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!

UD Feedback and Learning

Feedback was accepted from individuals, and from teams/circles. The feedback form is now closed.

The feedback survey went out immediately after Upgrade Democracy to the action support and XRUK mailing lists on Action Network, followed by a post linking to it on the Rebellion Broadcast which was cascaded through the regions and nations.

If you are interested in reading the anonymised 950+ responses, please contact actionsupport@extinctionrebellion.uk (summary as at 26/9/24)

UD_FT_feedbackpage2.jpg

So what did we achieve?

The goal of the Action was 'to get Upgrade Democracy and Citizens' Assemblies into the mainstream media. We acheived far higher levels of media interest than we have recently, with a relatively small number of rebels.

Note: several papers ran up to a half a dozen stories (Daily Mail, The Telegraph, The Sun, The Express). Other coverage not included here: Al Jazeera English, Agence France-Presse, Agencia EFE, LBC Matthew Wright, The Times, The i, The Reading Chronicle, Maidenhead Advertiser, etc.

Press overview - key themes

Photos and livestream

Fundraising

We wanted the Action to be self-funding. We raised over £70,000 with a matched funding campaign and through donations on the ground at the event.
You can still donate to the crowdfunder here

Massembly

450 people came together in-person and online to deliberate on the question: "How might we take meaningful steps to upgrade democracy?"

The event was intended to provide participants with real-life experience of participatory deliberative processes and demonstrate their value and legitimacy, increase understanding and awareness of the opportunities for democratic upgrade, and so build support for XR's Third Demand.

We explored the challenges with our existing system, debated potential improvements and alternatives, and came up with new ideas. Initial summary of results is here

Public engagement

Survey board discussion with nearly 250 members of the public at Upgrade Democracy found that the overwhelming majority expressed deep concern about the climate and nature crisis:

Volunteering

Our We are all Crew goal was to have every attendee volunteer for at least one shift. With approximately 600 attendees, we had over 400 signup as crew beforehand with more volunteering on the day.

Campsite

Some 260 campers registered (around 300 people). We counted about 245 tents over the weekend. 18 Campervan spaces for rebels with access needs were booked and 27 rebels asked XR to supply a tent or camping equipment.

The campers were overwhelmingly positive about the regenerative experience of spending time together in a safe, well organised campsite. Many suggested we should consider an annual XR camp!

What was your feedback (attendees)

Of those that attended, almost half completed a feedback form. These are some of the key themes from responses:

What went well

  1. Organisation and Logistics: Participants appreciated the overall organisation of the event, from the campsite setup to the coordination of actions and activities. Participants felt well cared for and enjoyed smooth running of activities.

  2. Community and Atmosphere: The sense of community, togetherness, and positive atmosphere at the event were highlighted as key factors contributing to its success.

  3. Food and Catering: The quality and variety of food provided at the event received high praise from participants.

  4. Massembly: The Mass Assembly was a standout feature, with participants finding it engaging, informative, and empowering.

  5. Creativity and Theatrical Elements: The creative and theatrical aspects of the event, including visuals, props, and performances, were well-received and added to the overall experience.

  6. Outreach and Engagement: Positive interactions with the public, engaging conversations, and effective outreach efforts were noted as successful aspects of the event.

  7. Press Coverage: The event's success in garnering press coverage and media attention was seen as a positive outcome.

  8. Training and Workshops: Participants valued the training sessions, workshops, and educational opportunities provided during the event.

  9. Regenerative Culture: The regenerative culture, inclusivity, and supportiveness of the event were highlighted as contributing to a welcoming and supportive environment.

  10. Location and Visual Impact: The choice of location, visual impact of actions, and overall aesthetics of the event were appreciated by participants.

What could be better

  1. Low Attendance: Many participants noted the disappointment in the low numbers of attendees at the event, which may have impacted the overall impact and effectiveness of the actions.

  2. Communication and Clarity: Several comments highlighted issues with communication, clarity of instructions, and understanding the purpose or goals of the event. This included confusion around the messaging, lack of clear objectives, and challenges with technology like the Pol.is platform.

  3. Logistical Challenges: Feedback mentioned logistical challenges such as the distance between locations, issues with transportation, lack of clear signage or maps, and difficulties with facilities like toilets and water provision. Some crew volunteers had difficulty with food queues whilst on duty.

  4. Diversity and Inclusivity: Concerns were raised about the lack of diversity in terms of demographics, representation, and outreach. Some participants felt that the event did not attract a broad enough range of people or engage with different communities effectively.

