Activist Trainings I offer:
I am a direct action trainer and creative action trainer. I have trained for Beautiful Trouble, GreenPeace, Resist Spectra, Rainforest Action Network, No North Brooklyn Pipeline Alliance, DSA Sane Energy Project and many others. I have trained thousands of people across the country for free or affordable rates because I believe everyone deserves to know their rights and how to engage in effecting real social change.
Photo by Stacy Lanyon
Stand up Fight Back!- Self-Defense for Women and Non-Binary Folks:
Learn some techniques for defending yourself against an attacker, reclaim your power and own your body. We will practice in a safe, fun environment and harness our vocal and physical strength together to be ready to kick some ass!
Photo by Erik McGregor
Site-Specific Theater as Tool for Social Change
When activism employs art, points of intervention can be transformed into stages to reframe the narrative and give power to the people. The bank lobby can be a dance hall. The LNG compressor station can be an opera house. We cover some basic street theater techniques for drawing focus, moving as an ensemble and how to communicate meaningful narrative in simple concrete forms that will translate into political messaging at a site of injustice.
Direct Action
Learn what it takes to design and carry out a direct action. We will cover action roles, role play, Know Your Rights, Legal issues, blockade formations, dealing with police, self-care, creative tactics and more depending on the needs of your group.
DIRECT ACTION & THE IMAGINATION - Creative Arts as a Tool for Social Change
When systems and government fail us, direct action is one of the tools of the people to reclaim our power and transform the dominant narrative. In this workshop, we will explore how art, storytelling and the infinite imagination have been fundamental in sculpting some of the most memorable and effective direct actions throughout history and current times.
Bystander/ Upstander Intervention
We will cover tactics to to prepare you for being an active ally in the face of discrimination. Learn how to be an upstander with a practical and analytical workshop, exploring different situations where you can intervene to de-escalate harassment. We will learn the 4 D's of de-escalation and practice different situations on our feet.
Photo by Erik McGregor
Police Liaison/ Deescalation
As police and counter protestors increase their violent tactics, we need to hone our skills in de-escalation to prepare for increased backlash. When we build real power, they get threatened.
Let's come together and practice the nuanced art of police liaising for direct actions and de-escalating heightened situations.
Especially geared towards affinity groups and organizations that take escalated action and have to interact with police. Find ways to take effective strategic action with the goal of minimal outside interference from agitators or police.
Practical workshop with opportunities to role play and try out what you learn.
Feedback from workshop participants
“With amazing and compassionate energy, Monica makes sure to involve participants in the material, and to communicate it in various ways to accommodate different learning styles. Her commitment to justice is deep-seated, and manifests in how she trains and works within community.”
“Very clear and positive instruction from a mission driven instructor. Deep knowledge from experience and a lifetime pursuit of creative expression. Dedication to nonviolence and justice.”
“The instruction is super clear, and the engagement is spot-on!”
“The Know Your Rites tour workshop you ran in Carmel was probably the only theater thing where I felt fully included an not judged for showing up with a mobility disability. It was fun, accessible, and your leadership was thoughtful and just.”
“Monica’s instruction helped keep our theatre company safe, educated and prepared for using our work in activist applications. Her understanding and commitment to the betterment of the group increased not only our safety but also our willingness and ability to find consensus and make group decisions and take action collectively.”