Upgrade Democracy

Get your tents and sleeping bags ready for a 3 day occupation which targets the failing system and finally brings citizens’ assemblies to the top of the agenda!

Key Information

UPGRADE DEMOCRACY

Location - Windsor
 10-15min walk from the Windsor railway station
Map of locations, facilities, activities!

Start: Friday 30th August at 10am
End : Sunday 1st September at 5pm

Over 3 days XRUK will come together to go from the world as it is, to the world we need. From despair to hope; powerless to empowered!

⛺ This event will involve camping (but also the option to join for a day), there will be a lot of creative elements and everyone will be encouraged to take on a role
💬 Information via Telegram app - a broadcast-only channel and a two-way 'chat' channel
❓ Can't find information you need? Contact: upgradedemocracy@extinctionrebellion.uk

Aim

To put the words Upgrade Democracy and our 3rd demand for Citizens' Assemblies onto the front page of the tabloids and the evening news. This is an XR action to target our broken system - with no compromises, others can join us, but this is our show!

More info

Access

Step free access on site and at marches, quiet areas, mobility support, BSL interpreters and accessible toilets.

More access info here




Background and Aims

Campaign Overview

Our political system is broken. Democracy does not deliver power to the people. The majority of decisions made on the benches in the House of Commons or in MP’s chambers are dictated and determined by the holders of the wealth in our economic system.

From the Head of State to the civil service, the priority is to present a positive image of strength and union when the reality is our society is crumbling. From the cost of living to the difficulty of getting to see a doctor, from the state of social housing to our polluted rivers and degraded ecosystems, the unrepresentative, immoral and biased actions of our political system need addressing, particularly in the face of our changing climate.

Extinction Rebellion will demand a democratic upgrade in a location where multiple parts of our failing system intersect and where our message will powerfully resonate, holding our leaders to account for their apathy with regard to the worsening state of our environment. Together, we are going to target the pillars that aim to hold up the inequalities embedded in the system.

'Upgrade Decocracy' will be a weekend of activities and actions aimed at highlighting the need for change in the unbalanced, unrepresentative and unfair systems of government in this country.

Why Windsor?

King Charles clearly understands the plight of the planet and the urgent need for society to change course. As Prince of Wales he actively spoke out about climate change and environmental destruction. Now that he is King, he is expected to be less vocal about the emergency as it is seen as too “political” even though he spoke frankly at COP28 about the peril of our own survival due to climate and ecological collapse.

Our occupation at Windsor will not be targeting a person, it will target the system. A system where money and power is concentrated in the hands of a few. And where the influence of powerful business interests have corrupted our politics with their denial and delay, ensuring the obscene profits of oil and gas companies keep rolling in even while the planet burns.

Windsor Castle has been chosen as an embodiment of a broken and unjust system where our message will resonate powerfully. The general election has neither fixed our broken system nor addressed the urgent action needed to tackle the climate and nature emergency.”

Aristocrats, oligarchs and corporate interests have infected and distorted our politics and media for their own benefit and at our expense. Our politics is failing us from top to bottom. It’s time for a democratic upgrade. We demand better at all levels; from the head of state to local councils but our central demand is for a Citizens’ Assembly on Climate and Ecological Justice, which is needed more urgently now than ever before.

Windsor Castle is just a few miles from Runnymede where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215 instituting the right to trial by jury. It was the start of a fairer, more inclusive system, and Extinction Rebellion wants to carry the work that was started hundreds of years ago into the future by updating our democracy so that it meets the demands and needs of our world today.

“This is a call to revolution. The Earth is under threat. It cannot cope with all that we demand of it. It is losing its balance and we humans are causing this to happen.” – Prince Charles from the introduction to his book, Harmony.

Why "Upgrade Democracy”?

The purpose of XR UK’s mass occupation of his majesty’s lawns and gardens is to advance our Third Demand that 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 and circumvent the influence of the lobbyists and corporate donors. Everyday people have the right to be included in making the decisions that affect their lives. We need to Upgrade Democracy and ensure this process involves learning, listening, collaborating, and making decisions together for the common good.

Read more about citizens’ assemblies here.


For an overview of the key info for Upgrade Democracy event - click here

Day by Day Guide

More details and timings will be added here as they become available. Also please note that these plans are subject to change at short notice. We will release detailed timings for each day that morning at the daily briefing at the campsite.

🖤 Day 1: The System is Broken | Fri 30th Aug
Join a big theatrical action to highlight how oily money controls our world.

More details for Friday

Rebels are encouraged to come for the Friday action dressed in business suits, or dressed as oil barons, media moguls etc, and take part in what will be a choreographed theatrical action centred around a performance by the Oil Slicks, with the aim to create a visual spectacle to highlight our narrative for the day - which is - The System Is Broken.

