Community Defense Trainings
What to Expect
This Community Defense Training is for anyone who wants to stand up to ICE and learn how to create a community that affirms the dignity of all its members, and especially our immigrant community members. Facilitated by a nationally-renowned trainer, political consultant, and community educator Elaine Almquist.
❋ The Current State of ICE
We’ll talk about the latest information on ICE activity in the U.S. and in our state.
❋ Preparing our Community for Safety
We’ll cover concrete steps we can take to shore up our neighborhood in the event that ICE arrives.
❋ Knowing Your Rights
We’ll cover our Constitutional rights—especially our 1st Amendment and 4th Amendment rights to freedom of speech and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures.
❋ Supporting our Immigrant Community Members
Opportunities to shift our daily activities so we’re providing support for each other.
❋ What do if you see ICE
This event will provide information on if you witness ICE’s presence in the community, how to respond if you see a detential, and how to formally report if you witness misconduct.
❋ Front-Line Organizations
Leran more about the incredible community organizations that are leading the charge to provide services to immigrants and how you can get involved.
“ A very thorough discussion of legal options if you see ICE officers taking immigrants off the street.”“Very thorough and smartly delivered.”
— Robyn F.Specific to your Audience
General Audiences
A Community Defense Training is for anyone who wants to stand up to ICE and learn how to create a community that affirms the dignity of all its members, and especially our immigrant community members.
Businesses & Nonprofits
A Community Defense Training specifically for businesses owners, nonprofit leaders, faith community leaders, and workers to learn more about your rights, and ways to protect employees and patrons from ICE.
FAQs
General Information
The training session lasts 2 hours. This training is in-person with no online option. We have separately scheduled Zoom-only virtual live trainings that you can promote to anyone who cannot make your in-person session.
I will provide whistle packs for attendees. If supplies allow, I will also provide red cards (pocket Know Your Rights cards) and pocket Constitutions.
I will give the training to any crowd that is a minimum of 25 people, although in the last few months the average attendance has been about 60-80 per session.
If you or members of your organization would like to attend a session before hosting, you can sign up for upcoming event at www.almquistandassociates.com/training
Needs:
The CDT lasts 2 hours. I prefer to give this training in-person with no online option. I do, however, have separately scheduled Zoom-only virtual live trainings that you can promote to anyone who cannot make your in-person session.
A screen to display a slide deck (I will bring my own laptop, HDMI cord, and HDMI to USB-c converter)
Although I can project my voice across large rooms, a microphone and speaker is ideal, especially to ensure full participation for people with hearing impairment. I can provide a microphone and speaker if needed.
Promotional Materials:
Template promotional materials will be provided upon request.
A Sign-up Google form url (I'll share attendee info with you as the host)
If you have your own sign up site (Mobilize, ActionNetwork, etc., we can use that.)
A PDF flyer in your organizations' colors with QR code to sign up form
A .jpg or .png graphic for social media
A .jpg or .png graphic for email invitations
A promotional blurb for email invitations and social media posts
Session listed on the A&A website unless otherwise desired
Cost:
Host Organizations are asked to cover travel and a meal.
Cost to cover travel from the trainer’s location to your location. This can be arranged ahead of time.
Provide the trainer a meal at a local establishment that is open to hosts and learners after the session. One of the joys of giving these training sessions is being in community with hosts and learners and breaking bread together. Whatever local watering hole people like is great, there are no dietary restrictions for the trainer.
A "Tip Your Trainer" slide will be displayed at the end of the training where learners can make a contribution through Venmo if they are able and inclined. These are appreciated and not required, but people have been generous and this helps me offset the cost of preparation and materials for whistle packs and other materials.
Host organizations are encouraged to give what you can if possible.
Hear from Past Participants
“It was profoundly informative, and I have tools to be a better neighbor.”
— Elyse B.“Very thorough and smartly delivered.”
— John W.“Exceptionally informative. Great trainer!”
— Wendy R.