Become a trained Greenpeace activist
Join Greenpeace’s peaceful protests and direct actions. Activists are at the heart of Greenpeace’s world-changing campaigns, and there are different roles to suit your skills and situation.
The next training will take place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September. To be considered for this training please apply by Monday 7th September – 9am.
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What do Greenpeace activists do?
Greenpeace activists peacefully expose, confront or disrupt environmental injustice.
They often directly target the companies or government bodies responsible for the damage. They use creative tactics to disrupt their operations and draw public attention to what they’re doing.
These kinds of protests are known as non-violent direct actions (or just ‘actions’).
Five things to know about being an activist
- Activism is a powerful, proven way to change the world. Many of the freedoms we enjoy today were won through peaceful protest.
- Greenpeace actions are carefully planned, and activists work as a team to carry out the plan.
- Taking action can be tiring and emotionally intense, with lots of highs and lows.
- Activists come from all walks of life, and many cultures have proud activist traditions.
- You may need to defend your actions legally, and we will support you.
“I always feel a sense of community and camaraderie when we assemble together and prep for actions – it feels like a family get together!”
Patti, Greenpeace activist
Who can be an activist?
You don’t need to have special skills to be an activist. You also don’t need to be unusually brave or physically strong. However you do need to be:
Is activism safe?
Although activism does involve some calculated risks, the safety and welfare of activists is always our top priority. Here’s what you can expect:
Every action is carefully risk-assessed. We draw on decades of combined experience planning actions, and we factor in the current political, public and legal climate. We can (and do) stop actions if they’re putting anyone in unreasonable danger.
Every activist is thoroughly safety trained. Training includes everything from the safe use of equipment like ladders and locks, to de-escalation and managing stress.
You’ll get a detailed briefing before every action, including the rationale for what you’re doing, the legal implications for your role, and any other risks involved.
Our welfare volunteers will be there to support you during and after an action. From helping you get legal advice to giving you a lift home from the police station, they’ve got you covered.
You’ll be part of a friendly, well-organised activist network where everyone is welcome. We actively seek feedback, and create space to ask for info and support. If you have particular access needs, we’ll ensure these are covered wherever possible.
If you have to defend your actions legally, you’ll get professional legal representation and support from specialist solicitors tailored to your circumstances – all paid for by Greenpeace. We also cover any costs you incur as part of the action, and provide pastoral care until your case is resolved.
After your training, you’ll be connected to an experienced activist who will keep you informed of upcoming actions and able to help you prepare for them.
“The planning, preparation and support from Greenpeace are second to none and I always feel valued and safe.”
Richard, Greenpeace activist
About Greenpeace activist training
Training happens over a weekend at Greenpeace’s office in London. Here’s how it works and what to expect.
What you’ll learn
Background
- The history of non-violent direct action, and why it matters today.
- How Greenpeace works, and how we fit into the wider movement.
Practical skills
- Non-violence and dealing with stressful situations.
- Learn about your legal right to protest, possible charges and defences.
- How to hide in plain sight.
Being an activist
- How to join a Greenpeace action, and how we take your feedback on board.
- Anti-oppression, collective care, and joining Greenpeace’s activist community.
Open to everyone
We’re committed to help with any practical or financial barriers that might stop you being able to join us.
We’ll cover your travel expenses to and from the training. There’ll be free food and basic overnight accommodation.
Wherever possible, we’ll accommodate your access needs. Our offices have:
- Level access from the street, with automatic doors into the building.
- An accessible bathroom with automatic doors and a DOC M shower setup.
- An elevator with door safety sensors and a mirrored back.
We can also cover childcare costs, hire BSL interpreters, cater for your dietary needs and lots more. Just tell us what you need when you complete your application form.
If you have any questions or worries about accessing the training, our activist development team are here to help. Email actuk@greenpeace.org to get a quick answer or organise a chat.
What to expect
The two-day training will be a mix of theory and practice. You’ll learn from practical exercises, group discussion, action role-play and regular presentations.
- Sessions will be led by our volunteer trainers and Greenpeace staff.
- There’ll be about 35 participants in total.
- You’ll need to bring an overnight bag including a towel, and warm clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You don’t need any special equipment for the training.
- We’ll ask you to keep your phone stored away during the training, but you’ll still be able to access it if you need it.
- Food will be provided and there’ll be plenty of breaks through the day. Snacks and drinks will be available throughout.
- There’ll be some social time to get to know your fellow participants and the Greenpeace actions team.
- There’ll be no pressure or obligation to sign up as an activist if you decide it isn’t right for you.
Although you won’t be tested or formally assessed as part of the training, we do occasionally say no to people we feel aren’t ready to be a Greenpeace activist.
After the training
You’ll be asked for feedback on the training afterwards. You’ll then have some time to consider whether being a Greenpeace activist is right for you. You can also have a followup call with our activist development team to discuss it if needed.
If you do decide to go ahead, you’ll be invited to join our activists network, and be connected with an experienced activist who will invite you to your first action.
Apply for the next training session
The next training will take place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September.
To be considered for this training, please apply by Monday 7th September – 9am.
If you have any questions or concerns about applying, email actuk@greenpeace.org to get a quick answer or organise a chat.