'I learned protest songs off YouTube': how to become a climate activist

Here is your formal invitation to become an activist. None of us were born doing it, and we all have a first time. I had to learn protest songs off YouTube before I taught them to the 300 people who turned up to the first climate strike I helped organise.

My start in activism was just a case of realising if not me, then who? You have to overcome your embarrassment. It’s a steep learning curve, but one you can climb easily with help.

We can’t afford for climate activism to feel inaccessible; post-pandemic, returning to business as usual will kill us. There is almost certainly a cause you feel as strongly about.

Organisers such as Michael Watson, 54, who set up Durham Road Block to fight the local council’s plan for “not justified” roads, don’t hit headlines like Greta Thunberg, but their actions can make a massive difference. “I wouldn’t have classed myself as an activist,” says Michael. “I found out they were going to build a road through our city’s nature reserves and had to do something.”

Michael led an 18-month campaign and formed a group of more than 1,000 people to legally challenge the council. “We were ordinary people up against experts. We had negative comments and people saying it was no use, but now, when I walk through those woods, I have a massive grin on my face. We won.”

Lauren Conway is a student who has been active with Extinction Rebellion for the past two years. “I didn’t do anything political until I was 21, when I joined the Green party.” Lauren ended up setting up Barnsley Greens: “I learned that with grassroots activism, you don’t need to wait for permission.”

There is no rule book. Action can be online or physical, and as creative as you are capable, but every activist is unique. Just like you.

Ten tips for planning a climate strike

1. Overcome the idea that you have to be a certain ‘type’
None of us are perfect. I knew I wasn’t like any of the activists I admired, and was no good at drawing, science or speechwriting. Stop using your flaws as excuses and admit your talents. Public protest is about gathering numbers. If you can turn up, you can be counted – anything beyond that is a bonus.

2. Gather a community with a shared goal
For the climate strikes, we reached out to every group we could think of. Talk about what is already happening and tap into different networks. Check you are making your protest inclusive. We co-hosted with academic and faith groups and many others.

3. Set your goal
If you want someone to listen to your message, explicitly outline what that message is. Share a list of your demands, possibly with an open letter to the decision makers.

4. Check the risks
If you are still at school or in employment, you may need to ask permission. This could be via an open letter, which clearly sets out your reasons for believing the issue is important. If you are a parent, I suggest lobbying school governors if a headteacher is unsympathetic. A good employer should support your right to protest.

5. Create a Facebook event
Facebook can communicate your event to the public and also show you how many have seen it. Events can go further than you imagine – our climate strike events reached more than 25,000 people. Try to find someone who likes social media to create eye-catching content.

6. Decide how to communicate with the police
You don’t legally have to notify the police of a planned demonstration unless it is a march, but often it is better to have transparency. Go to greenandblackcross.org to find advice on your legal rights as a protester.

7. Organise placard-making parties
Placards are important for communicating your message. Humour is excellent, but hard facts or simple slogans can get your voice heard. Making a placard with other people increases everyone’s likelihood of attending. Ask local supermarkets for spare cardboard.

8. Consider the media
Write a press release to local news platforms. Include the timing, location and contact details. Reporters will want someone to interview – think about who so they can prepare. We got our first climate strike on local TV. Remember to take photographs.

9. Embrace your inner protestor
You have to overcome your ego. Get ready to shout the loudest, because if you don’t bring the energy to a protest, who will? Find people who are willing to lead chants or make unifying speeches. If possible, borrow a busking amplifier – more people have them than you’d expect.

10. Remember why you’re protesting
There will be challenges. But remembering the reasons why you’re doing what you’re doing will make your voice louder.