There will also be roles for XR Rhythms, to accompany the action with a slow "Funeral For Nature" beat, and outreach to let the public know what is happening and why we are there.

After this finishes, we will return to the camp for food at 8pm. Talks & Trainings and the fUNFAIR will resume too.

Talks & Training on Friday

💛 Day 2: Upgrade Democracy | Sat 31st Aug
March to deliver letters to the King, written by you! Afterwards join a huge community assembly asking how we can upgrade UK democracy?

More details for Saturday

Letters to the King from letter writing campaign will be carried along with the march and then delivered to the castle gates with a colourful ceremony and poignant speeches.

We'll then head to the long walk for lunch, followed by the biggest mass community assembly of deliberative democracy there's ever been, a Massembly!, aiming to be between 2.30pm and 5:30pm when we will return to the camp for food between 6-7pm.

Talks & Trainings and the fUNFAIR will resume from 6pm.

Talks & Training on Saturday

💖 Day 3: Another World Is Possible | Sun 1st Sep
Love is action. Step into a noisy, life-affirming march and grand finale.

More details for Sunday For the Sunday action we'll need to start a little earlier, so we've then all got time to get back to camp, pack up and head for home.

After the early action briefing at camp, we'll hit the road with a lively Rhythms led march to the castle.

When we arrive we'll occupy area in front of Windsor Castle for the "another world is possible" action.

The aim is to create a positive, vibrant, multi faceted showcase - all accessible to the public.

At 1 pm we'll wind down toward the finale, which will be a Die-in to symbolise the Broken System, leading into a beautiful and joyous resurrection into the "World that is Possible".

Then XR Rhythms will lead the march back to camp for the closing ceremony, and the culmination of what we hope will be a great 3 days of action.

The camp will need to be cleared down from 3pm and we aim to be offsite by 5pm. So we need everyone to help - we are all crew.


Map of event locations

Here is an online map including toilets and event locations.

Daily briefings at the campsite will provide any last minute changes to plans.

image-1724516181013.png

For an overview of key info for the Upgrade Democracy event - click here

Online Training and Open Calls

There will be lots of talks and training at the campsite at Windsor.
Go to the day-to-day guide to view this info.

Open Call

Watch the recording of the Open Call here on YouTube which covers all the latest info to help you prepare for the mass occupation including:

Citizens' Assembly

Why deliberative democracy? Find out about XR's demand for a Citizens' Assembly on Climate and Ecological Justice.
Watch the recording of the talk on YouTube.

Volunteer Roles Fayre

Watch the recording of the roles fayre, with explanations of all the roles.

General Stewarding

New Stewards please attend from 7pm-8pm.
Trained Stewards can join the zoom call at 7.40pm for the Upgrade Democracy event-specific briefing.

Lead Steward

Upgrade Democracy Briefing and what does the Lead Steward role involve.

Roadtaking

Find out how to keep marchers safe from traffic.

Action Wellbeing

Action Wellbeing supports the physical and emotional wellbeing of everyone involved in XR actions. Action Wellbeing supports the physical and emotional wellbeing of everyone involved in XR actions.

Assembly Facilitator

Facilitation training to help you volunteer at the Massembly. This session will be recorded for those who can't make that date. Additionally, two in-person workshops will be held on Fri 30th Aug at Upgrade Democracy in the Talks & Training tent in Home Park.


For an overview of key info for the Upgrade Democracy event - click here

Volunteer Roles at Upgrade Democracy

We would really love everyone who attends to sign up for at least one shift in a role if that's possible for you. If you can volunteer then yes, please do! Whilst most roles are mobile we also have some static roles (such as welcome hub) and some at-home roles if you cannot physically attend the event.

We held an online meeting to explain more about the roles - watch the video here

If you already know what role you want to volunteer for, sign up here
It's the same form if you have already signed up and want to choose or change your shifts
And if you already signed up but have forgotten which shifts you chose check your role or chosen shifts

Theer are drop-down charts for most roles showing where our priority is for volunteers (red) and existing volunteers (blue). Once an hour the charts will disappear for a few moments whilst the data is refreshed.

I had a great time and volunteering forced me to talk to people, feel really involved etc, without this I would prob have turned up and marched and gone home while being too shy to talk at all!

Production crew, Restore Nature Now 2024

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed being a steward at the event and I would love to do more! Everyone was so friendly and helpful, it made doing it on my own and for the first time great fun! Thank you all for all of the organisation, it was fantastic

New Steward, Restore Nature Now 2024

We aim to avoid a few crew having to volunteer continuously and getting burnt out as a result.

