun. We’re nearly out of time. If we don’t act now we face food shortages and social collapse. Our children will suffer. Across the Global South, people are already suffering the effects of these climate impacts.
Starting on Monday 7th October and continuing for as long as it takes, Extinction Rebellion and allied movements will peacefully shut down Westminster in Central London and build pressure with satellite actions until the UK Government takes meaningful and decisive action on the climate and ecological emergency. After two weeks around Westminster, we will move offsite and pressure building actions will continue weekly.
Worldwide, in more than 60 countries across every continent, tens of thousands of people will take action and demand Governments take immediate and decisive action on the Climate and Ecological Emergency.
There are many ways to help create this rebellion that don’t directly risk arrest. Sign up for Back Office and Police Station Support. If you are ready to risk arrest or ready to be part of our support network in October, we need you.
Take two weeks off work, bring your family and friends and join us in the streets for a one time only ‘chance of life’. We cannot do this alone, everybody counts and we need everyone to join us, now.
- What do you want from the Government?
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The purpose of this rebellion is to use mass participation civil disobedience to put pressure on the UK Government to achieve the real emergency action needed to tackle the crisis. Social movements around the world have shown that nonviolent disruption can create the major changes we now need. This is an emergency.
Business as Usual is destroying our planet’s capacity to sustain life; humanity faces a growing risk of near term societal collapse due to mass starvation, migration and war. The Climate and Ecological Emergency means the rules must change because the current system – political, social and economic – is killing us.
We will build pressure on the state to the point where their only option is to respond to our demands for change: for truth, action and real democracy. We want each of the Government departments to outline their actionable plans for responding to the Climate and Ecological Emergency.
Find out more about Extinction Rebellion’s 3 Demands in the UK.
- Why nonviolent civil disobedience?
- How many sites will there be, what will they be like?
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We will be taking 12 sites around Westminster, as shown on this map.
Each location will be held by different local, regional and national Extinction Rebellion groups and groups from allied movements. Find and connect with your local group.
Some locations will create disruption, and provide space where thousands of Rebels from across the UK can eat, sleep, and shape our future together. There will be suggested systems for onsite decision-making, including when to move, and training to help guide those coordinating sites and helping to run the rebellion.
We will also take nonviolent mass actions around government and major infrastructure; if this leads to mass arrests then this will only add to the pressure, maximise disruption, and split resources of the authorities. We want flexibility to move, disrupt, and build pressure on the state rather than tie ourselves to sites.
- What will happen after the International Rebellion in October?
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We have declared ongoing rebellion until our demands are met in a meaningful way. The first weekend after this rebellion we will hold disruptive actions around the UK and continue every weekend thereafter.
These simple disruptive actions will provide a way for the thousands who will join us in October, (as we saw in Nov 2018 and Apr 2019) to take immediate action. Continued action every weekend will overwhelm the police and authorities’ resources and force the government to meet our demands.
All groups working on the rebellion, including regional and local ones, should aim to create multiple teams. This way, teams can conserve energy and prepare during the rebellion to immediately integrate new rebels into these actions.
All coordinators need to be committed to take part in a debrief process after the actions.
- How is Extinction Rebellion working with other movements on this Rebellion?
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The strategy is to enable a movement of movements, coming together united in the face of adversity and by the determination to survive, to protect all people, our future, and all life on earth.
We need a mass mobilisation that reaches across the political spectrum. A broad based movement is:
- more politically powerful
- harder to discredit
- more likely to have rapid and exponential growth
- more democratic and reduces the risk of polarization; and
- drains energy and support from potential fascist responses to the Climate and Ecological Emergency
This map shows the sites that allied movements will be taking during the Rebellion.
- How is all this being paid for?
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The majority of Extinction Rebellion’s funding comes from online crowdfunded donations. We have also received funding from major donors, NGOs and foundations.
Find the latest information on our fundraising income, expenditure and reach.
We have an online crowdfunder where people can donate to support the Rebellion, to support internationally, or to support brave rebels with their legal costs as they take their fight to the courts.
GETTING READY FOR REBELLION
- What is happening to publicise the Rebellion and get people on the streets, how can I help?