  5. Technical and Operational Issues: Participants experienced technical glitches with platforms like Pol.is, challenges with shift scheduling and coordination, and issues with the overall organisation of activities and timings.

  6. Environmental Impact: Some feedback touched on environmental concerns, such as the use of single-use plastics, water consumption, and noise pollution from aircraft.

  7. Public Perception and Messaging: There were comments about the public perception of the event, the effectiveness of messaging, and concerns about the alignment of actions with broader goals like climate justice and democracy.

  8. Health and Safety: Feedback included mentions of health and safety issues, such as concerns about food quality, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and the impact of weather conditions on participants.

  9. Engagement and Outreach: Participants expressed the need for better engagement strategies, more effective outreach to the public, and clearer communication of the event's purpose and objectives.

  10. Community and Collaboration: Some feedback highlighted the importance of community involvement, collaboration between different groups and roles, and the need for a more cohesive and inclusive approach to organising events.

  11. Future Direction and Strategy: Some participants shared thoughts on the future direction of XR, the need for more radical leadership, and strategies to increase engagement and impact. Suggestions included focusing on collaborative democracy, electoral reform, and innovative campaigns.

What was your feedback (non-attendees)

Over 650 feedback forms were completed by non-attendees. These are some of the key themes from responses:

What went well

  1. Publicity and Media Coverage: Many participants mentioned the importance of publicity and media coverage in raising awareness and getting the message across. Positive media coverage was highlighted as a success factor.

  2. Organisation and Planning: Participants appreciated the organisation and planning that went into the event. They mentioned aspects such as clear messaging, well-run logistics, and effective communication.

  3. Positive Atmosphere: The overall positive and peaceful atmosphere of the event was noted by many. Participants mentioned the joy, creativity, and sense of community that was present.

  4. Focus on Upgrading Democracy: The emphasis on upgrading democracy and promoting citizens' assemblies was a key theme that resonated with participants. They appreciated the educational aspect and the focus on democratic processes.

  5. Engagement and Participation: The event encouraged engagement and participation, both in-person and online. Participants valued the opportunities to be involved and contribute to the cause.

  6. Symbolism and Visuals: The use of symbolism, colourful visuals, and creative actions, such as costumes and banners, was highlighted as effective in conveying the message and attracting attention.

  7. Community Building: The event was seen as a way to bring people together, build community, and strengthen the movement. Participants appreciated the sense of solidarity and shared purpose.

  8. Peaceful Protest: The peaceful nature of the event was a common theme, with participants noting the importance of non-violent actions and positive messaging.

  9. Impact and Awareness: Many participants felt that the event successfully raised awareness and had a positive impact, even if they were not able to attend in person. The event was seen as a way to keep the issue in the public eye.

What could be better

  1. Location and Travel: Concerns about the location being difficult to access, especially for those travelling from far away regions. Some felt it was too London-centric and not inclusive of other areas.

  2. Messaging and Clarity: Feedback suggests confusion around the purpose and messaging of the event, with some feeling that the focus on upgrading democracy and targeting royalty was unclear or off-target. Others wanted clearer communication about the purpose and goals of events

  3. Publicity and Media Coverage: Many participants expressed disappointment in the lack of mainstream media coverage and felt that more publicity was needed to reach a wider audience.

  4. Attendance and Impact: Some felt that the event did not have a significant impact due to low attendance and minimal disruption, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of the action.

  5. Diversity and Inclusion: Criticisms were raised about the lack of diversity and inclusivity within XR, with concerns about the movement being perceived as too middle-class or not reaching a broader demographic.

  6. Engagement with Royalty: Mixed opinions on the approach of targeting or engaging with royalty, with some feeling it was inappropriate or ineffective given the monarchy's limited political influence.

  7. Logistical Issues: Feedback highlighted logistical challenges such as lack of clear instructions, issues with accommodation, and difficulties in accessing essential information for participation.

  8. Focus on Climate Change: Some participants expressed a desire for XR to maintain a strong focus on environmental issues and direct action, rather than branching out into other areas like democracy or monarchy.

  9. Desire for stronger focus on NVDA

  10. Clearer position on aristocracy / monarchy there were calls for a clearer communication around XR not supporting the monarchy, aristorcacy and established systems of power.

  11. Accessibility & Inclusion some were unaware of the support available to facilitate greater access to events. Especially those with health issues or live far away

  12. Handling of disagreements Some expressed frustration and/or disappointment with the way disagreements about event purpose, planning or messaging were dealt with.

