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About XR

Extinction Rebellion (XR) is an international movement that uses non-violent direct action to persuade governments to act on the Climate and Ecological Emergency.

An activist at XR Belgium's Royal Rebellion on 12th October, 2019 Karl Delandsheere
Belgian flag with an Extinction Rebellion logo Karl Delandsheere
Join the rebellion: the boat at XR Belgium's Royal Rebellion on 12th October, 2019 Karl Delandsheere

Vision: A society transforming to be equitably and deeply connected, and in which the impacts of the climate and ecological crises are mitigated, and humanity thrives in harmony with the natural world.

We recognize that some changes are irreversible, making it imperative to prevent further harm. Transformation must be an ongoing, active process to ensure a society that is equitable and deeply connected—not just among people, but with the entire natural world.

Mission: To ignite and mobilise a community of rebels to act for climate and ecological justice and a true participatory democracy

The current system falls short in addressing the climate emergency including the devastating effects such as war or food and water scarcity. We advocate for real democratic engagement that empowers people to drive systemic change.

Strategy

Our strategy is built on three interdependent pillars: ACT, CONNECT, and ORGANISE. Each is vital in sustaining momentum and achieving our goals.

ACT: Disrupt, transform, and inspire systemic change by:

  • Launching diverse non-violent actions to effect behavioural changes
  • Escalating pressure on perpetrators responsible for climate and ecological injustice such as governments, corporations and institutions.
  • Developing creative action strategies that continuously evolve to keep the movement energised and adaptable

CONNECT: Strengthen and broaden a resilient and diverse movement by:

  • Fostering a regenerative culture where activists support, nurture, and reach out to each other, ensuring well-being and long-term involvement.
  • Building alliances with intersectional organizations, communities, and movements, amplifying collective power.
  • Strengthening means of growing and introducing XR to individuals, aiming for an inclusive movement.

ORGANISE: Facilitate strategic, non-normative resistance by:

  • Strengthening communication and collaboration across local XR groups and decision-making processes while upholding a participatory and decentralized movement.
  • Identifying new and re-establish national circles to support underlying tools, functions and structures (website, newsletter, legal, finance, back-office, training, …) to avoid losing critical information or re-inventing the wheel
  • Creating a process to facilitate and support XR through the action cycle, reflection, learning and planning.

Another world is possible—when we ACT, CONNECT, and ORGANISE together.

Our principles and values

Any person or group can organise autonomously and take action in the name and spirit of XR so long as the action fits within XR's principles and values. In this way, power is decentralised, meaning that there is no need to ask for permission from a central group or authority.

  • We have a shared vision of change

    Creating a world that is fit for generations to come.

  • We set our mission on what is necessary

    Using momentum-driven organising to mobilise the population and achieve system change.

  • We need a regenerative culture

    Creating a culture which is healthy, resilient and adaptable.

  • We openly challenge ourselves and this toxic system

    Leaving our comfort zones to take action for change.

  • 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.

  • We welcome everyone and every part of everyone

    Working actively to create safer and more accessible spaces.

  • We actively mitigate for power

    Breaking down hierarchies of power for more equitable participation.

  • We avoid blaming and shaming

    We live in a toxic system, but no one individual is to blame.

  • We are a non-violent network

    Using non-violent strategy and tactics as the most effective way to bring about change.

  • 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.

Our structure

We organise in small, autonomous groups. These groups are connected by a structure known as the Self-Organising System (SOS), which evolves as we grow and learn. We are working to build a movement that is participatory, decentralised, transparent, and inclusive.

The Self-Organising System is designed to empower anybody to take action in the name of Extinction Rebellion. It helps us both to act quickly and decisively in response to fast-changing situations, and to integrate the collective wisdom of multiple perspectives when needed.

You can view the Extinction Rebellion Belgium constitution here.