The main shift opportunities run from 10am on Friday 30th August through to 5pm on Sunday 1st September in 4-hour blocks. We ask that you arrive 30 minutes before the start of your shift for a handover briefing. Some roles will not require a full 4 hour shift, or will have slightly different start and end shift times, you will have this explained once you signup, or contact the team involved for more details using the links below. Most roles require mobility but we have a few that are static and some that can be done from home.

Since we will have rebels camping overnight we will also need some crew to volunteer for the night shifts. These represent a really special experience and allow rebels to get a good undisturbed night's sleep ready for action the next day.

Before the event opens and after it closes we will also need a setup and teardown crew, you can opt for these shifts as well.

Training is available for all these roles and we aim to buddy crew up so you can work with someone more experienced if you are new to a role.

Here is a brief explanation of each role, together with links to find out more.

Outreach

See Outreach shifts volunteers needed

Outreach crews are needed both at camp and in the streets of Windsor

Signup to volunteer here


Imagine: The occupation is underway. Members of the public are passing by and catch sight of the scene. Our objective: is to explain why we are there and what we are doing and offer a genuine conversation about climate change and the environment to someone who may not typically find many opportunities to confront the crisis. Outreach will often also staff the welcome hub at large events where members of the public have questions answered and are directed to resources, training, or other support teams as appropriate.
Register for an online training workshop
Contact actions.outreach@extinctionrebellion.uk

Stewarding

See Steward shifts volunteers needed

Stewarding is mainly needed during the day, especially when we have marches.
In addition we need a small crew to provide site security when everyone else is away from camp and overnight (these are often the hardest shifts to fill so if you are prepared to cover one night we would be very grateful)

Signup to volunteer here

mithy the Stewarding Dog with Megaphonemithy the Stewarding Dog with Megaphone

General Stewards provide a friendly welcome, help answer questions and direct rebels to other crews, facilities and what’s on. One of the key parts of this role is simply to provide a visible presence that helps rebels feel safe and secure. There are opportunities for Lead Stewards who manage a small team of 10 General Stewards.
Access Buddy Stewards support those with access or inclusion needs to be able to participate fully in the event. Overnight Campsite Stewards provide safety and security for those asleep in their tents.
We need around 50 Stewards each shift for the main shifts - that means around 1,000 Stewards overall.
Additional information here
Contact stewarding@extinctionrebellion.uk

Roadtaking

See Roadtaking shifts volunteers needed

Roadtaking crews are only needed when we have marches

Signup to volunteer here

Roadtaking Westminster

An essential part of marches and processions, this crew move ahead of the march to ensure traffic doesn't conflict with rebels. This is a role that requires mobility and usually we aim to work with DeEscalators in the team.
Additional information here
Contact stewarding@extinctionrebellion.uk

Wellbeing

See Wellbeing shifts volunteers needed

Wellbeing is mainly needed during the day, especially when we have marches.
In addition we need a small crew to provide cover overnight (these are often the hardest shifts to fill so if you are prepared to cover one night we would be very grateful)

Signup to volunteer here

Wellbeing in action at Restore Nature Now march

Action Wellbeing supports the physical and emotional wellbeing of everyone involved in XR actions. Look out for us in our blue hi-vis. Providing water, hand warmers and snacks (chocolate!), accessibility support, as well as a listening ear and a friendly smile. Rebels come to us for all sorts of things, including: information on the nearest toilets, rain protection, conversation, blankets and pillows, warm tea, songs and chants, support during arrests and countless other useful things!
Additional information
Contact actionwellbeing@extinctionrebellion.uk

First Aid

See Qualified First Aid shifts volunteers needed

First Aid is mainly needed during the day as well as cover when everyone elses is away from camp and overnight (these are often the hardest shifts to fill so if you are prepared to cover one night we would be very grateful)

Signup to volunteer here

First Aid crew briefing

We all hope we will never need it but minor accidents do occur and so if you have a current First Aid certificate then please volunteer for this specialist role (part of the Wellbeing team).
Additional information here
Contact actionwellbeing@extinctionrebellion.uk

DeEscalation / Embedding Nonviolence

See DeEscalation shifts volunteers needed

DeEscalation is mainly needed during the day, especially when we have marches.
In addition we need a crew to provide cover in the evenings and a small crew overnight (these are often the hardest shifts to fill so if you are prepared to cover one night we would be very grateful)

