This is a public, educational workshop on civil disobedience, what it is, what it is not, and what it actually involves in practice.

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The workshop will be presented by JoAnn Smotherman and is intended for community members, newer activists, and anyone who wants a clearer understanding of the moral, legal, and practical realities of civil disobedience, particularly in situations involving immigration enforcement and other urgent community responses.

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Recent events have shown that many people are showing up with strong values and good intentions, but without enough preparation for the risks, responsibilities, and emotional realities involved. This workshop is designed to help people make informed, self-directed choices before they find themselves in the middle of a high-stakes situation.

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The session will cover:
- The foundations and philosophies of civil disobedience
- Different traditions and methods, presented side by side
- Civil disobedience as immediate protection, not just protest
- How actions function when multiple groups and leaders are present
- The importance of preparation, communication, and personal decision-making
- A high-level discussion of legal realities and what to realistically expect

 

This workshop is not about planning specific actions or directing tactics. It does not tell participants what to do. Instead, it focuses on understanding choices, risk, responsibility, and respect for different approaches.

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Additional materials—including a suggested reading list and a more detailed session outline—will be added to this page soon.