Join the resistance to DSEI 2027!
There are many ways you can take action against DSEI. Turning up, bringing a group or organising a protest are all really important, getting involved with planning, helping with the infrastructure and onsite support also make a big difference.
Please get in touch if you can help us organise the resistance – send an email to resistDSEI@protonmail.com or contact us on Instagram or Facebook.
Taking action
More information about the protests that will take place during the arms fair set up and the event week will be posted on the What’s happening? page.
This is what happened at the Arms Fair in 2017.
Planning and coordination in the run up to DSEI
Role: Having an overview of what’s going on where, getting the word out to encourage people to come, liaising with other groups and organisations, running workshops both in London and across the country.
Training/skills: No special training required. Skills in planning, decision making and communication useful.
Social media & citizen journalism
Role: Getting the word out! Capturing images, video, sharing the story of events taking place on the day (especially for those not physically present); mobilising and encouraging participation; demonstrating solidarity
Training/skills: No special training required. Skills in photography; videography; experience using Instagram/Facebook/WhatsApp useful.
Infrastructure
Role: Ensuring the site physically remains a safe, accessible place to be; setting up and moving PAs, shelters and toilets; preventing damage e.g. due to wind; ensuring any ramps/facilities needed are in place.
Training/skills: No special training required. Practical skills around putting up tents or shelters; moving heavy objects; driving useful.
Food & drink
Role: Keeping everyone fed and watered! Involves preparation and service of food; ensuring food safety; cleaning preparation areas; washing up;
Training/skills: No special training required; experience of food preparation and food hygiene certificates useful.
Welfare team
Role: Providing practical and emotional support on site, e.g. sharing food and water, quiet and supportive space for people in distress; managing support materials and equipment (e.g. blankets, water bottles); identifying welfare needs and signposting people to the relevant resources
Training/skills: No special training required. Experience organising welfare support useful.
First aiders
Role: To provide aid to someone who is injured or ill, especially immediate aid; to keep them safe; to cause no further harm and to liaise with the emergency services as needed.
Training/skills: Requires either medical or nursing training; or current relevant certificate in First Aid; or training/experience as a Street Medic.
Mental health first aiders
Role: To provide aid to someone who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress, especially acting as an immediate point of contact; to keep them safe; to cause no further harm, and to liaise with emergency services as needed.
Training/skills:Requires either relevant medical or nursing training; or current relevant certificate in Mental Health First Aid.
Legal observers
Role: Trained volunteers who support the legal rights of activists. They provide basic legal guidance and are independent witnesses of police behaviour at protests.
Training/skills: Requires previous training in Legal Observing by Green and Black Cross (GBC) or LDMG.
Police Station Support
Role: Greeting people released from police custody and providing emotional and practical support; ensuring they are aware of what other support is available; keeping the legal team informed.
Training/skills: No special training required; listening and support skills useful.
It all matters!
We are aware that there are many activities not listed above. If you are providing transport, accommodation, food, making art, babysitting, petsitting, a listening ear, an encouraging word, or sharing information online or in person, you are helping put a stop to the arms fair! Thank you!
Get in touch
If you are interested in filling any of these roles, please get in touch, letting us know the area you are interested in and your availability. Send an email to resistDSEI@protonmail.com or contact us on Instagram or Facebook.
