1 Intro Event

2 Agenda Intros What is Rising Up!?How things change- what the research tells us Q&A Rising Up! Story, Strategy and Structure (DNA) Actions & Potential media action example Discussion Next steps?

3 Agenda Intros

4 REALITY- where we are nowDEADLY: earth is heading towards sixth mass species extinction, we have already lost half of all wildlife in last 40 yrs DANGEROUS: 14 characteristics of fascism are now alive and kicking MISERABLE: richest 1% have more wealth than rest of the world; deep inequality (eg in the UK) causes obesity, mental illness & depression, lower life expectancy CORRUPT: £13trillion offshore in secrecy jurisdictions which enable the dodging of tax AND the law AND regulation AND transparency, political donations, electoral fraud.. IMMUTABLE: the fossil fuel infrastructure to take global temperatures to 3.5Deg warming already exist.. (Paris agreement says we need to stop at 1.5degC requiring a 10% cut in emissions and yet new fossil fuel explorations are beginning)

5 A brief history of Rising Up!Earth First! Radical Think Tank, Compassionate Revolution, Plane Stupid, Reclaim The Power, Occupy, Bristol group … started meeting April feedback, rewrites etc

6 So What is Rising Up!? Rising Up! aims to be a social movement calling for a fundamental change of the political and economic system to one which maximises well being and minimises harm. We believe change needs to be rooted in reverence and gratitude and that confrontation through mass civil disobedience is necessary. We have learned from other successful social movements and new ways of organising to maximise our chance of success. Any individual or group can take their own actions in the spirit of Rising Up! without seeking permission, so long as it fits to our movements "DNA". Our “DNA” will remain open to some changes until we have had input from a greater diversity of voices.

7 How is Rising Up! (meant to be) different?Naming the central issue - The system is f*cked: Many symptomatic problems: climate change, inequality, health issues, war, etc Arise because: democracy is broken, the economy is toxic, media propaganda (3 pillars) First and foremost we say: the political and economic system must change Ambitious change is necessary and possible Nothing will change till everything changes: an economy to maximise happiness and minimise harm, a functioning, improving democracy a free and fair media, Change requires: a non-violent uprising of 3.5% of the population (2.2m), confrontation Power lies in the collective: active disobedience, a vision of change, new ways of doing it

8 Agenda Intros 7.30-7.45 What is Rising Up!How things change- what the research tells us Rising Up! Story, Strategy and Structure (DNA) 8.20 – 8.30 Q&A 8.30 – 9.00 Potential media action example Next steps

9 Complete theory of revolution (Micah White)spiritual Subjectivism – the idea that we need to change our inner reality (do “inner work”) to change our external reality, with enough of this a mass epiphany will change the world E.g. meditation, nature connection work Theurgism – the idea that something outside of everyday reality could provoke change (“divine intervention”) and can be evoked through magic, ceremony and prayer. Eg. Starhawk, #DAPL, Warriors call- Pagans against fracking, Voluntarism- the idea that change can come through the assertion of our collective and individual will. Change comes by creating a model that can scale up as others embrace / copy it. E.g. tactics within an uprising or a new way of doing things which “evolves” our society, for example regenerative agriculture, educating children, voting Structuralism – the idea that forces outside our control, such as food prices can trigger a revolutionary moment E.g. Marxist theory, Radical Think Tanks “Cobra Committee” Rising Up! encapsulates all of these subjective objective material

10 Literature (voluntarism)Started by Saul Alinsky (Rules for Radicals) and Gene Sharp (Dictatorship to Democracy) Hannah Arendt: Power lies in the collective (not Westminster, corporations, etc) Tim Gee: Consciousness, Coordination, CONFRONTATION, consolidation Erica Chenoworth: 3.5% needed for system change (UK = 2.2m) This is an Uprising / Ayni Institute training: tactical details Radical Think Tank: further details on tactics (e.g. pledging like on Compassionate Revolution) Struggle is supressed by attacks on Trade unions, “NGO-isation”, media, liberalisation..

