Rebel ode - How we Take Action

Rebel Code

All Rebels are asked to follow our basic agreements. They provide a basis for trust so that both Rebels and the public know what we can expect from each other.
• 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 other than those required due to Covid 19 — we hold ourselves accountable for our actions.
• We bring no alcohol or illegal drugs.
• We take responsibility for ourselves, we are all crew.

We will come together until the Government acts on our three demands for necessary action on the climate and ecological emergency. This code aims to help us attract the many people we need to make this movement effective. Anyone breaking these Agreements may be asked to leave.

Nonviolence is at the heart of our movement. As one of XR’s core principles and values it is non-negotiable for everyone taking action in the name of XR. It underpins the moral power of our actions as we endeavour to protect life, through civil disobedience and disruption.

This means that we need to develop and exercise our inner discipline, to refrain from physical and verbal violence and aggression even in the face of violence or aggression from others. If we were to fail in this, it would be extremely harmful to our movement.

We make this commitment to nonviolence based on our understanding that using non-violent strategy and tactics is the most effective way to bring about change in our current social context, by generating widespread sympathy and support and enabling wider segments of the population to take part.

The state and those in power will always have greater means to employ violence — but we have the greater moral power when acting together, openly and accountably, through non-violence, courage and sacrifice.

As a movement, we need to learn from our mistakes and be visionaries that champion a movement that welcomes every part of every one. In a recent statement, we have acknowledged that in the past we have insufficiently taken into account the effects our strategy had on marginalised people. In this rebellion, we seek to center solidarity and co-liberation as core values to overcome the oppression, racism and injustice we are facing.

We need to learn from frontline communities, particularly in the Global South, about their struggles, resilience and wisdom in confronting the climate crisis. This will be a long journey, and each rebel is encouraged to make this rebellion a vital step towards co-liberation. If you’d like to learn more, check out our OMBRE training.

See also the Rebel Agreement flyer (PDF 220Kb) on the main Extinction Rebellion UK web site.