My first ever Greenpeace action

By Neilza Polidore

Greenpeace
Aug 24, 2017 · 3 min read

I did it! I took part in my first ever Greenpeace action.

I was hesitant and honestly, a bit nervous, even though I’ve been trained in nonviolent direct action before. I had heard lots of stories about activists getting arrested and how exciting it all was. It sounded like something from a movie — they were heroes. But to my ears it scared me.

Despite my fears, I signed up to march on BP’s HQ in London for the Amazon Reef. I was told it was low-to-medium risk which was music to my ears, as a first time activist. I had done some fundraising for the campaign and more than doubled the income target — usually that’s where the fun stops for me, but not this time. This was my opportunity to get out there.

Giant inflatable jellyfish are surprisingly heavy!

Sunday morning, I wake up, dress all in black, wrapping a scarf around my head (action-style) and pull on my Doc Martins. I was ready. Because all actions are on a need-to-know basis I didn’t know who else was going to be there, or any specific details, but I found a few familiar faces which put me at ease. I had to hand my phone in straight away and immediately got anxious again — I’m addicted to my phone!

Briefing time: we had a thorough (and I mean thorough) briefing from the action co-ordinators and campaign leaders. We go through the legal risks and learn about the different charges we could be faced with.

I was now determined to see this through and do a good job. I go from a Greenpeace fundraiser to an activist in less than an hour.

After practicing for a few hours, we all went to bed. I found it pretty impossible to sleep so closely together with all the snoring, but I think that just added to my excitement.

6am Monday morning: before I knew it, the lights come on and people are already walking around like they never went to sleep, raring to go. It felt like we could read each other’s thoughts; ‘It’s showtime.’

Bringing the Amazon Reef to the streets of London

And off we went. 30 of us, dressed in black, full of adrenaline. As we arrive to our designated positions I’m just scared, but it’s too late to back out now. We put on our gear and we’re off and the whole parade route is near exactly as they described it, and I felt good. There were no surprises. People in cars cheered us on and pedestrians stopped to ask us about what we were doing. I felt so proud.

We delivered our message and we brought the reef to the front doors of BP’s headquarters. They couldn’t ignore us. Within an hour, we’re already in several major UK newspapers.

As we get back for a ‘hot’ debrief I had a bit of a cry as the action was coming to the end. By the time I got back to my desk to write this, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. I didn’t get arrested and we don’t celebrate that enough. It was all over the papers the next day.

It’s been a real mix of emotions these last two days but I’m looking forward to doing my next Greenpeace action; low to medium risk of course…


More than a million people worldwide are defending the incredible Amazon Reef from risky oil drilling nearby. Learn more and join the campaign.

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We're an independent global campaigning organisation acting to change attitudes and behavior, to protect the environment and promote peace.

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