I'm sure you all have heard about Animal Rebellion by now - we follow Extinction Rebellion's footsteps, but are explicitly focused on pressuring UK government to transition from animal agriculture and fishing to 100% plant based food production systems. So, the major action is coming soon!

From October 7, we’ll be taking to the streets, occupying key sites across London, holding our ground throughout the night, to demonstrate our resolve and demand the government take action to end the climate emergency – and that this must include ending the animal farming and fishing industries, and leading a transition to a just, sustainable plant-based food system. We’ve had plenty of people itching to know more about the October Rebellion, how it’ll work and how to prepare, so read on for more info!

THE AIM OF THE REBELLION

In October, we’ll be engaging in non-violent civil disobedience to force the issue of the climate emergency, and the destruction caused by the animal agriculture and fishing industry, into the public consciousness. By turning out in our thousands, by braving the cold, by staying overnight, by risking arrest, by bringing attitudes of peace and care not just towards animals, but to even those in the industry who are victims under our society’s toxic system, we will spark conversations across the globe and win the hearts of the public. And in doing so, we will force the government to recognise that it must take action and move to a plant-based food system.

THE SITES

We’ll be occupying two sites. The first, Smithfield Market, is London’s largest and most historic meat market – and we’ll be demanding the government transform Smithfield to a fruit & veg market that can serve as a hub for a thriving plant-based food system. Our second site will be located in Westminster, and will be announced in the coming days – watch this space...

WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING

In the late afternoon of Monday October 7, we’ll hold a mass training in non-violent direct action (NVDA) to make sure everyone is mentally prepared for the Rebellion. The location for this training is to be confirmed. After dark, we will march to Smithfield Market so that we arrive before its operations commence, and together, we’ll occupy Smithfield and begin setting up the occupation site. We’ll be occupying the space throughout both day and night, and we strongly encourage as many people as possible to stay overnight, as having a strong, consistent presence will be key to holding the sites – and holding the sites will be key to having our message heard.

The Rebellion will be a whirlwind of collective action, community-building and self-development. There will be an array of social and festival activities, trainings and entertainment hosted in different locations across the site. There will be singing, there will be space to grieve for the animals whose bodies lay within Smithfield, and there will be moments of joy as we unite under the vision of the world we’re striving to build.

Pulling off this Rebellion will require all hands on deck, so you’ll be invited to use your strengths and join a volunteer team that plays an essential role in making the Rebellion a success – that could mean different things for different people, from cooking up a storm for your fellow rebels, to broadcasting the event on social media, or perhaps even engaging in higher-risk civil disobedience, such as a lock-on or a strategic flash mob. There’s a role for everyone.

After some time, rebels will move from Smithfield to the as-yet-announced Westminster site – the timing of this move will be determined collectively during the Rebellion itself by considering the strategy of the overall Rebellion.

FACILITIES AND, AMENITIES AND SERVICES

We’ll provide water, food, hand-washing facilities and toilets on site. Other facilities, like showers and phone-charging facilities, will be looked into, and full details will be confirmed closer to the date. We will also have first-aiders present at all times.

HOW TO PREPARE

1. Clear your calendar and rally your friends! Take time off work so you can be a part of this incredible moment in history, and reach out to those around you and ask them to join the Rebellion with you. The time is now to ensure we take the action we need to end the climate and animal emergencies, and we need everyone who can to take action with us.

2. Get together the supplies you need! Think along the lines of a pop-up tent (there won’t be much terrain for pegs), a warm sleeping bag for the nights, a torch, comfortable shoes, a range of clothes, including warm layers and wet weather gear, sunscreen, a water bottle, snacks, toiletries, a power bank for charging your phone, and so on.

1. We ask all rebels coming to the October Rebellion to be trained in non-violent direct action (NVDA). If you haven’t had NVDA training before, look out for upcoming “Preparing for a Peaceful Rebellion” trainings on Animal Rebellion’s Facebook events page (https://www.facebook.com/pg/AnimalRebellion/events/) and any “Non-violent Direct Action Training” events on Extinction Rebellion’s events webpage site (https://rebellion.earth/act-now/events/). You can attend either an Animal Rebellion or Extinction Rebellion training. If you’re not able to attend a training before the Rebellion, please attend the mass training on the afternoon of Monday October 7 (details will be published closer to the date). If you're still not able to make that mass training, there will be NVDA trainings held on site throughout the Rebellion.

4. Get connected with Animal Rebels near you! Find your nearest local group and join in their actions. You’ll find a full list of UK Animal Rebellion groups here: http://www.animalrebellion.org/communities/

This is going to be a time like no other. So grab your tents, grab your friends, take time off work, and let’s rebel together!

Sign up now: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/october-rebellion-sign-up

We’ll see you in October!

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