Want to join the Stop DSEI arms fair week of action, but not sure how to get involved? There are loads of ways you can be part of the action against Europe’s biggest arms fair.
As well as checking out the Stop the Arms Fair website to find out about the themed days of action planned from 2nd-8th September, let us know if you want to volunteer for one or more of these teams to help stop DSEI:
Police Station Support
Greet people released from police custody, providing emotional and practical support; ensuring they are aware of what other support is available; and keeping the legal team up to date. No training required. Listening and support skills useful.
Legal Observer
If you are a trained Legal Observer, we need your help to provide basic legal guidance to support the legal rights of activists, and be an independent witness to police behaviour each day of the week of action. Requires previous training in Legal Observing by Green and Black Cross or LDMG.
First Aider
Provide immediate aid to anyone injured or ill, keep them safe, cause no further harm, and liaise with the emergency services as needed. Requires either medical or nursing training, or a current relevant certificate in First Aid, or training/experience as a Street Medic.
Mental Health First Aider
Provide aid to someone who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress, especially acting as an immediate point of contact; to keep them safe; to cause no further harm, and to liaise with emergency services as needed. Requires either relevant medical or nursing training; or current relevant certificate in Mental Health First Aid.
‘Peace Cafe’
A crucial job to ensure protests can continue is keeping everyone fed and watered. Help prepare and serve food, ensuring food safety, cleaning preparation areas, washing up. No training required. Experience of food preparation and food hygiene certificates useful.
Social Media
Getting the word out is a critical part of the week of action. Help capture images and video and share the story of events taking place for those not able to be there. Help get people excited and down to site, and show solidarity with those taking action. No special training required. Skills in photography; videography; experience using Twitter/Facebook/WhatsApp useful.
Welfare Team
Provide practical and emotional support on site. Share food and water, provide a quiet and supportive space for people in distress, or get a blanket or suncream. You’ll identify welfare needs, and signpost people to help. No special training required. Experience organising welfare support useful.
Infrastructure Team
Ensure the site is a safe, accessible place to be. Help set up and move shelters and toilets, prevent damage by the elements, ensure ramps and facilities needed are in place. No special training required. Practical skills around putting up tents or shelters; moving heavy objects; driving useful.
Art the Arms Fair!
During the week of action, and into the following week (3rd-13th Sept), Art the Arms Fair will be running an art exhibition in Peckham, with workshops and events; there are also plans to bring part of the display to East London.
Get in touch!
If you are interested in filling any of these roles, please email events[at]caat.org.uk, letting us know the area you are interested in and your availability. Most of the roles will be near the ExCel centre in London (DLR: Prince Regent, Royal Victoria).
Thank you!
