Stewarding

Everything you might want to know about stewarding events, actions, marches.

What's it like being a Steward?

Nic-as-a-Steward.png
'I've been a steward for XR on a few rebellions, and absolutely love it - the stewards are a really welcoming team and its really fun. When I first started stewarding, I was REALLY nervous, but it's easy to get the hang of, the other stewards look after you and there is lots of guidance and training.'
Nic, XR Steward

I started stewarding in 2020 when I found I was sometimes the only person from my Local Group at a protest. I've made new friends from all over and felt part of a supportive group as well as feeling useful. I had some previous local experience which was helpful but there are plenty of training sessions and we usually buddy up.
Claire, XR Steward

What does it involve

Stewards : With a large event we need a LOT of stewards! - as a minimum 1 Steward per 100 attendees. Even small local events benefit from a few stewards. No experience needed - training provided.

Stewards help to ensure all attendees at an event are safe. On a march this would include keeping people away from traffic, supporting road closures and keeping the march together. At a static event, this would include answering questions from the public or attendees, pointing people in the right direction, or helping them find others. We give full training (online and at the event) and new stewards are buddied up with experienced ones (we usually aim to steward in pairs).

What next

So I want to be a Steward, what next?

Online Stewarding Training

Signup to be a Steward on XR Action Network

So I want to be a Steward, what next?

Join the Telegram Chat

Join one or both the Telegram chats listed here: Steward Communications
Please don't be put off if you don't use Telegram though - you can still volunteer in person by just turning up on the day and asking for the Lead Steward (although it will be much easier to know what's planned if you Signup to be a Steward on XR Action Network beforehand.

Complete the Recruitment Form

For large scale events we organise rotas to share the workload. Information on these will be published in advance via our email newsletter and on the Telegram chats. Signup to be a Steward on XR Action Network with your details, especially if you want to be verified as a potential Lead Steward.

Join a Training Session

Register for an online training session, or watch a video recording

Alternatively, you will be able to attend a face to face training during events, typically 1 hour before shifts start.

Signup to be a Steward on XR Action Network

Steward Communications

Contact Us

You can reach the Stewarding Team at Stewarding@extinctionrebellion.uk

How do we keep in touch with fellow Stewards

Before, during and after the events we use several Telegram chats for chat, queries & call-outs:

We also use more secure Signal communications for Lead Stewards. You will need to be verified by someone from a XR Team or Supporter Organisation to be added to these.

Hand Signals

These Signals are used to communicate with attendees at an event or action Hand-Signals.png

This signal is used to communicate (silently) with other stewards (try and remember to always be looking round and watching your stewarding colleagues to make sure you keep in contact)
Steward-Hand-SIgnals.png

Mic Check: when you raise your arm first to get silence then repeat "Mic Check, Mic check", the crowd repeats this "Mic Check, Mic check". Then you give your short message, the crowd repeats it. Then loop again.
Mic-Check.png

Signup to be a Steward on XR Action Network

Stewarding Training

We have a number of Zoom sessions where we will go through various aspects of Stewarding and give you a chance to ask questions. We recommend all Stewards attend Stewards General Training, or a face to face session at an event.

We aim to run online training monthly and more frequently in the run up to big events
Signup to be a Steward on XR Action Network to hear about these sessions or keep an eye on the Movement Broadcast on Telegram.

General Steward training - online

General Stewards Training Video General Stewarding Training - 30min
General Stewards Briefing Video Short 4min video of stewarding tips

We have also run the sessions listed below previously, and can organise again if they are needed - email us on stewarding@extinctionrebellion.uk for details:

Training materials, Powerpoint slide decs etc. are available if you want to run your own training sesions.

Training: Face to Face

We usually run face to face training sessions during large events, typically 1 hour before shifts start.

Top Tips Sheet

Helpful sheet if you just want to print one page, export this one as a PDF

Lead Steward Training

Lead Stewards are welcome to join any of the training sessions above and we can always add on a section at the end to cover Lead topics (its a few extra slides)

Further Training

These optional additional training modules will enhance your skills and confidence when Stewarding:

Signup to be a Steward on XR Action Network

What to bring with you when Stewarding

Things to check before you arrive for your shift
What to bring with you
Where to store stuff

There is often nowhere secure to store anything during events. If you have small items, it's best to carry them with you. Alternatively, there are several companies that have many sites across London where you can store a bag for 24hrs (for a fee). If there are several of you together, try packing everything into one bag - you only pay once.

We are not afiliated to any of these sites and don't recomend any particular company:
Radical Storage
Stasher
Bounce
If you know of others, please let us know via email.

Signup to be a Steward on XR Action Network

Stewarding Training Materials

The material on this page is for those planning to train others as Stewards. These training slide packs are available for you to adapt as required for your own training sessions.
Materials are constantly being developed and improved so please ensure you download the latest version before use.
If you find any broken links, or have edits or suggestions, please contact Stewarding@extinctionrebellion.uk

Stewarding Training Sessions

If you are looking to simply be trained then see Stewarding Training for a listing of available sessions to book, or watch.

Stewarding Training Materials

Note these Powerpoint presentation sshould be downloaded and shown using PowerPoint if animations and embedded videos are to work.

Powerpoint Slides for General Steward Training (Google Drive)
Powerpoint Slides for General Steward Training - Restore Nature Now version (Google Drive)
Powerpoint Slides for Stewarding a March Training (Google Drive)
Powerpoint Slides for Roadtaking Training (Google Drive)
Video of Blue Light response during Unite to Survive march, Bath Oct 2023

Zoom Images

Zoom Video Background
Zoom meeting Banner Used when a session requires registration
Zoom meeting Logo Used when a session requires registration

Signup to be a Steward on XR Action Network

On the day - 12 Stewarding Tips

If you're new to Stewarding, why not print this page of top tips and bring it with you to your first action?

Stewards on a protest are welcomed, and we want to be professional too.

Wear hi-vis, comfortable shoes, clothing in layers & all-weather hat (no umbrellas) Bring sunscreen, electricians tape, earplugs, water, pen & paper, phone. Food, medication, anything you may need. in a backpack to keep both hands free & give the distinctive hump under the tabard. see What to bring with you when Stewarding for a complete list

  1. Stewards' primary task is to keep protesters and passers by safe (eg from traffic)
  2. Don't talk to the police or security, never repeat or text anything you might hear them say, nor rumours.
  3. If asked (e.g. how long, what else): you don't know, you are here to keep people safe, you are not part of the protest.
  4. Stay calm, don’t get into arguments, take a deep breath and de-escalate.
  5. To communicate quickly to a crowd, use Mic check e.g. to get people to sit down or leave.
  6. Stewards work in pairs - e.g.if there is an accident, one stays with the injured, the other gets help.
  7. Ask the lead steward anything you don't know, but find out where the nearest toilets are yourself.
  8. Do not point or gesture at people who might be helping at the protest - you may be being filmed so you don't want to be identifying people.
  9. Safeguarding: stay in pairs, do not give unclaimed children to random people, leave reuniting to the authorities.
  10. On a march slow the front to the slowest participant, don't allow gaps to widen, send banner pairs to hold intersections.
  11. On a static protest keep a path clear on the pavement for passers by and keep protesters off the road unless it is closed to traffic.
  12. Ask and suggest, don't order: people don't have to obey you.

Watch the 4min video of these tips Stewards Briefing Video

Signup to be a Steward on XR Action Network