# Welcoming new rebels # Building Onboarding into your Team We know that one of the main reasons that rebels stay with XR is that they find a community with us. So how can we ensure that we are as welcoming to as many people, and as many different people, as possible? ### The Job of Welcoming It is an integrator's job to find, contact and induct new rebels into the team. It is the whole team's job to welcome them. **Make Sure:-** 1. a team member steps up to have a 1-1 chat with the new rebel in their first week! 2. a team member steps up to be the new Rebel's "Point Person" or "Buddy" for their first few weeks, that single port-of-call if the new rebel has any questions; and 3. the team invites the new rebels to any social gatherings coming up or any activities they may wish to join. - (**This is especially important if you organise in multiple chats, ensuring they know what's happening**) ### New Rebel in the Chat! When a new Rebel is added to your chat (Mattermost, Signal, Telegram...) make sure to say Hi and welcome them. Make sure they know the purpose of various chats and where they can ask for help. ### A Rebel's First Meeting **Do:-** 1. ensure that the team has included their roles and pronouns in their screen names **or** start off with a round of names and role descriptions; and 2. have a least one person offer to stay behind to check in with the new Rebel, see how they found their first meeting and if they have any questions. **Don't** 1. use lots of acronyms and XR jargon! Try to have someone there to call people out on their jargon and ask them to define things. --- *This page was written by @Raenyah please contact me if you have any questions or think something needs to be added.* # Moving on or Exiting Process #### Rebel Pathway - Exit Process ##### We are all volunteers in XR. This comes with some benefits and also some drawbacks. The benefits are clear and include the ability for us to step up when we have time and step back when our circumstances change, we are able to tailor the time we give to suit our lives, give the things we want to give and hold back as much as we want for ourselves. There are a lot of aspects to our volunteer structure that are inherently regenerative in nature, after all we are all crew, we are a family. On the flip side this does mean that sometimes we will offer to do things that it turns out we don’t have the time for, or we step up to be a part of a project but our other responsibilities require us to step back. There are often conflicting responsibilities when it comes to volunteering our time and this can mean that the teams we build may suffer from a lot of churn or some months where the team simply doesn't have the capacity to meet its goals. We never want to blame our individual volunteers for this. It is not our fault when our situations change. However, we want to make sure that when we do have to change our commitment to XR that we can do so in a way that limits the impact on our teams. Below are two suggested processes to guide Rebels in stepping back smoothly: Change of Focus Often we step into a team or role in XR to work on a specific project or for a fixed term and as this comes to a close we may want to change what we are working on or move to another project, we don’t want to leave the role suddenly but we do want to transition our attentions to elsewhere. Let your Coordinators know you plan to change focus. It is useful to give as much warning as possible if you plan to move from your team, this allows them to redistribute tasks in your absence. But also make a date for yourself, it is all too common for there to be that one last thing to clear up and it could take months for a clean separation! Don’t be afraid to leave some things unfinished. Find your new home! If you don’t already know what you are interested in diving into next then check out the Volunteer Website. You may have used this as you were joining XR but it is also a great way to see where help is needed in different parts of the movement. Find your Replacement if necessary. If your team or project is continuing without you you may need to find someone to replace you. This may mean holding an election for your role or onboarding a new Rebel. Don’t be daunted by finding someone new - we can help! 5 Steps to finding a New Rebel: Write up a short role/project description Ask your integrator or IC to post it on the Volunteer Website Once you get a hit reach out to them for a chat, send them the Rebel Starter Pack and give them a run down of the project. Introduce the new Rebel to your team, let them shadow you for a week or two slowly picking up more of the role. Make sure you step back at the date you had planned, stay in contact with your replacement if they need help but make sure they know that the role is now theirs and they should fly! Compile your Loose Ends. Take an hour or so to track