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 feel free to email actionsupport@extinctionrebellion.uk and arrange a meeting!
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
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
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 (e.g. 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 to get involved:
The best place to start is the Actions Map (you can enter your postcode to zoom near your location).