Class teaches 'civil disobedience' in preparation of protests against SB 1070

PHOENIX - Arizona is less than a week away from a new immigration law going into effect, if it's not blocked by a federal judge.

And as SB 1070 takes effect, organizers are calling for a day of "non-compliance," meaning there will likely be a number of arrests during next week's protests against the law.

In Phoenix, a handful of Arizonans planning to protest took a class Saturday on the dos and don'ts of civil disobedience.

"We're just here to know what to do," said ASU student Maria Balderas, who was here with her roomate Jesse Davenport. "We've been talking about it, too much talking not enough action, so today is the day."

The young ladies were part of a small group of around 10 that took the class at the Carl Hayden Community Center near 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street.

"There are plenty of ways of non-violent direct action that are not illegal," said class teacher and activist Isaac Martin. "But dealing with police there is always a risk."

Martin wouldn't give details about the plans or tactics he teaches, and refused to let news organizations inside to see the instructions, other than one Spanish news outlet from Los Angeles. A spokesperson said he felt more comfortable with the Spanish news people.

But this week they plan to put their teachings and tactics to use for a day of "non-compliance" planned for Thursday, the day the law is expected to take effect.

"It's just to a point that I feel like I have to do something," Jesse Davenport said. "Just because I love humanity."