Action Support
Volunteer roles to support actions : stewarding, well-being, protest liaison, production, outreach and more!
- What is Action Support?
- Action Support - High Viz colours
- Stewarding
- What's it like being a Steward?
- So I want to be a Steward, what next?
- Steward Communications
- Stewarding Training
- What to bring with you when Stewarding
- Stewarding Training Materials
- On the day - 12 Stewarding Tips
- Roadtaking
- What's it like doing Roadtaking
- Roadtaking Scenarios
- What to bring with you when Roadtaking
- Roadtaking Training
- Planning Roadtaking
- Roadtaking Training Materials
- Action Wellbeing
- What is Action Wellbeing?
- What's involved in being Wellbeing Crew?
- Access and Inclusion in Action Wellbeing
- First Aid within Action Wellbeing
- Ways to stay Grounded and Connected during an Action
- Action Wellbeing Practice Scenarios
- Useful Tools & Templates
- Production & World Build
- What do the Production teams do?
- How to Request Production Support
- Sound & Power
- Logistics
- Site Design & Build
- Sustenance
- Toilets, Sanitation and Waste
- Accommodation
- Creating Amenities & Sustenance Maps
- Programming and Stage Management
- Embedding Nonviolence / Deescalation
- What does the Embedding nonviolence / Deescalation team do?
- What is Nonviolent Direct Action / Communication?
- BREATHE: De-Escalation Skills
- De-escalation in Large Crowd Situations
- So, I Want to be a De-escalator - What Next?
- Protest Liaison
- What do XR Protest Liaison do?
- The Right to Protest vs. the Role of the Police
- Communicating with the police
- Becoming an XR Protest Liaison - what does the role require?
- Rhythms
- Actions Outreach
- Arrestee / Back Office Support
- Art Factory
- XR Action Support Teams Collaborating with Other Organisations
What is Action Support?
In order to succeed, actions need to be planned with a surrounding web of support. ‘Support’ means rebels in low-arrest-risk roles take on responsibilities before, during and after the action, which vary according to the action design.
These can include: liaising with the police; ensuring people’s wellbeing; providing first-aid; embedding nonviolence; de-escalation; engaging in outreach with the public; marshalling/stewarding marches; drumming courageously; creating beautiful banners; supporting in the back office; turning up at police stations to support rebels - and more!
This book outlines the various Action Support responsibilities, to help you think about taking on one of these roles.
If you’re looking for guidance on an action you are planning see our Action Support Triage document or email the Action Support External Coordinator and arrange a meeting! actionsupport@extinctionrebellion.uk
The main teams within Action Support are:
Action Wellbeing - Email news signup
First Aid - Email news signup
Embedding Nonviolence / Deescalation - Email news signup
Stewarding - Email news signup
Roadtaking - Email news signup
Actions Outreach - Email news signup
Production & World Build - Email news signup
Protest Liaison
Rhythms
If you are interested in any of these roles, signup for further information
These other teams work closely with us:
Arrestee and Legal Support
Provide advice on what the legal risks may be for planned actions, including how the legal risks may change with changes to action design. Provide legal advice to arrestable participants and post arrest support.
Legal Observers
Independant of XR, this specialist team is asked to be present at action where there is a high risk of arrest. Diffidult to arrange outside of London. In any case, it is a very good idea for anyone involved in high arrest risk actions to be aware of what to do when witnessing an arrest.
Relationships (link coming soon)
Typically need to be involved when working together with other large organisations where this work is likely to affect the UK level relationship
Political Circle (link coming soon)
Typically need to be involved where there is a possible national political impact or target of the action
Media & Messaging
Typically actions work with the team appropriate according to their scale (eg local works with local M&M, regional actions work with Regional M&M team, UK Actions work with the National M&M team). See the M&M Directory for further details
How to find out where I can get involved near me
The best place to start is the Actions Map (you can enter your postcode to zoom near your location)
Action Support - High Viz colours
Different teams wear specific high-viz tabards so you can easily spot them in a crowd and find the right crew that you need.
General Steward
Lead Steward, coordinating a small team of Stewards
Special Task Steward. Designated at an event, for example could be a Radio Operator
Roadtake Crew
Wellbeing Crew
Qualified First Aid Crew
DeEscalation Crew
Protest Liaison Crew
Outreach
Legal Observers (Independent of XR). Note some other protest groups also use orange vests
Stewarding
Everything you might want to know about stewarding events, actions, marches.
What's it like being a Steward?
'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?
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:
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Big Stewards Chat: For all XR Steward Volunteers.
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London Stewards: For Stewards living in London.
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
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)
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.
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
Other related training
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:
- Accessability & Inclusion for Stewards
- Protest Liasion for Stewards
- Outreach for Stewards
- De escalation for Stewards
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Roadtaking
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Planning and executing a march
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:
- Notes on talking to the police
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Counter Terrorism Training - spotting threats
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Deescalation Training (Login required)
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CPR Training 💔
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Street Speakers (short talks you might be interested in delivering to parts of the crowd)
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Witnessing an arrest
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Witnessing a stop and search
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Street Outreach Skills Training
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Crowd Safety and Crowd Risk Analysis (crowd density tech paper)
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
- Have I installed and checked the communications App on my phone? Telegram or Signal
- Have I joined the specific Telegram or Signal chat for the day (details will be emailed when you signup to Steward)
- Have I installed and opened the What3Words App on my phone?
- Do I know what time and where Stewards are meeting?
What to bring with you
- Comfortable Shoes
- Clothing Layers
- An all weather hat
- Water bottle
- Food container and utensils
- Snacks
- A-Z Paper map (available cheaply on ebay)
- Notepad & Pencil
- Earplugs (Rhythms can be very loud if you are stewarding near them)
- Phone
- Power bank for your phone (charging points are hard to find)
- Umbrella (avoid large umbrellas but small foldable ones can be useful for many reasons)
- Your Pink High-Viz if you already have one
- A badge (or stick on labels and Sharpie pen) to write your name on
- A small bag, or better still a small rucksack to hold supplies
- The site map or march route (if published in advance)
- Suncream
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
- Stewards' primary task is to keep protesters and passers by safe (eg from traffic)
- Don't talk to the police or security, never repeat or text anything you might hear them say, nor rumours.
- 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.
- Stay calm, don’t get into arguments, take a deep breath and de-escalate.
- To communicate quickly to a crowd, use Mic check e.g. to get people to sit down or leave.
- Stewards work in pairs - e.g.if there is an accident, one stays with the injured, the other gets help.
- Ask the lead steward anything you don't know, but find out where the nearest toilets are yourself.
- 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.
- Safeguarding: stay in pairs, do not give unclaimed children to random people, leave reuniting to the authorities.
- On a march slow the front to the slowest participant, don't allow gaps to widen, send banner pairs to hold intersections.
- 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.
- 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
Roadtaking
Crew to ensure that marches operate smoothly by keeping traffic away from the march. Sometimes used at the start of static events
What's it like doing Roadtaking
Roadtake team (yellow High viz) with a lead Steward (Pink high-viz) holding a roadtake banner outside Farnborough Airport.
Roadtake teams usually operate as a small team with one lead (often a Lead Steward). Where available we wear yellow high-viz jackets. We work closely with Stewards who support the Roadtake teams.
Roadtaking involves stepping into the road when it is safe to do so (for example when traffic lights are red), normally holding a banner, to stop traffic entering a march or static protest site in order to keep participants safe.
We operate closely with Protest Liaison team to determine what is being covered by the Police or Authorities and what we will be doing. Roadtake teams react to circumstances, changing plans when needed to keep participants safe. The Lead Steward must always check what the police are prepared to do. It takes only 3 police to control a whole cross-road. If they are prepared to do that, let them. If they’re not, then we must jump in.
We do not direct or control traffic, that is a Police role. However, we do put physical barriers in place (banners) and explain to drivers what is happening.
Roadtaking is a physical mobile role. It is best to avoid carrying too much with you since at times you will need to move at pace from the back to the front of the march or between roadtake positions.
Public Open Roadtake Crew Telegram chat
Signup as Roadtake Crew
Roadtaking Scenarios
Banners
We have different size banners for different roads (5m, 8m typical).
Place banners where traffic naturally stops (Stop signs, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings).
Always have banner message facing out to the traffic that is being blocked.
Banner Placement Timing
Never Go Out Too early
- If you do, the blocked traffic may not see the march and they’ll be angry at being held up for no obvious reason. That’s dangerous.
- If you go out too late, the march leader will stop the march when they see no road block in place. That is the better option: stop the march. That will also concentrate the marchers, reducing gaps.
- Blocking a major intersection is not an instant event. You must send out your road blockers when the lights are red for their traffic. Another team may have to wait for the lights to be red for their traffic. So timing is crucial, but, if in doubt, delay.
