Volunteer Roles at Upgrade Democracy
We would really love everyone who attends to signup for at least one 4 hour shift in a role. Yes we really do mean everyone!
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 March Jun 2024
We aim to avoid a few crew having to volunteer continuiously 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.
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 nights 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 working with someone more experienced if you are new to a role.
If you already know what role you want to volunteer for, signup here
Otherwise here is a brief explanation of each role, together with links to find out more
Stewarding
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.
Signup here
More information
Contact stewarding@extinctionrebellion.uk
Wellbeing
Action Wellbeing supports the physical and emotional wellbeing of everyone involved in XR actions. Look out for us in our blue hi-vis.
Action Wellbeing provide water, hand warmers and snacks (chocolate!), 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!
Signup here
More information
Contact actionwellbeing@extinctionrebellion.uk
First Aid
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 specist role (part of the Wellbeing teams)
Signup here
More information
Contact actionwellbeing@extinctionrebellion.uk
De-escalation / Embedding Non Violence
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.
Signup here
More information
Contact deescalation@extinctionrebellion.uk
Sustenance
Feeding 1,000s of people with healthy, hearty food to a tight budget is no mean feat. e have a range of roles here from designing recipies, 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.
Signup here
More information
Contact production@extinctionrebellion.uk
Sanitation
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 simple litter picking to toilets and water provision these crew make the event possible for everyone else.
Sanitation and Waste may not have the most glamorous name but it’s a vital part of any Rebellion and often has 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.
Signup here
More information
Contact production@extinctionrebellion.uk
Logistics
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
Signup here
More information
Contact production@extinctionrebellion.uk
Sound & Power
Providing mobile PAs, sound systems, pop-up stages and solar-power set-ups; essentially bringing the vibes to any action!
Signup here
More information
Contact production@extinctionrebellion.uk
Art Blockers
This team run the stall that gets the most attention! Everyone wants to add patches or prints to their clothes
fUNFAIR Stall holder
Think village fete, think fairground stall. As part of the event there will be fairground style stalls to run so we need crew for each stall during the main event hours.
It is envisaged that these stalls will be organised by Local Groups, so contact your local group if you would like to help.
More information Visit the fUNFAIR! 🎪
Outreach
Imagine: . The occupation is underway. Members of the public are passing by and catch sight of the scene. Some are amused and bewildered, others are frustrated and cynical.
Our objective: to 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.
Signup here
More information
Contact actions.outreach@extinctionrebellion.uk
Street Speaker
Street talks are a fantastic way to quickly engage, inform and empower new joiners and existing rebels.
We have a range of Street Speaker Scripts that can be used at Actions. The scripts are designed to be delivered by anyone without the need for training however, we're here to support you!
Signup here
More information
Talks and Training Speaker
Other
If you feel you have 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 box at the end of the form
Signup here