Can we find 3.5% of the population to join Extinction Rebellion Canada?

Let’s welcome “Extinction Rebellion” into our consciousness.

From its website:

XR  (Extinction Rebellion) is a movement in which citizens come together to measure the imminent danger of extinction that ecological crisis represents. For the sake of life, they commit themselves non-violent, immediate and determined for survival in a better world.

It was created in the UK by a group called Rising Up!, founded in 2016 with the aim of empowering citizen groups committed to social change. In 2018, Rising Up! Started giving the presentation ‘Heading to extinction and what to do about it’ and then organized training in civil disobedience, bringing together motivated people to participate in the Extinction Rebellion movement.

In December 2019: launch of Extinction Rebellion Canada  (or XR Canada)…As of March 2019 XR Canada has more than 1000 members. Currently, ER Canada is actively spreading in many provinces: Quebec, PEI, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia)

Since November 2018, movements have been   USA, France, Italy, Germany, Australia New Zealand. Other branches are being formed (Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Brazil, Colombia, Sweden. India)

Principles:

1: We have a shared vision of change. Creating a world that is fit for generations to come.

2: We set out mission on what is necessary. Mobilizing 3.5% of the population tyo achieve system change—using ideas such as “Momentum-driven organizing” to achieve this.

3: We need a regenerative culture. Creating a culture which is healthy, resilient and adaptable.

4: We openly challenge ourselves and this toxic system. Leaving our comfort zones to take action for change.

5: 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.

6:  We welcome everyone and every part of everyone. Working actively to create safer and more accessible spaces.

7: We actively mitigate for power. Breaking down hierarchies of power for more equitable participation.

8: We avoid blaming and shaming. We live in a toxic system, but no one individual is to blame.

9: We are a non-violent network. Using non-violent strategy and tactics as the most effective way to bring about change.

10:  We are based on autonomy and decentralization. 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.

Demands

1: Tell the truth

     That the Government must tell the truth about how deadly our situation is, it must reverse all policies not in alignment with that position and must work alongside the media to communicate the urgency for change including what individuals, communities and businesses need to do.

2: Act Now

    The Government must enact legally binding policies to reduce carbon emissions in Canada to net zero by 2015 and take further action to remove the excess of atmospheric greenhouse gases. It must cooperate internationally so that the global economy runs on no more than half a planet’s worth or resources per year.

3: Citizen’s Assembly

     The creation of  a Citizen’s Assembly in charge of deciding the measures needed to reach goals and guarantee a just and fair transition.