Roadtake team move on once march itself is blocking intersection
- Other stewards can take over as a line, or march side banners arrive.
- Unless it’s a major junction and we need the physical banner presence to deter motorists.
- Be prepared for rapid switching to next Junction. Once you have finished, you will need to leapfrog the banner team in front of you waiting for the march to arrive and get ready at the junction after that.
Releasing Roadtakes
- Need to be careful, especially at the march rear when we release blocked traffic. All move out of the road at the same time.
Gaps in Marches
- Gaps in a march are dangerous: bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters and motorbikes will try to get through. That’s when roadblockers should stay in place until a side banner comes along to block access for these pesky machines. Only then do you head off to the next intersection.
- There will be many different banners in a large march (march banners, not road-taking banners). These will want a gap so photographers can get a good shot.
Example Road Junction scenarios
These animations show a march interacting with traffic and banner teams moving into position and then releasing and moving on. It assumes other Stewards or banner teams will hold junctions as the march passes by.
Crossroads - Marching left
Turning Left, simplest scenario
One banner to protect march as it turns
Banner out as march arrives
Blocks traffic from the right
And traffic from the top trying to turn (their right)
All other traffic keeps moving
Once march has passed, then banner leapfrogs on to next junction
Crossroads - Marching straight across
Straight on, slightly more complex
Three banners (or one 5m, one 8m)
Banner out as march arrives
Blocks traffic from the right
And traffic from the top trying to turn (their right)
Second banner blocks traffic from the left
Once march has passed, then banner leapfrogs on to next junction
Crossroads - Marching right
Turning Right, complex scenario
Three banners to protect march as it turns
Banner out as march arrives
Blocks traffic from the right
Second banner blocks traffic from top
Third banner blocks traffic from the left
Only limited traffic keeps moving
Once march has passed, then banner leapfrogs on to next junction
Minor road - Marching left at major road junction
Turning Left, simplest scenario
One banner to protect march as it turns
Banner out as march arrives
Blocks traffic from the right
All other traffic keeps moving
Once march has passed, then banner leapfrogs on to next junction
Minor road - Marching right at major road junction
Turning right, more complex scenario
Two banners to protect march as it turns
Banner out as march arrives
Block traffic from the right
Block traffic from left
No traffic keeps moving
Once march has passed, then banner leapfrogs on to next junction
Side roads - Marching past junctions on left and right
Passing side roads
Basically, block roads just before march arrives
Banners out as march arrives
Note how we only protect the side of road that march is on
All other traffic keeps moving
Once march has passed, then banner leapfrogs on to next junction
Narrow (one-way) streets
Most complex scenario – we try and avoid routes like this
Needs signalling to traffic that is held up that march is approaching as drivers (and march coordinators and roadtake crews) cannot see round corners
Roads blocked for a long time as we don’t want traffic to meet march head on down a side street, so these routes often need more deescalation
Once march has passed, then open up the side roads if possible
Junction with main road is as we have seen in examples above
Roundabout - Marching right
Roundabout, turning right for clarity
Banners to block each entrance so that roundabout doesn’t become clogged and block march
Banner out as march arrives
Blocks traffic from the right
Then other junctions
As march arrives shift right banner
Release banners as march passes each road
What to bring with you when Roadtaking
For general points see What to bring with you when Stewarding
Especially:
- comfortable shoes
- clothing layers (you can become warm whilst mvoing about, colder when standing still)
- Water bottle
Note that Roadtaking is a physical mobile role. It is best to avoid carrying too much with you since at times you will need to move at pace; for example, to move from the back to the front of the march or between roadtake positions.
Roadtaking Training
We have a number of Zoom sessions where we will go through various aspects of Roadtaking and give you a chance to ask questions. We recommend all Roadtake crew also 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 Roadtake Crew on XR Action Network to hear about these sessions or keep an eye on the Movement Broadcast on Telegram.
Roadtaking Training - online
- 16th October 19:00 – 20:00 - register here
- 24th October 19:00 – 20:00 - register here
Roadtaking Training Video - 35min (version includes banner placement animations and quiz)
Roadtaking Training Video - 40min (version includes Upgrade Democracy Briefing at the end)
Training materials, Powerpoint slide decs etc. are available if you want to run your own training sessions.
Planning Roadtaking
See section on Planning & Stewarding a March
Roadtaking Training Materials
The material on this page is for those planning to train others as Roadtake Crew. 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
Roadtaking Training Sessions
If you are looking to simply be trained then see Roadtaking Training for a listing of available sessions to book, or watch.
Roadtaking Training Materials
Note these Powerpoint presentation sshould be downloaded and shown using PowerPoint if animations and embedded videos are to work.
Powerpoint Slides for Roadtaking Training (Google Drive)
Video of Blue Light response during Unite to Survive march, Bath Oct 2023
Stewards Roadtaking Google Drive folder with multiple videos and pivot animator files used to create the videos of various roadatking scenarios
Action Wellbeing
Action Wellbeing supports the physical and emotional wellbeing of everyone involved in XR actions
What is Action Wellbeing?
Action Wellbeing supports the physical and emotional wellbeing of everyone involved in XR actions. Look out for us in our blue hi-vis. In our teams we also have qualified First Aiders who wear green tabards.
Action Wellbeing provide water, hand warmers and snacks (chocolate!), as well as a listening ear and a friendly smile. Rebels come to us for all sorts of things, including: information on the nearest toilets, rain protection, conversation, blankets and pillows, warm tea, songs and chants, support during arrests and countless other useful things!
Designated First Aiders are typically needed when:
- over 50 people are attending an action
- the action is a high physical risk environment.
Wellbeing is typically needed when:
- arrests are likely
- an action may last for a long duration
- larger numbers of people are attending
Wellbeing is essential for actions that include lock-ons, glue-ons, or occupation.
Contact us wellbeing+awb@extinctionrebellion.uk
What's involved in being Wellbeing Crew?
These are guidelines for what to expect once you have signed up as an Action Wellbeing Supporter. It can also serve as a set of guidelines for Wellbeing coordinators.
Before the Action
Once you have signed up for Action Wellbeing role you will be contacted by an Action Wellbeing Coordinator who will be able to link you up with other Action Wellbeing Supporters you will be working with. We recommend choosing an Anchor at this point to help build a support network in preparation for the action and continuing long after. An Anchor is a point of stability during the tumult of an action and offers check-ins as needed by rebels on the ground. They might be someone who can’t come to the action or wants to support from a distance, thus conserving their energies especially for pre- and post-action support.
There will be opportunities for training and ongoing communications so by the time we are on the street we feel prepared, supported and connected.
In this pre-action period we will also arrange a debrief for 1 - 2 weeks after the action. There will be a named person, possibly a Wellbeing Anchor who will make sure this happens. It would be lovely if it can be face to face but of course this is not always possible and when it isn’t zoom calls will be arranged.
Preparation:
Actions can be stressful situations to enter into and we may not always know what’s going to happen ahead of time. Some questions we might ask ourselves and those around us may be:
- What are my motivations for doing this?
- Do my values align with my motivations?
- What do I need to feel nourished?
- How will I know when I need to take a rest?
It is also a good idea to use the Pre-action and arrest preparation guidelines.
Contact:
You will be added to a group chat for the for the action, which will allow effective communication on the day. Apps used are SIGNAL, WHATSAPP or TELEGRAM. If you don’t have a smart phone, ensure you have the contact number for the Wellbeing Team Coordinator.
Meeting up:
The Wellbeing Team Coordinator will be in touch with you the day before to inform you of the meeting point and time.
On the day...
What to bring:
- A mobile phone/charger/ battery pack
- Pen & paper
- Food & drink for yourself
- A good book/source of entertainment, in case you do some arrestee support and have to wait a while at the police station
- Enough money to pay for a taxi/food/drinks for arrestees (just in case!)
- Weather appropriate wear: Warm & waterproof clothing, an umbrella, suncream.
What to wear:
Prioritise being comfortable, warm and dry. If you wish to, go smart casual - this may help our portrayal in the media and support the image of an inclusive movement. Keep your XR banners and clothing for when you arrive, it’s important that we don’t stand out too much when travelling to the actions.
Wellbeing packs:
Each pair will be given a backpack that will have useful things, e.g snacks, water and survival blankets in it. You will also be given bust cards, which have solicitors number on them.
Being identifiable:
We will all wear blue high-viz tabbards to be identifiable as the wellbeing team. The first aiders will have green first aid tabbards on.
Meeting up:
When we meet up for we will:
- Do a grounding exercise
- Have a check in - How am I feeling? Hopes/fears?
- The coordinator will brief the team on any information they have regarding the action.
- Buddy up.
- Share important contacts and write solicitors number somewhere on yourself.
