Designed to pique the general public’s inquisitive mind, this is a low risk, high impact visual action that can be done by individuals. It is well suited to this time when we cannot gather but when people are still out and about.

What?

You will need a pram, buggy, car seat or other similar sized item associated with young children – you might be able to find something that has been abandoned, and it is better to use something that has reached the end of its useful life if you can.  Paint it white (or another colour), put a printed message (see below) in it. Leave it somewhere where there is high footfall. If it isn’t removed by the authorities, retrieve it at a later time/day.  

There may also be the opportunity for ‘borrowing’ ready prepared prams\buggies and you can ask on this chat if there’s one near you.

When?

Whenever you like! Anytime between now and 26th March 2021, as the Climate Ecological Emergency Bill will have its second reading in Parliament on 26th March.

Why?

This is an action that is designed to touch people’s hearts and engage their emotions. Children are already dying from pollution/Climate Emergency.  More children will die if we continue this current trajectory. We are called as Christians to TELL THE TRUTH even when we will not be liked for it.  This may be a difficult truth to tell – we need to be aware that people who have experienced child bereavement may have their trauma triggered by the sight of a mysterious pram – but it is a truth that needs to be told. By carrying out this action, we are trying to avoid other families suffering the same tragic experience.

Issue

Use this action to encourage the general public to put pressure on their MPs by emailing them to back the Climate & Ecological Emergency Bill. For more info on that, please visit www.ceebill.uk

The How To…

Find a pram, buggy or car seat. Prams look best but are more difficult to source. You may get it back after the action, but assume you won’t. Get rid of any accessories or straps that don’t need to be kept as this means there is less to paint. It’s best not to add any soft toys to the pram\buggy.

Painting

Painting your pram\buggy a white colour may look the most impactful, as it looks quite mysterious,  but you can paint it any colour you like.

Important note: Perfection is the enemy of done. You could rub it all down with wet and dry paper to provide a good key for the primer, and you could use masking tape to mask off each individual component. Or you could just get the job done. You can use a can of aerosol white plastic primer on the plastic bits, a can of (usually light grey) aerosol etch primer on the metal parts and when dry, spray them again if they are not white with any white aerosol paint. You can use leftover gloss paint. Paint the fabric parts with a brush – left over matt vinyl emulsion works, as does primer and undercoat.  Don’t worry about going over the edges, or about drips and runs. It’s not an art competition.

For the messaging use any scrap plywood, mdf, plastic or even cardboard. Fix the messaging board into the pram or buggy by drilling or cutting some holes and attaching with white or clear cable ties. Or you can just print on a piece of A4 paper, laminate it & glue it or staple it to the pram. It won’t last forever outdoors, but it will last long enough. Black background looks best for prams, white best for buggies and car seats. Handwritten is fine (black permanent marker, or a white paint pen), or a fine paintbrush or spray stencil. Stickers can provide XR logo. You can print a QR code and secure it under some clear reinforced tape (a test is recommended first to ensure it works), or you could laminate it and glue or tape it on. Spraying matt varnish over the lettering will give it some rain protection.

Messaging

This action is best used for a messages with a link to children’s health and the climate and ecological emergency. We would love to put pressure on MPs to ‘Back the Climate & Ecological Emergency Bill’. We suggest something like this:

SEE THAT YOU DO NOT DESPISE ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES” MATTHEW 18:10

MORE THAN 90% OF THE WORLD’S CHILDREN BREATHE TOXIC AIR EVERY DAY*

ASK YOUR MP XXXXXXXXXXX TO SUPPORT THE CLIMATE AND ECOLOGICAL EMERGENCY BILL

SCAN CODE ON SMART PHONE TO SEND THEM AN E MAIL [put QR code here]

#CEEBill
#OurChildrensFuture
#AirPollution

CCA Logo

(Download)

(Download)

*World Health Organisation report 2018

If you have been affected by this installation, please contact www.childbereavementuk.org

It’s surprisingly straightforward to create a QR code that makes it really easy for members of the public to email your MP by having a pre-prepared email ready for them to send when they scan the code. You can get an e mail ready QR code here.

You can find your MP’s contact details here.

Logistics

If you don’t want your installation to be moved on swiftly you will need a bike lock, a D lock, or a chain and padlock to secure it in the target location. You might also want to attach a “public artwork” laminated disclaimer (add a date and photograph once the pram is sited). This will  make it clear that the intention is not dumping rubbish.

Social Media

Post pictures of your prams in their locations on social media channels. Include your messaging in the text, along with any relevant hash tags to your messaging (eg #CEEBill). Please also send us your pics to so we can put them on our social media too.

Legal

If you do lock the installation on to something,  please be aware that it could be Criminal Damage or possibly some sort of Obstruction Of Highway, depending on location. There is a risk, although the risk is low, so be informed before you take action.

Here is a briefing on Criminal Damage.

Here is a briefing on Obstruction Of The Highway.

Action location

Place the installation somewhere which has high footfall – near shops, supermarkets, town centres, etc. Siting it near a light source means passers by can read it after dark – they also look really mysterious in the dark, partially lit by street lights\lit buildings, etc. If it is still there after a few days, you can simply re-site at a different location. 

Thanks

This action is has been developed by (and is shared with our gratitude to) XR South East Actions Circle.