Making good trouble

Reflections from our weekend Non-violent Direct Action & arts Training

Last weekend, we joined with folks from across the community to share skills around nonviolent direct action. This was an incredible experience of community-building and empowerment, and we’re excited to see how the learnings shared will work to grow our movements across issues.

Attendees work together on an action banner for the Ambler Road.

Prepping designs for spray paint stencils

Eleanor and Tara painting a pro-renewables banner.

This crew worked on stencils for the "Save our Domes" campaign.

Leila shows a group of folks how to screenprint.

A group working together on a "Save our Domes" banner

Leila leading the group on Arts & Action Day

Learning about screen printing!

Instructing how to use a block print in action arts.

A beautiful banner created on Arts & Action Day

A group of happy attendees with their art at the end of day 2.

Informational Slides on Day 1

Here’s what one of our members, Nikhil Nandagopal, shared about the experience:

”I greatly appreciate the time, resources, space, and shared community during the non-violent direct action training this past weekend. Spending the time to learn & create collectively are vital parts of any campaign yet often the most challenging to organize - the NVDA sessions provided just that. I enjoyed learning about direct actions people were willing to take; the importance of a clear narrative arc, legal & community support; and evidence of actions; and key law enforcement considerations for safety. Some of these tools I had never encountered. I’m inspired by everyone’s bravery and value for the community, including the lands on which we live. Everybody shared great ideas and worked collaboratively toward common goals. We co-created a safe, cozy space, meeting people where they’re at and facilitating reflection as well as rest as needed. Art & the creative process itself is healing and fuel for the movement. Our group applied what we learned to create a banner that I am so excited for to drop at an event near you, and I cannot wait to try my hand at screen/block printing and make more stencils. Thank you to FCAC, the Northern Alaska Environmental Center, all the organizers, and every participant for what you gave!”

Another member, Maia Genaux, shared:

“Participant ages ranged from late teens to around 80. The spirit of solidarity was strong. We enjoyed new and old friends, and built new connections, and had lots of fun. The focus on messaging was especially useful. We’re very grateful to FCAC for pulling this all together.”

We're so grateful to the cross-generational group of new and old friends who showed up, and to the group of organizers from FCAC, the Northern Center, Alaska Peace Center, and Young Alaskans Training Fund who made it possible!