- Agree on a point to meet after the action for a debrief. This could be at the wellbeing hub if there is one, or another easily accessible safe and calm space such as nearby park or cafe.
Buddying up:
You will have a buddy, who you will stay with or know the exact whereabouts of at all times during the action. If you have been involved in the planning and preparation you will hopefully already have a buddy but if not it will be arranged during the morning briefing. Action Wellbeing Supporters help to keep energy levels high, keep an eye on vulnerable participants, generally ensuring the physical and emotional wellbeing of anybody who is taking part in the action.
There will be time for any questions. Then we will then head to where the actions are happening with our buddies.
During the Action
At the action there will be:
Affinity Groups:
Some of the people taking action will be organised into affinity groups (small groups of people who know each other well enough to take direct action together). Some affinity groups will have a wellbeing coordinator. You and your buddy will be there to provide extra support, encouragement and guidance to these wellbeing coordinators.
There will also be:
Mostly, those who are not part of an affinity group and members of the public who have just joined. It is the role of the wellbeing supporter to keep an eye on the wellbeing of everyone at the action.
What you should do as an Action Wellbeing Supporter:
- Checking in with the people taking action (and their wellbeing coordinator if they have one) to see if they need anything.
- Keeping an eye out on arrests and taking note of the arresting officer, and the police station they are being taken to - especially if there are no Legal Observers present. See Witnessing an arrest notes.
- Keeping an eye out for anyone injured, distressed or overwhelmed, making sure no one is left on their own.
- Thanking and cheering (if it feels appropriate) arrestees when they are taken off to the police van. Or if they are alone accompanying them to the van and being the last smiling and supportive face they see before they are taken away.
- Checking in with strangers, especially if they are alone, and seeing how they are doing. A good question you can ask is ‘What brought you here today?’ (Remember some people may be cautious of giving their name if police are around.) See if they are planning on being arrested and if so...
- Checking-in with arrestables
Before and during an action, check-in with people and see if they are planning to be arrested. If they are then offer to explore the following with them - explain that this is not to deter them, but it is to make sure they are fully prepared to maintain their wellbeing through the criminal justice system:- Reasons & Motivations
“How did you decide that you want to be arrestable?” - Anxiety/Fears/Concerns/Boundaries
“Do you have any fears or concerns about being arrested?”
"Do you have any concern that any of your traits/qualities may impact your experience at an action or during arrest (e.g. ethnicity, class, disability, sexual orientation)" - Impact
“What impact do you think this will have on you and your family/friends?"
"What do you think is the worst case scenario?” - Support & Preparation
“How have you prepared yourself for today?” e.g., attended NVDA, know your rights, informed family) but also
“What is your support network like?” e.g. part of an affinity group, police station support, has an anchor at home, has a buddy with them at the action. - Embedded
“How does today, including any arrests, court appearances etc. link in with the rest of your life, your plans, your values?” - linking back to the motivation at the beginning.
- Reasons & Motivations
Help the rebel to return to a positive place after what could be difficult questions.
In case of...
- Minor injuries - call over a first aider (in a green hi-vis)
- Serious injuries - call an ambulance
- Someone feeling overwhelmed/seems distressed - take aside to sit down, offer water/reassurance/to call a friend/family if needed
- Someone feeling unwell and needing to leave the action - ensure they have assistance/company- either a friend or trusted wellbeing person, do NOT send them off with someone unknown to them, or on their own.
- Someone taking direct action intoxicated or behaving in a way that doesn’t adhere to XR’s principles and values/the action consensus eg: Being verbally or physically violent - IF you feel comfortable doing so let the person know that we are a non violent movement with a set of principles & values guiding our work that we ask everyone on site to agree to. Have someone with you when you do this for support. You can also call on the support of a de-escalator (white hi-vis) or your co-ordinator.
After the Action:
Check out:
We will gather again immediately after the action to check out, and handover if another team is coming on shift. This serves as a mini debrief, but is not an alternative to a full debrief.
Things to think about during check out:
- How am I feeling now?
- What went well?
- Do I have any concerns?
- What do I need right now or what will I do later to nourish myself.
Arrange to check in with your buddy over the next few days and attend the debrief (which will have already been arranged for 1-2 weeks after the action)
Welcome home gathering:
Gather with your affinity group or others you were in action with to connect, share stories and celebrate.
Debrief:
Debriefs are an important part of post action care and can often be forgotten about in the business of an action. That is why we recommend that all debriefs are booked in before the action starts. Some of the main reasons for debriefing are:
- Learning and improving
- Emotional processing
- Preventing ‘Burn-Out’
- Staying connected
Take a look at the Debrief Template. This can be adapted and simplified. Pick the bits that work for you.
After this debrief we recommend keeping an eye out for or organising Ongoing Talking Circles/Reflective Spaces to help stay connected.
Access and Inclusion in Action Wellbeing
In XR we want to make our events as inclusive and accesible as possible and not all of access needs are obvious. Certainly physical disabilities are easy to recognise, whereas mental health and non-visible disabilities like deafness and poor sight are often not so easy to recognise.
It is important that we, in Action Support roles, demonstrate an awareness that rebels may find certain situations uncomfortable (noise, crowds, distances to cover, sight, hearing, etc.). We need to know the location of accessible routes between locations, toilets and other services. We can offer to guide someone from a transport hub, or push a wheelchair for example.
An awareness of and a demonstration of that awareness is typically needed when:
- expecting attendees with varied mobility, or other access requirements
- large public events
- specifically requested in advance.
Contact us: xr.inclusion@protonmail.com
First Aid within Action Wellbeing
Whilts we encourage all in Action Support roles to have a basic awareness of First Aid, our designated First Aiders are all trained and certificated to the Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work, or its equivalent. Since such training is expensive, we aim to recruit First Aiders who are already certificated.
Our First Aiders will wear Green First Aid Tabbards. Usually our First Aiders and Welbeing crew support actions in Buddy Pairs together.
For multi-day actions, we organise our Wellbeing and First Aid crew using an On-Line Rota, so that each member can select the most appropriate times that they can contribute their support. This helps to balance out attendance and ensures that we have cover for all the individual activities on each day. In between major actions, we generally keep in contact with our First Aider pool, using our Telegram chat channel. But during actions, we use Signal, which is a more secure platform.
Prior to bigger UK based actions, we may need to run some First Aid Training sessions, to remind our crew how we "work on the street". This lets us talk about what issues can present themselves during actions - possibly with greater emphasis on the emotional needs of the rebels we'll be looking after, rather than their physical needs. This can be particularly important where the action may result in multiple arrests.
If you are already certificated, and wish to join our First Aid crew, please join us on telegram here: First Aid Chat channel
If you have any queries regarding your certification, contact us on: wellbeing+fa@extinctionrebellion.uk
Ways to stay Grounded and Connected during an Action
Check-ins
We want to develop resilience and wellbeing through introspection and deepening our support networks (for arrestables and non-arrestables). Regularly checking in with each other during actions can help us to:
- Recognise, observe and explore our emotions
- Develop greater connection and a feeling of support and safety between each other
- Ground the group at times of heightened emotion
- Uncover and respond to the needs of the group
Self soothing techniques
Practice these techniques long before the action so become second nature and readily available when you need them in times of stress.
- Focusing on your breathing, observing your breath, first without changing it and then very gradually lengthening your exhales. Try to only focus on breathing out, trusting that breathing in happens naturally as and when your body needs it.
- Bringing your attention to your feet and feeling connected to the immediate ground under your feet, and through it, to the soil, the earth, the planet. You are part of a whole and you are connected to it, through your body and through your feet at all times. You are on safe ground.
- Bringing attention to your senses – 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste.
- Broadening out your vision (Owl vision), looking as far around you as you can – all the way up to the sky, all the way down to your feet. All the way to your left and all the way to your right. Our vision sometimes contracts when we are scared and we lose sight of what’s important.
- Loosening your shoulders by pulling them up as hard as you can and then letting them fall down. Repeat a few times. Turn your head very slowly from one side to the middle, to the other side, to the middle again. Repeat a few times. We tend to tense around our neck and shoulders in times of stress, actively releasing this tension can help you relax.
- Shake out: Shaking is a normal response to tension in the body, shaking releases the tension and relaxes the muscles which has a direct affect on your nervous system. We love a quick shake out or dance break with a group mid action.
Action Wellbeing Practice Scenarios
Role plays and discussion to practise with your affinity group, wellbeing team, friends, anyone!
Specific Action Visioning
Spend some time in a small group thinking about the action you are about to take. Discuss the type of action it is, where it is, the size of it and any other details you can think of specific to that action. Start to come up with some example scenarios of what you might come across. You may decide to role play these or simply talk about them and start to get a sense of what it might look and feel like in that situation and what the Action Wellbeing needs might be?
