our work is liberation work

Know Your Rights Workshops:

Since 2002, El Grito has organized and hosted “know your rights” workshops to inform directly-impacted communities of the rights they have when they are stopped, questioned, arrested, or searched by law enforcement. These workshops are for citizens and non-citizens alike and include detailed and unique curriculm, with added information for undocumented non-citizens about what can happen to those who are questioned at airports and other points of entry into the United States. Workshops are organized in collaboration with community-based groups at request and can be conducted in person or through virtual sessions.

Copwatch:

Today, the practice of filming police has been popularized through the easy access of cameras through smartphones as well as the ability of viral videos to spark movements for social justice. As one of the pioneer organizations with experienced and dedicated members who patrol and document police abuse through smartphones, camcorders and even GoPro cameras, El Grito continues to protect the public as a community watchdog. These efforts include organized patrols, the purchasing of equipment, and copwatch trainings for the public.

#NoDroneSpyingNY Campaign:

In 2019, El Grito led advocacy with several legal and civil liberties organizations in creating the “No Drone Spying NY” campaign, which called for the end to the use of drones by law enforcement in New York state. The campaign helped to create a bill in the New York State Senate sponsored by Queens State Senator Jessica Ramos that would effectively eliminate use of police drones during first amendment protected activity and would heavily regulate police drone use in any scenario. When enacted, it will be the most stringent piece of legislation to rein in police drones in the entire country.