Signup to volunteer here

5 DeEsc crew at Restore Nature Now

This role uses techniques to manage the tension in situations. Often called in to defuse confrontation, you will learn skills based on empathy and listening to manage tension during a confrontation between parties on the street.
This can involve members of the public, police or protesters. By intervening in hostile encounters we may be able to recognise feelings of alienation and agitation and help them transform into solidarity and optimism.
Additional information here
Contact deescalation@extinctionrebellion.uk

Sustenance

See Sustenance shifts volunteers needed

These specific shift requirements are still being planned

Signup to volunteer here

food being served

Feeding 1,000s of people with healthy, hearty food on a tight budget is no mean feat. We have a range of roles here from designing recipes, preparing ingredients, cooking and serving rebels.
Some experience in food preparation and a basic knowledge of food hygiene would be ideal but is not essential.
Additional information here
Contact production@extinctionrebellion.uk

Sanitation and Waste (Rubbish and Poo)

See Sanitation shifts volunteers needed

These specific shift requirements are still being planned

Signup to volunteer here

Throne

Whilst we aim to minimise the waste we produce and the environmental impact of our events there will always be some that needs managing. From litter picking to toilets and water provision, this is a vital role with a great team of people who have as much of a laugh as anyone else and are always hugely appreciated by everyone. The Sanitation and Waste team will ensure that everyone has access to a toilet, to safe drinking water, and that the site is left in as pristine a condition as it was found - or often better.
Additional information here
Contact production@extinctionrebellion.uk

Logistics

See Logistics shifts volunteers needed

As well as crew during the event, we also need crew in London 27th / 28th / 2nd / 3rd / 4th at the Warehouse

Signup to volunteer here

falgs awaiting collection

Looking after the safe handling, transport and storage of XR’s amazing action kit and equipment; literally bringing all the toys needed for any actions.
Whilst most of these roles do require manual handling, we also have need for administrative support in the team.

Note as well as a small logistics crew during the event we also need crew in the weeks beforehand and after to manage transportation and warehouse logistics. If you can help with this, please add a comment in the signup form at the end.
Additional information here
Contact production@extinctionrebellion.uk

Sound & Power

See Sound & Power shifts volunteers needed

These specific shift requirements are still being planned

Signup to volunteer here

Stage
Rickshaw

Providing mobile PAs, sound systems, pop-up stages and solar-power set-ups; essentially bringing the vibes to any action!
More information
Contact production@extinctionrebellion.uk

Art Blockers

See Art Blocker shifts volunteers needed

Art Blocking crews are needed both at camp (when rebels are there) and in the streets of Windsor

Signup to volunteer here

Artblocking stall


This team run the stall that gets the most attention! Everyone wants to add patches or prints to their clothes
Additional information here

Welcome Hub Staff

See Welcome Hub shifts volunteers needed

We need a small crew to man the hub when rebels are on site. It will cover Rebels, Campers and possibly a few members of the public

Signup to volunteer here

Friendly, calm and enthusiastic rebels are invited to join the wonderful welcome team! You will be first point of contact for visitors new and old to the protest space. Helping answer questions about logistics (eg. where are the toilets, where can I find flyers), how to join XR and why we’re here!

Banner/Flag Holders

See Banner & Flag Holder shifts volunteers needed

Banner & Flag holding crew crews are needed when we have marches

Signup to volunteer here

Join the team responsible for the visual choreography of an action. You will be helping carry and hold beautiful flags and banners, transmitting the vibe and message of the action. These designs bear XR’s messages for the public and press to see and are a key part of making an action a success! No previous experience necessary.

Talks and Training Speaker

Signup to volunteer here

person speaking to audience

Talks & Training Speakers deliver structured talks, training and workshop sessions at larger events usually under gazebos or when possible, inside buildings. These talks are programmed as part of a schedule therefore you need to complete the signup form (above) to volunteer. Where possible we supply equipment e.g. mics, projectors, screens and whiteboards.

Knowledge is empowering and can transform lives. Developing or delivering talks and training are valuable as they help grow and strengthen the movement. As a speaker or trainer, you'll support existing rebels and new joiners by preparing them for action, welcoming them to XR and increasing their awareness of the climate and ecological emergency.
Additional information and guidance here
Contact XRUK Talks & Training at eventsxr@gmail.com

Street Speaker

Signup to volunteer here


Street talks are a fantastic way to quickly engage, inform and empower new joiners and existing rebels. They can be completely spontaneous and given to small groups 'on the street'. Street Speakers are self-organising and you can access a range of Street Speaker Scripts that can be delivered anywhere, at any time you choose. The scripts are designed to be delivered by anyone without the need for training however, we're here to support you!
Additional information here
Contact XRUK Talks & Training at eventsxr@gmail.com

Assembly Facilitator

See Assembly Facilitator shifts volunteers needed

Assembly facilitators are only required just before, and during the Mass Assembly on Saturday afternoon

Signup to volunteer here

Assembly Facilitator At the Massembly, each discussion group will need to nominate a facilitator, who will lead the group through each step in the process using a Discussion pack. The pack has clear steps for the facilitator to follow meaning no training is needed.