Wellbeing Supporter Role Plays
Applied Active Listening
Get into groups of 3-4. Do this by lining up roughly in terms of experience of activism, been arrested for loads of different actions at various times at one end of the room. Never done anything like this in their lives at the other. Make up the groups of 3-4 people so that there is a variety of experience levels in the groups. In all the scenarios ask the Wellbeing person to try and practise active listening with the person taking direct action in order to support them.
Active Listening tips:
- Give the speaker your undivided attention.
- Try not to interrupt while they are talking.
- If you notice yourself drift off or start thinking about how to respond, try to bring your attention back to what the speaker is saying.
- See what it's like to just listen fully with your whole mind and body.
Supporting someone being cut out of a lock on
1-2 Police, 1 rebel locked on, 1 WB person.
Ask the rebel to lie down. The police person should be sat over/ next to the protector, leaning over them as if cutting off an arm lock. Imagine the machinery and kit needed to be cutting someone out of an arm lock. It is loud, and invasive. The police can be asking questions. The wellbeing person is to support the rebel through that experience.
Supporting someone being criticised by a member of the public
1 Angry Driver, 1 rebel, 1 WB person.
The rebel is standing within conversation range of an angry driver who is hanging out of their car window, the rebel can choose whether or not to engage with the driver. The angry driver can be shouting, may be offensive. Possible things to say, ‘get a job’ ‘this is hitting the wrong people I’m just trying to get to work’ ‘I’m going to lose my job because of you’ ‘my kids are waiting at the school gate and are late because of you’ Be imaginative, and don’t be afraid to be mean, it will help with the practise. The wellbeing person is to support the rebel through that experience.
Supporting someone who is talking to police liaison
1-2 Police Liaison, 1 Attendee (may not be doing something arrestable, 1 WB person.
The attendee has had no NVDA training or briefing and no prior experience with the police. The police liaison are really friendly and having a wee chat. WB person is to support the attendee.
Supporting someone who is getting arrested by the police
1-2 Police, 1 rebel, 1 WB person.
Start with the arrest, putting on of handcuffs, ask first but can get physical. The police may try to move the person away from the WB supporter. WB person is to support the attendee. Come back together for a debrief. Talk about the scenario and things that came up.
Decision Making Exercise
In groups of 5-10, go through one of these scenarios and respond within 90 seconds:
Coordination:
Ask a co-ordinator from each group to come forward and get a task. (If the co-ordinators are predominantly male, name that to the whole group. Mention that in deciding who will coordinate and in making the decision to put yourself forward or not ask if your first response is more to do with capability or the way you have been socialised in our current society. Thank those coordinators for stepping forward and ask for 2 different coordinators to come up)
Give them this task: ’you have just been messaged with info that 2 swarming affinity groups have gone off and will be doing something arrestable nearby. One has just left and can be seen leaving down a side street. The other cannot be seen and there is no info on where they are other than ‘nearby’. The group of WB people you are with are currently looking after a group of vulnerable arrestables e.g. younger people or older people or members of the disabilities network.
Go back to your well-being people and decide who goes where, this is time sensitive as people are likely to be arrested quickly once they start their swarming activities. Time 90s seconds as it is the amount of time they will have before the affinity group disappears from sight. Debrief, did you make a decision? Did you listen to each other? Did anyone not feel listened to? Who was loudest/quietest?
Swarming:
Before doing this decide which 2 people in the group will represent WB people.
‘You’ve been swarming all day, and come off the road to let the first cars through. During this moment a car on the other side of the road overheats and goes on fire, blowing huge amounts of smoke everywhere. You are a bit spread out and can only speak to the 3 people closest to you. Do you go back on the road as planned at the next light?
- Did you make a decision?
- Did the whole group make the same decision?
- Was the WB view different from the others?
- How did WB facilitate communication and de-escalation in that situation?
- Did you listen to each other?
- Did anyone not feel listened to?
- Who was loudest/quietest?
- Were the most listened to/first to speak/loudest voices to do with the way we are socialised in our society?
Priorities:
Split into smaller groups of 3-4
You are standing together at the first aid point giving out tea. Someone is brought to the point having just fainted. At the same time you see the police starting to arrest people who had been blocking a road at one end, there are WB people there but the arrests look like they may need backup. At the same time a parent who has lost a child comes over in distress, looking for help. At the same time you receive a message that some of the march is leaving and will need WB people to go with it. You should always be within eyesight/earshot of your buddy.
Decide who sees to what in this situation. How do you organise and support?
Notice, with no judgement, just noticing.
- Was someone leading?
- Did they listen to each other? Did anyone not feel listened to?
- Who was loudest/quietest?
- Why did those who stepped forward feel most comfortable doing so. Note on privilege awareness.
Come back together for a debrief.
Useful Tools & Templates
More Resources for Action Wellbeing volunteers
PDF Wellbeing Handbook- a deeper guide into the details promoting wellbeing in our rebels on an ongoing basic, as well as the details of organising Action Wellbeing for a large action.
Action Wellbeing Practice Scenarios – to role play with your Affinity Group, Wellbeing Team or other Rebels
Pre Action and Arrest Preparation- Emotional and practical preparation for action (and arrest)
Kit List – some suggestions for your Wellbeing Kit
How to debrief – please take inspiration and use what is useful to you
The Regenerative Action Cycle
Production & World Build
Production & World Build focuses on logistical and hands-on work and takes care of the practical and technical sides of events.
What do the Production teams do?
Production & World Build focuses on logistical and hands-on work and takes care of the practical and technical sides of rebellion. In short: we amplify actions!
We make sure to provide the equipment needed to intensify any action. This involves sourcing, delivering and operating kit and training crews to work both behind the scenes and on the ground.
We consist of six main teams, Site Design and Build, Sound and Power, Logistics, Sustenance, Sanitation and Waste and Accommodation.
See the next pages for more detailed information on each group, checklists for running your own Action, Protest or Rebellion, and information on how to connect with or get involved in these teams.
Contact Us: production@extinctionrebellion.uk
How to Request Production Support
If you require support or advice from Production Logistics, Site Design and Build, Sound & Power, Sustenance, Sanitation and Waste or Accomodation your request will need to come through Production World Build.
Please contact us via the email: production@extinctionrebellion.uk
We just have two golden rules….
ONE POINT OF CONTACT - please nominate one person to talk to us about production requests. To avoid any confusion of information or mixed messaging all communication will go through your nominated point of contact.
ADVANCE WARNING - Please give us as much notice as possible. You don’t need to have all of the information and detail but we are much more likely to be able to help the sooner we can get the date in the diary.
Please refer to the info and questions below, these will be applicable both if you know you need support or if you’re not sure what support is on offer.
NB. If your action is not an XR action there may be a small fee attached to various services in order to cover the time and expenses of our volunteers. We can provide more details when you contact us.
Does your action require amplified sound?
If the answer is YES you can ask for support from Sound and Power.
Before contacting please think through your responses to the following:
- The location / date / time of the action.
- Is the action static or moving?
- How many people are you trying to reach, and over how big a space?
- How long will amplified sound be required for?
- What are you amplifying, speeches, recorded music, live music?
Does your action involve using kit from the warehouse or XR's van?
If the answer is YES you can ask for support from Production Logistics.
Before contacting please think through your responses to the following:
- Dates the kit / van is required for?
- Do you have a driver - must be over 25 and have some previous experience of driving a small van?
- Do you have volunteers to help load / unload?
- You will need a budget to cover Congenstion Charge / ULEZ / fuel.
Does your action involve feeding people?
If the answer is YES you can ask for support from Sustenance.
Before contacting please think through your responses to the following:
- Date / time / location?
- How many people are you trying to feed?
- Hot or cold food?
- Do you have a kitchen available to prepare food in?
- Do you have a food station to serve from?
- Is mealtime a part of the action or are you providing sustenance on the go?
- Do you have a budget?
- Do you have volunteers to assist with sustenance prep / serving / clearing?
Does your action need access to water / toilets / waste disposal?
If the answer is YES you can ask for support from Sanitation and Waste.
Before contacting please think through your responses to the following:
- Date / time / location?
- How many people at your action?
- Do you have a budget?
- Do you have a volunteer team on the day?
Does your action have a physical aspect which needs designing and setting up?
If the answer is YES you can ask for support from Site Design and Build.
Before contacting please think through your responses to the following:
- Please refer to the Site Design and Build section in the Rebel Toolkit
- Do you require kit from the Warehouse? Please check the Warehouse inventory here.
- Do you have a volunteer team to build and strike the site?
Does your action require accomodation for people?
If the answer is YES you can ask for support from Accommodation.
Before contacting please think through your responses to the following:
- Date / location?
- How many people?
- Do you have a budget?
Sound & Power
What is it?
