Self-paced course will cover First Amendment protections, safety
Posted: February 26, 2026
The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association is pleased to share a new professional learning opportunity for members and staff, “Protest Rights & Legal Non-Cooperation Tactics for Educators and Union Members,” now available online through NEA’s LearnUpon Professional Development online platform.
In today’s climate of increasing restrictions on public education and organized labor, understanding your rights and how to advocate effectively and safely has never been more important. Across the country, new laws and policies are limiting protest activities and imposing harsher penalties on collective action. These developments threaten not only our ability to speak up for fair working conditions, but also the democratic principles that underpin public education.
This self-paced, interactive course is designed to help you respond confidently and strategically in this challenging environment and covers essential topics such as First Amendment protections for public school employees, recent anti-protest legislation, and practical safety measures. You’ll also explore non-cooperation tactics, including community general strikes, boycotts, and civil disobedience, and how these nonviolent strategies have historically challenged unjust systems.
Through real-world examples and strategic planning exercises, participants will learn how to map power structures, choose effective tactics, and protect themselves and their communities during collective actions.
By the end of the course, you’ll be better prepared to exercise your protest rights safely, challenge undemocratic power structures, and build solidarity through informed, strategic action. Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or new to advocacy, this training offers practical guidance and legal awareness to strengthen our collective voice.
How to enroll
- Step 1: Pre-register with National Education Association’s LearnUpon Professional Excellence Portal here
- Step 2: Select the course “Protest Rights & Legal Non-Cooperation Tactics for Educators and Union Members” and click “Enroll”
Please note that this course is not available for Hawaiʻi State Department of Education reclassification credits.