Constantina
Extinction Rebellion represents the emergence of large-scale direct action — but can it drive political change?
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Grier
Information
- Age:
- 20
- Ethnic:
- Cambodian
- My hair:
- Scraggly hair
- My favourite music:
- Folk
- Other hobbies:
- Sailing
- I like tattoo:
- None
About
Direct action is where a group tries to implement a policy or prevent the implementation of a policy itself, rather than persuading others. Direct Action has been used more and more over the last 20 years, with environmental and animal welfare groups being particularly fond of it. Examples of direct action from those groups include anti-fracking groups blockading the entrance to a drilling site, Anti Genetically-Modified GM crop groups tearing GM crops out of the ground, and animal welfare groups releasing animals who are being kept for testing.
Description
People who take action are preventing damage to the environment and disrupting business-as-usual.
Non violent direct action training
Delivering a giant plastic bottle to the government. Pollution masks being placed on public statues.
These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things to protect our planet. With courage and a desire to make change happen, it can be any one of us. Non-violent direct action uses peaceful protest to demand social and political change, and people have used direct action throughout history.
Greenpeace was founded on these peaceful principles when, involunteers set sail to stop nuclear weapons testing. Taking action means being part of a team in which everyone is committed to creating a green and peaceful world. It can also be thrilling and seeing how your actions can have an impact is extremely fulfilling. Greenpeace provides training and anyone who takes part must complete a session on the core principles of peaceful protest.
Many different roles need to be filled and, based on your skills and experience, you could be asked to do any of things. You might not be climbing or hanging a banner, but every role is just as important.
We also make every effort to make direct actions as accessible and inclusive as possible. Every direct action carries the risk of arrest although sometimes the risk is greater than others which can have long-term personal consequences.
Being part of such a team also comes with responsibilities. Direct actions often take place in challenging or unusual places and safety is paramount, so those who take part must be clear-headed and reliable. Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp.
What does taking direct action involve?