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We need everybody with us on the streets in October – we need you, your grandma, your neighbour, your neighbours’ friend. Everyone is welcome and everyone is needed. You can help us publicise the upcoming Rebellion through our Paint the Streets campaign. Get in touch with your local group to find out more.
Tell everyone you know about the October Rebellion, tell them you are coming and tell them why – talk to people in person and connect with them on social media. Every connection counts. Come to the Rebellion and bring a friend – that is how we will grow and how we win!
You can spread the word on social media by posting your own photo or video with your reasons for coming in October and the hashtag #Everybodynow.
- Are you offering any training prior to the Rebellion?
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We are running a series of webinars on the rebellion plans, hunger strike plans, workshops for those thinking of going to prison and mass mobilisation (how to mobilise your local community).
We will be running mass inductions online prior to the Rebellion and offering information about the sorts of roles that need filling to make the Rebellion a success.
You can also find details of upcoming trainings around the country.
- I want to make stuff for the Rebellion, how do I do it?
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We are a decentralised movement operating very much in the spirit of DIY.
Find banners, posters, leaflets and more for the Rebellion on our Art Group page.
All the artwork is free to use but do not use any of the artwork commercially, however well-meaning (even fundraising).
PRACTICALITIES AND LOGISTICS
- I’m ready to come! Where can I get transport information?
- I need somewhere to stay in London / I have a bed to spare for a fellow Rebel
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Request or offer accommodation in London using this form and the XR accommodation team will get back to you.
- How will Rebels communicate with one another during the Rebellion?
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We are moving off Whatsapp and on to Telegram for easy Broadcast Channels – join our main rebellion broadcast group here at http://t.me/rebelllionbroadcast
Telegram broadcast groups:
- Mass Mobilisation – https://t.me/massmobilisation
- Hunger Strikers – https://t.me/ukgchs
- Youth Rebellion – t.me/youthrebellion
Get the Telegram app on your phone and then join the relevant groups for you.
- What do I need to bring to the Rebellion?
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Pack a bowl, spoon, cup, water bottle and flask. We have a no disposables policy so if you want to eat, bring your own kit! It may take a while to set up the kitchens so, if you can, bring a picnic to share for the first day.
If you are planning on camping overnight at the Rebellion, please remember that the nights will be like winter and it could be very wet.
So, make sure you dress and pack accordingly. Dig out that winter gear you stowed away for the (unduly hot!) summer: warm socks, hats, scarves, gloves and fleece pyjamas. Bring along a brolly. Sharing is caring, bring along extras for friends to share.
Top tips for campers: layering is the way to go! Bring extra layers for under you tent to stay dry – think dry cardboard, old yoga mats etc. Put an old blanket or rug on the floor tent floor, then ideally a few layers of sleeping mats. Use a three seasons sleeping bag and bring at least two extra blankets. You get the idea.
Stay dry, warm and rebel!
- Where can I register my Affinity Group?
- I’d like to come with others, how can I get in touch with my local group?
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You can find your local group to connect with members of Extinction Rebellion who live near you.
- I have kids, can I bring them to the Rebellion?
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Yes! The Rebellion is multi-generational and family-friendly. XR Families space will be within The Future is Here site, which has an emphasis on community, creativity and ecology. We are creating a fun, friendly, warm, welcoming and safe space. We will have arts and craft activities, forest educators, drama and storytelling, music and circus performers, an ‘open mic’ session for older children, our very own pop-up playground and a quiet space for relaxing. We are also liaising with the other sites to ensure that wherever a family ends up, their needs will be catered for with a provision of activities and fun things to do.
Not based in London? Email XR Families and we will try to help you find family-friendly accommodation for Rebellion.
You can connect with XR Families on Facebook to find out more.
ARRESTS
- Will I get arrested? (What risks are involved?)
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The presence of all rebels is valued, no matter whether they get arrested or not. However, for those attending the International Rebellion, it is essential to be informed about your legal rights before attending a protest.
The International Rebellion in London is an act of civil disobedience that can lead to arrest.
Every rebel needs to take responsibility for informing themselves of the legal risks and their rights to protest before an action. And responsibility for their decision of whether they join an action or not.
Inform yourself by reading the legal information on our website and attending one of the Know Your Rights trainings found on the basecamp landing page. Being arrested can have a variety of consequences for you which very much depend on your individual circumstances.
