Pram Rebellion
ActionLow Doc:risk, high impact visual action that can be done at local group level or by individual rebels. Pram Rebellion has now been carried out in different ways in many different countries all over the world.
Telegram chat
Please join the telegram chat for the Pram Rebellion,Rebellion Our- Children's FutureFutures, for any updates, support, tips and a place you can ask questions. There may also be the opportunity for 'borrowing' ready prepared prams\buggies. Please jump on the chat below, to ask if there's one near you.
Why?
This is a hard hitting action, designed to touch people’s hearts and engage their emotions. Children are already dying from pollution and the Climate Emergency. More children will die if we continue this current trajectory. We, XR, have a moral duty to TELL THE TRUTH. We criticise the government and the media for not telling the truth. We will not be liked for it and we may hurt some people by telling it. This is a difficult truth to tell. It still needs to be told. Having done this action a few times now, the reaction is generally shocking and moving, but there’s been little negative feedback.
We have fully considered valuable feedback from many circles, including from Rebels who have personally experienced child bereavement. Elements of this action were changed as a result of acknowledging that people who have experienced child bereavement may have their trauma triggered by the sight of a mysterious empty pram. We are truly sorry to trigger anyone's pain. By carrying out this action, we are trying to avoid other families suffering the same tragic experience.
If you are affected by this installation, please contact www.childbereavementuk.org
In person action
See the video above or watch this livestream
Dress and Demeanour
This highly theatrical action pulls on the heartstrings of the observers.
To be truly effective Pram RebellionRebels should dress in Londonstyle Videoand stay in role.
Wear black, think victoriana, gothic or steampunk. Think veiled faces and top hats. It can be plain and simple or you may like to spend more time and enjoy preparing your costume.
Once in role, stay silent, if you need to speak, keep it to whispers.
Move slowly, do not rush or joke. This is a funeral for the children of the future.
Outreach
Once you have your pram and costume, be brave! Take your pram and a buddy, then walk alone or in pairs in a busy place or to a 'place of particular interest'. Make a bold statement/have a placard, do a photoshoot and put it on social media. It’s easier for a rebel not pushing a pram to engage in outreach discussions or to give out leaflets and this allows you to stay in role.
Lock & leave action
Paint a pram or buggy white (or another colour), put a printed message in it, lock it and leave it in a town, or where there is high footfall. If it isn’t removed by the authorities, retrieve it at a later time/day.
TelegramDesigned groupto pique the general public’s inquisitive mind.
The buggies seem to be tolerated if left in a place for 2 or maybe 3 days, then you could always find another location to move your artwork to. Experience has shown they tend to be removed pretty quickly if situated in a shopping centre (private land), so maybe try somewhere on public land.
Some buggies got media attention when they were locked in places children go - play areas\schools. These are just suggestions - you can place your artwork wherever you like. We'd also recommend siting them near a light source, so passersby can read them after dark - they also look really mysterious in the dark, partially lit by street lights\lit buildings, etc.
Other ideas
- anchor one in the sea and let the tide slowly take it. (Be careful the paint doesn’t wash off)
- chuck one off a cliff (obvs make sure there isn't anyone below)
- roll one, without a person on camera, slowly into a road (without cars)
- lock one to a petrol station
- set fire to one
- dangle one from a bridge
All of the above have been done at some point.
Optional - Flambe 🌶️ 🌶️