Resource Steward | Self-Organising System – Volunteer

Volunteer Summary: Resource Steward (Self-Organising System)

Extinction Rebellion (XR) UK is seeking a creative and structurally-minded volunteer to join the Self-Organising System (SOS) circle. This role is critical to maintaining the movement’s non-hierarchical infrastructure. You will be responsible for translating complex organizational theories into accessible, engaging, and practical resources that empower activists to work autonomously and make decentralized decisions. If you are passionate about alternative power structures and have a talent for digital content creation, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the internal culture of a global social movement.

Requirements and Skills

• Communication: Exceptional written skills with the ability to turn “process-heavy” information into clear, jargon-free online guidance.

• Digital Content Creation: Proficiency in at least one of the following:

  • Graphic Design / Page Layout: For creating PDF guides or physical resources (like the upcoming “Self-Organising Card Pack”).

  • Video/Audio Production: For creating online training modules and explainer videos.

• Conceptual Understanding: An interest in (or willingness to learn) Holacracy, Sociocracy, or other self-organising principles.

• Collaborative Mindset: Ability to work within a small team of 2-3 stewards, sharing tasks based on mutual interests and skill sets.

• Values Alignment: A commitment to XR’s principles of decentralization, transparency, and mitigating power imbalances.

Role Overview

The SOS circle exists to ensure that XR doesn’t default to traditional, top-down hierarchies. As a Resource Steward, your “customers” are the thousands of volunteers across the UK. You will help them understand Integrative Decision Making, how roles are appointed, and how authority is distributed. This isn’t just about filing documents; it’s about movement-building. You will rethink how “rules” are presented—moving away from dry manuals toward interactive digital resources, packs of cards, and training videos that make radical decentralization feel intuitive.

Key Responsibilities

• Resource Creation: Develop guidance documents and digital media that explain the Why and How of working differently.

• Accessibility: Find innovative ways to make XR’s agreements and conventions (how authority is distributed and decisions made) easier to navigate.

• Maintenance: Regularly audit and update existing resources to ensure they reflect the current evolution of the movement.

• Support: Act as a point of contact for members of the movement looking for clarity on self-organising processes.

• Team Projects: Collaborate with other stewards on specific projects, such as the development of the “Self-Organising Card Pack” or new online training modules.

What Difference Will You Make?

By distilling complex organizational concepts into digestible content, you directly enable autonomy. When volunteers understand the “rules of the game,” they can take action faster without waiting for “permission” from a central authority. Your work ensures that XR remains a true grassroots movement, resilient to the power struggles that often dismantle traditional organizations.

Why Volunteer for this Role?

• Skill Development: Gain experience in “Org Design” and non-traditional governance within a high-profile setting.

• Creative Freedom: The role allows you to experiment with different mediums (video, cards, web) to communicate messages.

• Community: Work closely with a small, dedicated team focused on embodying the change they want to see in the world.

Peer Note: Self-Organisation

Insight: XR uses a system inspired by Holacracy. If you haven’t encountered this before, it’s a method of decentralized management where authority is distributed to “roles” rather than people. Mentioning an interest in “Non-Violent Communication” (NVC) or “Consent-based Decision Making” in your application will show you’re already on their wavelength.