Category: Prep for action

As we ground ourselves spiritually for our witness, it’s important to remember that will we be witnessing alongside people of all faiths and none, and are asked to uphold one another in a diversity of non-violent tactics.

On the day, we will have bustcards available, and legal observers will be on hand, as well as volunteer stewards.  However we all need to take responsibility for ourselves. We recommend having a buddy or buddies – a person or two who you will mutually check-in with and look out for each other.

Finally, a reminder that we are a volunteer-led community, and your help will make all the difference in ensuring our witness is safe, spiritually grounded, and creative.

Key Know Your Rights messages:

• No Comment – You do not need to answer police questions, so don’t.
• No Personal Details – You do not have to give personal details under ANY stop and search power, so don’t.
• Under What Power? – Ask “What power?” to challenge the police to act lawfully
• No Duty Solicitor – Use a recommended solicitor with protest experience
• No Caution – Cautions are an admission of guilt

Important update about No Faith in War Tues 9th Sept

We understand that on 9th September, a coalition of groups under the banner ‘the Big One’ are calling for a mass blockade of DSEI.  The faith groups involved in No Faith in War have agreed to continue with our plans, offering a grounded and worshipful presence and upholding people who are taking risks to disrupt DSEI.

It is important for Friends to be aware that there may be a tense atmosphere on the day, and a more active police presence.  We encourage everyone to to remind yourself of key advice about your rights, and to take time to reflect on the level of risk that you want to take. 

We do not anticipate ‘the Big One’ to affect our Walk of Witness or the Peace Vigil organised by QPSW and Pax Christi, both on Mon 8th, nor our ‘Stop DSEI’ hand-in on Weds 10th.  But it is still worth reminding yourself of your rights and looking out for yourself and others, if you plan to join one of these actions.

We are a volunteer-led community, and your help will make all the difference in ensuring our witness is safe, spiritually grounded, and creative.

Quaker Roots are particularly organising volunteers for the Walk of Witness on Mon 8th Sept, the No Faith in War day on Tues 9th Sept and the ‘Stop DSEI’ hand-in on Weds 10th Sept. Use this form to let us know what roles you are interested in, and we will be in touch with more information and details of an online volunteer briefing on Tues 2nd Sept (you can still volunteer if you can’t make that briefing date).

If you would like to help out on other days, get in touch with Stop the Arms Fair who are helping coordinate actions.

Use this form to let us know what roles you are interested in, and we will be in touch with more information and a briefing session.

Steward

• Being a friendly face as people arrive.
• Let people know when & where things are happening.
• Help Friends join Telegram group to get updates.
• Hand out bustcards, remind people of basic Know Your Rights info, point towards legal observers if needed.
• Have some postcards for members of the public who want to know what’s going on, engage them in conversation about DSEI.
• On Walk of Witness on Mon 8th, help people stick to route, keep up with group.

Offer to help as a steward.

Pastoral Friend / welfare

• Potentially tense environment, people nervous about being there – talk to them, calm them, make them feel at ease.
• Reassurance, give space for people to talk or have some quiet.
• Give out water and snacks, encourage people to check-in with their own needs.
• If you are a qualified first aider – be on hand.

Offer to help as a pastoral Friend

Elder

• Meeting for Worship – 12pm Tues 9th Sept – uphold, explain at beginning, close at end, be aware that we may be continuing to worshipfully uphold people taking action.
• General upholding of worshipful approach to protest across No Faith in war day, atmosphere may be tense, secular activists may be unfamiliar with worshipful approach.
• Uphold & respect other faith groups taking action in their own tradition, and people of all faiths and none using a diversity of non-violent tactics.
• On Walk of Witness on 8th Sept, uphold silent vigils (approx. 20 mins) at each stop.

Offer to help as an Elder

Police Station Support

While Quaker Roots are planning low-risk actions this year, we uphold those using a diversity of non-violent tactics, including those who may be at risk of arrest. It is so important that we support arrestees, which includes meeting people at the police station when they’re released. Read more about what Police Station Support involves.

