Extinction Rebellion (or XR for short) is an international activist movement founded in 2018 practising 'non-violent civil disobedience' as an attempt to push politicians to act on the issue of the climate crisis. Napatsorn is a 23-year-old member of Extinction Rebellion. Originally from Virginia (USA), it is in Prague (Czech Republic) where she currently lives that she decided to join the movement.
"I realized that the demand for materialistic things, which are usually made of plastic, will continue to rise, and more fossil fuel will be burned. I couldn’t be content with myself if I didn’t do something about it." - Napatsorn
Background
Extinction Rebellion, now famous worldwide, is protesting in an attempt to push for immediate political action concerning the climate crisis. Some of these actions using 'civil disobedience' have at times led to members of XR be arrested by the police which led to some controversial responses from the wider public and the press. Neverethless, some celebrities, like the actress Dame Emma Thompson, have been known to support the movement or join peaceful protests organized by XR. As of April 2019, the activist movement counted 650 groups in a total of 45 countries. Here is the interview of Napatsorn, a XR volunteer.
Part 1: Before joining Extinction Rebellion
When and how did you start growing conscious of the current climate crisis we are facing?
It was a subject in my high school science class, but the teachers didn’t make it seem like it was a crisis. I started to become aware of the impact of waste in winter 2017 by going to an event I saw on Facebook hosted by RespOn. I began reading more about the impact of consumerism on societies and ecosystems. I realized that the demand for materialistic things, which are usually made of plastic, will continue to rise, and more fossil fuel will be burned. I couldn’t be content with myself if I didn’t do something about it. I changed my lifestyle and became passionate about it and I continued learning about it.
Before joining XR, were you already volunteering in any other form of activism?
No. Before, I considered that my form of activism translated as having a (more or less) zero-waste lifestyle and educating myself more about this issue as a whole while trying to spread the knowledge.
Part 2: What is XR?
In your own words, what is the goal of XR members?
To tell the truth about the climate crisis, and act according to the truth. By creative, non-violent, civil disobedience, the system needs to be disrupted to draw attention to the inaction of governments on climate tipping points, ecological and social collapse.
Why do you think this organisation is getting such bad press?
I think it’s because people are not understanding that the actions are to disrupt business as usual. XR’s goal is to disrupt the system, which cannot avoid pissing people off.
What does it entail to be a member (how often do you meet, what do you do?)
We were meeting every Wednesday, but now we meet every other Wednesday. There is always an agenda, that includes, a check-in, news within XR, ideas, then we split into “working groups” to work on projects. Usually, the coordinator is hosting the meeting but it is a discussion.
Who organises the meetings? Are members given specific roles?
There are 2 coordinators for every working group (ie: art, outreach, media, research, actions, regenerative culture). One coordinates internal gatherings and the other coordinates with the rest of the “local group,” which is like Prague XR. You have to volunteer for a role. You can take more than one task, depending on what needs to be done.
Are the meetings opened to anyone?
Yes, but I suggest you first go to a "Heading for extinction and what to do about it" talk (or watch it on Youtube). Then to a workshop for new volunteers... Or, just to the new volunteers’ workshop. It is good to have a background on how XR works... Or, you can just jump right in! Haha!
Do the different parts of XR around the world communicate or interact with each other? If so, why? How?
Yes, to coordinate international rebellions like the one this past October. Through many phone and video calls! We also share each other’s social media posts on Facebook, for example.
Part 3: Her experience with XR
When and how did you first hear about Extinction rebellion? When did you join?
I first heard it from someone I met at a Facebook event (aha do you see a pattern here) hosted by Sustainability club at the Anglo-American University of Prague (AAU). But I didn’t get involved until I attended EcoFest hosted by AAU in spring 2019. XR had a "Heading for extinction and what to do about it" talk there but I could only attend the last 15 minutes of it. I followed them on Facebook and went to a workshop for new volunteers in May 2019. After going to that workshop I felt motivated and not hopeless, for once.
Of all the organisations you could have chosen, why XR specifically?
I like that it is decentralised and it has values I agree with. And, I didn’t know of any other that hosted workshops in English.
Have you changed any of your habits since joining XR, if so which ones?
I began eating less meat. I met someone at an XR new volunteers' workshop who hosts mindful movement classes so that inspired me to practice it after attending one. I like connecting it to an XR value- needing a regenerative culture.
What has XR taught you?
The science of climate change, how to communicate the topic and the many topics surrounding it. It didn’t teach me much per se, but it has definitely given me courage and hope. Also, I like the sense of community.
How do people generally react when they learn that you are a member of XR?
Usually, they ask what it is. I haven’t gotten a “bad” reaction yet.
What do you like the most about, or are the proudest of, as an XR member?
The values of XR. I began learning what "regenerative culture" really means (which is their 'Value 3') and trying to apply it to my life. I am proud that I can be part of a collective towards a common issue that we all are passionate about.
Part 4: Napatsorn's advice to you
For the people that do not have XR in their town/surroundings but would like to join, are there ways they can still get involved? (social media, create their own branch?)
It’s very easy to start because it is decentralised. If you agree with the values and make actions that follow those values, you can create your own group. There’s even a how-to on the website!
What is your overall advice to someone who wants to help the planet, but doesn’t quite know how or where to start?
Just do it! You don’t need to know exactly what you’re doing but just do it because it’s an emergency so act like it! (or watch this video).
To find out more about Extinction Rebellion check out their website, their youtube page, or on social media.
Article by:
Lena Fix
Editor in chief at The ComPost
Pictures provided by:
Napatsorn Butthep
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