Saturday, February 2, 11am–3pm
Presented by Critical Resistance
Max 20 participants
Free

Critical Resistance invites organizers, educators, and everyday people to join us for one of our most popular introductory workshops: Intro to the Prison Industrial Complex (PIC) and Abolition workshop. This workshop is a great opportunity for people curious to learn more about PIC abolition, for people engaged in campaigns against imprisonment and policing, for people who are directly impacted by state violence to become more confident and empowered to join resistance efforts, and for folks who want to join Critical Resistance as a member.

The first part of the session will focus on understanding some of the basic concepts of the PIC and why they fight to abolish it. We will explore how to understand the prison industrial complex (policing, imprisonment, courts, surveillance), its interlocking parts, and its impact on communities, state priorities and every day lives.

During the second part of the workshop, individuals will learn about abolitionist thinking and practice! Participants will be working through tough scenarios where they practice abolitionist interventions and learn how to further their practice in confronting the PIC and work with others while asking the tough questions about how to enact abolitionist tactics in everyday life. We will practice using abolition as a framework for advancing freedom movements and demands for working class and poor people’s power to resist state violence.

In closing, we will share updates on Critical Resistance work in Los Angeles and nationally and opportunities to get involved.

This workshop functions as part of our New Member Orientation. People interested in joining CRLA are strongly encouraged to also attend the Abolition of Policing workshop on February 9th.

Critical Resistance seeks to build an international movement to end the Prison Industrial Complex by challenging the belief that caging and controlling people makes us safe. We believe that basic necessities such as food, shelter, and freedom are what really make our communities secure. As such, our work is part of global struggles against inequality and powerlessness. The success of the movement requires that it reflect communities most affected by the PIC. Because we seek to abolish the PIC, we cannot support any work that extends its life or scope. More on Critical Resistance at criticalresistance.org and on Twitter @C_resistance on Twitter.

Accessibility information for this event: WCCW has a 36” wide ramp at our front entrance and a stairway with 8 steps and a rail. There are 2 gender neutral restrooms. One restroom is wheelchair accessible, with a handrail. We provide scent free soaps and encourage guests to attend our events scent free. If you require ASL interpretation, CART, interpretation for a language other than English, supervised childcare, or have any other access needs or questions, please contact [email protected] at least two weeks in advance. It is our practice to do everything we can to create a safe and accessible space.