11 Civil disobedience has been instrumental inNational parks and your right to roam - Kinder Scout mass trespasses ( ) Your vote- chartists then suffragettes (eg 1838 and 1913) The prevention of GM in the UK (Genetix Snowball 1999) Indian independence- salt tax Satyagrha (1930) American Independence- Boston tea party (1773) Civil Rights in America (1955) CURRENT: Spreading information about injustice- Disabled People Against Cuts, Black Lives Matter, Heathrow 13 and M4 15, anti-fracking, #DAPL Countless efforts to protect land, Trade unions Tolpuddle, Mary Barbour- rent laws, Luddite uprisings, Diggers, Spanish eviction resistance, Poll tax (Thatcher and peasants revolt) #occupy

12 Rising Up! – tactics #1 For a mass movement to succeed it must polarise the public and win active public support for its aims. E.g. of Act Up / AIDS and gay marriage A schedule of escalation, focuses around mass direct actions and disobediences. These create win-win scenarios for the movement through dilemma actions - if the authorities choose to repress them this triggers further mobilisation by provoking solidarity. If no action is taken then political ground is lost and our success encourages more to join us. Mass sacrifice and disruption challenges public perception until many more agree that profound political change is needed. E.g. Serbian revolution, Dreamers movement

13 Designing successful, inclusive actionsRisk “win” line for a dilemma action arrest line Gene Sharp on Power and Struggle. This section about what creates obedience in people: 1. due to habit- v relevant in the uk (so I reckon we just need to get examples going of disobedience and publicity- we need more of u meme folks sharing the actions and uprisings in a way that grabs attention. Gather dear artists! 2. Fear of sanctions- less true in the uk and the tax disobedience we r planning minimises risk 3. Moral obligation Eg for common good of society- massively eroded  4. Self interest- only In desperate way re the economy and that mega pretence is gonna collapse any day 5. Psychological identification with the rulers- not here with this bunch of eton toffs 6. Indifference- yes, more like resignation and consumer culture.. Wearing thin methinks 7. Absence of self confidence- yes, especially post some of the major defeats like the miners strike Numbers involved

14 Rising Up! – tactics #2 Conditional commitment enables people to give a provisional commitment to act if a certain number of other people will also act with them. Attrition Actions - undertaken by lots of people / over many iterations, gradually wear down the opponent’s resources. Medium sized organisations are especially vulnerable. E.g communications blockade Swarm Actions - small semi-autonomous activist groups doing similar actions without needing to be coordinated by any centralising organisation Open Spaces- create a safe space where people can talk freely with each other about what is bothering them politically. Helps involve people. The Olympic principle-  30 small improvements added to up to enough total improvement to beat the other teams- micro design The Sequencing Principle – between action and organisation-do a bit of one then a bit of the other The Investment Principle- actions can build up the resources for future success. Consider the “return on investment” for a given action

15 Agenda Intros What is Rising Up!?How things change- what the research tells us Q&A- ANY QUESTIONS? Rising Up! Story, Strategy and Structure (DNA) Actions & Potential media action example Discussion Next steps?

16 Agenda Intros 7.30-7.45 What is Rising Up!How things change- what the research tells us Rising Up! Story, Strategy and Structure (DNA) (a sprint through- see packs) 8.20 – 8.30 Q&A 8.30 – 9.00 Potential media action example Next steps

17 Rising Up! – tactics #3 Draw upon state of the art knowledge and experience gleaned from successful global, mass, grass-roots movements Non-violent discipline, combined with a proactive and inclusive “DNA” training, creates mass participation. Action -> absorption -> new participants = escalation Once trained, groups are autonomous and can organise their own actions within the movement DNA. “Distributed organisation” avoids the pitfalls of centralised models, release’s the initiative and creativity of participants, whilst safeguarding what is at the heart of the movement.

18 How is Rising Up! (meant to be) different?We are mindful of the need for “inner” change and to address power The system won’t change if we stay stuck: we all matter, no one is to blame, love and gratitude, reverence for nature, group-care, interpersonal care, self-care Set up the network of networks: so power is as distributed as possible (and where not mitigate through rotation and sortition) Practice new forms of democracy: holocracy, sociocracy; gaining confidence We support a “spiritual” backdrop to the work (no one has to “believe” though!) and We watch UK/ world events for opportunities (alternative “Cobra Committee”)

19 How possible is change? In threes What inspires you?When did your hopes get dashed?

20 About this training It takes a dayTo really “get it” may need additional reading and discussions We cover “movement DNA” in detail- story, strategy, structure Turn to your neighbour and share why you are here

21 How can we get there!? Occupy analogy – narrative, tactic + decentralised = viral.. but needs more tactics, strategy, stronger “DNA” A year being open to change but still doing stuff- strike a balance so we can be influenced by other groups for potential join-up, but have something to say and show Set off and see – agreed general direction of travel, learn, be inclusive in all ways