There will be two in-person workshops will be held on Fri 30th Aug at Upgrade Democracy in the Talks & Training tent in Home Park.

More information about Community Assemblies
Contact assembliesescalation@extinctionrebellion.uk

Offsite/Backoffice/Pre-event Roles

As well as the main support roles listed above we have the need for some additional support crew:
Pre-event location recce. Involves photographing sites, possibly talking to local cafes/pubs etc. to find small hub spaces etc.
Action Support Back Office. During the event working from home, keeping an eye on various Signal and Telegram chats and making sure people get answers to questions or connected to those who can help.
Digital Mapping. Pre-event we need help to maintain the digital maps of the event, site, march routes, accessibility etc.

If you feel you could help with these roles, get in touch actionsupport@extinctionrebellion.uk

Other

If you feel you have the skills and experience to offer this event that is not covered in one of the roles above, please do let us know by selecting 'Other' in the Preferred Role dropdown and adding an explanation in the Anything Else box at the end of the form.

Signup to volunteer here


For an overview of key info for the Upgrade Democracy event - click here

Camping and Accommodation

Campsite location is Home Park

📌 What 3 Words: ///chip.stuff.cared
Postcode of car park SL4 6HX (note not suitable for large coaches that are advised to drop off at Eton & Riverside Station).

Here is an online map including toilets and event locations.

The site is 0.6 miles / 12 minutes from Windsor and Eton Riverside station and around 1 mile / 20 minutes from Windsor and Eton Central station. It has views of the castle; water provision; a nearby car park & disabled access.

We will endeavour to make the campsite as safe and comfortable as we can. The site location has been liaised and steward volunteers will monitor the site around the clock.  There will be water, food and toilets and even some tents available for use. 

Sitting below the castle walls, it is a perfect spot to take action from. This will be an accessible, liaised campsite should enable more people to feel that they can get involved in the action, bringing greater numbers together.

Overall look & feel of the site is 'light touch' not lots of structures, if you are bringing 'stuff' be prepared to hand carry it. Please remember that you and others around you on the campsite should take some responsibility for its operations, you can help by volunteering for a role.

All Rebels are asked to follow our rebel agreement which provides a basis for trust and respect. Also read our principles and values which guide the regenerative culture of XR.

Food, water and loos

We will be providing catering but please bring your own reusable cutlery, cup and bowl. We are collectively aiming to generate as little waste as possible and will not be providing disposable plates.

Let us know you are camping

The area that we are using as a campsite will be available from 9am on Friday 30th and we need to clear the site completely by Sunday 1st at 5pm. (Thursday night camping only for set-up crew and people travelling long distances)

Thanks to a generous donation, we have limited supplies of equipment such as tents for those who don't have their own. Please register early to secure this equipment.

If you are camping, please let us know by signing up here .

Accessibility

We have been given permission by the council for a limited number of campervans for disabled rebels who wish to bring them. Please register early to secure one of these places and answer the specific questions on the form.

If you are disabled or have access needs of any kind and would like to ask questions please contact xr.inclusion@protonmail.com

More accessibility support available - read more here

Alternative Accommodation

For those who cannot camp, Community Home is a scheme where people make rooms available to activists. XR UK is covering the cost of this so we appreciate donations to help support us offering these places. You can apply here at comUnityHome.

Travel Subsidies

To be as inclusive as possible, a subsidy is available to Rebels who may find it difficult to meet the costs of travel. More information here.

Rumours from the press

There have been unhelpful rumours stirred up by the press, so here's some factual information.

Kit-list packing suggestions

Stewards will be available to keep an eye on the camp overnight and at any time when rebels are away from the area. This cannot be a perfect guarantee of security so please do not bring anything valuable.

We also seem to regularly find lost property after our camps. Please consider marking all your items in a way that will help us return them to you if they are found (e.g. the name of your local group or team).

No fires will be allowed at all, so please do not bring BBQs or firepits to the campsite.


For an overview of key info for the Upgrade Democracy event - click here

Travel and Transport

To be as inclusive as possible, a subsidy is available to Rebels who may find it difficult to meet the costs of travel, such as those with accessibility needs or who are on a low income.

If you provide receipts for the cost of your coach or public transport tickets, we may be able to reimburse you.

