New! In response to physical distancing standards now in place, we will be doing online workshops for the foreseeable future. We are just finalizing our new session format, so stay tuned for information about online public workshops starting late July 2020!
Organizers! With a little lead time, you can arrange a dedicated session for your group if no public session is upcoming.
Know Your Rights Workshop
In this workshop we will outline your legal rights in regards to police interactions, the basics of what happens upon arrest and, in going through the court process, and suggest some practical things to consider as you prepare to go out on the streets. We do this with a solidarity approach and with a focus on those who are most vulnerable to arrest/criminalization.
Legal Observer Training
Legal observers are individuals who attend demonstrations, rallies and acts of civil disobedience to bear witness to civil liberties and document interactions with the police.
The presence of identifiable Legal Observers at protests can deter police violence and promote the right to assembly and protest. Often, Legal Observers distribute Know Your Rights legal information to protesters.
This workshop will teach you the hows and whys of legal observing either as an independent, or as part of an MDC-coordinated team.
Legal Observers act as the eyes and ears of the legal team: They preserve + record evidence that could be used to support protesters.
Organizers reach out to us when they are organizing a protest or need legal support for a protest or direct action. We provide a range of supports, and work with a variety of organizations. You can usually recognize us at protests as the people in orange hats or armbands.
We prioritize legal support to those most at risk of police or state violence. We recognize that this is a state built on oppression, the theft of Indigenous land, racism/colonialism against BIPOC people, misogyny, homo/trans/lesbo phobia, ableism and capitalism and that policing reflects this.
We do not take evidence that could criminalize someone.
- What legal observers do
- What is expected of you by the MDC
- What to do before an action
- What to bring
- What NOT to bring
- Know Your Rights with the police under COVID-19
- Identifying different types of law enforcement
- Policing tools & tactics
- A basic understanding of the most likely charges / possible criminal consequences
- Understanding Jail Support
Next Session:
Tuesday, July 28th
6:30-8:30pm
Hey Movements: Get Lawyered Up!
A series of events designed to to build stronger connections between legal workers and community-based organizations that are Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour-led (BIPOC-led). Informal networking events where grassroots organizers can build connections with progressive legal pros. Usually features a guest speaker.