What to do right now
NOTE: This Strategy has been replaced at the end of February 2024 by the new Actions Strategy- Pathway to Rebellion. This resource will be maintained for a little while for those who need it but will eventually be moved to the archive.
1. Schedule a Planning Meeting
Build on the momentum of The Big One. The first ‘Local Big One’ on September 30th can be a key date to mobilise people for. What issues or targets do you share with other local organising groups? Support actions of allies, where there is agreement on purpose while also planning a local action - XR led, or co-created.
3. Plan your Community Engagement
To be really inclusive and reach out to new communities, take time to map grassroots community and faith groups, and connect with local chapters of national organisations in your area. Discover what the diverse communities in your area care about and connect with by asking questions about their values and aims; build bridges.
The Big One taught us that it can be hard for supportive groups to cocreate the first action, so keep making space for collaboration at the end of every month. Regularity creates familiarity and smoother planning. Be flexible. Hold open meetings and decide details together. Identify where communities are already in resistance and invite them to unite, once a month.
Unite to survive! This is our final countdown.
4. Reach Out for Support
You are not alone. If you or your local group feels daunted, think of twinning with nearby groups or working as a region or nation. There are plans to map what issues local groups are active on, so that rebels can collaborate across geographical boundaries. (Watch this space!)
5. Ask for a Regional Open Call
These are a great way for local groups to meet, discuss regional issues, plan and collaborate on actions where local capacity is low. If your region has open calls, you'll always be glad you attended. We are all learning together as we go.
6. Paint the Streets
Use posters, flyers and flags and targeted nonviolent direct actions to increase visibility or to draw attention to your first community day of action (possibly September 30th and the last Saturday of every month after that).
7. Think about Supporting Community Spaces
Remember, art is powerful! Putting on films like 'The Oil Machine' and food attracts your allies and allows time for spending time together. Why not check out potential topics with people who turn up what subjects interest them most, then plan a Community Assembly.
WHAT TO DO AT YOUR COMMUNITY DAY OF ACTION
1. Focus on Your Community
Find out what communities want and add their key dates or cyclical events to your calendar. Collaborate, adapt, don’t compete.
2. Think About Food. Make Every Element Accessible.
Creating access to free food under capitalism is a revolutionary act that is easy for people to engage with. It means that your event can go on longer and creates opportunities for inviting diverse communities.
Disability access training can maximise your reach and ensures we all adhere to our Principles and Values of including everyone and every part of everyone. Training is being rolled out in June for Action Design and Support, plus others. Ask about training for your local group and bring along allies and friends. Email: xr.inclusion@protonmail.com
3. Have a Plan and a Programme
Give a platform to local voices and artists. Get artists involved early to help with planning and to involve their communities. Consider speaking to your Talks and Trainings crew, via their Mattermost Reception channel about adapted street speeches and trainings for audiences other than XR groups.
Programming support is coming.
4. Build Lasting Local Alliances
5. Run a Community Assembly
Plan and organise your next community action together. Speak to your regional Gardener, if you have one, about support you might expect. Alternatively, email your questions to: communityassemblies@extinctionrebellion.uk
6. Make Change and Demand Change
Take action that highlights the need for change.
7. Invite lLocal Media Contacts. Maximise Social Media.
The new UK Media & Messaging team is also shifting focus to offer support to local groups, amplifying amazing actions and activities across the country. UK media campaigns designed to resonate locally and globally and help mobilise.
8. Plan Fundraising. Consider Next Month’s Costs. Become More Resilient.
There will be specific local fundraising support coming soon. Meantime, signups to the XRUK Action Network via the XRUK website are vital to keep our movement moving.
9. Sign People Up
Keep inviting new people in with ways to be involved that suit someone willing to give days each week, as well as a student who can offer hours or a mother or carer who can only spare minutes.
Remember, there is no movement without admin and the people behind the scenes. Remote roles are as important as support work locally.
10. Stay Connected. Encourage Self-Organising.
Follow up with the communities and groups you have collaborated with regularly. Tell everyone about plans for the end of the next month. Welcome their ideas to transform their communities; we are all needed. Demonstrate that they are supported. Make a friend. Have an idea. Design a thing. Do it.