Providing mobile PAs, sound systems, pop-up stages and solar-power set-ups; essentially bringing the vibes to any action! The Sound and Power team have kit stored in the central warehouse to provide amplification of any sort to your action.
What skills or training do I need?
You don’t need any specific skills or knowledge to join the team as all training can be given. Sound and Power run training courses to equip people with the knowledge and skills needed. In particular training can be given for people interested in running the cycle rickshaws which amplify sound at many London marches.
Help and Support for Sound and Power
If you have any questions about site Sound and Power please contact the team at: production@extinctionrebellion.uk we are happy to help via email, arrange a chat or zoom meeting or lend support as needed.
Join the Sound and Power Team
We are always looking for new members to join our friendly team. Sign-up for email newsletter here.
We are spread across London and the Regions & Nations and are keen to connect Sound and Power crews across the UK. Email production@extinctionrebellion.uk to get involved from your area.
Join the Rickshaw Crew.
If you would like to join the rickshaw crew to support protests and actions in London by providing mobile amplification please join this signal group. No prior skill necessary, all training can be given.
Logistics
Logistics: Looking after the safe handling, transport and storage of XR’s amazing action kit and equipment; literally bringing all the toys needed for any actions.
Typically required when you or any team involved in the action has kit or assets to move around. Logistics coordinates the flow of kit to and from site, so this involves knowing what is coming, where it’s coming from, how it’s getting to site, where it needs to be and when, when it needs taking away and where it’s going to.
A team of volunteers is needed to make this happen and organising and managing these teams is a big part of logistics too. Logistics works with lorry, van, or car drivers, rickshaw or cargo bike riders, volunteers on foot loading and unloading, and shifting kit around by hand or with trolleys.
Check List for Logistics for a specific Action:
- Have, and record a clear list of what is being supplied, where it’s coming from, how it’s arriving and where is needs to be.
- Make sure everything is clearly labelled.
- Make sure you know where things need to be returned to - quick and efficient site clearing is as important as the set up.
- Keep encouraging volunteers before, during, and after the event. You’ll likely need a lot of people to help move kit around and everyone works better when they feel needed and valued.
- Make sure you have enough space in your transport, whether this is a truck, van or cargo bike - underestimating space is worse than having some spare room for the inevitable extras that will arrive.
- Know when to say no. If you don’t have the capacity to move or deliver kit whether this is due to lack of funds, resources or volunteers, communicate this to your team, or the team making requests of you, as soon as you can.
Warehouse Information
A Layout of the main warehouse and lists of what is held there, plus other UK locations in this spreadsheet
Help and Support for Logistics
If you have any questions about logistics please contact the production team at: production@extinctionrebellion.uk We are happy to help via email, arrange a chat or zoom meeting or lend support as needed. The production team manage the Warehouse in London which has kit available for use on actions, and subject to availability the production van is also available for use on XR Actions.
Join the Logistics Team
We are always looking for new members to join our friendly team. We are spread across London and the regions & nations, and are keen to build a production network across the UK. When the time comes for the next big rebellion we want to connect production crews across the UK to work together on a decentralised plan involving all regions.
Sign-up here to get involved or connect up with others from your area.
Site Design & Build
What do we do?
We are responsible for the design and build of sites, spaces, occupations and the different elements within those spaces, i.e. Outreach Hubs, Stages, Creative Structures etc.
This work is typically undertaken by this team for larger actions or where significant public outreach is planned. However all actions should consider elements of design in their planning.
What is it?
Every Action, Protest or Rebellion takes place on a site which has been chosen according to various criteria. If the Action is aimed at a specific individual / company / business this more than likely determines the site, but if your Action focus is broader the site will be chosen according to criteria identified by your Action Planners.
The Site Design and Build team will work with these criteria to design the various elements of the site to maximum effect, and then with a team of volunteers execute the build and break of the site. Site Design and Build is particularly important for larger outward facing rebellions or protests.
If I want to do Site Design and Build for a specific Action what skills or training do I need?
No specific training is needed but it’s helpful to be able to imagine spaces and be able to relate this to the experience you might have in a given space.
Each Action you are involved with will give you more experience of what works best in a given situation. Site Design and Build work closely with the creative team particularly with regard to flags, banners and site decoration.
Check List for Site Design and Build for a specific Action
-
Who is your action aimed at and how should it look to them?
- If a major reason for your action is to get press / social media, how does it look to the camera?
- How does it look to a passerby: is there an element of outreach involved, are you trying to draw people in, or are you addressing a large crowd?
- Is it a regenerative action for rebels, how will it look and feel to them?
- Are you expecting crowds, which direction will they come from?
- Do you need to be visible from a distance?
- If a major reason for your action is to get press / social media, how does it look to the camera?
-
Each of the elements involved needs to be positioned correctly on the site in order to fulfill it’s purpose. Think about each element in terms of:
- its purpose
- who is it aimed at?
- What is its relationship to neighboring elements and the site as a whole? This applies to everything, whether it’s a main stage, an outreach gazebo, a welfare tent, toilets, a food or water station, a banner or flag, a sound system, an element belonging to a partner organisation, or a crew logistics base.
-
Size and space
- How big is your site, how will people move around it?
- Do they need physical signs, digital maps, or stewards with info?
- Is there enough space for a flow of people without bottlenecks?
- Is there too much space so your crowd will appear very small?
- What’s the access like for wheelchair users or disabled people?
-
Article on appropriate crowd densities for various situations
-
Have you thought about the weather?
- Will it impact your action?
- Can you alter the site design to mitigate against too much wind / rain / sun?
Help and Support for Site Design and Build
If you have any questions about Site Design and Build please contact the production team at: production@extinctionrebellion.uk
We are happy to help via email, arrange a chat or zoom meeting or lend support as needed.
Join the Site Design and Build Team
We are always looking for new members to join our friendly team. We are spread across London and the regions & nations and are keen to build a production network across the UK. When the time comes for the next big rebellion we want to connect production crews across the UK to work together on a decentralised plan involving all regions. Signup here to get involved or connect up from your area.
Sustenance
Sustenance: Making sure there’s systems, crew and equipment in place to feed hungry rebels so they can go on rebelling!
If I want to do Sustenance for a specific Action what skills or training do I need?
Some experience in food preparation and a basic knowledge of food hygiene would be ideal but is not essential. If someone in your team has these skills there is plenty of room for others to volunteer alongside.
Check List for providing Sustenance for a specific action…
- How many people are you aiming to cater for? Do you have the capacity for this (in terms of food, distribution, volunteers, cooking space etc)?
- Think about what is most suitable for your action, what will the weather be like? What time of day is it? How close are local amenities? How integral is food to the action? If sharing food and eating together is an integral part of bringing groups together make sure there is the time and space and facilities for this. Or are you providing high energy snacks on the go? Easy to eat food for people in a sit in / occupation / lock-on?
- Where can you prep / cook / eat? How much time will it take and how many volunteers do you need? Do you have the facilities necessary?
- If your kitchen / prep area is off site how will you transport the food? Where are your ingredients coming from? Do you have food donations or need budget, and time and people to shop?
Providing Sustenance without a kitchen or dedicated team
If it its possible or appropriate to have a full sustenance team, ask people to bring extra food or drink to share with others. Things like - vegan pasties, biscuits, dried apricots, energy balls, crisps, nuts and roasted seeds are great nutritious options. You should aim to serve plant based food, with minimal allergy restrictions. Please note your ingredients so if you befriend anyone with allergies, they can check!
Help and Support with Sustenance
If you have any questions about Sustenance please contact the production team at: production@extinctionrebellion.uk. We are happy to help via email, arrange a chat or zoom meeting or lend support as needed.
Join the Sustenance Team
We are always looking for new members to join our friendly team. We are spread across London and the regions & nations and are keen to build a sustenance network across the UK. When the time comes for the next big rebellion we want to connect production world build crews across the UK to work together on a decentralised plan involving all regions. Sign-up here to get involved or connect up from your area.
Toilets, Sanitation and Waste
What is it?
Shits and giggles! Seriously, Sanitation and Waste may not have the most glamorous name but it’s a vital part of any Rebellion and often has a great team of people who have as much of a laugh as anyone else, and are always hugely appreciated by everyone.
The Sanitation and Waste team will ensure that everyone has access to a toilet, to safe drinking water, and that the site is left in as pristine a condition as it was found - or often better.
If I want to do Sanitation and Waste for a specific Action what skills or training do I need?
No specific skills or training are needed.
Check List for Sanitation and Waste for a specific Action:
- Where are the nearest public toilets to your action? If there are no public toilets near by is there a cafe or pub that would be happy for people to use the toilet? Often agreements can be made with local businesses which benefit all parties and are a great opportunity for outreach.
