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 aren’t focussed on traditional systems like petitions or writing to our MPs and more likely to take risks (e.g. arrest / jail time). We don’t want or need everyone to get arrested – for some this is not a good idea – but we do want everyone involved to support civil disobedience as a tool.

We are promoting mass “above the ground”, or in other words- in full public view, civil disobedience. This means economic disruption- to shake the current political system- and civil disruption- to raise awareness. We are deeply sorry for any inconvenience that this causes.

We have made some decisions about security and our interactions with the police. We have made a strategic decision to communicate with the police about what we are doing when we believe that is more likely to enable things to go well (which we can’t always be sure of). Except for the case where a small group is trying to do a specific action that needs the element of surprise, we generally don’t try to be secure in our communications about plans. We expect that we have been infiltrated by those without our best interests at heart and suggest people bear this in mind.

We are about political change, not personal change (though we welcome the latter).

We are completely nonviolent, our actions are done in full public view and we take responsibility for them. We have an Action Consensus which outlines how we work together on actions.

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.

The structure aims to empower anybody to act as part of XR, so long as they agree to follow our ten core principles (see below). You can read our Self-Organising System (or XR Constitution) for more information. We are seeking a balance between being able to act quickly in response to fast-changing situations and being able to integrate the collective wisdom of multiple perspectives when needed.

Here is a Visual Representation of the Working Groups that are organising at a UK-wide level, and this constantly evolving spreadsheet contains more information about each of these groups.

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.