We’re two weeks away from what is shaping up to be the biggest climate mobilisation we’ve ever seen. But these next two weeks will mean the difference between it turning out to be another climate rally, or one of the most enormous, fiery, impossible to ignore moments that Australia – and the world – has seen.
School students have been leading on this, but they have made it unequivocally clear that it’s high time for the rest of us to join in and back them up. So, here are 9 things you can do to make this massive:
1. RSVP to a strike near you!
You’re mentally ‘attending’, but have you signed up for updates and hit ‘going’ on the relevant Facebook event for your strike? It may seem insignificant, but RSVP numbers are hugely helpful for organisers. How else should they know how many Port-a-loos to hire? Plus, we all know that people in your social networks will suss out the ‘going’ list of the event before committing to attend. Give them one more reason to join in!
2. Make a post on social media
Ok, so now you’re ‘going’, but you and I both know that’s not enough to get the word out there. Choose your social media platform of choice and tell your people why this matters!
There are an infinite number of cool articles or impressive videos you could share, but if you want to get serious and hack that algorithm, take a selfie or a video and get 👏 that 👏reach👏. Make sure you tag #ClimateStrike, and @350Australia if you don’t mind us sharing!
3. Text your friends
If your friends, family, and coworkers have never been to a #ClimateStrike or any kind of climate mobilisation before, all the Instagram stories in the world might not get them to attend. But a sincere personal message inviting them to meet up on the day and head to the strike together? That’s a winner.
This Sunday morning, find somewhere to sit in the sun with a paper, pen and hot beverage of your choice, and write down the names of at least 5 people who might come to the strike if you asked them. Get your phone out, craft some nice texts, and work your way through the list. You’ll be surprised how many people will be excited to come if only you ask them!
4. Sign up to volunteer on the day
Real talk: these strikes, especially the ones in the major cities, are going to be huge. We’re going to need a crack team of volunteers on the day to support these huge crowds to get where they need to be safely. Trainings for volunteer roles in the major cities are fast approaching, so sign up today if you’re keen!
Sydney • Melbourne • Brisbane • Perth
5. Talk to strangers
Ok, so everyone you know has had an earful about the climate strike, you’re posting every day on social media, and you’ve even sent texts to your ex-partners’ parents inviting them to come along. It’s time to talk to people you don’t know!
There are dozens of outreach events being organised around the country in preparation for the strike – handing out information and having conversations at train stations, hosting info nights, you name it. Check out this map to join one being organised near you, or host your own!
6. Put up posters
Did a part of you just curl up and freak out at the thought of talking to strangers? It’s OK introverts, we’ve got you covered. There are literally thousands of posters waiting to be stuck up in the major cities, and so many beautiful templates that can be customised and printed to be stuck up everywhere else (download them here and here).
This is your calling! Grab some mates (ideally two: one for sticking, one for holding materials while you align the posters) and get out there.
Poster: Paperhand artists
7. Send an email around to your workplace
If your workplace hasn’t already come out in support of the climate strike… they’re falling behind, fast. This week a whole bunch of Australian businesses announced that they are enthusiastically supporting the strike and letting employees attend – and the big banks quickly followed to state their employees are welcome to attend too. Many universities are sending emails to their tens of thousands of students and staff.
There’s a big precedent for this now, so check out these resources and make a plan for how you’ll get your workplace on board!
8. Hold a crafternoon
Friends, don’t make the grave mistake of not thinking about a placard until the night before the strike. The Australian climate strikes have developed a national and international reputation for some of the most hilarious, irreverent, clever and powerful placards – and for the sheer volume of them as well.
Not the quickest wit? No worries – with two weeks to think about it, anything is possible. Why not put an evening in the calendar to get your creative juices flowing with some friends – the wit and artistic vision of some are sure to get shared around. You can also find inspiration in the global #ClimateStrike Arts Kit!
Photo: School Strike 4 Climate
9. Tell any Pacific and First nations young people you know to submit to our art competition!
Don’t get us wrong, we’re excited to see your homemade placards, but we’re even more excited to see the banners designed by Pacific and First Nations young people that are going to be fronting up the climate strikes in Melbourne.
We’re currently running an art competition with SEED, Pacific Climate Warriors and School Strike 4 Climate to support these young folks who are on the front lines of the climate crisis to participate in the strikes in a way that feels true to them and elevates their knowledge to the front. Spread the word!