- Check any toilets that you have identified as useable are also accessible. -If there are no toilets available you may need to provide your own, either using a portable system or hiring toilets, this will depend on who you are catering for.
- If you are hiring toilets you need to think about how many people will need to use them and how long they will be available for. Hire companies can often help you figure out how many units you may need.
- Will people have access to clean drinking water? Are there facilities on or near the site? Local cafe’s or pubs that can refill bottles? Drinking fountains? When tapping into water sources that have not been agreed to extreme care must be taken to ensure it is clean safe drinking water.
- Do any of your groups on site require access to water? eg. Sustenance team? Art blockers?
- How much waste will you be generating? It’s always best to find ways to produce less waste before trying to organise dealing with waste.
- How will you collect waste in a hygienic way? XR has a large number of pink litter pickers made for the big one which are stored in the warehouse in London and can be leant out for any action.
- Make sure all waste is sorted for responsible disposal. How will you remove waste from site? Can you use waste disposal systems already in place for the location you are at?
- XR are known for leaving sites cleaner than they have found them - let’s keep this up!
Help and Support
If you have any questions about Sanitation and Waste please contact the production team at: production@extinctionrebellion.uk. We are happy to help via email, arrange a chat or zoom meeting or lend support as needed.
Join the Sanitation and Waste Team
We are always looking for new members to join our friendly team. We are spread across London and the regions & nations and are keen to build a production network across the UK. When the time comes for the next big rebellion we want to connect production world build crews across the UK to work together on a decentralised plan involving all regions. Sign-up here to get involved or connect up from your area.
Accommodation
Working on providing indoor accommodation for groups or individuals and setting up and running protest camps.
The Accommodation Team work hard to help everyone find a place to stay for major events (usually rebellions in London).
We aim to provide a safe space for anyone in need; people who otherwise would not be able to come to London and places where rebels can rest and regenerate after a long day’s protest.
The number of camps and indoor accommodation organised depends on the number of rebels registering. Managing accomodation needs extensive planning, as it will involve infrastructure, essentials, and preparing to be camping in more than one park. Please see volunteering roles below.
Camping
Campsite specific locations are not normally released until just before we open them. This is to avoid unwanted attention from the public. We aim to cooperate with local communites as far as possible - if you live in London and there is a community area possibly suitable for camping near you, please let us know.
Camping in London at Rebellions
Join the London Campers Community Telegram Group for updates and to communicate with other potential campers: join here
Managing the camp(s) will be a daunting task. We need campers to volunteer at least a few hours help - we are all crew! Please join the London Campers Volunteer Chat, where you can connect to other volunteers: join here
Camping in public spaces in London is illegal, however XRUK liaises with local authorities and the Met Police to ensure camps are safe. Locations will only be released once the local authorities have been contacted approximately 7 days before, at which point they are more likely to be supportive.
Contact the Accommodation Team by email if you have any questions: xr.accommodation@proton.me
Indoor Accommodation
We aim to secure as many indoor spaces as possible, such as church halls, mosques, community centres, warehouses and sports halls.
- Could you offer space in your home or camping in your garden?
- Do you know any spaces in London that might be suitable?
Human Hotel
In addition, there is the Human Hotel.
Choose your city as "London" and then register as a host, or search as guest.
- Or sign up to be a host here
If you sign up to be a host then please check your inbox regularly as we are hearing that some attempts at registering for accomodation are going unanswered.
Please note that some rebels are encountering "invalid date" problems when using the date selection in the filter at the top of the page. To avoid this, use the dates field on the page of the host you would like to stay with.
Volunteering
- Can you volunteer to help the Accommodation Team?
- Can you research places in London that might be suitable for accommodation?
- Can you call around venues to book them for our next big event?
- Are you at home on Mattermost and Telegram or good at admin? We need volunteers to monitor chats, manage info and write posts for broadcasts and newsletters.
To volunteer to help out with any of these roles please contact the Accommodation Team.
All necessary information, guidance and assistance needed to take part will be provided.
Check back here or check the Rebellion Broadcast for the latest info!
Creating Amenities & Sustenance Maps
Producing maps using Google MyMaps mean that you can share the editing workload and then publish a public view for participants to use. Google Help on using the tool.
Below are some examples.
The Big One Rebellion
The Big One Google MyMap
Note the use of layers for the different days as well as fixed infrastructure
- Toilets (public and onsite loos of last resort) including full descriptions and accessiblity
- Water refill stations
- Sustenance
- Welcome Hub
- First Aid
- Action Wellbeing
March for Biodiversity
The Big One for Biodiversity V2 Google MyMap
Note the use of areas to show meeting zones at the start of the march
People Pickets
Animals Peoples Pickets Google MyMap
Note use of icons to allow people to find specific pickets - numbers might have been easier
Programming and Stage Management
Programming involves the organsiation, scheduling and booking performers for any kind of amplified 'stage'.
UK Programming team
We provide support for major events (e.g The Big One, Restore Nature Now). If you want to get involved in coordination of this work or as someone with the skills to volunteer as an 'MC' to host the event.
Contact us on our mattermost reception or by emailing programming.XR@proton.me
Programming at a local action/event
You may want to put together a programming/stage team if you are running a mic for speeches and other amplified performances as part of a march/occupation/protest event.
The team would do the following:
- Book the speakers and other performers such as musicians
- Liaise with teams who would bring the amplification and man it on the day.
- Stage manage the mic by receiving speakers and performers as they arrive and organising them to perform at the right time.
- Book MCs who host the mic.
Guidance for Stage Programmers
Here is a fabulous Guide for Stage Programmers explaining what an event programmming team does, all the people you might need to get involved and various templates for organising and contacting performers and crew.
More Resources
On the Arts shelf is a book about Music and Performance to help you connect with all kinds of artists from spoken work to music to more theatrical groups.
Embedding Nonviolence / Deescalation
Working to defuse tense situations
What does the Embedding nonviolence / Deescalation team do?
Nonviolent action is about confrontation. By acting, we engage in conflict with others, intervening in their daily lives and disrupting them. This raises tension, which can increase the risk that somebody gets hurt. Nonviolent communication grants us the ability to engage with other people without causing them unintentional harm. It invites us to move away from notions of blame and judgement, to foster a quality of connection rooted in empathy.
In the context of a rebellious action, we can use this method of communication to manage tension during a confrontation between parties on the street. This can involve members of the public, police or protesters. By intervening in hostile encounters we may be able to recognise feelings of alienation and agitation and help them transform into solidarity and optimism.
We can provide training and wear white hi-vis on the ground.
A team focusing on Embedding Non-Violence & De-escalation is typically needed for longer actions, or when potential conflict situations are likely.
Contact us: xrnonviolence@gmail.com
What is Nonviolent Direct Action / Communication?
What is Nonviolence?
Nonviolence works because it inspires, builds trust and opens doors for large numbers of people to get involved and express themselves. It also models the world we want to live in by committing to causing no harm.
Beyond blame and judgement, nonviolence recognizes that all of us are part of this system and that we live interdependently (what happens to you affects me and vice versa) and all of our futures are at stake.
Some core elements of nonviolence are:
- Non-harming.
- Moving beyond blame and judgement to seek to understand the position and perspective of the other.
- Truth-telling from a place of courage, compassion and love.
- Interdependence.
- Self-connection or inner peace.
”Nonviolence is the courage to speak truth with love…and love is the full radical acceptance of the humanity of every person.” - Miki Kashtan
What is Nonviolent Direct Action?
Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA) is a strategy of organising in groups to put your bodies in direct contact with or to directly oppose a force that you see as destructive or causing harm. NVDA strategies as we know them now developed out of the Nonviolent campaigns to end British rule of India, most commonly associated with Gandhi, and in the struggle for Civil Rights in the US in the 50s and 60s, most commonly associated with Dr. Martin Luther King.
What is Nonviolent Communication?
Nonviolent communication (NVC) is another expression of Nonviolence. NVC was developed by Marshall Rosenberg who drew on the humanistic psychology of Carl Rogers and the nonviolence of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, to develop the tools to approach actions and organising in a way that includes your own needs, while considering others' and the needs of the wider environment, so that unintentional harm is more likely to be avoided.
Some core elements of NVC are:
- Recognising that all humans share the same fundamental needs, no matter how different their strategies for meeting them might be.
- From this basis, seeing the possibility of connection with all.
- Moving beyond blame, judgment, ‘should’ & ‘have to’.
- Communicating from a place of choice.
- Foregrounding the act of listening, as a precursor for speaking, including to de-escalate tense situations.
- Expressing yourself by trying to communicate clear observations which aren’t disputable instead of emotion-laden and unconscious interpretations.
BREATHE: De-Escalation Skills
The acronym below is a simple, five-step process that may support you to stay self-connected and in your intention to connect with the other, including in tense situations. It is adapted from the principles of Non Violent Communication explained on the previous page.
