The Essentials

Welcome to XR

Hello and Welcome!

You may have been motivated to join us because you've decided that you must take action now. Or maybe you want to find out more before becoming involved. Still, we know that taking that first step can be a challenge. Thank you for being here.

Within XR we acknowledge that our increasing awareness of what we're all facing can be very difficult. However for many of us, making connections with others experiencing the same thing helps hugely; we are not alone anymore. Joining in, and trying to be part of the solution, is empowering and liberating. Action brings hope!

XR is a family with lots of support available when it’s needed. You can find these resources in a number of places, but the Care and Respect page is a good place to start.

Connect With Us

Live 'Welcome to XR' talks on Zoom

The talk takes place every Tuesday evening from 19:00-20:30. You're warmly invited to stay until 21:00 as we allow 30 minutes for questions and discussions after the session.

Register for the Zoom here.
Alternatively, you can watch a video recording - Welcome to XR (10th May 2023)

Staying in Touch

If you do not already receive emails from XRUK, please join our mailing list! This is the main way we keep in touch and let you know what is going on. Please go to our website and leave your details in the 'Join Us' box on the homepage.

We have a Telegram chat group for people new to XR where you can ask questions, make support requests and chat with other new joiners. We don't post the link publicly but you will be given it when you attend a 'Welcome to XR' talk. If you would like to join it, download the Telegram app to your phone.

Alternatively, you can contact us directly here: volunteer@extinctionrebellion.uk

More information:

Who are XR? And Why Direct Action?

Extinction Rebellion (XR) is a worldwide movement which uses nonviolent direct action (NVDA) to force those in power to act on the climate and ecological global emergency.
Our governments have not protected us and conventional campaigning has failed. We are almost out of time to change course.

Direct Action (also known as civil disobedience) has a history of achieving change where other methods have failed; for example the Suffrage Movement gained the vote for women by their actions.

We act now for the sake of all life on earth. We aim to halt mass extinction and minimise the risk of social collapse. We will not be led quietly to extinction by elites and politicians.

Read our original Declaration of Rebellion here...

...and learn more about the need for direct action on our website: So what do we do?

References:
*In 1988, climate scientist James Hansen testified before the US congress, provoking the New York Times headline: ‘Global Warming Has Begun, Expert Tells Senate’
**International Energy Agency 2024 report
***World Wildlife Fund Living Planet report 2022

The Climate & Ecological Emergency

The science is clear: we face an unprecedented global climate and ecological emergency.

The effects of this emergency include floods, wildfires, extreme weather, mass loss of wildlife, crop failure and the mass displacement of people and loss of life. This is not a distant prospect - these effects are being suffered right now, and will continue to be disproportionately suffered, by those who have done the very least to cause the crisis.

But we are not helpless in the face of this unfolding disaster. We can choose to act!

This 50 minute video, in two parts, explains what is happening and what we can do about it.

More information:
If you want to know more about the science of climate and ecological breakdown, visit our webpage Emergency on Planet Earth. Dr Emily Grossman (with the support of the XR Scientists community and a wide range of experts) lays out the facts.

Our Demands

We have three demands of the Government and others in positions of power:

1. Tell the Truth

All institutions must communicate the danger we are in. We must be clear about the extreme cascading risks humanity now faces, the injustice this represents, its historic roots, and the urgent need for rapid political, social and economic change.

2. Act Now

Every part of society must act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025 and begin protecting and repairing nature immediately. The whole of society must move into a new precautionary paradigm, where life is sacred and all are in service to ensuring its future.

3. Decide Together

We demand a culture of participation, fairness and transparency. The Government must create and be led by a Citizens’ Assembly on Climate and Ecological Justice. Only the common sense of ordinary people will help us navigate the challenging decisions ahead.

More information:
More about Citizens Assemblies
Video Why have a Citizens' Assembly

Our Principles and Values

Anyone who follows these core principles and values can take action in the name of Extinction Rebellion.

1. We have a shared vision of change: creating a world that is fit for generations to come.

2. We set our mission on what is necessary: mobilising 3.5% of the population to achieve system change – such as “momentum-driven organising” to achieve this. .

3. We need a regenerative culture: creating a culture which is healthy, resilient and adaptable.

4. We openly challenge ourselves and this toxic system: leaving our comfort zones to take action for change.

5. We value reflecting and learning: following a cycle of action, reflection, learning, and planning for more action. Learning from other movements and contexts as well as our own experiences.

6. We welcome everyone and every part of everyone: working actively to create safer and more accessible spaces.

7. We actively mitigate power: breaking down hierarchies of power for more equitable participation.

8. We avoid blaming and shaming: we live in a toxic system, but no one individual is to blame.

9. We are a nonviolent network: using nonviolent strategy and tactics as the most effective way to bring about change.

10. We are based on autonomy and decentralisation: we collectively create the structures we need to challenge power.

More information:

Current XRUK Strategy

Here Comes Everyone - XRUK Strategy 2023-24


As a Non-Violent Direct Action Movement, our Strategy has to change and evolve to be suitable for the times we are in. Our Strategy Team is constantly in the process of learning from the experiences of XR in the UK and around the world, as well as other activist groups, to work out where we should go next.

Pour a brew, get comfy and delve into the XRUK Strategy 2023-24

In a hurry? Grab the shorter Strategy briefing for Local Groups.


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Glossary

Jargon is useful shorthand within a group but we know it can be unhelpful to new joiners so we have created this page to help.

If you come across jargon and acronyms during in-person meetings, you can hold up a 'C' shape with your hand to ask for a clarification. You might even do this if you know what it means if it might help other people in the meeting to have it explained.

Terms

Acronyms