This would be an especially useful role for London-based Friends (you don’t need to have been at the protest to help with this role, or be specially trained). Call outs for police station support during the DSEI arms fair protests will happen in a messaging group – offer help via our form and we will put you in touch with those coordinating.

Offer to help with Police Station Support

Stop the Arms Fair (STAF) have coordinated Legal Observers this year. The priority at the moment is volunteers for Police Station Support, but if you are a trained LO and would like to observe, let us know via the form.

Creative actions

• Singing – we have songs we’ve used in previous years, or bring your own. QPSW will organise amplification, someone to help lead us will be helpful.
• Helping with banner-making, origami and paper lanterns (led by Friends House staff).
• Photos, videos or other ways to document the actions.

Read more about creative actions.

As we prepare to witness against the DSEI arms fair this September, there are opportunities to get creative – whether you are able to join us in London, or will be witnessing from where you are.

Friends can participate by creating :

• banners with messages of peace and against arms; 
• paper lanterns (to symbolise shining a light on the arms trade);
• origami hearts that can be given to arms dealers and members of the public;
• leading (or joining in with) singing! 

Banners

Create a banner with messages of peace, and/or highlighting why we oppose the arms trade. Keep it short and simple, use words or images. Banners can be any size or shape (unlike in previous years where we asked for a specific size of mini banner). Just make sure it’s something that you (and/or whoever you are travelling with) can carry yourselves.

Paper Lanterns

These will be particularly used on the walk of witness, where we aim to bring the arms fair into the Light, as we walk together to the headquarters of arms companies involved in the trade of violence and death. A simple family-friendly craft – follow the video below for instructions:

Origami Hearts

This is a simple heart design, suitable for beginners. The heart has two flaps that open, and a message of peace can be written on the inside. These can be given to members of the public on the Walk of Witness (we will also have leaflets) or arms dealers as they queue to enter the arms fair on the No Faith in War day.

Singing

There is also an opportunity to lead some singing – we have some well-loved songs that have been shared at previous actions, and just need someone confident to get us started – if you are interested please email hello@quaker-roots.org.uk

If you are not confident to lead the singing, have a listen to some of the songs, and get ready to join in. As the wonderful Margaret who has led us in the past says: when we all sing together, it doesn’t matter if each individual isn’t perfect, the combination of our voices will make a beautiful sound.

Ways to join in

Friends who cannot join in-person in September can post their creations, so that your message of peace will be at DSEI, while you witness from wherever you are.  Creations can be sent to QPSW at Friends House, 173-177 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ marked for the attention of Lyndsay Burtonshaw .

Those who are travelling down might like to do a creative activity together with your Meeting, and bring what you have made along.  This could make a nice activity for a children’s meeting too.

There will also be an opportunity for crafting at Westminster Meeting House ahead of the Walk of Witness, and (weather permitting) at the West Gate of the Excel centre on the No Faith in War day.

Listen to the songs we will be singing at DSEI.

We’ve chosen simple, well know songs,  but you might find it useful to have a practice beforehand – below are videos of each of the 8 songs to help you.

Songlist

1. Dear Friends
2. Singing for our Lives
3. We shall overcome
4. Dona Nobis Pacem
5. Shalom, My Friend
6. Vine and Fig Tree
7. Under the Full Moonlight (Karen Beth)
8. Mahalia Jackson Down by the Riverside

Videos

Dear Friends

Singing for our Lives

We shall overcome

Dona Nobis Pacem

Shalom, My Friend

Vine and Fig Tree

Under the Full Moonlight

Down by the Riverside

As our witness at DSEI approaches, we wanted to put some practical information together in one place.

What to Bring

In 2019, Maya produced this great little zine, to help remind us how to prepare for DSEI practically & spiritually: Things to bring to DSEI

Things to protest with:

• Banners
• T-shirts / tote bags
• Instruments / noise makers (not for the vigil or walk of witness!)
• Postcards about why we are witnessing (we can provide)

Things to stay comfortable: ( the forecast is for hot weather, so please be prepared.)