22 Rising Up! – the Story- Grand NarrativeWe are facing many crises that are a result of the system we live under, a form of extreme capitalism (called neo-liberalism). It is based on spiralling debt and causes gross inequality, poverty and species extinction. Climate change is the clearest sign that this system could destroy our planet’s capacity to sustain human society. There are many issues; to change anything, we have to change everything. We have to change this system, in support of the most basic of universal values - the right to life. System change needs a mass movement of people willing to take disruptive, loving and effective direct actions, saying no to the destruction and sickness and yes to life sustaining alternatives. An inclusive uprising has many ways for people to get involved, reflecting our abilities, circumstances, compassion, ferocity and will. It must be effective, it must be fun. Together we are irresistible!

23 What has caused things to fail elsewhere? #1Who messages and how: NGO-isation, liberalisation, deliberate attacks on organising groups – trade unions, political parties etc, lack of ambition, caution vs. traditional of revolutionary, cultural edgy, arty/surreal traditions in political messages – how to break out of the path dependency – example of Russell Brand, Sex pistols Leninism v participation – we need to break moulds and take chances/risk to innovate v the in built caution of consensus and path dependency – lack of ambition / caution Arguing about what is “right” rather than thinking about what might work, trying to persuade through force of reason not through framing Leaving “room” for people to use the concept #RisingUp! Appealing only to a narrow audience – how can we multi message to appeal to the 2.2m+ progressives? - Lakoff

24 Understanding our differences (#moreincommon)(Lakoff “Don’t think of an Elephant”) L Socioeconomic progressives think that everything is a matter of money and class and that all solutions are ultimately economic and social class solutions. 2. Identity politics progressives say it is time for their oppressed group to get its share now. 3. Environmentalists think in terms of sustainability of the earth, the sacredness of the earth, and the protection of native peoples. 4. Civil liberties progressives want to maintain freedoms, against threats to freedom. 5. Spiritual progressives have a nurturant form of religion or spirituality, their spiritual experience has to do with their connection to other people and the world, and their spiritual practice has to do with service to other people 6. Antiauthoritarians say there are all sorts of illegitimate forms of authority out there and we have to fight them, whether they are big corporations or anyone else.

25 Rising Up! Story – more on “the problem”https://www.compassionate-revolution.net/party-over The economy is geared to maximise profit for the few. It is based on the spread of excessive debt. This needs constant economic growth to cover interest payments, which ravages a finite planet. The system is built on corruption. System wide abuses are supported by “offshore” finance (tax havens). Most people collude to protect their interests, out of either fear or greed. Our democracy has been decimated. Urgent issues are ignored or side lined. Some communities pay the heaviest price of the deep inequality and injustice (e.g. disabled people and refugees). As individuals, communities and nations, the system pushes us into competition over cooperation. It favours individualism over community. Few feel truly good and well in this system. Future generations are deeply insecure. We forget our inter-dependence as people and our utter reliance on nature for our lives. On a deep level, no one is really to blame (corrupted power must nevertheless be stopped)

26 Rising Up! Story – solutionshttps://www.compassionate-revolution.net/draft-manifesto Draft manifesto covering many issues (but not exhaustive) Our draft manifesto suggests many policies for enabling key, urgent changes. We need a genuine democracy, where people have real power, over decisions that affect them. We need relevant and accurate information to guide decisions (rather than the biased propaganda of our media). We must design our economy to maximise well-being and minimise harm. This needs a rapid change in wealth distribution and power structures (which some would call revolution). Change is an ongoing process, shaped by how well we can work together, trust each other and enable everyone’s voice.

27 Rising Up! Story – solutionsDraft vision – say how it should be without defining a specific economic / political system “An inclusive world, where individuals are supported to express their unique gifts and where we work together to support our community, to create beautiful things and to tackle the major problems of our age. Our lives will have the meaning we long for; we will uphold the best in our humanity for the greater purpose.” Things don’t need to be nailed down and fully agreed on- that’s the role of a functioning informed democracy…which we need to practice… and its an evolving process for human beings

28 Summary- our Rising Up! StoryIts about the political and economic system It will only change with a mass uprising We have an analysis of issues, draft manifesto and a draft vision

29 Temperature / time checkTurn to partner and voice any minor objections / concerns And any major ones Temperature check in the room Comments?

