Design Elements Index

Index of the action design elements, grouped in categories to help you find what you need. Some ideas are in multiple categories.

Introduction to Design Elements
Performance and Theatrical
Spreading the Word
Spicier Actions
Arts, Crafts and Props
Children's Menu
Rebel from Home

Introduction to Design Elements

These design elements have been collated from ideas from the UK Creative Circle and gathered from actions seen all across the movement.

Have a look around, get inspired, you can chop and change anything on this actions menu to tailor it to be more relevant to local issues in your area.

Ideas for getting started

We are all crew. This means the rebellion starts with you, we are all part of the team and we find ways for everyone to be included. If you don’t have a local group, you can make one, or take action with friends! We get stuck in and learn on the job! All you need is the willingness to create change.

Here Comes Everyone

Our current strategy is about gaining a wider spectrum of support. We are encouraging you to think local and also expand outwards to groups outside of your usual circles. This could involve engaging with different religious groups, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) and LGBT+ groups.

Top tips for engaging with different communities outside your own:

Try to leave your preconceived notions about different cultures and identities at the door. Many marginalised groups are the victims of the mainstream media and harmful stereotypes, just as members of XR are also.
Engaging with different communities may involve learning more about their values, culture, terminologies before engaging. This will ensure we are being respectful and culturally sensitive.
If you don’t know, ask. Never assume! A step to making connections with other groups might involve hiring their space at a local community centre for example: Quaker House, Church Hall, Gymkhana and Islamic Centres.
Showing up to other groups' events, without co-opting, can also bring genuine connections and express solidarity. A step further would also be offering to help their community, behind the scenes, away from the public eye.
Sharing resources such as art materials or even volunteers can also be a way of bridging divides and making meaningful connections.
You could invite other community groups to have their own stall for their group at your event. This will encourage dialogue and show that you care for what they have got to say, as opposed to tokenism.
If a group does not want to engage with XR for whatever reason, we must listen to this and take their no with respect. There are very real and valid reasons why certain communities may not wish to engage with XR, such as visits from the police.

How to turn these ideas into reality

There is more guidance on the Rebel Toolkit in regards to 'planning actions' and 'participating in actions'

It is always recommended to do ‘Know Your Rights Training’, before taking part in actions.

Performance and Theatrical

Red Rebels, dance, theatre, clowning, puppet shows and all kinds of dressing up and sillyness.

Spreading the Word

Getting the Extinction Rebellion name and logo and CEE messages out there. Connecting to people outside of the movement.

Spicier Actions

Listing the more spicy rated action elements

Arts, Crafts and Props

Creative

Children's Menu

Ideas that could work to engage children and families

Chalk for the Planet
Climate Theatre Show
Children's Banner Drop
Writing to Activists in Prison
Art Blocking (be sure to provide aprons!)
Lego Rebellion