🌈 Paint the Streets: Ideas, inspiration & documentation

Having said, that it’s always good to take a moment to consider what you say and where, when and to whom: message/context/timing. Think about there you’re sticking it.

I’ve been thinking about how our messages can evolve in small ways to acknowledge the shift in context - everything has changed, and yet it hasn’t. For me, failing to acknowledge this paradox feels out of touch.

I like to mix the old ‘out of the box’ messages with new imagery or balance humour with earnestness… horror with beauty… etc…

If swearing feels disrespectful… maybe you could have a play with meeting people where they’re at then giving them the bad news. something like:

With all due respectCLIMATE CHANGE = WE’RE FUCKED rebel for life, love and everything you know

Swear words are attention grabbing.
Rude and shouty, together balanced with respect and sadness and urgency. GRIEF/LOVE/RAGE.

It might seem like a lot of words, but if you put it places where people pause, (pedestrian crossing, where people stand in line, in a loo, public transport … it will be read.

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If anyone knows how to link this conversation with the PTS messaging & stickers topics please do.

This just acknowledges all the other shit going on in the world and peoples lives…
It’s says “yes, and” rather than “no, but”

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@brad333 How about gathering all the suggestions into some sort of rough poll? How many stickers go out depends on how many rebels like them enough to do the work.So who likes which wording is the main thing. The layout makes a difference as well - and little extra bits of nuance like @jess is suggesting - so ideally the rough poll would include an approximate layouts like Jess’ sketches. But if that’s too hard then just the words is a good first step.

@Mad_Mattho The main problem with these is that guilt doesn’t work to activate people. You need fear (especially fear for yourself or for the people and things you love) or anger (especially about injustice) to get people off the couch and active. The action urge that goes with guilt is withdrawal - hiding out. That’s why the corporations that want to prevent action make big use of individual guilt and shaming and blaming more generally -eg anti-littering campaigns as a distraction from regulating plastic containers - they tend to paralyse and divide people.

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I was going to just wait until the next paint the streets meeting, but if somebody wants to organise a poll then that’s fine by me, just not sure how we would incorporate different designs?

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Spotted in Adelaide.
Do you have any interesting photos from Adelaide @rhinolouis?

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Just a note on this one, the police came and checked this out, approved it was done with chalk spray and everyone went on their merry way.

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Wow. Lots to catch up on here. Something to add that might be useful on brandalism.

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Also supporting fear evoking messages over guilt evoking. - With the addition of opportunity. Where hard messaging doesn’t work for me is when it leaves people nowhere to turn. Everyone kind of knows the world is fucked. In all sorts of ways. We just pretend like it’s not, and avoid thinking about it because it seems so impossible to change. The kicking of the domino is revealing the possibility, an opportunity to do something that might actually make a difference.

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Rebellion is what makes a difference! I think messages like “business as usual equals death” when paired with “Rebel for life” “Extinction … or Rebellion?” or just simply “Extinction Rebellion” tend to inspire hope or at least courage. Truth-telling is an essential first step. When we weaken our message we hobble ourselves.

The Rebellion is certainly the main thing that gives me some hope/courage at present. But only if our message stays proud and strong.

Weak messages and the ongoing spread of ‘fear doesn’t work’ disinformation fill me with despair.

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Hi Jane - Did you see that one, “Now we’re cooking with GAS” with the earth in a blue gas flame? It is a well-known Ad campaign in the UK, and I think it also aired here? I really liked the image.

‘How to’ guide for MURALS for the charming project managers out there…
Download the doc form here: https://mega.nz/file/nAMRQA7D#qGDy9T6M_l1LQt_ixYlhHWuP5Fo5kAfy6uw1zZnA8_8
It’s even got a charming letter for letter box drops.


@JaneM

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I’ve seen a few. But not sure if I’ve seen the one you mean. Do you have an image?

Perhaps we could do some painting of the streets linked to this:

A date to note and a Zoom call to consider joining (from Climate Action Network Australia)

There will be a National Day of Action on Friday September 25 pushing back against the Government’s plans for a gas-fired recovery and calling for no public funds for gas and damaging fossil fuels.

This event is a collaboration between First Nations communities fighting gas, the School Strike movement, key unions and supporting organisations.

WHAT: Build Our Future: Climate Justice & Jobs National Day of Action. You can find out more on this webpage just launched!
WHEN: Friday 25th September
WHERE: Everywhere across the country!

There is a call out for communities who want to host actions and be part of a critical opportunity to unite and amplify the fights of many communities who have been fighting gas projects on the ground over many years.

This also coincides with a Global day of climate action called by the Fridays For Future Network.

There are lots of ways groups and individuals can support the big day and work together in the lead up to the event.

You can join at 4pm AEST next Friday 31st July for all organisations and groups interested in supporting this national action on this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84301282409

RSVP to moira@tippingpoint.org.au

There’s also a webinar for organisers of events on Thursday 13th August at 6pm AEST to provide more context about the action, answer any questions you might have and connect you with resources and support. RSVP here

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It was in the thread above. I’ll have a look for it. If I can even find the thread again! :roll_eyes:

In Brighton UK.

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https://base.ausrebellion.earth/uploads/default/original/2X/2/22a63057742f98065396eab1c061dbd35d5d589a.jpeg
There it is …
Loving this thread and images. Inspiring.

Paint the Streets - awesome