Extinction Rebellion is an international movement that uses non-violent civil disobedience in an attempt to halt mass extinction and minimise the risk of social collapse.
Our history
After the November blockades of the five main bridges in London, Extinction Rebellion became a bit more known here in Spain. A group of thirty people motivated to do something similar here, decided to gather at a café on the 27th of December of 2018. That day, after a long deliberation, Extinction Rebellion Barcelona was born.
We got to the conclusion that the Extinction Rebellion campaign was a big opportunity to unify forces all over the world, and fight against the de facto powers that are leading us to the destruction of the ecosystems, and human extinction.
Since then, we have been working in cooperation with other national groups and international groups, as well as with other local movements that align with our demands and principles.
Our demands
Our strategy
At the core of Extinction Rebellion’s philosophy is non-violent 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” civil disobedience – in full public view. 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.
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.