# How We Rebel

Let’s remind ourselves of the foundation of our rebellion.
When have you last read our [Principles and Values](https://extinctionrebellion.uk/the-truth/about-us/)?
<br>How about the [demands](https://extinctionrebellion.uk/the-truth/demands/)? What do they mean to
you in our current time and context?

Let’s also not forget that anyone who takes part
in the rebellion commits to the Rebel Code:

#### Rebel Code
All Rebels are asked to follow our basic agreements.
They provide a basis for trust so that both Rebels and
the public know what we can expect from each other. <br>
• We show respect to everyone — to each other, the
general public and to the government and police.<br>
• We engage in no violence, physical or verbal.<br>
• We carry no weapons and wear no masks other
than those required due to Covid 19 — we hold
ourselves accountable for our actions.<br>
• We bring no alcohol or illegal drugs.<br>
• We take responsibility for ourselves, we are all crew.

We will come together until the Government acts on our three
demands for necessary action on the climate and ecological
emergency. This code aims to help us attract the many people
we need to make this movement effective. Anyone breaking
these Agreements may be asked to leave.

Nonviolence is at the heart of our movement. As one of XR’s
core principles and values it is non-negotiable for everyone
taking action in the name of XR. It underpins the moral power
of our actions as we endeavour to protect life, through civil
disobedience and disruption.

This means that we need to develop and exercise our inner
discipline, to refrain from physical and verbal violence and
aggression even in the face of violence or aggression from
others. If we were to fail in this, it would be extremely
harmful to our movement.

We make this commitment to nonviolence based on our
understanding that using non-violent strategy and tactics
is the most effective way to bring about change in our
current social context, by generating widespread sympathy
and support and enabling wider segments of
the population to take part.

The state and those in power will always have greater
means to employ violence — but we have the greater moral
power when acting together, openly and accountably,
through non-violence, courage and sacrifice.

As a movement, we need to learn from our mistakes and
be visionaries that champion a movement that welcomes every
part of every one. In a [recent statement](https://extinctionrebellion.uk/2020/07/01/statement-on-extinction-rebellions-relationship-with-the-police/), we have acknowledged
that in the past we have insufficiently taken into account the
effects our strategy had on marginalised people. In this rebellion, we seek to center solidarity and co-liberation as core values to
overcome the oppression, racism and injustice we are facing.

We need to learn from frontline communities, particularly in
the Global South, about their struggles, resilience and wisdom
in confronting the climate crisis. This will be a long journey,
and each rebel is encouraged to make this rebellion a vital step
towards co-liberation. If you’d like to learn more, check out
our OMBRE training.

See also the [Rebel Agreement](https://extinctionrebellion.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/XR-REBEL_AGREEMENT_A6_Flyer-FINAL-NO-CROPS.pdf) flyer (PDF 220Kb) on the main Extinction Rebellion UK web site.