{ "type": "rich", "version": "1.0", "provider_name": "Action Network", "provider_url": "https://actionnetwork.org", "html": "
", "author_name": "Third Act DMV", "author_url": "https://actionnetwork.org/groups/third-act-dmv", "title": "Vanity Arch Rapid Response Training", "thumbnail_url": "https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/events/photos/003/577/413/normal/signal-2026-09-09-14-14-57-799_002.jpg", "description": "Vanity Arch Rapid Response Training Time and Date: Sunday, Sept. 13 from 2:00pm-5:00pm Location: TBD: A conveniently located public meeting space in DC to be announced soon. Why now? The Trump regime has announced plans to start construction of a massive, illegal vanity arch at the entrance to Arlington Cemetery. We don’t know exactly when excavations and construction will begin, but we want to be ready to show the world that Americans strongly oppose the desecration of the sacred entrance to our national cemetery. What’s the purpose of the training? This training will give you the knowledge and skills to decide whether and how to participate in a large-scale Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA) to block construction of the arch. Participants will get to know each other and build the trust needed for effective NVDA. There is a role for everyone, from those who want to avoid arrest to those prepared to be arrested. Read on!! What will be covered? Theory and historical power of NVDA; Commitment to Non-Violence; De-Escalation Skills; Group Agreements; Action Roles; Know Your Rights; Levels of Risk; Jail Support; What to Expect If You are Arrested. The culminating role-play exercise will be a simulated non-violent sit-in at Memorial Circle to block construction of Trump's vanity arch. What's next? Participants will decide whether and how they wish to participate in this Non-Violent Direct Action to block the arch, selecting from three levels of risk (Green: No Risk of Arrest; Yellow: Small Risk of Arrest; Red: Prepared to Risk Arrest). All levels are equally important, necessary and valuable. Who leads the training? Susan Douglas, a DC-area activist and member of Third Act DMV who has been a leader in mobilization of public resistance to the vanity arch. (See Susan’s July Substack post: When the Rubber (Stamp) Hits the Road) Lawrence (“Mac”) MacDonald, veteran activist and the author of Am I Too Old to Save the Planet? A Boomer's Guide to Climate Action (includes a chapter: “Should I get arrested?” Lawrence has co-lead multiple de-escalation and NVDA trainings across the DMV. Suggested Readings If you are interested in learning more about the history, theory and practice of NVDA, here are some readings you may find useful: NVDA Toolkit for Elders and Others: Prepared by experienced Third Act volunteers, The Toolkit collects in one place information, links, tips and best practices about Nonviolent Direct Action(NVDA). It is designed for those wanting to become more acquainted with NVDA, as well as those who have extensive experience, with a focus on utility for elders. Civil Resistance Tactics in the 21st Century, by Michael A. Beer. A comprehensive compendium of civil resistance techniques from the International Center of Nonviolent Conflict. Available as a book and webinar, these resources add new methods to the list of 198 methods categorized by Gene Sharp his 1973 book, The Methods of Nonviolent Action. Streetwise & Steady, A Workbook for Action Peacekeepers or Event Marshals, by Daniel Hunter and Eileen Flanagan. This workbook stresses that effective protest depends on disciplined nonviolence, where trained peacekeepers maintain safety, coordination, and a clear messaging by modeling a calm focus and de‑escalation skills.", "url": "https://actionnetwork.org/events/vanity-arch-rapid-response-training" }