Volunteer Roles at Upgrade Democracy
We would really love everyone who attends to sign up for at least one 4-hour shift in a role. If you can volunteer then yes, please do!
On Sunday 4th August we will be holding an online session where you can come and find out about the various roles and ask questions - register here
If you already know what role you want to volunteer for, sign up here
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. Most roles require mobility but we have a few that are static.
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.
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.
Additional information here
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. 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
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
De-escalation / Embedding Nonviolence
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
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
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
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
Additional information here
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!
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
Additional information here
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: 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
Talks and Training Speaker
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
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
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 box at the end of the form.