Extinction Rebellion
Extinction Rebellion is an international movement that uses non-violent civil disobedience to achieve radical change in order to minimise the risk of human extinction and ecological collapse.
Our Story
On 31st October 2018, we assembled on Parliament Square in London to announce a Declaration of Rebellion against the UK Government. We were expecting a couple of hundred people. Instead, 1500 came to participate in peaceful civil disobedience. The energy was contagious! The next few weeks were a whirlwind. Six thousand of us converged on London to peacefully block five major bridges across the Thames. We planted trees in the middle of Parliament Square, and dug a hole there to bury a coffin representing our future. We super-glued ourselves to the gates of Buckingham Palace as we read a letter to the Queen. Our actions generated huge national and international publicity and, as news spread, our ideas connected with tens of thousands of people around the world. The XR project was resonating with a deeply felt need for community and solidarity. “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for,” we chanted! Dozens of countries now have groups springing up, from the Solomon Islands to Australia, from Spain to South Africa, the US to India.
So what’s next? We are working relentlessly, building our movement in preparation for phase two, an international rebellion that will begin on 15th April 2019. So come and join us. Rebel for life. For the planet. For our children’s children’s futures. There is so much work to be done.
At the core of Extinction Rebellion’s philosophy is nonviolent civil disobedience. We promote civil disobedience and rebellion because we think it is necessary- we are asking people to find their courage and to collectively do what is necessary to bring about change.
We organise in small groups. These groups are connected in a complex web that is constantly evolving as we grow and learn. We are working to build a movement that is participatory, decentralised, and inclusive.
Our Principles and Values
All are welcome who want to adhere to our principles and values
1 we have a shared vision of change
Creating a world that is fit for generations to come.
2 we set our mission on what is necessary
Mobilising 3.5% of the population to achieve system change - using ideas such as "Momentum-driven organising" to achieve this.
3 we need a regenerative culture
Creating a culture which is healthy, resilient and adaptable.
4 we openly challenge ourselves and our toxic system
Leaving our comfort zones to take action for change.
5 we value reflecting and learning
Following a cycle of action, reflection, learning, and planning for more action. Learning from other movements and contexts as well as our own experiences.
6 we welcome everyone and every part of everyone
Working actively to create safer and more accessible spaces.
7 we actively mitigate for power
Breaking down hierarchies of power for more equitable participation.
8 we avoid blaming and shaming
We live in a toxic system, but no one individual is to blame.
9 we are a non-violent network
Using non-violent strategy and tactics as the most effective way to bring about change.
10 we are based on autonomy and decentralisation
We collectively create the structures we need to challenge power. Anyone who follows these core principles and values can take action in the name of Extinction Rebellion.
Source:
https://rebellion.earth/the-truth/about-us