Considering participating in the State House Stand-Out action? We welcome everyone.
State House Stand-Out for No New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure
Info Packet & FAQ
Subject to updates. Last updated 6.8.23
What: Climate activists are planning a long-term Stand-Out in front of the Massachusetts State House to put pressure on Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, and House Speaker Mariano to commit to no new fossil fuel infrastructure.
How: The strategy is to apply nonviolent, constant, highly visible pressure in the form of 2+ people standing out (and sometimes in) the State House holding signs demanding No New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure. The Stand-Out will be amplified by a robust and engaging media and outreach strategy to make it clear to the press, the state and city governments, and the general public that by allowing future gas and oil infrastructure to be built, our state is complicit in the destruction of our shared future.
When: Starting Monday, June 5, 2023 and lasting until the governor publicly commits to no new fossil fuel infrastructure, or the legislature passes a law that would ban new fossil fuel infrastructure. Each business day, there will be 2+ climate activists peacefully and determinedly stationed outside the State House with art, such as signs, flags, or banners. Activists will sign up for shifts of 2, 4, or 8 hours, with the goal of complete coverage 9-5 for all business days Monday – Friday.
Why: This is an ambitious goal that requires many people to show up and sacrifice their time. For that reason, it is a powerful tool to show the state government that we will not stop demanding real climate action. We hope this stand-out will become an inspiring coalition of action organizations across Massachusetts, united in the fight for no new fossil fuel infrastructure. Through this simple shared goal, we can demonstrate the scale of the climate movement to those in power.
Who: This action is coordinated by members of XR Boston, a climate activist group that uses nonviolent direct action to push governments at all levels to take climate action. It is open to all climate and social justice groups and individuals who agree that MA should stop building new infrastructure for oil and gas. If not us, who?
FAQs
What does a shift involve? At the start of each day, the first-shift activists will deliver a climate-themed postcard to the executive office, alerting the secretary that climate activists will be stationed outside for the rest of the day and into the future. Then they will then go outside and hold signs on the State House steps for the rest of their shift. During the shift, they will take at least one picture (together or separate), send a 1-2 sentence update to the coordinator’s group, which will be included in the ongoing media materials and compilation of the action. At the end of each day, the volunteers for the final shift will return to the executive office and remind them that a new wave of activists will arrive in the morning.
What do I do during my shift? The overall tone of the stand-out is serious and determined. For this reason, we request to avoid reading, eating, doing work, scrolling on your phone, etc. Climate and ecological breakdown is the most serious threat to our species and all others, and we must channel that energy to get that message through. However there is a lot of joy to be had in taking action for the climate – so also enjoy yourself and this special time with your fellow activists!
What if people ask what’s going on? If passersby are curious, activists are encouraged to speak with them or hand out a flier with more information about the campaign. If you love flyering, go for it! This is a great outreach opportunity.
What about bathrooms? Bathrooms are inside the State House, which is open to the public 9-5 during all business days.
Can I eat lunch / snacks while on my shift? We suggest arriving well fed and watered to your shift to preserve the serious and dedicated nature of the stand-out. But, if “it’s an emergency, act now” (get it? 😉 and do what you need to do to stay comfortable and healthy! Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially on warm days.
What should I bring? Water bottle, sunscreen, hat if you need one or it’s a hot day, your personal sign if you have one. If there’s a chance of rain, don’t forget a raincoat, rain boots and umbrella.
What should I not bring? Don’t bring anything that can be construed as a weapon – including pocket knives, batons, sharpened sticks or poles.
Do I have to stand the whole time? No, you can sit on the benches or bring a folding chair if you wish.
How do I get signs, flyers, and postcards? We have secured a location near the State House where our materials can be stored overnight. More details in the Participant Guidebook.
How do I sign up for a shift? You can sign up for a 2, 4, 6, or 8 hour shift by writing in your name or code name on a shared spreadsheet. To get access to the spreadsheet, send a message to fossilfuels.standout.ma@proton.me with your phone number, your name, and (optional) a code name to be used on the shift sign-up sheet, so the coordinators can contact you. It is encouraged to download the Signal messaging app for communicating with the Stand-Out participants, but alternatively the organizers can communicate with you via email.
I’m part of a different climate organization, can I bring a sign from my org? Yes, this is encouraged to demonstrate a message of broad support for climate action across many civil society groups. However, we request that there be at least one No New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure or similar sign to keep the message targeted on this essential task for the governor and legislature.
Is there any risk of being arrested at this action? This action is completely within our constitutional rights and does not present a legitimate risk of arrest. NLG lawyers are committed to representing us in the highly unlikely scenario of needing their legal assistance. We have first amendment protections of freedom of speech, right to peaceably assemble in areas open to the public, and right to redress our government with grievances. Let’s use them!
How will my information be kept secure during this action? Participants sign up for a shift using their first name or code name in a Google Sheet that is accessible to anyone with the link (shared only with people who have written in expressing interest in the action). Participants’ full name, email address and phone number is sent to an encrypted email address that is accessible only by the action leads. The action leads maintain a private, protected spreadsheet with a list of participants and their contact info. The preferred method of group communication is Signal, an encrypted messaging app.
What do we mean by No New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure? We demand an immediate prohibition on all new fossil fuel infrastructure in the Commonwealth. Either Governor Healey, or House Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka must introduce legislation that places a moratorium on new fossil fuel infrastructure and cancels all fossil fuel infrastructure projects under development.
No New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure means:
- NO new fossil fuel power plants
- NO new gas hookups
- NO new natural gas pipelines
- NO new LNG facilities
- NO new gas stations
- NO new airports or airport expansions
STOP fossil fuel infrastructure under development, including:
- MMWEC’s Peaker Plant in Peabody
- NEC’s Liquified Natural Gas Facility in Charlton
- LNG expansion to Douglas
- L.G. Hanscom Airfield’s North Airfield Development in Bedford
- “Modernization” projects in Lowell and Worcester
- “Reliability” projects in Western Mass. and Sharon-to-Brockton
- The Hopkinton-Ashland Transfer Line
- Meter stations in Longmeadow and Charlton
To join, email to fossilfuels.standout.ma@proton.me.
More information and FAQ here.
State House Stand-Out for No New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure 