SPOKANE, Wash. — The Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane, or PJALS, provided a workshop Saturday to help teach would-be protestors de-escalation techniques to help keep people safe.
Last week, protestors gathered in the hundreds on the streets of Spokane for a Hands-Off protest, and the event also drew counter protestors.
“We’re doing a training on de-escalation skills from a place of commitment to nonviolence and a commitment to social justice and making sure that our societies work for everyone,” said PJALS Executive Director Liz Moore.
At these protest events, you may see peacekeepers in orange vests. Those folks are PJALS peacekeepers.
At Saturday’s training, more than 50 gathered with some wanting to be peacekeepers and others wanting to learn important skills.
PJALS says the first tip: remain calm.
“Not that we can’t feel passionate and angry at the injustices that we see and abuses of power that we see,” said Moore. “But that we stay centered within our own commitment and our own purpose, so that we can then help others.”
One attendee, Nate Bitz, says he’s been involved with PJALS for years but feels it’s important now than ever for these tips.
“Our role is to allow people to express themselves,” said Bitz. “And also, you know, that is true for not only the people who we agree with, but anyone who counter protests, who comes to the protest, we’re there to support their rights as well.”
In addition to de-escalation techniques, attendees also learned out to deal with law enforcement and immigration officials.
“We want to make sure that everyone knows their rights and that we as peacekeepers are prepared to make sure that there’s not harassment or targeting going on,” said Moore.
To find out more about the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane, head to PJALS.org.
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