According to the International Energy Agency, meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement is possible only if there are no new fossil fuel projects. Continuing to launch new coal, oil and gas extraction projects poses significant risks to future generations. Immediate action is necessary to avoid catastrophic consequences.

Citigroup (Citi), a member of the Net Zero Banking Alliance, is the second-largest financer of fossil fuels worldwide and the leading financer of fossil fuel expansion. Despite the pressing need for swift action, Citi has done little to address the climate and ecological crisis, and continues to violate internationally-recognized human rights standards for Indigenous Peoples in its financing activities. By providing substantial funding for new fossil fuel extraction, they are actively supporting the fossil fuel industry. Furthermore, they are allocating considerable resources to carbon capture and storage projects, which allow for business as usual and fail to address root causes. It is time for Citi to reconsider its financing practices.

We have chosen these dates because they coincide with the Annual General Meeting (AGM), when Citi shareholders will vote on two proposals related to climate justice and Indigenous rights:

◾ A proposal to adopt a policy for a timebound phaseout of Citi’s lending to and underwriting of projects and companies engaging in new fossil fuel exploration and development;

◾ A proposal to create a report outlining the degree to which Citi’s policies, practices, and performance indicators respect internationally-recognized human rights standards for Indigenous Peoples’ rights in its existing and proposed general corporate and project financing.

The outcome of these votes will play a decisive role in determining how quickly the bank will wind down its financing for coal, oil, and gas. However, we do not believe these resolutions will pass. Therefore, we are planning to disrupt Citi to demand that it stops funding new coal, oil, and gas projects.

The impact of marches and rallies is short-lived. We aim to exert sustained, prolonged pressure on Citi. The sit-in will be accessible and inclusive, enabling everyone to participate, regardless of background and risk level.

Protest sit-ins are a nonviolent form of civil disobedience where participants occupy a space, typically a public area or a building, to draw attention to a cause or demand action from those in power. Sit-ins have been an effective use of protest throughout history because they disrupt the status quo and force those in power to confront the issue at hand. By refusing to leave the occupied space, participants demonstrate their commitment to the cause, and the media coverage of the sit-in often amplifies their message. Sit-ins have been instrumental in achieving significant social and political changes, including the desegregation of lunch counters in the United States during the Civil Rights Movement.

Sit-ins, a powerful tactic for change, must be executed peacefully and responsibly. By following the instructions below, participants can help ensure that their sit-in is safe, effective, and impactful.

◾ Which days should I come? You can come and go as you please, but the longer you stay, the greater the impact we will have. If you have the ability to take time off work or school, we strongly encourage you to do so.

◾ Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.

◾ Stay calm and peaceful: Sit-ins are a form of nonviolent protest. It is important to remain calm and peaceful throughout the demonstration.

◾ Follow the organizers' instructions: Listen to the organizers and follow their instructions during the sit-in. For the safety of all, is important to stick to what has been planned.

◾ Be respectful to others: Be respectful to others, including police officers, private security, bank employees and any passersby. This will help maintain a peaceful and productive atmosphere during the sit-in.

• Police liaison - Don't talk to the police at any time. The organizer's police liaison communicates with the police before and during the action to ensure everyone's safety and awareness of the legal implications. See Know Your Legal Rights.

• Nonviolent communication - Owing to the urgency of the climate and ecological crisis, emotions can run high. You may feel tempted to express frustration and anger in ways that could lead to violence and harm to others. Nonviolent communication means expressing your emotions and opinions in a respectful and non-threatening manner, fostering solidarity among rebels and creating a sense of community. Furthermore, nonviolent communication can promote constructive, respectful dialogue and engagement with Citi employees and the public.

◾ Document the action: Take photos and videos of the action and share them on social media. This will help spread awareness of the action and its message. Tag the Extinction Rebellion social media accounts on Twitter, Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook. Use the hashtags #ExtinctionRebellion #StoptheMoneyPipeline #Climate #ClimateChange #Nature #Environment #SavethePlanet

Basics - Pack Light!

◾ Government ID

◾ Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and footwear

◾ Depending on the weather, bring a hat, sunscreen, umbrella, poncho, and/or sleeping bag

◾ Water and food

◾ Chair

◾ Noisemaker

◾ Handmade signs or posters with the demands and slogan below:

Demands

• NO NEW OIL
• NO NEW GAS
• NO NEW COAL

Other slogans
• DEFUND DESTRUCTION
• PLANET OVER PROFIT
• FINANCE AS USUAL = ECOCIDE
• PLANETARY CRISIS
• CLIMATE JUSTICE NOW
• PROTECT INDIGENOUS RIGHTS
• WE WANT TO LIVE
• WE CAN'T AFFORD THIS ANYMORE

Do not bring

◾ Tarps or tent

◾ Amplified sound (e.g., loud speakers or megaphone)

◾ De-escalators: Speak with individuals who may be agitated by the action

◾ Jail Support: Keep track of arrestees and their belongings through the action and arrest process. Greet and feed arrestees upon release.

◾ Medics: Act as on-site medical support for the action

◾ Care Team: Organize emotional support such as action grounding work or emotional support

◾ Photographer/Livestreamer: Capture the action through photos and videos which will be passed onto the media team for further amplification of the action

◾ Other: Willing to be a general pair of helping hands

This is a do-it-together action, so come spread some hope and joy to the community by offering your talents! Here are some examples to give you an idea of what we're looking for:

◾ Art, dance & music: Musical performance, music jamming session, chalk art, banner making, open mic, parody, singing, skits, improv, comedy, and other performance open to participation.

◾ Teach-ins on: NVDA history; the IPCC report; a better world; Deep Adaptation

◾ Networking: Card games, reading circle, knitting circle, mending circle, ice breaker groups, peoples' assemblies

◾ Greenhands: Planting seeds or small plants, collecting trash around sidewalks

◾ Mindfulness: Yoga, movement exercises, meditation

◾ Other: Bike repair

Temporary accommodation in NYC can be expensive, and rebels traveling from out of town may need help with housing. Please let us know if you require housing or have space at home to accommodate a guest.