Volunteer Roles at Insure Our Survival
We would really love everyone who attends to sign up for a role if that's possible for you. So if you can volunteer then yes, please do! Whilst most roles are mobile we also have some static roles and some at-home roles if you cannot physically attend the event.
The main events in London are on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Roles will also be required outside of London for UK-wide actions, which are likely to be on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
Within each section below is a link to register your availability for specific days at London and/or regional events. As additional events get added, you can come back and update your registration
I had a great time and volunteering forced me to talk to people, feel really involved etc, without this I would prob have turned up and marched and gone home while being too shy to talk at all!
Production crew, Restore Nature Now 2024
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed being a steward at the event and I would love to do more! Everyone was so friendly and helpful, it made doing it on my own and for the first time great fun! Thank you all for all of the organisation, it was fantastic
New Steward, Restore Nature Now 2024
Training is available for all these roles and we aim to buddy crew up so you can work with someone more experienced if you are new to a role.
Here is a brief explanation of each role, together with links to find out more.
Outreach
Imagine: The action is underway. Members of the public are passing by and catch sight of the scene. Our objective: is to explain why we are there and what we are doing and 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.
Register for an online training workshop
Contact actions.outreach@extinctionrebellion.uk
Stewarding
General Stewards provide a friendly welcome, help answer questions and direct rebels to other crews, facilities and what’s on. One of the key parts of this role is simply to provide a visible presence that helps rebels feel safe and secure. There are opportunities for Lead Stewards who manage a small team of 10 General Stewards.
Access Buddy Stewards support those with access or inclusion needs to be able to participate fully in the event.
Additional information here
Contact stewarding@extinctionrebellion.uk
Roadtaking
An essential part of marches and processions, this crew move ahead of the march to ensure traffic doesn't conflict with rebels. This is a role that requires mobility and usually we aim to work with DeEscalators in the team.
Additional information here
Contact stewarding@extinctionrebellion.uk
Wellbeing
Action Wellbeing supports the physical and emotional wellbeing of everyone involved in XR actions. Look out for us in our blue hi-vis. Providing water, hand warmers and snacks (chocolate!), accessibility support, 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!
Additional information
Contact actionwellbeing@extinctionrebellion.uk
First Aid
We all hope we will never need it but minor accidents do occur and so if you have a current First Aid certificate then please volunteer for this specialist role (part of the Wellbeing team).
Additional information here
Contact actionwellbeing@extinctionrebellion.uk
DeEscalation / Embedding Nonviolence
This role uses techniques to manage the tension in situations. Often called in to defuse confrontation, you will learn skills based on empathy and listening 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.
Additional information here
Contact deescalation@extinctionrebellion.uk
Production (Logistics, Food etc.)
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.
Whilst most of these roles do require manual handling, we also have need for administrative support in the team.
Additional information here
Contact production@extinctionrebellion.uk
Sound & Power
Providing mobile PAs, sound systems, pop-up stages and solar-power set-ups; essentially bringing the vibes to any action!
More information
Contact production@extinctionrebellion.uk
Rhythms/Drummers
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.
More information
Contact
info@xrrhythms.uk
Banner/Flag Holders
Join the team responsible for the visual choreography of an action. You will be helping carry and hold beautiful flags and banners, transmitting the vibe and message of the action. These designs bear XR’s messages for the public and press to see and are a key part of making an action a success! No previous experience necessary.
Street Speaker
Street talks are a fantastic way to quickly engage, inform and empower new joiners and existing rebels. They can be completely spontaneous and given to small groups 'on the street'. Street Speakers are self-organising and you can access a range of Street Speaker Scripts that can be delivered anywhere, at any time you choose. The scripts are designed to be delivered by anyone without the need for training however, we're here to support you!
Additional information here
Contact XRUK Talks & Training at eventsxr@gmail.com
Police Station Support / Back Office Call Centre
Signup to volunteer here
Whilst arrests are not planned, we need crew to monitor the virtual call centre phone to receive reports if this does happen so that we can offer and coordinate appropriate support to those affected. This role can be done at home on a laptop or PC with internet connection.
We also need rebels able and prepared to wait outside Police Stations so that when activists are released, they are met by a friendly face and supported to get home safely.
All PSS & BO roles are run by co-ordinated rotas; each volunteer offering as much time as they can - minimum hour slots.
Offsite/Backoffice/Pre-event/Other Roles
As well as the main support roles listed above we have the need for some additional support crew:
Pre-event location recce. Involves photographing sites, possibly talking to local cafes/pubs etc. to find small hub spaces etc.
Action Support Back Office. During the event working from home, keeping an eye on various Signal and Telegram chats and making sure people get answers to questions or connected to those who can help.
Digital Mapping. Pre-event we need help to maintain the digital maps of the event, site, march routes, accessibility etc.
Other If you feel you have the skills and experience to offer this event that is not covered in one of the roles above, please do tell us more via the signup link above.
If you feel you could help with these roles, signup or get in touch actionsupport@extinctionrebellion.uk