Join XR Cambridge
Welcome to XR Cambridge! On this page, we'll show you how you can get involved in XR Cambridge, by coming along to one of our actions, events or meetings and finding your way from there. If you have any questions or would like a friendly XR Cambridge buddy to help you settle in, email us on info@xrcambridge.org
How to join:
At the moment the best way to join is by coming along to an action or other XR Cambridge event or meeting and get chatting to our activists.
Mass participation actions and other open events will be listed on our events calendar. These events will be designed so that you can participate with no or very low risk of arrest. However, if you come to an action, it's important that you know what actions are about and what your rights are - see "get trained up" below.
You can sign up to our email list to receive information about our actions and events straight in your inbox. We may also send out emails if we're looking for people to be involved in specific things.
Let us know if you have particular skills you'd like to offer to the rebellion, or roles you'd like to fulfil. You can check out some of our working groups that are always looking for new participants, but whatever you have to offer there will be a place for you in the movement. Drop us a line on info@xrcambridge.org if you want to get involved in a particular way.
Get trained up:
- To take part in actions, you need to have non-violent direct action training. You can attend a live zoom training, an in-person training, or you can work through the training in your own time at https://uk.rebellion.academy/nvda. XRUK organises online sessions twice a month on Sunday mornings. The sessions are advertised at: https://extinctionrebellion.uk/act-now/events/
- You'll also need to attend a "Know Your Rights" training - either in person or at https://uk.rebellion.academy/kyr
Questions?
Email us at info@xrcambridge.org
Rebel starter pack - FAQs
How do I find out about things that are happening?
- By email: https://xrcambridge.org/signup
- On the telegram announcements channel: https://t.me/xrcambridge
- On the signal announcements channel (ask when you get talking to people at an action or other event; due to security we only add people to this channel when we have had a conversation with them)
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Do you have any stuff I can read in my own time?
- YES!
- Take a look at a beautifully illustrated version of the Heading for Extinction and What to Do About It talk by Jess Agar
- Join the Rebellion Academy to work through interactive trainings in your own time
Can I help without going to actions?
- YES!
- Join a working group - see xrcambridge.org/contacts
How do I keep in touch with other rebels?
- Download the Signal app (it works like WhatsApp but without the data harvesting!)
- Ask to join the XR Cambridge Chat - this is a place to say hello, let others know your interests and say how you wish to be involved and join in conversations. It’s a busy chat but will give you a feel for current topics of discussion and is a route to connect with more specific chats.
- There are multiple other Signal chats for specific actions, task groups or particular interests.
Why do people use nicknames in the chat?
- Many people use their own names but it is recommended to use a nickname (or "alias"), particularly if you participate in direct actions, although you may want to consider it even if you don't currently. This is an important aspect of ensuring individuals are not identifiable as ‘organisers’ or ‘leaders’, as this has legal implications.
- It can be hard to keep up as people often change their alias if they think their identity has been revealed.
- It’s best not to store people’s real names in your phone contacts as this could compromise another rebel’s anonymity. Instead, use their alias. Even if you don't use an alias and don't see the need, it's important to respect other people's personal security preferences.