Alliances

Whether your objective is to stop an airport expansion or to change the entire system that is leading us to climate breakdown, chances are you won’t achieve it alone. Building strong alliances and cultivating solidarity within the movement and across different sectors is key. This will not only allow you to amplify your message but also to root it in the broader social issues affecting different parts of society, enhancing your mobilisation efforts.

Not all alliances are made equal. While tactical alliances can manage to bring together very different groups around a concrete objective, working on building strategic alliances might take longer and require a far stronger political alignment, but will be crucial if your goals are wider and harder to reach.

Tactical alliances

Short-term, specific, flexible, and less resource-intensive. They are suitable for immediate, targeted actions and can quickly respond to specific issues or opportunities.

Strategic alliances

Long-term, broad, deeply committed, and resource-intensive. They aim to create sustained impact, influence systemic change, and build lasting relationships.

It’s important to note that tactical alliances can sometimes evolve into strategic ones as relationships deepen and mutual goals align. Starting with a shared action can build trust and pave the way for more sustained collaboration.

Some examples of alliances to counter aviation

Climate justice movement

Groups focused on local conflict (e.g. BAAN), direct action groups (e.g. Letzte Generation), climate jobs (e.g. Empregos para o Clima), student and youth groups (e.g. Fridays for Future), scientists (e.g. Scientist Rebellion), mass movements (e.g. Extinction Rebellion)

Labour movement

Union networks / confederations (e.g. TUED), sector specific unions (e.g. PCS), workers committees (e.g. Easyjet workers council

Other social movements

Housing justice groups (e.g. Sindicat de Llogateres), migrant rights & anti-racist groups (e.g. Stop deportations), cost of living groups (e.g. Don’t pay UK), land rights (e.g. Via campesina), public heath groups

Local / Community /Residents’ organisations

Churches (e.g. Quakers), neighbour groups, social centres, local government bodies (e.g. city council), schools / universities, citizen initiatives against noise

NGOs

Climate & environmental justice organisations (e.g. Greenpeace), transport organisations (e.g. Transport & Environment), global justice organisations (e.g. Global Justice Now), poverty reduction organisations (e.g. Oxfam)

Individuals

Policy makers, influencers / celebrities, scientists

Others

Political parties, think tanks