Northern Rebellion
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes please! As with all XR actions and events, ‘we’re all crew’ and work in a non-hierarchical, de-centralised way. The rebellion is being organised by volunteers - the event is entirely designed and decided by those who work on it.
If you have an idea - come and make it happen! Anyone is welcome to get involved, both in planning / jobs at the event / packing down.
To summarise:
- To volunteer/let us know you are coming - please sign up here.
- To volunteer an act please complete our performer form here.
- To volunteer a talk or have space for your group, email northernxr@gmail.com, subject: REBEL SCHOOL.
Yes please! The Northern Rebellion is for anyone that wants to understand more about ecological breakdown or Extinction Rebellion’s role in calling for change.
For those that are new to the global crisis, or the XR movement, there will be talks from climate and ecological experts around the North, as well as introductory trainings to help you get involved and actions to put training into practice.
For those that have been involved in the movement over recent months, it is a chance for action, building our knowledge and skills, discussion about how we can collaborate and move forward in the North, and much more.
Not at all! The event is free and open to anyone and is a great way to learn about XR and see if it is right for you. The Northern Rebellion isn’t just for those that are already involved in an XR group in the North: it is for anyone that is concerned about the current situation or that wants to understand more.
We just ask that when you join the space or an action, you respect our principles, which include non-violence at all times. The space itself will be completely drink and drug free.
There will be a family-friendly area of the space, and activities over the weekend. If you’d like to get involved in organising or have any ideas, please email northernxr@gmail.com with FAMILY in the subject line or contact Manchester Rising Up! Families on Facebook.
There are several options:
Rebel Camp
Outside at the Northern Rebellion space; Please bring a tent, sleeping bag/mat and everything else you feel you need for a night outside.
Please be aware there is a small legal risk with camping out as this will be an `unauthorised` event. All rebels will be briefed in advance and we will be liaising with police throughout.
Limited indoor accommodation
We have around 120 spaces for rebels inside at three main venues - you’ll still need a sleeping bag/mat/pillow but these spaces offer a more comfy place to bed down with indoor toilets
Rebel B&B
Manchester-based rebels have offered to provide accommodation for people from outside Manchester. A great way to make new friends across the North.
If you have a particular accommodation need, please let us know.
We will not be able to host everyone in our indoor spaces, so if you don't wish to camp or want to ensure some quiet space away from the centre and you have friends or family in Manchester, it may be worth getting in touch with them.
Central Manchester is easily accessible by train to Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road and Deansgate, as well as coach.
XR groups from around the North will also be organising travel from various locations. If you are interested in this option, please fill in our sign up form.
Unfortunately, the Northern Rebellion team will not be able to cover costs for people attending, but it may be worth talking to your local group if you need support with costs.
If you are camping on site or staying in our accommodation you will need - a sleeping bag, mat (and tent if on site), and your own personal items including phone and spare battery, weather protection (sun or rain!) etc.
We will be sending out a full information pack closer to the time.
Register your interest with our sign up form to receive the pack and other updates.
Plans for the Northern Rebellion are still in progress (and waiting for your ideas!).
We will release a schedule nearer the time which we will publish online, although this is likely to be subject to change.
Register your interest with our sign up form to receive the pack and other updates.
The Northern Rebellion is a low risk event. There will be stewards and volunteers to manage the space. Rebels who camp in the space are at a higher risk although we will be carrying out full police liaison in advance.
No one will be under pressure to take 'arrestable' action, and there will be full days of talks, training, and meeting other rebels for those that do not wish to take part in higher risk forms of civil disobedience.
All direct action comes with some risk of arrest so we advise you to read the Legals section section of XR’s website , if you want to understand more.
Advance Training:
There is a workshop on ‘Police Tactics and How to Stay Safe’ being held in Manchester on August 11th (aimed at rebels wanting to take more risky action at future actions, or just those interested to know more).
There is training for people who would like to become Legal Observers, in central Manchester on August 18th. (No experience necessary, legal observers act as neutral parties during an action and record what is done and said).
Climate change is affecting us all. And the whole of the UK will need to change its approach if we are to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2025. Northern councils control everything from local transport and roads to council pension funds. Local MPs also have a significant voice in Westminster. The Northern Rebellion is a chance for them to see that their constituents are serious about the need for urgent change and are calling on them to act now.
We would not disrupt members of the public if it were not absolutely necessary and we acknowledge the inconvenience we may cause. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that we have less that 12 years to make drastic changes, if we are to limit climate catastrophe.
We believe that non-violent direct action is the only way to persuade the government to take the absolutely urgent action required.
We will be working with police in coming weeks to ensure that alternative routes are in place so any emergency vehicles can get through.
Take Part:
For General Attendance - Sign up to attend or Volunteer
Act registration - Sign up to perform
Speaker volunteer or ask for space for your group - xrnorthernxr@gmail.com subject: REBEL SCHOOL
Meetings:
Every Monday, 6pm (for newcomers) for a 6.30pm start.
The Breadshed,126 Grosvenor St,
Manchester,
M1 7HL
Website: https://xrmcr.org
Newsletter: https://xrmcr.org/signup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xrmcr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/XR_MCR
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xrmanchester/
Northern Rebellion Email: northernxr@gmail.com
XRMCR Email: hello@xrmcr.org
Donations: Go Fund Me
Social Media: #nothernrebellion #actnow #tellthetruth