NB!! THE FINANCE WORKING GROUP NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT! Functions of finance are currently being overseen by Tim, but this would be managed more effectively by a separate working group. Contact a co-ordinator if you want to help.

Finance in Hackney XR

The primary purpose of the finance group in Hackney Extinction Rebellion (XR) is to facilitate the process of achieving the core aims of XR through local actions.

XR Hackney does not intend to receive recurring donations, and those wishing to make regular financial contributions towards the actions of Extinction Rebellion will be directed to the central XR Fundrazr page. Hackney XR aims to only use financial resources where there are no alternatives.

XR Hackney aims to be entirely transparent and open about its finances. All incoming and outgoing finances are available to view on the spending tracker Hackney XR Spending tracker

Devolved Working Group funding decisions

The Finance WG exists to help support other working groups with funding their actions, both through collaboratively working on fundraisers, and providing clear and transparent information about how to submit expenses against any existing core funds. In order to make effective decisions about use of surplus money, the group will set a mandate against which funding decisions can be prioritised.

Current mandate: 

• Support group actions in the leadup to the election.
• Secure necessary movement support functions that are not available for free.

Actions-based fundraising

The primary way that finances are to be allocated in XR Hackney is through fundraising for specific actions. Any Working Group deeming finances to be necessary to support an action are invited to contact Tim, one the internal co-ordinators overseeing finances.

They will then collaborate to undertake the following steps:

• Define a fundraising target
• Create a fundraising page on the relevant platform (OpenCollective/Crowdjustice/Chuffed)
• Work with Media and Messaging to create copy and resources to promoting the fundraiser
• Promote campaign with the Media and Messaging Working Group

Any funds raised directly via this fundraise will be made visible on the Spending Tracker, and these funds will be considered the budget for the action.

It cannot be guaranteed that the target will be met, so it is suggested that members only spend against the total amount raised, and not the target amount.

Ad-Hoc expenses

For any small costs (under £50), or costs that are deemed to be needed immediately, members can claim expenses against any available funds on the Hackney XR Tracker, allowing for a buffer of £100.

Anyone intending to incur an expense should check with a member of the Finance Working Group (Evin or Tim) to ensure that the funds visible are not allocated to a specific campaign, and that the £100 buffer is still in place.

It is not the place of the finance team to define whether a specific expenditure is approved based on merit, and this is the responsibility of the associated Working Group for which the expense is to be incurred.

Individuals/Working Groups should carry out the three step check for expenses:

STEP 1: Does the action or service for which expenditure is claimed substantially advance XR strategic objectives? Only if the answer is “Yes”, progress to STEP 2

STEP 2: Could the same action or service be performed without incurring expense? Only if the answer is “No”, progress to STEP 3

STEP 3: Is the sum claimed the “least cost pathway” to advancing the relevant objective? Only if the answer is “Yes”, submit expense on https://opencollective.com/xrhackney

Money from Central XR

When money is allocated from central XR for a specific set of actions, the working group for this action will keep track of expenses and decide amongst themselves. This working group will work with the finance WG to track any expenses against this budget.

A pro-forma budget spreadsheet can be found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1P0cOX2aREuugbfjXx2YxU4kfU76_S4isR7mO0rAbnn8/edit?usp=sharing 

Budget Surplus

If a surplus of funds occurs, the finance WG will make decisions about it’s use of funds against the current mandate. If an amount over £50 of this surplus is requested by one working group, the coordinators of all other working groups will be made aware of this request. They will be invited to make requests against this surplus and all requests will be covered where possible. When it is not possible to meet all requests, prioritisation will occur based on the mandate of the group.

Aims and values

Funds should directly aim to meet one or more of the stated objectives of XR:

• Tell the truth
  Government must tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency, working with other institutions to communicate the urgency for change.
• Act Now
  Government must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.
• Beyond Politics
  Government must create and be led by the decisions of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice.

Funds should only be used for activities that mirror the values of the organisation.

1. we have a shared vision of change
   Creating a world that is fit for generations to come.
2. we set our mission on what is necessary
   Mobilising 3.5% of the population to achieve system change - using ideas such as "Momentum-driven organising" to achieve this.
3. we need a regenerative culture
   Creating a culture which is healthy, resilient and adaptable.
4. we openly challenge ourselves and our toxic system
   Leaving our comfort zones to take action for change.
5. we value reflecting and learning
   Following a cycle of action, reflection, learning, and planning for more action. Learning from other movements and contexts as well as our own experiences.
6. we welcome everyone and every part of everyone
   Working actively to create safer and more accessible spaces.
7. we actively mitigate for power
   Breaking down hierarchies of power for more equitable participation.
8. we avoid blaming and shaming
   We live in a toxic system, but no one individual is to blame.
9. we are a non-violent network
   Using non-violent strategy and tactics as the most effective way to bring about change.
10. we are based on autonomy and decentralisation
    We collectively create the structures we need to challenge power. Anyone who follows these core principles and values can take action in the name of Extinction Rebellion.

Links to Central XR Finance pages

XR central finance policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sTZgHKFJXsWUBdc76MSJy32_sHdASpgHH0oib0bRyqU/edit

XR accounts: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UqQmzcXNnN9SD0AAHrH7EegwyxIdt7FMVJNslZVLr6s/edit#gid=521830536

Voluntary living expenses process: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LPj7ivtotPk0-AcHNylZOZTCGJFU5r-tH-9yVnf6Qqk/edit#gid=787205680

Central finance:

Dave Nicks - dave.nicks@btinternet.com