3. XR Groups - and how to join them

Attempt: 112

XR Groups - and how to join them

Intro / Aims

This section is on:

The three types of Groups - Local Groups, Community Groups and Working Groups - and how to get involved with each type. It also explains Affinity Groups, sometimes called Action Groups.

Watch the introductory video:

  

  

Watch the video on YouTube instead: https://youtu.be/ikRGGoP0oMU

Or read the introductory text:

This section explains how XR is organised in Groups, and the different types of Groups we use. It's different from the ways things are normally run because XR is a decentralised organisation, so the way we work together has to be organised differently.

An important aspect of belonging to Local and Community Groups is being able to support each other during any kind of action. This is when an Affinity Group can be formed.

Working Groups are there to support the whole movement to take action.

Whatever type of Group interests you, any time you can offer is valuable.

By the end of this section, you should:

  • ... understand the differences between Local, Community and Working Groups
  • ... understand the qualities they share
  • ... understand the purpose of an actions groups (also called 'affinity groups')
  • ... have an idea of what type of Group you might like to join
Learning Material
This section covers the three types of groups: Local groups, Community groups and Working Groups. It also covers Action groups.

Local groups

Rebels working together and listening to each other

XR exists because of individuals like you, who support it. This map shows all the Local Groups in the UK. Anyone can join a Local Group; use the map to find one near you and send an email to join it and sign up for news.

  • Local Groups look after the movement in their own area.
  • Local Groups can be divided into smaller sub groups, called Working Groups, Project Groups and Actions Groups (or affinity groups).
  • When taking part in any kind of action, it is very important that everyone supports each other, ideally doing training first, in Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA), and being aware of the laws that apply to the action.

Regions and Nations

  • Local Groups can form a network within the movement at regional and national levels.
  • XR UK is made up of nations - Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – while England is split into regions.
  • National/Regional Groups look after networks between Local Groups, and help to connect them with XR UK.

Community Groups

While Local Groups are based on geography, Community Groups are formed through shared aspects of identity for example a faith or profession. Here is the list of all XR UK Community Groups. If you want to find  out more or join any Community Group, click their name to see how you can get in touch.

Working Groups and how to join one

Working Groups have specific mandates (or scopes) and projects, for example media and messaging, arts, finance. This is a list of all the national Working Groups.

  • To join a Working Group within XR UK, use the list above to find one that interests you and contact the Group directly.

Action Groups and how to join one

Action Groups (or affinity groups) are groups of around 10 to 12 rebels who support each other to take action. This can include attending actions together, planning actions together, discussing future actions, reflecting on past actions, discussing strategies, looking after each other and providing space for each other to talk and to be listened to.

You can join an Action Group in a number of ways. Usually they are formed through local groups when people come together either as a more long-term affinity group, or for a specific action. Some local groups are small are the whole local group is considered to be an Action Group.

Ways of working

If you are interested in taking on a role in the movement, please visit the Volunteer website.

Case Studies

These rebels really appreciate being in an Affinity Group! 

Watch The Video

 

  

...or read the text

  • I find the Affinity Group is a sort of home-base within XR, people I’ve got to know and enjoy being with.

  • I love my AG because everyone has such a passion and drive and scope, and together we can achieve so much more than on our own.

  • I've been in an Affinity Group since they started up, and it's given me an enormous sense of family.

  • In the October Rebellion my Affinity Group gave me the support I needed to do the arrestable actions and build the momentum of our movement.

  • I really enjoy having been allowed our own creative ways of contributing to protests like the mad sculptures we tried to make!

  • We had no idea how to run an AG and we were very different people, but we just rose to the challenge, and very quickly we were going to people's houses and sharing food.

  • I feel like we are a kind of family within a larger community, so it's very supportive.

  • I love my AG because it’s very diverse in terms of their approach, and it’s interesting to take in people's different views.

  • You can feel easily overwhelmed by how much information comes at you in XR and how many things you're supposed to join.  With your AG you can just say ‘actually I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all of this’, and you realise that other people feel the same.

  • The climate situation is so stressful and our AGs are a way you can share that stress and get support.

  • It’s officially a support network, so if I need any support I don't feel bad about asking because that's what it's for, and if the other people in my AG need support then I help them.

  • Together we are much more effective in combating climate change than we ever could be on our own.

  • Affinity Groups are what makes XR different from anything else I've ever been involved in.

  • I love my AG!


This rebel has really enjoyed joining a working group:

Watch The Video

 

 

...or read the text

My experience of joining a working group was entirely positive. It's a fantastic space where you can collaborate with others, learn new things from others and use your skills in order to progress towards a goal that you all share and collaboratively decide upon.

Your Turn

Task 1: Think about what kind of group you might like to join:

If you are ready to join a Group now

Task 2: Explore

Different rebels are suited to different groups. Explore what groups are appropriate in this exploratory task.

We recommend entering full-screen mode, and tilting your phone to landscape.

Task 3: Reflect

Are you clear what path feels right for you? Vote in this anonymous survey - once you've voted you'll be able to see what others have put:

Review and Reflect

Take a moment to reflect on what you've learnt.

  • Do you know the difference between Local, Community and Working Groups?
  • Do you understand the purpose of an actions group?
  • Do you have an idea of what type of Group you might like to join?

Further reflection:

These are some things that other people have said when they have thought about joining XR. Do any of these apply to you?

  • I’m nervous about joining in
  • Online meetings? I’m not great with tech!
  • I prefer to be home-based
  • The climate science stuff baffles me
  • I have small children and my free time is limited
  • Our planet is burning and I can’t do nothing
  • My grandchildren deserve a future
  • I need to be with people who understand how I feel
  • Our government has broken all its promises on climate change
  • I have skills that XR could use
    •

If you are ready, take the quiz to complete the lesson...