• A hat and appropriate clothing for the weather (loose fitting layers are good)
• Suncream
• Water bottle & reusable coffee cup
• Food (there may be some vegan food available for a donation, but it’s best to also bring a packed lunch)
• Snacks to share
• Something to sit on (e.g. foldable stool, cushion)

Things in your head and heart

• Commitment to non-violence
• Discernment and support from your Quaker Community
• Trust in your buddy or affinity group
• Knowledge of your legal rights
• Solidarity with people affected by the arms trade

Practicalities

There will be stewards around and an information point to help you know where to go. The Excel site is very large – this map of the Excel gives an indication of where we will be – at the East Gate at No Faith in War on Thurs 7th and near the Western Terrace for the vigil on Mon 11th and the opening day of the arms fair on Tues 12th.

Telegram: on the day (and in the build up) we will be staying in contact via Telegram – a messaging app similar to WhatsApp (but more secure). If you’re already confident with apps, search for Telegram and download (the logo is a paper plane), then get in touch for the links to join:  hello@quaker-roots.org.uk .  If you’re not confident, staff will be around at Friends House, and stewards at the protest site, to give you a hand.

Food: Hot drinks will be available, please bring a reusable cup if you can. We hope that some vegan food will be available (for a donation if you can afford it).  However, it’s worth bringing a packed lunch, or being ready to get something from one of the shops near the Western Terrace.

Toilets There will be at least 2 standard portaloos and 1 accessible mobiloo at the site, perhaps more if funds can be raised.

Food, toilets and welfare / information tents have been organised by Stop the Arms Fair – if you can afford it, please consider donating towards their fundraiser.

Staying safe & well

At the protest site there will be a welfare tent available for No Faith in War on Thurs 7th Sept, and the opening day of the arms fair on Tues 12th Sept (this may still be at the East Gate on the 12th).  You can go there for some quiet space to clear your head, or for a friendly chat.  Members of the welfare team will also be looking out for people around the site and checking you’re OK.

If you want to get away from the protest site completely, the Garden Cafe on nearby Cundy Rd will be open 10am to 2pm.  Space will also be available at Friends House during the day on Thurs 7th, Mon 11th and Tues 12th to meet up with other Friends and have some quiet space.

We recommend having a buddy or buddies – a person or two who you will mutually check-in with and look out for each other.  If you’re travelling alone, come to Friends House to meet up with other Friends, form a small buddy group and travel over to the site together (the walk of witness will be leaving from Friends House too).

Bustcards will be available at the protest site and at Friends House – these have important information about who to call if you are arrested.  It’s worth everyone having one, just in case.  And you can read lots of information about knowing your rights on the Green & Black Cross website – we recommend starting with this guide to the key messages.

Travel

The Excel centre is on the Docklands Light Railway ‘Beckton’ line, which connects to central London at Tower Gateway, and to other DLR lines and the Jubilee line at Canning Town. Use the Prince Regent stop for No faith in War on 7th Sept, and Royal Victoria for the Vigil on Mon 11th and the opening day of the arms fair on Tues 12th. You can also take the Elizabeth line (Crossrail) to Custom House, and walk (or ride one DLR stop) to both locations.

If you’re planning to leave any bank cards with your name on behind (to avoid being identified) an Oyster card can be helpful (alternatively you can put tape over your name on a contactless card).

On Saturday 9th September, industrial action will affect Cross Country trains – this operator does not run direct services to/from London, but might affect a connection if you are travelling further that day. Check National Rail Enquiries for updates.

Accommodation

Listed roughly from most expensive to least expensive:

Hotels for the Excel Centre: The Excel is a conference centre, and so there are various chain hotels nearby, which will offer a comfortable room and easy access to the site.  Friends have previously used ‘Premier Inn Docklands’.

Hotels or hostels around London: Access to the Excel is via the Docklands Light Railway ‘Beckton’ line, so there may be cheaper options to stay near stops on the DLR or connecting lines.