- I think I’m ready to be arrested and maybe go to prison, what information or support can you offer me in advance?
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We are running a series of webinars on the rebellion plans, hunger strike plans, workshops for those thinking of going to prison and mass mobilisation (how to mobilise your local community).
Inform yourself by reading the legal information on our website. Being arrested can have a variety of consequences which very much depend on your individual circumstances, and being remanded in prison, even after a short stay, can have undesired long-term impacts.
Find details of upcoming arrestee support trainings around the country.
HELP DURING REBELLION
- What can I do to help during the Rebellion?
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There are lots of roles that need filling to make the Rebellion a success from arrestee support to media and messaging roles! Taking on a role during the Rebellion is a great way to get involved and everyone taking on a role will be given the necessary inductions and training.
We need couriers to transport things for the Rebellion on foot, bike, by vehicle. Have a car, a bike, feet and want to get involved? Sign up to be a Rebel Rider here.
We will have thousands of rebels to keep fed and watered throughout October. Rebels will be travelling from all around the country to join us. Londoners, you can help us by collecting food and kitchen items, everyone can donate items on our food wish-list. See the October sustenance website for more details of what’s needed.
- I absolutely cannot come to Central London but I would like to show my support for Extinction Rebellion, what else can I do?
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We have plenty of vital remote roles that will need filling during the Rebellion from Rebel Ringers to help us grow the movement to social media amplifiers to help communicate what’s happening in London with the rest of the world. If you can’t be on the streets with us, you are still needed!
You can also get in touch with your local group to find ways to support the Rebellion. There will be social media inboxes that need answering, welcoming rebels home rebels from London and calling local news and radio channels to show support. Pick up posters from your local group to display at your home, work and local businesses.
We will have thousands of Rebels to keep fed and watered during the Rebellion so donations of food are always welcome. Check out our wish list.
If you can’t come but you would like to support us, you can donate to the Rebellion.
FIRST-TIME REBELS
- I’m new to all this and haven’t seen the Heading for Extinction talk or been to any trainings, can I still come?
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Yes! We need everybody and everybody is welcome. Come down to one of the sites, and experience the way Extinction Rebellion works first hand. We will be running Induction workshops and NVDA trainings on site during the Rebellion.
Watch of the “Heading for Extinction and What To Do About It” talk online:
If you are planning to take part in non-violent direct action with Extinction Rebellion you must read and abide by our Action Consensus.
The Rebel Agreement is a precis of the Action Consensus in the form of a flyer that reminds rebels of our basic agreements.
- I want to come down but I’ve never done anything like this before. What should I do and where should I go?
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Come down to one of the sites, families are meeting at The Future is Here site which is a good entry-point for new rebels, and experience the way Extinction Rebellion works first hand. We will be running Induction workshops and NVDA trainings on site during the Rebellion.
This Full Briefing FAQ page will give you information on the different sites, details on how to contact your local group and help with transport and accommodation.
If you are planning to take part in non-violent direct action with Extinction Rebellion you must read and abide by our Action Consensus.
The Rebel Agreement is a precis of the Action Consensus in the form of a flyer that reminds rebels of our basic agreements.
WORLDWIDE REBELS
- I’m not in the UK, is there an action taking place in my country as part of the International Rebellion?
REBELS WITH DISABILITIES
- I have a disability what sort of support can you offer me to get to the Rebellion and to take part once I’m there?
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For Rebels with Disabilities for whom coach travel is not possible please apply for subsidised rail transport.
You can connect with XR Disabled Rebels on Facebook and by email.
XR Disabled Rebels will be taking part in the Global Justice site with a quiet safe space, manual wheelchair hire, powerchair charging point and Disabled Rebels affinity group.
There will be BSL interpretation at some sites contact xr.bsl@protonmail.com to find out more.
GLOBAL CLIMATE HUNGER STRIKE
- I am interested in learning more about the planned Hunger Strike
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We are running a series of webinars on the rebellion including hunger strike plans, workshops for those thinking of going to prison and mass mobilisation (how to mobilise your local community).
More information on the Global Climate Hunger Strike
There is also a Hunger Strike Telegram group.