Arlington De-escalation and Nonviolent Direct Action Training
Start: Thursday, August 21, 2025•02:30 PM
End: Thursday, August 21, 2025•05:30 PM

Is this for you?
You have been to some protests and waved a sign. Maybe you participated in a Tesla Takedown or joined in Hands Across Arlington. But things keep getting worse. You know that protecting a livable planet and our U.S. rights and freedoms needs a peaceful mass movement. You want to do more but aren't sure how. This training is for you!
What will you cover?
Basic organizing and leadership skills, with a focus on safety and de-escalation. In addition, we will cover: group agreements, action roles (action leads, chant/song leads, safety marshals, care bears, police liaison, media liaison, photographer/videographer), know your rights, and managing legal risk. We will get to know each other and build trust--crucial to effective action.
Who leads the training?
The training is led by Lawrence MacDonald, the author of Am I Too Old to Save the Planet? A Boomer's Guide to Climate Action. An experienced organizer and activist, Lawrence (aka "Mac") has participated in and helped to organize scores of protests. He is a skilled group facilitator who works to bring out the best in every person in the groups he leads. He will be joined by one or more experienced co-trainers.
What's next?
Training participants will be supported and encouraged to organize or join as a group in a public protest within one month of the training. This ensures that the skills and relationships we build are put to use while they are still fresh in our minds. Options for possible actions will be presented at the training. The group will decide which to pursue.
What Else?
Space is limited to the first 20 people who sign up. The training is free. Participants are encouraged to read MacDonald's book--especially the last three chapters--and to contribute to Third Act's Sun Day Campaign in place of a charge for the training.