You can claim back the cost of your coach / public transport tickets - apply here

If you have to travel by car, we may be able to reimburse your mileage (45p per mile), parking fees, and congestion charges. - apply here

Is your group looking for support in paying for a coach? We may be able to offer your group a loan to support the cost of hiring a coach.

Get in touch: transport@extinctionrebellion.uk

Travel from London to Windsor

Options for anyone who either lives in London or is perhaps getting transport to London and needing to transfer:

Access info for the two railway stations:

Car Parking

Whilst we would encourage all those who can, to use public transport, we have been asked about car parking options in the camp area.

As a tourist destination, car parking in Windsor is expensive.

Car Parks

Most car parks are council run and are listed here with links to charges. Note this includes Maidenhead car parks so check the locations carefully)

XR booked coaches

Wales coach tickets

Coach planned to arrive at Windsor camp by Friday 1pm and leaving Windsor Sunday 4.30pm Cost between £35 and £45 for the full return journey. Selling tickets on a ‘pay as you are able’ basis.
ROUTE: Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthen, Swansea (near Penllergaer, Junction 47 off the M4), Cardiff West Services (J33 of the M4). Other M4 Services pick-up points may be possible.
For information and booking, contact cardiganxr@protonmail.com

Midlands coach tickets

Two coaches booked (ticket prices - full £35, concession £25, child £5)
CENTRAL ROUTE : Chesterfield, Matlock, Derby, Birmingham, Warwick - buy tickets
EAST ROUTE : Lincoln, Newark, Nottingham, Leicester - buy tickets

MidsCoach_square400px.jpg


For an overview of key info for the Upgrade Democracy event - click here

Letter Writing Action Pack

pen line

Dear Rebels, XRUK would like you to write a personal letter to King Charles. Send one copy to him and bring the other with you to Windsor, where we will deliver the letters to our head of state on Sat 31st August.

Write to the King

Our political system is broken. Life and death decisions are made behind closed doors and government policy is written by oligarchs and fossil fuel executives. Their secretive think-tanks and client media control our so-called democracy. Our main chance of political involvement is an election once every five years, with very limited choices. We demand better.

Our head of state has been a passionate supporter of the environment for many years. But he is also an unelected, hereditary king. Whatever we think of Charles Windsor as an individual, our monarchy embodies the colonial system that has exploited nature and enslaved people right across our world. We cannot create a just system until we recognise that our democracy has utterly failed us. We demand better.

Our globalised, monetised, digitised world is run by oligarchs for their own benefit. We are cogs in their machines and entries in their databases. Increasingly cut off from human contact and divorced from nature we are sold to the highest bidder. We need to restore power to our communities and reconnect with nature. We demand an upgrade to our democracy.

As we re-imagine our democracy, we need your help to shape our message. In a true democracy your voice would be heard. What better way to start than by writing to your head of state?

What should your letter say?

Letters work best when they are personal. Write from your whole self, to the man who is the head of state in the country that you probably call home. Make your letter personal. Tell him how you feel about our country and your life here, explain what is wrong and broken.

This is a time for creativity, passion and energy. We want your ideas. Imagine really having the power to make life better, the chance to be involved and to work in your community for a better future. What should be done better? How would it feel to genuinely reset and reconnect? Write with the joy of possibility.

Children's voices can be even more powerful than ours - they're the future and they will suffer the effects of inaction for longer than we will. We'd love to have letters written by children to send along as well. You could ask them to write them from the point of view of their favourite animal, how the world is changing and making life hard for them.

Your letter could be long or short, on foolscap or a postcard, the format doesn't matter. What we really need is you: your opinions, your feelings, your ideas.

Practicalities

Please make a copy of your letter, you could photocopy it or write it out twice.

  1. Send your letter to: His Majesty the King, Buckingham Palace, London SW1 1AA

  2. Bring a copy of your letter along with your to Windsor! But if you can't, then please pass it to someone else who is going to Windor or send your second copy to us to deliver on your behalf: Extinction Rebellion, PO Box 1559, Cambridge, CB1 0AP

letter


For an overview of key info for the Upgrade Democracy event - click here

Massembly

Saturday 31st August, 14:30-17:30

As part of Upgrade Democracy, we are organising what we hope will become the UK's largest-ever community assembly: the Massembly! We'll be asking the question:

“How might we take meaningful steps to Upgrade Democracy?”

Bring your ideas and imagination, discuss these with others and decide together. Let’s get our voices heard. Share this with everyone you know who’s frustrated and fed-up with how things are right now. This is deliberative democracy in action!

Join the Massembly at Windsor

Begin gathering at 2pm at the northern end of the Long Walk. We'll form groups of six and introduce ourselves. Each group will nominate a facilitator who will use a discussion pack to walk us through each step in the process. One person then submits the group’s best three ideas to an online tool called Pol.is allowing everyone taking part in the assembly to then vote on these ideas.

