Vancouver Extinction Rebellion Newsletter, October 2019 | Issue #4

Welcome to Extinction Rebellion Vancouver newsletter #4!
In this issue: The global rebellion begins | Taking to the streets this Friday! | Form your own affinity group! | | Upcoming events |  

The Global Rebellion Begins

October 7th marked the beginning of two weeks of Global Rebellion! Across the world, we have seen rebels come together with love and rage to demand action on the climate crisis. In Belgium, rebels faced tear gas and water cannons as they took to the streets, while in the UK, around 1500 rebels have been arrested. Just yesterday, Extinction Rebellion protests were banned in the city of London, as the Metropolitan Police attempt to silence this crisis. Despite this unlawful constraint of their right to peaceful public protest. rebels have continued to carry on the important work of demanding action before it is too late.

#Bridgeout Video

Here in Vancouver, we joined the International Rebellion and Canada-wide #BridgeOut action by peacefully shutting down Burrard Bridge for 13 hours. Many members of BC First Nations joined the #bridgeout action and shared songs, ceremony and words. The day was a beautiful celebration of life. filled with music, dance, and assembly. There was even pickup hockey and soccer.

Ten brave rebels were arrested by the VPD around 10PM after they declined to clear the roadway. The arrests at the end of the night were accompanied by ceremony and song and were witnessed by around 70 people who supported the arrestees with their amazing voices and spirit.

Photo by Grace Grignon

In Victoria, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax #bridgeout protests also resulted in numerous arrests. We stand in solidarity with the thousands of brave rebels who have been arrested across the world.  

As our movement grows and the urgency of our situation becomes more starkly evident, everyone, from scientists to famous actors, musicians and authors are joining in the rebellion. Whether it’s marching in the streets, handing out leaflets, making banners or risking arrest, there is a place in the rebellion for you! We need #everybodynow. 

Taking to the streets this Friday!

October 7th was a powerful beginning for escalating action in Vancouver. We showed ourselves and this city that we can do this. We are nature defending itself. We are all crew. #Rebelforlife.

This Friday rebels will once again take to the streets for a ‘snake march’. Meeting at 4:30pm at the plaza opposite the CBC building (West Georgia and Hamilton) we will move through the streets of downtown Vancouver with no planned route, calling attention to Extinction Rebellion’s three demands. Join us for some dancing, singing, chanting and snaking! Bring your signs, instruments, love and rage. Find out more on the Snake March Facebook event page. 

Form your own affinity group!

Affinity groups (sometimes referred to as "action groups") are made up of around 8-12 people who want to take action together and have similar interests. They work autonomously and make their own decisions guided by Extinction Rebellion’s principles and values. The group can decide themselves the level of risk they want their actions to be. They are supported by Extinction Rebellion’s Working Groups. Affinity Groups are successful if there are a range of people within them, from arrestables to non arrestables. At every action, support roles need to be filled which are crucial to a successful action - so there is a place for everyone no matter what your situation is!

An Affinity Group Kickoff will be happening this Sunday, 2:30pm at the Britannia Community Centre. Learn about what affinity groups (action groups) are and how to join one! Meet others with similar interests and we will help you go from there! There is no pressure to join a group & this is an inclusive event, open and welcome to everyone 

More information will be given at the event so come along and get ready to #RebelForLife  See the Affinity Group Facebook event page for more information..

Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible | Please be careful of wearing strong scents as this may be irritant to other.

If you can’t make this event, look out for the next one which will be happening in the next few weeks or come to our General Assembly which is held on the last Tuesday of every month. (See our events page for more details) 

Find more events here:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/extinction-rebellion-vancouver/direct-action-affinity-groups-demonstrations-calendar/340563936652865/ We work with gratitude on the traditional, unceded, occupied territories of the Coast Sallish peoples: the səlil̓wətaʔɬ Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.

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