- Breathe. Ground. Notice your sources of support.
- Remember The Humanity of All.
- Empathy Before Education.
- Reflecting Not Reacting.
- Feelings Before Facts.
- Connection Over Correction.
- Ask First and Authentically Self-Express.
- BreaTHE. Debrief with Support.
NVC De-Escalation Step by Step
1. Breathe. Ground. Notice your sources of support.
High-intensity and conflictual moments can be extremely challenging. We are hard-wired to fight, flight or freeze during them. And if we wish to remain calm, self-connected and able to focus on connecting with the other, we need both preparation and support. The idea of this first step then is preparatory. Before you begin your ‘work’ as a de-escalator, between each moment you are active, whenever you have a second to replenish - breathe. Ground yourself. Connect to the fact that life is ongoing no matter what is happening in this present moment. Also: look around and name what support you have available; simply doing so can give you a sense of safety, solidarity, stability.
2. Remember The Humanity of All
A commitment to nonviolence begins from the premise that all of us matter. It recognises that we are all fundamentally similar. It also holds that none of us is intrinsically ‘bad’, even when and if we do things that are painful for others. A critical starting point for practicing nonviolence, therefore, is to connect to the humanity of all. We can do this by attempting to put ourselves in another person’s shoes. In the context of a protest, imagine yourself as a frustrated commuter, a policeman, or an angry demonstrator. What are you feeling? Why? Sink as deeply as you can into what it must feel like to be that person, how you would feel if you were them. Judgements and evaluations of the ‘rightness’, ‘wrongness’ or ‘deservingness’ of the other will block our compassion for them; imagining ourselves as them can help to melt those judgements away.
3. Empathy Before Education
When people are upset, empathy can be supportive. They don’t want to be told that they’ll be OK, that this isn’t a big deal, that you’ve had it worse or have an answer for them. They also don’t want some ‘rational’ engagement where you seek to shift their state through the force of argument. What they want is to be understood - to have someone get what they’re feeling and why. Think of the times when you are upset - isn’t that also what you want?
Truly listening to someone is a powerful gift that can foster a real sense of connection. It also supports people to re-centre themselves, taking the immediate charge out of any anger. At the very core of our de-escalation will be ongoing empathy. It is the lifeblood of NVC and will be essential to maintaining peaceful connection at protest actions. It is also likely to be fundamental to any growth in this movement, since all the latest psychological research suggests that people are not often persuaded to change their worldviews but instead open to change through the pathway of connection.
4. Ask First - Is the other person ready to hear your perspective?
This helps to build a nonviolent culture of consent and choice. If you want to be genuinely heard by the other, they need to be ready to hear you. And they are unlikely to be ready if they are triggered and angry and don’t first feel heard by you. This is why empathy first is critical. And then, when there is connection between you, respect that person’s space by asking them whether they are open to hearing what’s alive for you. Asking for consent prepares them in a small way for listening, so they are more likely to take on board what you are saying.
A is also for Authentic Self-Expression. In other words, how can you express what is alive for you in ways that are authentic as well as compassionate and connecting.
Before you do this, spend a moment to connect emotionally with your reasons for being involved with XR. What is it that deep within you is motivating you to spend hours, days, weeks organising and going to the streets, with the consequences of arrest if you get arrested?
5. BreaTHE - Self-check in. Notice your sources of support. e.g. empathy, movement, checkin. Plan to access them.
Don’t forget that protests, and conflict within them can be intense, energy-sapping, scary and many other things besides. You may well need empathy of your own or other support to sustain your nonviolence in and beyond them. When they are over, make sure you bookend your contribution with a debrief. Ground yourself again as you did at the start. Seek support and access it.
De-escalation in Large Crowd Situations
Theatre, Fun, Music and Song
These can all be used to entertain and change the energy.
- If the energy is getting too excitable, music and especially drumming can be used to first meet the energy of excitement and then gradually calm things down by slowing the beat until it is the same as a calm heart-beat.
- When tension is building, start up a calming song, and invite others to join in. Teach and then sing it slowly and calmly. You can find some examples HERE
- If arrests are starting to happen, or if tension is rising for another reason, ask any musicians playing to slow things right down and play something calm, or with a slow heart-beat type rhythm. You might want to ask them to stop altogether, so the crowd can be together in song.
- Be careful not to be over-zealous with calming music and song; some people need the upbeat rhythms and to be able to let off steam so make space for this whenever possible - otherwise frustrations will build.
Establishing Silence
In large crowd situations where the tension is rising, it can be really helpful to establish silence, because it can be calming in itself and because it will enable you to initiate other tactics, with everyone aware and joining in. However, establishing silence does require a high level of responsiveness and may not be possible in really large or dispersed crowds. If it feels too difficult, don’t waste time on it, but move on to the next tactic.
Two methods:
- One person falls quiet and raises their hand, whilst inviting the people around them to do the same. This works well if enough people are practiced.
- Project without shouting and say ‘Clap once if you can hear me’ and then clap once. Say ‘Clap twice if you can hear me’ and then clap twice. Say ‘Clap three times if you can hear me’ and then clap 3 times. Each time, more people around you should be joining in, until everyone has clapped 3 times and then fallen silent, waiting for what’s coming next.
You can then very briefly and calmly let people know what you’d like to do next and why (why nonviolence and de-escalation are important), invite people to join in with a song or use one of the tactics below.
Sit Down and Invite Others to Sit Down Too
This can have a very calming effect.
Make sure there is plenty of space around the violence / conflict, especially a free route to withdraw.
It can also be helpful to fall silent. .
De-escalation Line
This is especially useful for conflict between lines of police or riot police and activists when tension is building too much.
- Explain to the police that you will be asking activists to give them space and reduce tension.
- Form a line of people between police and activists with one person facing toward police, one facing towards activists, alternating.
- Invite activists to take two steps backward to give the police some space and then sit down.
- Remind rebels that through this action rather than 'giving in', they have enhanced their nonviolent stance and strengthened the held space.
- Withdraw the line when all is well.
Gentle Singing / Chanting and “Stop” Hand Gesture
- Ideally, first get the crowd to be quiet (see above)
- Everyone takes up a gentle chant such as “peace, love, respect” and assumes the “stop” hand gesture towards the aggressive action, arm outstretched. The hand gesture is palm facing towards the situation, fingers pointing upwards.
- The stop hand gesture can be softened by everyone placing their left hand over their heart area (top of chest). Left hand over heart activates the right brain associated with connection and wellbeing.
- Keep the song going.
- We are not shaming and blaming angry people. There’s a lot to be angry about, so we want to support the people in not venting their anger in unhelpful ways. Make sure that there is plenty of space for the people to withdraw from the crowd.
- Lots of other possibilities here. Make up your own, keep it simple. Or you can just use a ‘hummmmmm’.
We are non violent, how about you?
This next one is only appropriate to use when engaging with aggressive police and other aggressive people.
- Get quiet.
- Sing “We are nonviolent. And how about you?” to the tune of the John Lennon chant “Give peace a chance”.
- Then begin saying “We’re nonviolent. How about you?” Think about how you are delivering this. Does it sound gentle and suggestive or confrontational?
- This was used as a spoken chant against violent police at the Seattle mass mobilisation against World Trade Organisation. If chanted it comes across as very challenging and should only be used in extreme situations - when there’s a need to meet a high energy level with similar intensity - and especially towards aggressive police.
Try it out and compare the effect with the sung version. At the International Rebellion in October ‘19 it was sometimes used inappropriately when police were behaving with respect - so then it created tension where there wasn’t any before. See 4 min film.
Encountering Extreme Anger or Threatening Behaviour
If you can’t deal with it, get help elsewhere (including the police if necessary).
- This is a last resort to be used if someone is going to be hurt.
- The intention is not to inform on people or create difficulties in people’s lives.
- The intention is to keep people safe.
So, I Want to be a De-escalator - What Next?
Join The Telegram Chat
Join the telegram chat.
Please don't be put off if you can't get Telegram though - you can still volunteer in person by turing up at an event and asking for the Deescalation team.
Complete the Recruitment Form
Signup to the Deescalation email list.
Join a Training Session
Trainings publicised on Facebook (no need to have an account)
https://www.facebook.com/EmbeddingNonViolence/
Training workshops and drop-ins to be scheduled soon for 2024.
And we run face to face training before large events, which typically last 1 hour.
Other Action Suport Roles
There are a whole range of other Action Support roles within the Action Support Circle.
Protest Liaison
We optimise actions by liaising with the police and security contractors, as well as local authorities, on behalf of the protest.
What do XR Protest Liaison do?
