Unity of the Blue Ridge is hosting a Legal Observer Training led by civil rights attorney Alan Stuart Graf. This training is open to the public. Sunday, March 22, 2026 1:00 – 2:30 PM. Register here
Capacity limited to 200 • No charge What Legal Observers Do Legal Observers are trained community members who bear witness and serve as a calm, neutral presence in public situations where rights, safety, or well-being may be affected.
They help to:
• Protect neighbors, bystanders, and officials through presence and accountability
• Observe conduct, including law enforcement and ICE, during First Amendment– protected activity
• Photo-document actions that may involve civil rights violations, criminal activity, or harm
• Reduce escalation through visible, non-interfering presence, often wearing recognizable vests or hats
• Support transparency and accurate public understanding of events
• Call for assistance if/as may be needed Legal Observers do NOT interfere with lawful enforcement or emergency response.
Alan Stuart Graf is a civil rights attorney and lifelong activist with more than 60 years of experience supporting constitutional rights and community safety. He has trained Legal Observers nationwide, helped establish mass defense programs, and represented veterans, protesters, unhoused people, and others whose rights were at risk. Alan is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Oregon. Contact: 931-231-4119 alanstuartgraf@gmail.com