30 Rising Up! – the StrategyOur Grand Strategy is to enable a mass movement of movements, escalating a programme of ongoing disruptive actions, as part of a grand narrative that this system is fucked, building towards a nation-wide disruption in a short space of time, as a means to effect change. Our Goal: To create a movement big enough (3.5% of the population) to insist on change. To design a movement that, by virtue of how it operates, acts as a model for how society can run differently. To embed change, (through a much improved democracy) which supports our vision. (sub strategies and specific objectives- see sheets)

31 Rising Up! – the StructureThe network is based on small group decision-making, where people take advice / feedback then make their own decisions and are accountable for them. Continual review improves practice (this is “distributed organising”, rather than the old, slow consensus model). A strategy group takes feedback and makes a call on the dates of mass actions, the type of actions which will happen on that date and the broad frame and demands of these events. Other working groups will take overall responsibility for specific areas such as training and process, outreach and promotion, media and communications, logistics, movement care.

32 Rising Up! – Structure – Principles and ValuesWe work to put intersectionality (diversity) at the heart of our movement Everyone is welcome; we make our spaces safe We are a non-violent movement. You matter, We matter, the Earth matters – taking care of each other and nature EVERYONE is crew, the need for inner and outer activism- self-care and deal with your negative streaks! Proceed as Needed – you don’t need permission to take part, but be mindful of self-selection for power where some push themselves forwards and others hold back We don’t dance with politicians and bureaucrats – no negotiation unless through sortation We can meet our own needs – we won’t be diverted by chasing big money Cooperation and messaging – we welcome partners who adhere to our values

33 Current Actions No new runway at HeathrowFeb 7th / 9th Court vigils + communications blockade Feb 18th action Cuadrilla comms blockade (date TBC) Potential media action example15 Next steps

34 Potential media actionWe need to create actions that can: Animate the whole curve of participants Work through autonomous and local swarns E.g. tackling divisiveness of our media (80% owned by 5 billionaires plus right wing BBC (Cardiff uni research)) No risk – Media info stall as part of wider vigil Next to no risk / peaceful mischief – swarm action moving newspapers / stickering free newspapers Dilemma action: Act of deliberate disobedience as dilemma action – 4 people take 3 copies of one billionaire owned newspaper and cut it up to make papier mache hearts, songs video taken, lock on Blockade of distribution networks

35 What has caused things to fail elsewhere? #2Not addressing intersectionality but also arguments / clogging around intersectionality (DGR) Paradox of intersectionality – too politically correct and it puts of the groups you are trying to recruit- authenticity is the first transcultural value – don’t speak for other people, statistics can annoy- depersonalises (e.g. Sisters Uncut and BLMUK push backs) Problem of political identity, alliance building, middle classes and working class cultures Leaving “room” for people to use the concept #RisingUp! -take a position about our story, strategy and structure to share but be open for a year to (more tweaking) change. Going to the people – local community meeting – e.g. for working class people – ethnic minority groups – young people – e.g. East end of London project Proposal has been: draft approach to intersectionality, shared and form a working group Who wants to take this forwards? Must answer the above.. and?

36 What do we bring and “smuggle in”?In threes What are your gifts? What are your challenges? What helps you to tackle your challenges?

37 Rising Up! – example actionsMany of our actions will have an element of confrontation - a loud and strong “NO” to a system that is destroying life on earth. (Confrontation is needed for change, including confronting ourselves). Actions can also give a big “YES” to a new way of doing things, to be fun and playful, to spread love and embrace our humanity Aspect Actions Environment / climate justice Sabotage product linked to environmental destruction (hide in supermarkets) Aviation action, City shutdown, Digital blockade, Ecocide mass prayer / meditation, Community meal post flood Social and economic justice Mass trespass linked to land reforms, Rent strikes, Labour strikes, NHS graffiti Democracy Wake for our democracy, Occupation of Key lobbyist orgs, General assembly #taxdisobey- tax disobedience The finance sector Occupation of Big 4, Specific debt refusal eg students, Mass debt refusal Deliberate debt taking without payment The media Occupation of Ofcom, Flashmob BBC, Sabotage of media by moving newpapers, shredding arrestable action

