Nonviolence
9. We are a nonviolent network: using nonviolent strategy and tactics as the most effective way to bring about change.
XR unequivocably chooses to remain nonviolent in our actions and the way we communicate. This is a cornerstone of our movement and we ask everyone joining us to commit to it in the way they behave. We do this because:
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our whole culture is based on care, respect and preventing harm
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it keeps us accessible and open and makes it more possible for people to join us
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it highlights our dignity and discipline in the face of the actions of the Government and police
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....and it is simply morally the right thing to do!
This is reflected in the rebel code which we ask everyone to abide by at actions:
- We show respect to everyone - to each other, the general public and to the government and police.
- We engage in no violence, physical or verbal.
- We carry no weapons and wear no masks - we hold ourselves accountable for our actions.
- We bring no alcohol or illegal drugs.
- We take responsibility for ourselves, we are all crew
On major actions we use trained deescalators (identifiable by their white high viz vests) to keep the situation calm and try to ensure that tense situations never escalate to violence. This has proved a very successful strategy.
More information:
[link to https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/action-support/page/what-does-embedding-nonviolence-deescalation-team-do]