Rebel Ringers - building connections among activists

Rebel Ringers is Extinction Rebellion UK's phonebanking team. Phonebanking is where volunteers make phone calls to supporters to inform, engage, and mobilise.

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Phonebanking is a longstanding tool for social movements, evolving to become a cornerstone of grassroots organising. Pioneered with the US civil rights movement, activists made calls to quickly spread information, coordinate actions, and mobilise supporters for protests and voter registration. 

Over the decades phonebanking has become integral to political campaigns, helping to identify potential voters, encourage turnout, and gather data. Unions also adopted phonebanking to rally members and organise strikes, using the personal touch of calls to create a sense of solidarity. 

In XR, phonebanking is a crucial tool for connection building among activists. Calls to new joiners don’t just share information but welcome them into a supportive network. Our approach helps supporters feel valued and integrated from the start, by connecting people with local events and groups we’re growing a local network to help sustain their enthusiasm. 

Phonebanking offers a unique chance to tailor messages to an individual’s needs and interests. Each call is an opportunity to inspire someone to take next steps in their journey. Whether it’s participating in events, joining a working group, or contributing in other ways. Joining Rebel Ringers plays a vital role in fostering a connected and motivated community capable of driving real change.

We hold weekly group calling sessions on Monday evenings. We host a breakout room to train newcomers. RSVP for an upcoming session to get involved. Most people are motivated by coming together to make the calls, but others make calls in their own time. Being part of our team is flexible and can work around your schedule. 

Written by Robert

XR Rebel Ringers