Extinction Rebellion chapters are popping up all over the world, and Tampa Bay's coalition is just getting off the ground.
Coalesced around a shared concern over an accelerating climate crisis, activists gathered at St. Pete Community Acupuncture last week to discuss how they might replicate some of the successes the nonviolent, direct-action group has had in the U.K., where Extinction Rebellion was founded just a few months ago. There are close to 200 affiliates worldwide, including the one based in Tampa Bay.
The group is built around the idea of decentralized organizing, which means local chapters make decisions on their own.
"We collectively create the structures we need to challenge power," the organization says. "Anyone who follows these core principles and values can take action in the name of [rising up]."
Other core values embraced by the group are nonviolence, breaking down hierarchies of power for more equitable participation, and a commitment to the cycle of action, reflection, learning and planning for more action.
An hour-long second meeting is planned for 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at St. Pete Community Acupuncture.
"There will be chance to learn what Extinction Rebellion is all about from the international to the local level," organizers say. "And we want to hear what action you want to take, so we can get to doing it."
More information is available via the meeting's Facebook event page.
This article appears in Dec 13-20, 2018.