Air BnB (or similar ‘holiday lets’) in Newham: In previous years some Friends have stayed in holiday lets in residential areas in Newham (the borough Excel is in), a walk or short DLR journey away. Note that there are ethical implications in using residential properties as holiday lets.

Stay with local Friends or meetings: we are looking to see if it is possible to stay with local Friends and/or on the floor of local meetings, perhaps for a small cost (under £10). If this is something you would be interested in, please get in touch and we see what can be arranged: hello@quaker-roots.org.uk

Camp at the protest site: some activists will be camping at the protest site, especially in the set-up week. You will need to bring your own tent and camping equipment.  Be aware that this is camping in a public area, not a private campsite.

Financial support

We understand that travel and accommodation can be expensive – Quakers have a long tradition of supporting Friends who are witnessing to our testimonies.  If you need financial support, please approach your local and/or area meeting in the first instance.  If you cannot raise sufficient funds from your meeting(s), get in touch with the Quaker Roots team who may be able to direct you towards other grants: hello@quaker-roots.org.uk

Many thanks to those who have already indicated that they could help facilitate our witness at DSEI this September.  We wanted to offer a clearer idea of the different roles and what is involved.

For those who like to take in information a bit more visually, there is a summary of the key roles in our Volunteer Jamboard (a simple set of slides).  And if you’d like to chat about any of this, and meet others you might be volunteering alongside, please join our Volunteer Briefing on Tuesday 29th August.

Quaker Roots Roles

Quaker Roots are particularly organising volunteers for the No Faith in War day on Thurs 7th Sept, and the Walk of Witness on Mon 11th Sept. If you would like to help out on other days, we can put you in touch with Stop the Arms Fair who are helping coordinate actions.

Steward / helping at information point

• Being friendly face as people arrive
• Let people know when & where things are happening
• Help Friends join Telegram group to get updates
• Hand out bustcards, remind people of basic Know Your Rights info, point towards legal observers if needed
• Have some postcards for members of the public who want to know what’s going on, engage them in conversation about DSEI
• On Walk of Witness on 11th, help people stick to route, keep up with group

Pastoral friend / welfare

• Potentially tense environment, people nervous about being there – talk to them, calm them, make them feel at ease
• Reassurance, give space for people to talk or have some quiet
• If people need to get away from the protest site altogether the Kitchen Garden café
• Give out water and snacks, encourage people to check-in with their own needs.
• If you are a qualified first aider – be on hand

Elder

• Meetings for Worship – 7th Sept 9am, 1pm, 12th time TBC – uphold, explain at beginning, close at end, be aware that we may be continuing to worshipfully uphold people taking action
• Epilogue 5pm on 7th – plan worship to provide sense of closure to the day (but action is ongoing through the week), can be a bit more programmed
• General upholding of worshipful approach to protest across the 7th, atmosphere may be tense, secular activists may be unfamiliar with worshipful approach.
• Uphold & respect other faith groups taking action in their own tradition.
• On Walk of Witness on 11th uphold silent vigils (approx. 20 mins) at each stop

Creative actions

• Singing – we have songs we’ve used in previous years, or bring your own. We can programme some times for singing, also can be useful to bring everyone together as led. BYM will organise amplification.
• Banner making, t-shirts or tote-bag printing
• If you have a craft you’re particularly into and can show people that’s great, otherwise just facilitate people.
• Think about what’s needed in advance and liaise with Quaker Roots team to organise
• Photos, videos or other ways to document the actions, we’ll put you in touch with team

Legal Support Roles

Legal observer

Legal observers are trained volunteers who support the legal rights of activists. They provide basic legal guidance and are independent witnesses of police behaviour at protests. Read more about what being a legal observer involves.

You need to be trained to do this role – if you already are, pease get in touch.  If you’d like to train, Green & Black Cross are running training sessions on 19th & 27th August (you need to attend both, and have already attended a Know Your Rights session). Register to receive the details.

Police Station Support

It is so important that we support arrestees, which includes meeting people at the police station when they’re released. Read more about what Police Station Support involves.