Reasons for non-attendance

We asked all those who didn't attend what their main reasons were.

For those who gave 'other' as their reason, here are the top themes (several of which replicate the categories above):

  1. Tech Issues: Some individuals faced challenges with technology or communication, which may have impacted their ability to engage with the event.

  2. Individual Action: Some participants expressed interest in initiatives like Compass for democracy and Zero Hour for climate and nature, indicating a preference for more targeted and impactful actions.

  3. Logistical Challenges: Issues such as lack of nearby accommodation, transportation difficulties, and the need to bring supplies for extended travel posed barriers for attendance.

  4. Lack of Clarity and Communication: Concerns were raised about the clarity of the event's purpose, messaging, and logistics, which may have contributed to confusion and disinterest.

  5. Diversity and Inclusivity: Some individuals highlighted the importance of diversity and representation within XR, expressing concerns about the movement's direction and inclusivity.

  6. Health and Family Responsibilities: Health issues, family commitments, childcare needs, and other personal responsibilities were cited as reasons for not being able to attend.

  7. Disillusionment and Burnout: Some participants expressed feelings of disillusionment, burnout, or a lack of faith in XR's effectiveness, leading to disengagement from the event.

  8. Political and Social Concerns: Criticisms of XR's strategies, lack of impact, and alignment with certain political or social issues were mentioned as factors influencing attendance decisions.

  9. Timing and Scheduling: Conflicts with personal schedules, holidays, school terms, and other commitments affected the feasibility of attending the event.

  10. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Concerns about physical disabilities, age-related limitations, and the inclusivity of event activities were raised as barriers to participation.

Attendance by Region

Understandably, for those Regions where travel to Windsor was harder, a lower % attended.

So what next

XR Teams and Circles have reviewed your feedback as well as their own thoughts and these are the highlights of plans for future events to make them even better

Note - this list is not exhaustive and is being added to as teams complete their debrief and planning processes

Systems & Cultures

Will be working on promoting the voices of marginalised and under represented groups through engaging in dialogue with event planners.

Roadtaking

As this circle matures, looking at delegating greater authority to Lead Roadtakers on larger marches.

Action Support Crew Recruitment

Recognising that rebels want to volunteer for more than one role at an event (will require separate forms per role but to a common format) Retain the Rebel Toolkit approach to collecting all crew recruitment in one place. Charts showing areas of greatest need and recruitment gaps.

Outreach

Our Outreach crew this time included more first-time or less experienced outreachers than before, they benefitted from our training/briefing and we hope they will continue to develop their skills. We brought survey boards to an XR UK 'rebellion' for the first time, these were sucessful at prompting conversions and we hope to make them more effective in future. We will go deeper into training around survey boards, and aim to make the 3rd panel (which makes the call to action) more contextualised for each action.

Massembly:
Actions Circle - Future major event Weavers:

Continue to invite wider participation of teams though a 'Wider Wisdom' type chat group. Continue to provide weekly updates to the wider group of teams on the weaving in the run up to events. Repeat the Emergency Decision Making Team planning exercise to prepare for eventualities beforehand, as well as communicating which roles are represented and the situations they might act on.

Media, Messaging and Comms
UK Rebel Hive

As the widest circle of XRUK the Hive has delegated its operational power to its subcircles. However it is a key space to hear feedback from the regions and nations to then inform those circles. These are the key elements of feedback that we heard from the representatives of the regions and nations that should be considered for future actions.

The Hive would like to express enormous gratitude for everyone involved in making this action happen, from the planning through to the delivery and follow up. We know how hard rebels worked, and hope you know that it is seen across the movement.

Key Information

This event has passed - here is a summary page to collate the Feedback and Learning

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

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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

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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.

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

Online Training and Open Calls

This event has passed - here is a summary page to collate the Feedback and Learning
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

Camping and Accommodation

This event has passed - here is a summary page to collate the Feedback and Learning

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 wellbeing+drn@exinctionrebellion.uk

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

This event has passed - here is a summary page to collate the Feedback and Learning

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

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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

This event has passed - here is a summary page to collate the Feedback and Learning

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 Instructions and 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! 🎪

This event has passed - here is a summary page to collate the Feedback and Learning

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

This event has passed - here is a summary page to collate the Feedback and Learning

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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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

This event has passed - here is a summary page to collate the Feedback and Learning

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