This is an urgent update from the Drive2Survive Organisers
We want to start by thanking everyone for their support, collaboration and donations to help make the event happen on July 7th at Parliament Square. We welcome the attendance of everyone at this peaceful public rally.
To ensure the safety, security and comfort of everyone on the day, we please ask that you honour our request for:
No sound systems: we want to hear our speakers and community voices.
No trucks or vehicles
No alcohol or drugs: this is a law-abiding, family event.
No other entertainment - young children and horses will be present.
We have stewards, professional security and a dedicated assembly point to ensure everyone has a positive experience on the day. There is a dedicated crowd-free safe space area, Covid-safety masks and hand sanitiser available.
You are warmly invited to join us after 3 pm at The Abbey Centre for tea and cakes, to meet the team and MPs. People are gathering from all over the UK to exercise their right to protest. Let's make it a safe and enjoyable experience.
Safe Spaces: Our Approach
This is a guide about looking after and respecting each other –It should tell you what you can expect and what you commit to as part of the Drive 2 Survive.
We aim to create a respectful and understanding space where all people can express themselves and show kindness and compassion towards others without prejudice or hierarchy power. Therefore, we have high expectations of how we behave towards each other when meeting.
Consent. Before you touch anyone or discuss sensitive topics, ask if someone is comfortable with that. Don't assume your physical and emotional boundaries are the same as other people's.
Be aware of your privileges. Think about how your words and who they might exclude or harm.
Calling out. If you have acted or spoken harmfully, someone may bring this up with you. If this happens, please listen and reflect.
Learning. Don't understand something? Ask. We are responsible for our learning. Know of a book, website or resource? Please share it.
Labour. Contribute what you can. Everyone is different. It's okay to make mistakes. Be polite when offering criticism and show gratitude for the hard work of others.
Social. We build social relationships outside of meetings and actions. We commit to this Safer Spaces policy wherever we are together. There is no expectation to participate in social events, and this shouldn't make you feel less included.
Security. Would you mind not using the names/details of people who have been involved in organising and carrying out any demos or actions without asking them? This makes sure that journalists, police or other unknown people don't hold information that could put members at risk of harm. Also, please don't film or photograph without permission.
Alcohol and Drugs. This family event and any associated activities are not a party. Would you please respect this? Do not drink alcohol or take drugs,
Community responsibility. When we work together, we are creating the change we wish to see in the world. So take care of each other.
We strive to stay free from oppressive action, behaviour, and language. These unjust actions and words include but are not limited to: racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and any disrespect of size, gender identity, sexual identity/expression, (dis)ability, age, educational level, and cultural background. Because we want to learn from and educate each other fairly and inclusively, we are all responsible for addressing these issues as they arise.
Our spaces will be inclusive and supportive spaces for all women and gender-variant individuals. We do not police your identity in our spaces.
Drive2Survive is a diverse group, and some of us experience multiple kinds of oppression: racism, sexism, ableism, poverty, transphobia, homophobia, and Traveller-phobia. These oppressions are not separate from each other, which can be exhausting & painful. Therefore, we want to create a community that recognises and challenges the harms of oppression.
Please aware this is a public event, and some protesters will be survivors of domestic, sexual and state violence. We all respond to harmful experiences differently, so please take care of yourself and those around you. Do what feels comfortable and safe.
These policies are not about censorship. On the contrary, we are open to respectful dialogue and, most importantly, want everyone to feel safe and free to participate in our activities.
Thank you.
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