down the loose ends that you will leave to your team (or if it is several teams, for each team). This will not only help your team in picking up where you left off but it will also give you a sense of rounding off so that you don’t have to worry while your mind is needed elsewhere. Consider: Making note of conversations you were having Linking to any documents you were working on Copying over your to do list and any unfinished APs Adding a couple of sentences on what your goal for the next few weeks was going to be Template Loose Ends Doc Say goodbye to your team. Plan a small social or activity for your team to round off your time with them. We recommend Kumospace to bring larger teams together in a natural mingling way, or an intimate Zoom drinks party. Or you can host an activity, maybe play a game or a gratitude sharing space. Stay in contact. XR works due to our interconnectivity. In your new role you won’t only bring yourself but you’ll also bring your experience and knowledge of your previous teams. Use it! Make connections, start collaborations and most of all have fun! A Swift Retreat Sometimes the need to step back comes quickly and unexpectedly due to family responsibilities, mental health, job applications or many other things. Here is a roadmap for a swift exit which doesn’t leave your team in the lurch. Let your Coordinators know that you need to step back. Ideally give them a date (end of the week, after the next meeting etc…) but if you need to go instantly that is also okay. The important thing is that your team knows to not expect you to continue holding the things you had. Compile your loose ends. Take an hour or so to track down the loose ends that you will leave to your team (or if it is several teams, for each team). This will not only help your team in picking up where you left off but it will also give you a sense of rounding off so that you don’t have to worry while your mind is needed elsewhere. Consider: Making note of conversations you were having Linking to any documents you were working on Copying over your to do list and any unfinished APs Adding a couple of sentences on what your goal for the next few weeks was going to be Template Loose Ends Doc Set up auto replies. On your Mattermost or your XR email address set up an auto reply saying that you have stepped back and who to contact instead. This will allow any contacts to connect with your team once you’ve gone. Consider writing a short message in a document that you can copy into your texts or emails if someone contacts you from XR but you cannot set up a generic auto reply for that account. For Example: “Hi Rebel, I’m sorry but I have had to step back from my XR work for the time being. If your question is about X please forward it to rebel1@example.com and if it is about Y then connect to rebel2@example.com. Love & Rage, Rebellina” Take a breath. You have now done everything to help your team continue the work without you, thank you! Take a moment to yourself to reflect on the amazing things you have done with XR and don’t be surprised if a few Rebels reach out in the coming days to say thank you! Come back when you are ready or good luck in the next adventure! # Supporting your new rebels #### Access needs Find out about your new rebel's access needs and any other ways they may need to be kept safe. These may include any disclosed disability that might affect their participation in our community (such as the use of assistive technologies to read emails and the web) as well as participation in events (such as physical access needs, mental-health issues and dietary or other invisible needs). Gathering this information must always take account of someone's right not to disclose anything, as well as their need of proper support if they do disclose something. #### Keeping each other safe Any organisation needs to keep its members safe, and we need to make sure that we know if anyone in our community might be classed as vulnerable. If you find any concerns related to a Rebel (whether about their needs or about their potential impact on other Rebels), you may need to draw up a support plan so that Rebels can be protected from anyone who might harm them, either deliberately or accidentally. You should draw up a support plan in consultation with the Rebel who is its focus, and assure them what we want them to take part and are aiming to provide them with the support they need to do this safely. #### Where else can rebels get support? Please signpost your New Rebels to the pages **[How we care for one another?](/books/rebel-next-steps-pack/page/how-we-care-for-one-another)** and **[How we protect one another?](/books/rebel-next-steps-pack/page/how-we-protect-one-another)** in the **Rebel Next Steps Pack** where they can access information on: - The Trained Emotional Support Network - Grief Tending - Self-care - XR Community Groups - XR