Taking direct action for or against something we are concerned about can be a very powerful way of expressing what we think and feel, let alone an effective tool for change. It can, however, be a big and slightly scary step to take for those of us who are first-timers, especially since it can have legal consequences. More experienced activists will hopefully already value preparation and training as a means to prepare yourself and your group, to build up your own self-confidence about the action and to build confidence and trust in each other. The workshops that Action AWE offer are there to prepare, empower and facilitate the process towards feeling comfortable and safe while taking action.

If you take part in Action AWE you are very likely to get arrested. Even if you are a support person, and arrest is less likely, it is important to be prepared for this. A Direct Action workshop will deal with this and other fears and concerns - the more you know about the procedures and possible scenarios the safer and more confident you will feel when you take part in Action AWE!

By actively participating in a workshop we get to know each other, talk about issues we are concerned about in relation to civil resistance, learn more about different tactics of for example blockading safely and effectively, or finding out more about the legal consequences and what happens when we get arrested. You might find that sharing these concerns with other people in a workshop like this will help you find your own ground, trigger you to explore what your boundaries are in terms of direct action and help you to feel better equipped for dealing with the different situations that can occur when you are ‘out there’ taking action.

Preparation and planning is very often the key to success - also in civil resistance and direct action. A workshop can provide the basic tools for groups to organise and plan their own actions, as well as offering a space for practical skill sharing. The workshops are there for you and your group - they can be tailored to suit your requirements and needs. And don’t forget: having fun while preparing and taking action is essential.