This would be an especially useful role for London-based Friends (you don’t need to have been at the protest to help with this role). Call outs for police station support during the DSEI arms fair protests will happen in a Signal group [sorry to involve another messaging app!]. If you would be willing and able to support in this way, please contact Dixie Wills at Quaker Peace & Social Witness: peace@quaker.org.uk

Briefing for volunteers – Tues 29th Aug 7:00pm

This session will be an opportunity to:

• Find out more about what these roles involve,
• Ask questions, and decide what’s right for you,
• Meet other people who will be volunteering alongside you,
• Let us know your availability and preferences.

Find out more and register to receive the Zoom details.

Let us know if you would like to volunteer, but can’t make this session – we can send you information on the roles and be in touch about how to get involved. hello@quaker-roots.org.uk

Thinking about how we respond to authority can bring up difficult questions and strong feelings for many of us.

On 1st August, we held a session looking at the three key reasons why we are asked not to talk to the police during our actions, which centre around keeping each other safe:

• To act consistently and in consensus with other groups taking action;
• To avoid giving away information to intelligence gatherers;
• To stand in solidarity with those who are disproportionately targeted by police violence.

Many thanks to those who participated, reflecting and listen to one another in the spirit of Advices and Queries 17:

Do you respect that of God in everyone though it may be expressed in unfamiliar ways or be difficult to discern? Each of us has a particular experience of God and each must find the way to be true to it. When words are strange or disturbing to you, try to sense where they come from and what has nourished the lives of others. Listen patiently and seek the truth which other people’s opinions may contain for you. Avoid hurtful criticism and provocative language. Do not allow the strength of your convictions to betray you into making statements or allegations that are unfair or untrue. Think it possible that you may be mistaken.

Friends gathered in small groups to discuss the question ‘why are we asked not to talk to the police during our actions?’  (And similarly why Quaker Roots and Stop the Arms Fair are not planning to engage the police beforehand). Here are some thoughts that arose:

Acting consistently with others

• Making sure everyone is on the same page
• Need to decide the level of risk we’re prepared to take – but not just making a decision on your own behalf – what we say and do affects others
• Acting together helps strengthen our right to protest

The role of the police

• Police are constantly information gathering
• They’ve got a job to do, which is in tension with our right to protest
• Can we trust the police? Be wary of appearance of friendliness, which may hide an agenda
• Having these discussions can make us challenge our own compliance
• Someone from BYM will be available to be a liaison on the day – they will know in advance what they’re going to say and not say

Solidarity

• Solidarity with others – disproportionately affected by police violence
• Level of risk is not equal for everyone
• In particular: people of colour, young men, Muslims, trans people, people with insecure immigration status, are at greater risk
• Avoid division between ourselves as ‘good’ protesters, and others as ‘bad’ protesters

Helpful approaches we might take:

• Try not to seek engagement
• Be polite but step away
• Use each other’s names less – call each other Friend
• Use the power of silence
• Understand the context – might be different to everyday situation
• Have a degree of suspicion, without letting it change us

Thanks to everyone for their helpful thoughts and challenging questions.  Hannah Brock-Womack wrote a helpful blog ahead of our actions in 2021, which remains a useful reflection on these issues:

Trying to be salt and light: interacting with the police at protests

Know Your Rights

Quaker Roots take our position on interacting with the police in line with Green & Black Cross’ (GBC) key advice for protesting.

• No Comment
• No Personal Details
• Under What Power?
• No Duty Solicitor
• No Caution

If you’ve not attended one before, GBC are offering three online Know Your Rights training sessions in August. At Quaker Roots we recommend these sessions for those joining our actions at DSEI, especially if you have questions or are feeling unsure about recent changes to protest law.

Read more and register on the GBC website.

Maintaining Hope

Finally, we ended the session by remembering that the police are not the primary reason we will be witnessing at DSEI.  We recalled the powerful testimony of our speakers at the Human Cost of War event.  And we concluded with some helpful words written by Rebecca Solnit, on the power of hope:

“Hope is not happiness or confidence or inner peace; it’s a commitment to search for possibilities.”