Open Homes - National Helplines Please check your New Rebels have read **[How we protect one another?](/books/rebel-next-steps-pack/page/how-we-protect-one-another)** in the **Rebel Next Steps Pack** and understand the behaviour they are expected to follow. # Inducting your new rebels: Checklist [![integrator-checklist.PNG](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2021-03/scaled-1680-/integrator-checklist.PNG)](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2021-03/integrator-checklist.PNG) ### Checklist template **[This checklist template](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12icn29h-e6Cgd36jO-DfnlB81rhzc3P1uZcvhizO3Jk/edit#gid=1115838130)** is a tool you can use to keep track of how far through the onboarding process your rebels are and what to give them next. Go to _**File > make a copy**_ and save a sheet for your team. The stages listed there are our suggested ones but you can make it your own. _(Hover your cursor over the headings for more information.)_ ### Key induction materials #### 1. [Volunteer Agreement](https://actionnetwork.org/forms/xr-data-protection-agreement-2?source=direct_link&) This covers our Priciples and Values and Data Protection agreement. It is good to send this early and check the rebel has signed it (digitally), particularly if the rebel is likely to have access to other people's personal details. Ask them to forward you the email confirmation when they've signed it. #### 2. [Rebel Starter Pack](/books/rebel-starter-pack) The Rebel Starter Pack is the first resource that can be sent to all Rebels who have just begun their journey with XR. It's designed to answer questions such as:- * "I have just arrived; what are the key things I need to know?" * "Where do I start to understand what is going on in XR?" * "What is XR?" It covers:- * our 3 Demands * our 10 Principles and Values * 'Heading For Extinction' Talk * why we use nonviolent direct action * how to get started as a Rebel * climate grief resources * online meeting basics * Rebellion Academy * XR structure * Glossary #### 3. [Welcome to XR online sessions](https://extinctionrebellion.uk/event/welcome-to-extinction-rebellion-3/) [![introduction to XR sessions FB](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2020-11/scaled-1680-/2E200235-0E95-441A-9F6D-DD6586993932_4_5005_c.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/events/337549600644402?active_tab=about) ***These sessions are currently run on a weekly basis via Zoom and are about 1.5 hours long.*** **Included are:** * NVDA introduction - why we are nonviolent * 3 demands * 10 Principles and Values * how to join a Local Group, a Community Group and a little about the Volunteer Website Use the lnk in the heading above, or register directly via [this Zoom link.](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvduGvrDgpEtEdQ_6Fy-cZwI06b0M26O57) #### 4. [Rebel Next Steps Pack](/books/rebel-next-steps-pack) This is designed for Rebels who have already begun their journey with XR and are now looking for more detail about how XR works, how they can participate and which trainings might help them. It covers:- - what our Principles and Values mean in practice - Inclusivity - Regenerative culture - our learning resources - our communication tools - four main types of rebel they might identify with; resources and trainings relevant to each # Inducting your new rebels: Roadmap ##### 1) Contact your new Volunteer _(UK, regional and national groups)_ These are the people who have applied for your advertised role on the volunteer website or people you find on the database who seem a good fit for your team. * Call them (emails don’t work well as a first contact) and schedule a time to talk if they are busy. * Make time for their grief and questions, ask about their experiences, tell them about your group and how you hope they might help you. ##### 2) Send them some initial information Not too much! It is easy to overwhelm people at this stage. This is all your Rebel needs at the outset:- 1. **[The Rebel Starter Pack](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/rebel-starter-pack)**. 2. **[Volunteer Agreement](https://actionnetwork.org/forms/xr-data-protection-agreement-2?source=direct_link&)** - ask them to sign digitally and send you a screen shot of the confirmation. 3. Your Team's mandate. 4. An invite to your next group meeting. 