Whether you have never joined a direct action, or you've planned one, this hands-on training is for you. Together, we will:
Learn what makes direct actions successful (or not successful).
Practice key hands-on skills for safe, fun, and effective direct actions, from de-escalation to linking arms to marshaling.
Connect with fellow community members who are committed to safe, joyful resistance against white supremacy, corporate greed, and authoritarianism.
Breakout sessions include:
Action Design - Telling Our Story: Have you thought about organizing a protest with your group or organization? Want to sharpen your event communication skills? Learn strategies for direct actions that tell our story in a powerful way!
Civil Disobedience: Why do some direct actions include activities that lead to arrest? What happens when a protester is arrested? How do you decide if challenging unjust laws is the right next step for you? How can you support protestors who do experience arrest? Answer these questions and more.
Marshal Training: We keep us safe! Learn how protest organizers think about moving crowds for maximum impact, navigate traffic on the roads, and de-escalate tough situations.
Patrol: Uncertain exactly what to do when you see federal law enforcement? Forget all the training when you get on scene? The patrol breakout will give you practice scenarios to respond to in real time so you can feel more confident in the moment.
Protest Safety: Want to learn how to keep yourself safe at a protest or direct action? Join the Minnesota 50501 Medic Team to cover topics like chemical decontamination, varieties of chemical irritants, and how to pack your own first aid kit.
Protest Songs and Direct Action Energy: Direct actions are most successful when participants are united and have shared energy for the event. Singing makes our messaging "sticky" and always is a solid viral video moment for the news-- it keeps the energy high, joyful, courageous and contagious. Learn to energize the crowd to challenge authoritarianism, stand up to ICE and hold space through collective voice!
Abundant snacks and beverages will be provided for folks across dietary needs.