Bring a pen/pencil/paper or some other means of taking notes (not essential) and a smartphone (not essential, provided there are at least 3 within each group).

Information is available if you would like to volunteer as a Assembly Facilitator for this assembly.

Join the Massembly online

In addition to this in-person Massembly at Upgrade Democracy, we will be running a simultaneous online assembly to enable those unable to attend in person to still participate.

Register for the online assembly here
Note: We recommend joining on a laptop. Tech support will be available.

Be prepared!

If you'd like to read through the Information Cards which will guide this assembly, you can view them here. Or just turn up and join in!

Information Hub

Hosted by volunteers from the Community Assemblies Escalation Campaign and the Citizens’ Assemblies Working Group (CAWG).

Visit the on-site information hub before the Massembly to ask questions and request additional support, e.g. request a BSL Interpreter to join your group or ask for large print versions of the discussion packs.

If you have specific requirements, e.g. needing a buddy, please email xr.inclusion@protonmail.com and we will support these where possible.

What happens next?

In the weeks following Upgrade Democracy we hope to run a series of online assemblies, using the same question and information. Allowing more people to contribute and incorporate a broad range of ideas.

After all these assemblies are complete, the ideas will be made available to an even larger number of people, who in turn will be able to use the Pol.is platform to vote and add their ideas.

Collectively create the largest-ever community assembly in the UK!

Finally, we don’t want it to stop there

A summary of the results will be made available and to build on the energy and excitement generated, a set of suggestions will be created for how to escalate and take the most popular ideas forward.

As a result, we can genuinely take meaningful steps to upgrade democracy!

Key info for Upgrade Democracy

Create the fUNFAIR! 🎪

Green wooden sign with fUNFAIR in yellow letters

Update (Sep 2024)

THAT WAS SOOO fUNFAIR

One of the biggest joys of XR is the limitless creativity of our rebels. Let’s take a moment (this moment) to celebrate that!

🤡 Time to BIG UP the wonderful groups who brought us the fUNFAIR collection of participatory games and stalls, representing our broken system.

▪️Splat the Protestor - Malvern ▪️Ping Pong Planet - London ▪️Pin the pigtail on Greta - Cymru ▪️Spin The Wheel - The Misinformation Station ▪️Giant Jenga - XR Haringey ▪️Oligarchs tug of war - Lincoln ▪️Hook a Duck (not actually a duck - ew) - Norwich ▪️Egg & spoon (Energy) race and sack race - Nottingham

Most humble apologies for anyone left off this list.

Info provided in the run-up to the action

This weekend will highlight the unrepresentative and unfair systems of government. So we are planning to have a space in which we can express the imbalances and need for change in the system.

We need to Upgrade Democracy. We need to give the people a voice and we need to make the sounds loud and proud and demand a change to the system. If we talk together we can deliver change together. We can provide the space for that dialogue. It is what the weekend is about - delivering system change through shared open dialogue.

The fUNFAIR will be a fairground of participatory games and stalls that represent the imbalances and need for change in the system. To achieve this we need your help, your creativity, your ingenuity and your imagination.

Our new campsite at Home Park is peaceful and great for camping, but low on public footfall, so making your creation portable could be advantageous. You can bring your game to the colourful ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE action outside the Castle Gates on Sunday!

Register your game or stall by filling in this form with your plans so we can link up and coordinate.

The Vision

The vision is to create a vibrant and happy country-fair feel to the whole experience, with numerous colourful games and stalls, in our own version of a fUNFAIR - with a twist.

Maybe a coconut shy, hook-a-duck and hoopla or even representations of game shows like play-your-cards-right or family fortunes but with a climate, nature or geopolitical theme.

The Twist - The games will be unwinnable to start off with but, following a conversation (with stall holder and any gathering crowd) about why it is unfair and what steps can be taken to 'win', the game can then be adjusted to enable the participant to succeed.

Make the aim of the game clear. Include signage or a spokesperson to communicate the #UpgradeDemocracy message.

Education, conversation but with creativity and fun!

Getting Involved

Groups are invited to design, create and then run their own games or stalls during the weekend occupation. They should be as colourful and imaginative as possible. We want them to be bright and exciting and accessible to all ages and abilities. Unfortunately we can't provide gazebos, but feel free to bring your own if needed.

The vision is to deliver a multitude of different interesting and entertaining experiences to keep ourselves, our friends and families engrossed in the occupation and intrigued by the idea of talking about change.