5. This Roadmap (optional) - it can help Rebels to see what to expect, where they are in the induction process and to request next steps proactively. ##### 3) First Group Meeting * Introduce them to other team members; give them contacts. * Ensure they know the hand signals and the process. * Read the Regenerative Reminder at the start of the meeting. * Make sure to give space for questions. * Have a post-meeting debrief. ##### 4) Induction / orientation Tailored to your team and staggered according to your Rebel. It is best to let them absorb one thing before moving onto the next. * More information about your group (optional) (keep it simple - preferably not a long reading list with lots of links!). * Send details of the general **[Welcome to XR zoom call](https://www.facebook.com/events/337549600644402/)** (the **[Rebellion Academy](https://uk.rebellion.academy/intro)** introductory training covers similar ground, though without the personal connections and support). * Ask them to look through the **[Rebel Next Steps Pack](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/rebel-next-steps-pack)**. * Once they have signed the Volunteer Agreement, ask your team's Tech Champion/Group Admin to email them an **invite to the XR UK Communications Hub** and add them to your Team on the Hub. Send them the **[Using the Comms Hub](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/using-the-comms-hub/page/please-start-here)** book on the Rebel Toolkit. Encourage them to take Ned’s trainings if they get stuck or signpost them to the **[Rebellion Academy](https://uk.rebellion.academy/)** trainings. ##### 5) Direct them towards concrete tasks Super important for volunteer retention! People are more likely to stick around when they feel valued and affirmed. * Have a list of simple tasks that a new rebel can take on easily e.g: * Leafleting * Lobbying their local MP to support the [Climate and Ecological Emergency bill](https://www.ceebill.uk/) * Paint the Streets: flyposting, chalk painting, stickering..... * [Supporting us on social media](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/a-nervous-rebels-guide-to-social-media) * Talking to friends about the climate and ecological emergency and inviting them to a Welcome to XR session * Secretary-type stuff: taking notes, sending around action points etc * Emails: keeping on top of your inbox (they will need help to start) * Share Action Points - if you’ve got too many things on your plate, ask them for help! ##### 6) Check in, check progress Try to have a weekly call with your new Rebels. * Try to answer their questions and, if you can’t, let them know who can. * Try to gauge their understanding of XR and find out if there is anything they would like to learn about in more depth. If so, direct them to [Rebellion Academy](https://uk.rebellion.academy/) or specific talks / trainings. ##### 7) Invite them to a circle meeting (optional) * This will help a new Rebel see the XR structure from a different perspective and how information moves across the system. * You do not have to be in the Circle meeting with them but, by this point, they should be well acquainted with the team External Coordinator so there will be a known face. ##### 8) Final debrief / allocation of role After about a month, most new Rebels will feel like they have an understanding of XR and how things are structured. You have now shared your skills and contacts - this marks the end of your guidance! Have a meeting to debrief; * how was their experience, where do they want to go from here? * Will you continue to share the mandate? * Is there a way to split the mandate? * Is there a gap within the team they would like to fill? * Do they have a project idea of their own they would like to pursue within XR? > **Every rebel journey will have a slightly different conclusion; please take some time to reflect on your experience.** # Inviting Rebels to the Hub and Mattermost New Rebels can find out about using the XR Communications Hub **[here](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/online-tools-for-communicating-with-other-rebels/page/inviting-people-to-your-group)**. Ask the **Group Admin (formerly known as Tech Champion)** for your group / team to send a Hub invite to your new Rebel member using their personal email address. If you don't have a Group Admin / don't know who your Group Admin is, then please email tech@rebellion.earth letting Tech know what you need, i.e. the name of your Group Admin or your Regional Admin. If you have more than one new Rebel member, multiple invites can be sent in one go, just make sure you put each new Rebel's email address on a new line in the invite box. You can also add a personal message to your invitees in the Message box. (See image below) [![Screenshot-of-Hub-invites.jpg](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2022-03/scaled-1680-/Screenshot-of-Hub-invites.jpg)](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2022-03/Screenshot-of-Hub-invites.jpg) **Here are two short videos to help your New Rebels get onto the Hub and start using Mattermost**:- - How to accept your Hub invite which creates your accounts for The Hub/Mattermost/Forum/Cloud - [watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdSWqgOIvGM) - How to get onto Mattermost for the first time and set up your notifications - [watch here](https://youtu.be/5TRD74Tdv6Y)