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There are XR groups in many towns and it is simple to start one. A couple of volunteers will travel to wherever and run a few training sessions to get everyone familiar with the methods and policies, and then off you go.
All of a sudden loads of people pop out of the woodwork in your community and if nothing else you'll have a bunch of new friends. I only knew one person from my town in the group I work with. This is part of its strength. All those people are actually lots of well organised groups.
I have had some interesting chats on our roadblock with the police. When we told them we were on a shift system, and our shifts are half theirs in length he started moaning about the way they are being treated. They get no food and water, and have to go into a shop to use the loos. We brought kitchens and toilets!
adroit-
I don't want to start one, regardless of simplicity. I've met some new people through the group I mentioned (Not xr in name, but similar setup) and at the first meeting I went to I listened to folks discuss their overseas (flying) travel plans for summer holidays. The urge to Facepalm was huge.
When I've subsequently challenged folks decision making processes around travel choices I've been accused of deflecting from the real issues, and even labelled as right wing.
I think Cycleclinic raises some interesting points for consideration. Our social & economic systems are so complex they're going to be very difficult to unpick to allow for the low carbon future xr is looking for.
It will mean the necessary end of capitalism (3% growth n'all that) and a return to local social structures rather than the globally dispersed family/friendship groups we have at present. People will be asked to make huge changes to how they live their life and for many (including some campaigners) it just won't compute.
I'm honestly not sure if it is achievable, but will do my bit and hope my confidence in success increases over time.
rhb
This is a good start. I feel it eventually needs to be happening in every city, town, and village too, not just folks travelling from near & far to London.
I know some folks organising a monthly action in mcr but it is quite small and would need many more people involved for any multi day nvda to be doable, if it is even within their aims.
Not sure how things will develop further, but watching with interest.
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