Our Principles and Values
Anyone who follows these core principles and values can take action in ourthe name.name of Extinction Rebellion.
1. We have a shared vision of change: creating a world that is fit for generations to come.
Our hearts tell us a different world is possible. Our vision of change is broad enough to contain a variety of opinions on how best to work towards that change.
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.
The change needed is huge - and yet achievable. No regime in the 20th century managed to stand against an uprising which had the active participation of up to 3.5% of the population*.
3. We need a regenerative culture: creating a culture which is healthy, resilient and adaptable.
We seek better ways of living in the world - ways that are kinder to ourselves, one another and the planet itself.
4. We openly challenge ourselves and this toxic system: leaving our comfort zones to take action for change.
Some of us will undertake open (“above ground”) actions that risk arrest and charges (though we do not need everyone to take these risks).
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.
We don’t know how things will change so we aim to constantly experiment and learn.
6. We welcome everyone and every part of everyone: working actively to create safer and more accessible spaces.
We aim to genuinely welcome everyone so we continue to build a big, beautiful and diverse movement.
7. We actively mitigate power: breaking down hierarchies of power for more equitable participation.
Some parts of our work need to be held 'centrally' to benefit the whole movement. To mitigate any power issues we try to share the work around and rotate roles.
8. We avoid blaming and shaming: we live in a toxic system, but no one individual is to blame.
Although we may highlight the damage caused by an institution and the people serving it, our starting point is that we live in toxic system that has damaged everybody.
9. We are a nonviolent network: using nonviolent strategy and tactics as the most effective way to bring about change.
We use nonviolence to reveal the true perpetrators of systemic violence that people suffer from daily all over the world. We will keep exposing their violence through our discipline.
10. We are based on autonomy and decentralisation: we collectively create the structures we need to challenge power.
Anyone who follows these core principles and values can take action in the name of Extinction Rebellion.
*Erica Chenoweth "Why Civil Resistance Works"
Further information:
Reading: Fuller explanation of each of the Principles and Values on the UK website.
Reading: 'Our culture' for how we apply the Principles and Values
Online training: Welcome to XR covers what our principles and values mean in practice
add: link to W2XR and to 'our culture'