Ensuring your Actions are accessible as they can be

Quote from a disabled rebel: “Making actions accessible is the simple act of asking, What do you need?”

Extinction Rebellion is committed to equality and to enabling people who have been marginalised by systemic oppression to act now and give their message in solidarity. See XR's Principles of Inclusivity.

This page contains a checklist to help action planners consider possible barriers to marginalised groups. These guidelines are designed to be practical and manageable, whilst ensuring diversity, inclusivity and accessibility are embedded in action planning and design.

Diversity and inclusivity is important all the time. This page focusses on actions, but remember that diversity, accessibility and inclusivity is just as important for the planning meetings as it is for the action itself.

Actions need to be designed to be as inclusive as possible. While total inclusivity is impossible, actions should aim to be inclusive for the widest range of people possible.

Where an action may exclude people, for example climbing Big Ben to drop a banner, there are additional considerations such as necessity and proportionality. However, try not to make assumptions about individuals’ limitations. Think of paralympian James Brown on top of a jet at City Airport.

The larger the action is, the greater the issue of diversity and inclusivity will be. With smaller actions, resources may be limited but the same issues must be considered and those affected should be consulted. If action planners receive requests from representatives of marginalised groups, they should be treated as a priority.

Inclusive Actions

Actions that aim to be inclusive for all marginalised groups

Disability

There is a significant probability that disabled people have experienced discrimination and oppressive behaviour by the police and others. The process of being arrested can be particularly harrowing for those with disabilities who may have to rely on the police for greater support and care whilst in custody. Many, with good reason, will feel excluded if the action is designed to have a high risk of arrest.

Mobility/Accessibility

Hearing impaired

Contact xr.bsl@protonmail to request interpreters

Vision Impaired

Neurodiversity

There is a wide range of considerations for neurodivergent people. Offer help and be directed rather than asking about needs.

Ethnicity

There is a significant probability that people of colour have experienced discrimination and oppressive behaviour by the police and others. Many, with good reason, have no confidence in the justice system. If the action is designed to have a high risk of arrest then this will tend to exclude people of colour, LGBTQ+ and disabled rebels.

LGBTQ+

There are parallel issues with ethnicity and disability in that there is a significant probability that LGBTQ+ people have experienced discrimination and oppressive behaviour by the police and others. Actions with a high risk of arrest may exclude LGBTQ+ people. Participating in Direct Action: A Guide for Transgender People.

Families

Families can be marginalised with children and be members of other marginalised groups. The exclusionary issues listed in this process can have a heightened effect on young rebels.

Faiths

Protection of the planet is important to all faiths and it is important to ensure that all feel welcome.

Exclusionary Actions

Actions that may exclude marginalised groups

It is accepted that the nature and requirements of some actions will exclude some rebels from taking part. It is important that this is recognised at the design stage and assessed to ensure that the exclusionary aspect is necessary, has been minimised and is deemed proportionate to the purpose of the action.


Revision #12
Created 24 July 2024 13:01:53 by Emma
Updated 11 September 2024 12:38:13 by Ned