How do we recruit, welcome and empower more new rebels?

Date: 20th January 2021

Context

Covid has been hard on us for so many reasons but it has also made it harder to recruit and retain new rebels. Lots of groups have reported a drop-off in engagement and energy over the past year as people turn their attention to immediate problems. However January is traditionally the time when people make plans to take action on the things that matter to them. XR's vision of change involves mass participation; how can we bring people into our movement - and keep them?

Input

Around 70 people attended the assembly. Everything below is feedback from the assembly; we've tried to capture the main ideas in order of the number of times they were mentioned.

1. Our own experience

Why did we join?

Unsuprisingly we come largely out of fear for the future (key words: kids, planet, tipping points)
We see XR as our best chance of doing something about this (key words: commitment, passion, energy, creativity, best solution)
We believe we will meet like-minded people in XR
...and we think we might have some fun too! (key words: creativity, mischief)

Why did we stay?

We felt appreciated (key words: welcome, support, positive feedback)

When did we feel part of XR?

2. Our ideas on growing the movement

How do we bring more people into XR?

Engage with local issues (key words: out-of-touch, tree planting, child friendly activities, door knocking)
Connect with other groups with similar aims/struggles (key words: BLM, encourage to fulfill green commitments)
CEE centres/local hubs (https://climateemergencycentre.co.uk/handbook/)
Bring a friend meetings
Digital events _(e.g London one: https://xrldn.gitbook.io/best-of-ldn-festival)

How do we help new rebels feel part of XR?

Joint activities! This was mentioned more than 4x the next most popular option. There were a wealth of creative ideas, including:
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