38 The Media is a key pillarDo an action in Stroud? Design to be inclusive Jobs that need doing

39 What has caused things to fail elsewhere? #3Prophetic v instrumental demands – system change and specific advances e.g. heathrow v London uprising London centricity Recruitment – getting more of the same people – over bonded activism etc. Innovation of social media one to one recruitment Discussion

40 What has caused things to fail elsewhere? #4Problems of power + privilege – who is really in charge and how do with make implicit power explicit, accountable and effective. Burnout Consensus log jamming Control v autonomy – the innovation of the training and distributed organising model – making this robust and clear. Tech and power protocol

41 Rising Up! – the Structure – power!How we share power and stop it becoming an issue. Without clear rules, inequalities of power and participation in groups persist and do not get noticed and dealt with. Our structure aims to increase efficiency by creating explicit clarity about roles and procedures. All members of each group will need a clear briefing about how their group works and how it fits into the larger structure. All the details on the ways of working are written down so that roles, responsibilities, and power are explicit, clear and accountable. The core actions, dates, and frames are decided by the strategy group taking feedback from a wider group of people with key knowledge and expertise. The people in this group are trained and experienced and the membership of this group rotates. Each group has 1 coordinator responsible for minutes and ensuring meetings happen whether on or off line. This person should not be the facilitator of meeting so power and responsibility can be shared. The coordinator’s key role is to chase people between meetings to make sure tasks are being done on time and deals with any bottlenecks which are holding up progress. Writing down your jobs and reading them out to the group helps to embed them in your brain and provides a clear record of what you have to do. It also helps create accountability. Anyone can get on with some action without having to go to a meeting, as long as they check with 2-3 other people for advice beforehand. At end of action/project the group pre-set a date and time to have a feedback session. Once DNA has been set, it cannot be changed, though there is much flexibility within that DNA. The group who began organising Rising Up! act as guardians of the DNA going forwards. The present strategy group was selected from initial organisers. After Christmas 2016 the membership of this group will be chosen from people who have done advanced training. A general assembly will be held in 2017 to prioritise aims, actions and demands/frames going forwards. The new strategy group will use this feedback to create an escalation plan for the following months.

42 Rising Up! – training All people involved in these processes need to be trained in the “DNA” of the movement – the story, the strategy, the structure. Standardised training programme which everyone joining the network goes on. More trainers are trained as more people get involved. People are then able to form their own teams to create actions around the events dates and demands set by the RU strategy group. This structure encourages creativity, flexibility and initiative. Training includes: Training/briefing of organisers – going through roles and responsibilities, common problems etc The DNA of the movement – a regular, general introduction, with a You Tube version The Mobilisation workshop for details about the next action. Direct action workshop for information about direct action tactics, legalities and affinity groups. Additional trainings related to the DNA of the movement, for example of self-care / burnout / inner work and anti-oppressive practice / intersectionality. Advanced strategy training.

43 Rising Up! – the StructureWorking groups take overall responsibility for specific areas such as training and process, outreach and promotion, media and communications, logistics, movement care. An action group forms to organise the core action for an event, within the boundaries set by the strategy group. They consult with the other groups to create an action plan. The action group includes a coordination group for the action responsible for taking things forwards, alongside other working groups each with their own autonomy to take forward an area of responsibility (similar to the groups mentioned above, but action specific) within “movement DNA”.. Within a working group each member takes on clear roles which contribute to the aims of the group. Some are set (e.g. the facilitator), others are for specific tasks. Each person is autonomous to make the decisions to get their jobs done and responsible for outcomes. If people want to do other actions on the set date they can set up their own autonomous group and use the same structure to get on with organising it.

44 Strategy update and Strategy group recruitHeathrow with local people Intersectional meeting suggesting joint actions Joint action e.g. to do with the media Need to help action groups get autonomous Recruit to strategy group + other groups

45 Movement / action working groups – merge?Here are the proposed groups (sheets with outline on) – experience in each? Interest? Outline right? Need an Action group? Training? i. Strategy, review (and intersectionality Group WG) ii. Coordination and admin group iii. Training and process group iv. Legal, Logistics and Intell group v. Media and Communications vi. Outreach, Absorption and Intersectionality vi. Fundraising/Finance Team viii. Movement Care team

46 Agenda Intros What is Rising Up!?How things change- what the research tells us Q&A Rising Up! Story, Strategy and Structure (DNA) Actions & Potential media action example Discussion Next steps?

47 We are the people we have been waiting for!

48 !Thank you! 