Building a Network From the Ground Up
The democracy defense trainings started in Minnesota in late April. Hundreds have signed up, according to Luis Argueta Jr, communications director of Unidos MN.
He is not aware of similar ground-level trainings elsewhere but has heard from curious groups in other states.
On the night of the training at the suburban church, there were sessions at four other Twin Cities locations, Argueta said.
Word of mouth has spread among community groups, just like with previous constitutional observing trainings.
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Attacks on democracy have been a "continuous concern," with people routinely worried about immigration agents at the polls, Argueta said.
He has heard fear from newly naturalized citizens that if they vote, their loved ones who are not naturalized could be exposed.
While most immigration agents left the state, some people remain fearful of harassment or detention.
A plan to convert a private prison into a detention facility amplified worry, as did additional apprehensions this summer.
"So, what do you do?" asked Argueta.
In the church basement, Brauer told the crowd they might be "checklist people" wanting to check off five tasks and win democracy.
That's not how it works, he said.
The training aims not to solve fundamental problems but to get organized and have a plan to respond to whatever the Trump administration throws at it.
The audience shared what made them proud of Minnesota during the federal occupation and what democracy defense meant to them.
