AFSC to train Minuteman monitors

Volunteers who want to monitor the Minuteman Project along the border for possible human rights or civil rights violations can receive training Monday at the Joyner-Green Valley Library.

The American Friends Service Committee's statewide director, Caroline Isaacs, will conduct the training in how to be a legal observer; how to maintain a non-violent demeanor in the face of possible threats, and advice on taking notes and recording incidents on film.

Observers are warned that their activity could be dangerous and are instructed to take no action to intervene, but are given help in reporting incidents to authorities.

The training session is free and runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the library, 601 N. La Canada Drive.

Isaacs said the monitors could document violations and may help to deter unlawful activity. She said information on the Minuteman Web site indicated that Minutemen might be likely to violate Arizona's false imprisonment law, because similar activists often wear military-style uniforms and carry guns and some wear Border Patrol hats.

For more information, call the AFSC at 520-623-9141 or visit www.afsc.org/az.

Isaacs said that four training sessions have been held so far, two in Tucson and one each on Phoenix and Douglas and that about 35 people have gone out on weekend days to observe the Minuteman Project.

pfranchine@gvnews.com | 547-9738