Photo Mark Hutchinson
Local Extinction Rebellion: clarification!
Talking to a friend this morning, it became clear to HOT’s Zelly Restorick, that some local people have a false impression of what it means to be part of the Extinction Rebellion (XR) movement – and what it means to be part of the group created specifically to Hastings and St Leonards.
“We refuse to bequeath a dying planet to future generations by failing to act now. We act in peace, with ferocious love of these lands in our hearts. We act on behalf of life.” Excerpt from Extinction Rebellion’s Declaration
Next meeting of Extinction Rebellion Hastings and St Leonards on Sea
Tuesday 4 June 2019 from 4pm – 6pm at The Friends’ Meeting House at 5 South Terrace, Hastings TN34 1SA. Fully accessible venue.
ALL WELCOME!
For more information on meetings, events and actions you can check social media @XRHastingsStLeonards or www.xrhsl.org
Citizens locally – as well as nationally and globally – are uniting under the banner of Extinction Rebellion (XR), feeling that governments, corporations and major decision-makers are ignoring the issues of climate change and the threat to humanity’s extinction.
XR wants to create change from the bottom up, as well as from the top down. Everyone who cares about the future of humanity and the planet is welcome to join.
XR: a non-violent direct action group. What does this mean?
Non-violent means there is no violence or aggression: in fact, one of the XR agreements and principles is to be absolutely respectful of yourself, others and the planet.
Direct action is about power – bringing together people to make a united change via peaceful respectful civil disobedience.
“Non-violent direct action is known by many names. Gandhi called it satyagraha or truth or soul force. Henry Thoreau called it civil disobedience. Activists in North Philadelphia sometimes call it street heat. In the Philippines, democracy activists call it people power,” writes Daniel Hunter of Training for Change.
“Non-violent actions are techniques outside of institutionalised behaviour for social change that challenges an unjust power dynamic using methods of protest, non-cooperation and intervention without the use or threat of injurious force.”
“In essence, people turn to non-violent direct action after the institutionalised ways of settling disagreements are unsuccessful.
“This flies in the face of the old notion of power which says it flows downwards. Instead, the theory of non-violent action is that power flows upwards.”
Local XR Hastings and St Leonards
XR Hastings and St Leonards was created a couple of months ago – and is already growing and evolving with more and more people joining up every week.
As part of XR, you can join up with an XR Affinity Group of your choosing, so that you don’t feel alone, isolated or unsupported; one of the most important aspects of the movement is creating a regenerative and sustainable culture for us all, where re take care of ourselves, each other and the earth.
And – to clarify – you don’t have to be willing to get arrested in order be part of XR, but if you feel this is an important contribution to the movement, you will be fully supported.
ALL WELCOME!
Extinction Rebellion Hastings and St Leonards on Sea
Next meeting:
Tuesday 4 June 2019 from 4pm – 6pm at The Friends’ Meeting House at 5 South Terrace, Hastings TN34 1SA. Fully accessible venue.
For more information on meetings, events and actions you can check social media @XRHastingsStLeonards or www.xrhsl.org
Previous article: http://hastingsonlinetimes.co.uk/hot-topics/campaigns/extinction-rebellion-in-hastings-st-leonards
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2 Comments
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As part of the throwaway society of the last century (where I never felt at home)I find it inspiring to be part of a group where everyone is accepted & their contribution is valued without any pressure to step outside their own comfort zone.
Comment by David Barry — Tuesday, Jun 18, 2019 @ 10:27
Well said. And I agree – I’ve recently joined, and there is no pressure – and i enjoy being with like-minded people
Comment by ELSA79 — Thursday, Jun 6, 2019 @ 11:41