If a protest action is assessed by the planners as likely to be more effective if the police are notified in advance, XR PL will contact the relevant force and let them know the details of the protest. At the protest itself, XR PLs will be wearing a burgundy coloured tabard and will act as the point of contact between the police and the protesters. It is best that other rebels on the protest refer the police to XR PL, rather than tell the police anything themselves.
Contact protestliaison@extinctionrebellion.uk
The Right to Protest vs. the Role of the Police
Whilst there is no specific ‘right to protest’ in law, everyone does have the right to peacefully protest. This right is enshrined in the rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly and association, which are rights protected under Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The ECHR is enshrined in UK law in the Human Rights Act 1998.
In terms of the role of the police with regard to protests, one of the better explanations comes in the 2009 Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary report, Adapting to Protest, ‘ECHR Article 11 places both negative and positive obligations on the police. The police must not prevent or restrict peaceful protest except to the extent allowed by ECHR Article 11. In addition, the police have a duty in certain circumstances to safeguard the right to peaceful assembly. In other words, public authorities, including the police, are required to show a certain degree of tolerance towards peaceful gatherings where demonstrators do not engage in acts of violence, even if these protests cause a level of obstruction or disruption. The level of tolerance that should be extended is likely to be the subject of extensive public and political debate, which has merit in its own right.’
Therefore, whilst public authorities should not normally interfere with the rights to protest, they are however qualified rights, and there are circumstances where the right to protest can be restricted if that restriction is assessed to be proportionate (e.g. if the restrictions are prescribed by law, pursue one or more legitimate aims, and are necessary in a democratic society). The government has enacted legislation over the years to prescribe in law restrictions to the right to protest, e.g. Public Order Act 1986, Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, and Public Order Act 2023. When the police choose to use such legislation, it is for the courts to determine whether or not their restriction to the right to protest is necessary and proportionate, or actually unlawful (as was the case with the Metropolitan Police and the October 2019 protest in London).
Further more detailed legal advice is available in the Arrestee and Legal Support section and via Informed Dissent Resources.
Communicating with the police
It is acknowledged and understood that the issue of talking to the police at all is a sensitive one, not least because of the findings in many reports (e.g. The Casey Review) that police forces are institutionally racist and misogynistic. It is recognised that people of colour, other communities racialised as non-white, and other marginalised groups have suffered, and continue to suffer, from over-policing, and that their interactions with the police are inherently more risky than for those racialised as white. Through experience, we have found that liaison with police prior to an outreach action has resulted in a reduced police presence and a more welcoming environment for outreach to marginalised groups.
In these contexts, we believe that some forms of protest benefit from communicating with the police and/or Local Authorities in advance, whereas in other cases the protest will be more effective if the authorities are not notified in advance but liaised with once the action is in place.
The purpose of XR Protest Liaison is to help optimise the effectiveness of a protest action and to prioritise the safety of all involved. To that end we have developed channels of communication with the police. This enables us to contact the right people at the appropriate time, depending on the nature of the protest. It is important that when we speak to police they understand that what we say is true to the best of our knowledge at the time. It is equally important that the police know and accept that we will withhold information in circumstances when disclosure would hinder the effectiveness of an action.
If your Action team or Local Group would like help and support in communicating with the local polioce or site security please contact us protestliaison@extinctionrebellion.uk
Becoming an XR Protest Liaison - what does the role require?
The role of Protest Liaison is usually performed by an experienced rebel who has undergone the relevant training. The qualities needed are as follows:
- Embodies non-violence, calm, non-threatening
- Confident communicator with authority figures and rebels alike
- Assertive, never aggressive, natural de-escalator
- Respectful of all
- Understands main aspects of relevant law
- Recognises concerns, needs and vulnerabilities of marginalised, oppressed groups
Training is offered to interested rebels after a vetting process to maintain team security. If you feel this role is of interest to you, please contact protestliaison@extinctionrebellion.uk
Rhythms
Rhythms are the thundering heart of the movement. We play simple percussion music inspired by Brazilian samba. Bands can help rebels claim and hold space for protest, attract attention and create a positive and fun atmosphere. Our groups can be large or small, bands have ranged from over a hundred to just a few individuals so we are versatile and agile in our support.
Rhythms is a crucial part of the climate activism movement because we bring a fun, carnival atmosphere to protests that can lift spirits and diffuse tense situations. Although it’s not always appropriate to have a band at quieter and more serious demonstrations, when we are invited to a protest we help people claim space for nonviolent resistance.
Integration of Rhythms at marches and actions can look effortless, but how noise will be used on protest needs be considered. We’re best for marches and longer or larger actions where energy needs to be maintained. Any action which intends to use Rhythms should discuss with a band coordinator beforehand how the music is going to be used. Communication is vital, so a link role with the band is essential during an action.
Where does XR Rhythms come from?
There have been samba-fusion activist bands in London since the 1980s, when the band Batucada Mandela supported an anti-apartheid picket at the South African embassy. In the 1990s, the bands Barking Bateria and Rhythms of Resistance London supported anticapitalist protests. Rhythms of Resistance would later become a global movement.
In 2018, two XR activists with specialities in world music brought some people and some drums together to make the first Extinction Rebellion band during the October Declaration of Rebellion in London, using Rhythms of Resistance as an inspiration. The bands spread from small groups in London and Bristol to a national network that can bring hundreds of people to protests.
Who can join XR Rhythms?
Anybody!
We help people who want to get involved in environmental and social justice protest find a place for themselves. No experience and very little time commitment is necessary to join a band. Most bands practice for a couple of hours once a week or every few weeks, and will usually have spare instruments. You’ll immediately have something to do in Extinction Rebellion and a friendly group to do it with!
Find out more about us on our website
Contact us: info@xrrhythms.uk
Actions Outreach
We reach out to the public to listen and connect. To encourage others to explore their own feelings and viewpoints, responding with follow-up questions and reflecting back what’s been said. After a genuine connection has been fostered we’re able to offer further information about what’s going on.
Imagine: The action/event is underway. Members of the public are passing by and catch sight of the scene. Some are amused and bewildered, others are frustrated and cynical.
Our objective: to offer a genuine conversation about climate change and the environment to someone who may not typically find many opportunities to confront the crisis.
Outreach will often also staff the welcome hub at large events where members of the public have questions answered and are directed to resources, training, or other support teams as appropriate. Outreach teams can wear purple hi-vis.
Typically needed for actions with high amounts of general public passing by.
Contact Us: actions.outreach@extinctionrebellion.uk
Further Info
Street Outreach training workshops
Street Outreach guidance
Outreach Methods and Materials
Arrestee / Back Office Support
There are many roles related to Arrestee Support and Backoffice, but on the day of actions, these are the ones required:
-
Back Office Volunteer (BOV) role involves taking phone calls via 3CX, an online software-based private branch exchange phone system.
-
Police Station Support Coordinator (PSSC). PSSCs ensure arrested rebels are met on release by police station supporters (PSSs), by creating a rota for supporters and offering them advice and information.
- Police Station Support (PSS) Meet and greet arrestees when they are released from custody. Further information here
Typically required for actions where arrests are possible or where high police protester interaction is likely (eg stop and search or bad police behaviour).
Further detail can be found in the Back Office Support Book
Art Factory
Art Factory We are the makers, painters, printers and sewists. We produce the hand-made objects used by XR on a massive scale, from factories across the UK.
We produce patches by the thousands, we make flags, we paint banners and we encourage people to use their bodies as rebellious spaces to continually demonstrate, communicate and create conversations.
Our aim is to support XR national, regional and local actions, as well as sister movements and Movement of Movements by providing an endless flow of beautiful objects and passing on the skills to encourage others to do the same. We are here to provide help you may need doing that.
Because items take time to manufacture (if they don't already exist) the sooner you can get designs agreed and to your maker team the better.
MAIN POINTS:
The Art Factory needs at least 3 weeks lead time to make your art assets. The Art Factory does not make spicy objects. The messaging and colour palette of the action should be devised with Media & Messaging before it comes to the Art Factory. We do not create the messaging for your action. The core Art factory is in London, with additional Art factories around regions/nations. Creative Circle works with us to develop UK art groups, prototypes, performance groups and serve XRUK actions and outreach: Contact the UK Creative Circle: artsxr@gmail.com The Art Factory crew also organise UK Art Blockers.
Contact us: artblockers@gmail.com
Needs linking to Creative/Art Factory Book once written
XR Action Support Teams Collaborating with Other Organisations
Our Action Support teams have extensive experience working with allied organisations.
There are many ways of working together:
- We can operate as a single support team, all wearing identical branding
- We can each retain our own branding, for example we might do this if stewarding seperate sections of a march
- We can operate as independant teams, centrally coordinated
We welcome members of other organisations volunteering to join our support teams. This could either be as individuals, or we could arrange online training sessions specifically tailored to your group.
Contact us at actionsupport@extinctionrebellion.uk to discuss.