Our mission is a big one and so, to help plant the idea of what we hope to achieve, we want as many games and challenges as possible to engage as many people as possible in as many different ways as possible.

Drop-in creative ideas workshops

Come along to this friendly and informal space hosted by the Creative Community to throw around creative ideas, get advice and support each other's plans for fUNFAIR games and any other creative designs for Upgrade Democracy.

Please come and join us and bring your local group members. We are here to support you with your ideas!

Game Ideas

Hoopla

Blocks with climate targets on them where the ‘economic’ ring is too small to fall over the block. After conversation, provide a larger ring.

Blocks with Heads of State on where the head is too big for the ‘ring of continuity’ to fall over. After conversation, swap heads for smaller ones.

Coconut Shy Coconuts with degrees of warming on to be knocked over or off their perch in the correct order by balls of consumerism but where the first one is tied down. After a conversation the first coconut is untied and a bigger ball is given to the participant as well.
Family Fortunes The public may be required, questions could range from anything from species loss to political failings, i.e. we gave 100 people 100 seconds to name as many species that have become extinct in the last 100 years as they could. What do you think were the most common answers? People will name what they think were the answers most commonly given but the correct answers could be the species that were most common. After a conversation the question is clarified and pictures of the species are provided to assist in answering the question.
Bobbing for Dividends Like bobbing for apples but the barrel is full of the detritus found in our rivers and seas, and you’re bobbing for a hefty water company dividends cheque.
Splat the rat Dress up as judge and splat anyone telling the truth about climate with your gavel!

Opening times

It is envisaged that the fUNFAIR will operate throughout most of the 3 days, so it would be beneficial for a number of local groups to join together to create and run a game between them, to share both the creation and running of the stall.

Currently the schedule for fUNFAIR at the campsite is as follows:

In addition, if your funfair stall is small and portable there will be an opportunity to include it in the Sunday action in front of the castle. PLease contact us if you think this could apply to your stall upgradedemocracy@extinctionrebellion.uk

Design, Production and Delivery

The core colour scheme for Upgrade Democracy is neon pink cerise and acid yellow - see the Messaging and Design page - but it is not expected that they be repeated throughout the whole fUNFAIR, except perhaps on the signs displaying information and the names of the stalls.

Transporting the game to the site will involve carrying items a fair distance, so this should be taken in to consideration.


For an overview of key info for the Upgrade Democracy event - click here

Paint the Streets

Help advertise the event with Upgrade Democracy stickers, posters, flyers (and also new badges available too!).

Let’s put posters and stickers these everywhere and make Upgrade Democracy unmissable before it even starts! This is a perfect gateway action for new rebels to get out on the streets and step into action. More info here about planning a flyposting action.

You can also order A6 flyers.

Order form

Order the quantities you need for your local group using this form.

Connect with others

Join the Paint the Streets telegram chat to share images of your finished work.

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UD_stickers_img4RT.jpg

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Note: Upgrade Democracy flyers are also available here to print yourself including Welsh language versions, but check first with your nation/region as some may be bulk printing to distribute.


For an overview of key info for the Upgrade Democracy event - click here

Messaging and Design

Upgrade Democracy Messaging and Design

Upgrade Democracy will protest against our broken political system and demand an urgent upgrade to UK democracy. The unwritten constitution fails us from top to bottom. We demand better at all levels; from the head of state to local councils.

XRUK will target the aristocrats, oligarchs and corporate interests that infect and distort the political system for their own benefit and at our expense. Everyday people fighting for climate justice, global justice, social justice and justice for nature will unite.

Together we will demand a democratic upgrade in a location where multiple parts of our failing system intersect and where our message will powerfully resonate.

Slogans and Hastags

XRUK banner slogans:

Primary Hashtags:

Design

Colour scheme: Neon pink and acid yellow

Packing a punch, these two colours (with black) are not to be ignored.

colours for UD

Demand

XR UK demands that everyday people be included in the decision-making process affecting their lives. We need to #UpgradeDemocracy and ensure this process involves learning, listening, collaborating, and making decisions together for the common good. This demand is already rooted in the movement -

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.

This is the answer to the interconnected crises, and the role our broken system plays in perpetuating self-interest over survival.

Social Media

Links to some posts on various platforms to help amplify this event.

Flyer

Limited supplies of the English language version printed at A6 size is - available to order from this form

Or you can print your own. Links below to download print-quality version of the flyer. These are designed for A5 size, but would still work well at A6 size (which would be cheaper to print).

English language flyer
Welsh language flyer

Also you might be interested in having some Citizens' Assembly flyers, which you can find here

Outreach Flyer


For an overview of key info for the Upgrade Democracy event - click here