UPDATE: Due to a strong response from this post, the February class is now full.  Sgt. Ross adds…

This is an ongoing program and any woman wanting to attend simply needs to email or call me so I can put them on the list to receive the dates for the next course once it is scheduled.  We have not restricted the course to city residents only because we want any woman who comes to Decatur for whatever reason to have the opportunity to learn how to become more aware and defend herself.  Also, up until now, we have not had the course fill up to the point that anyone would need to be put on a waiting list because the class was full.  Depending on how increased of a demand we have, we may have to revise that in the future by way of giving preference to city residents but not to simply say that if you do not live here you cannot take the course.

In light of recent events, I asked Decatur Police Sgt. Jennifer Ross if she would provide us with another note that details Decatur PD’s ongoing women’s self-defense course.  She says that there are currently “a few slots left in the upcoming February course but this is an ongoing program so any woman that is interested simply needs to contact me so I can put them on the list to be notified as courses are scheduled.”

Our next Women’s Self-Defense course will be Saturday mornings in February 2015 (7^th, 14^th, 21^st & 28^th) from 9am-12pm at the Decatur Police Department. This is a 12-hour commitment but well worth it.  You will be more aware, confident and prepared to protect yourself if you are ever put into such a position in the future.  The class is physical but it is not difficult.  The moves are simple because it is not about brute strength.  It is about learning simple techniques, you retain through repetition, that you can use no matter your size or strength. The goal is to give you options to defend yourself and get out of danger, not square off and engage an attacker.

Here is the link if you want to check out the R.A.D. program and its history yourself.  http://www.rad-systems.com/

Here is feedback from recent participants…

• “This was a great experience that helped promote the inherent instinct to resist, respond to a threat, escape and survive.”
• “After all the training, I walked away on the final night with a sense of responsibility, thinking ahead, being awake & alert, the power to be assertive, confidence and inner strength.”
• “I may be small and not very strong, but I learned the most effective ways to use what I do have.”
• “I can fight back. I have the strength and ability to defend myself and the belief that I can survive any situation.”
• “I learned a great deal about myself and those who I shared the experience with and now feel more prepared than ever to defend myself from an attack if the situation ever arose.”

It is important that you can attend all four classes because each class reviews and builds off of the last one. Class size is limited to 14 participants per course. If these dates do not work for you, simply email me and I will put you on the list to receive notice once the next course is scheduled.

There is no cost to attend.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Photos courtesy of Sgt. Ross

From Commissioner Patti Garrett’s blog…

The City of Decatur and Dekalb County have 2,100 homeless school age children and their families who are in need this winter. We are asking for your help to assist individuals in need this season. Please donate non-expired food items or a winter coat. The City of Decatur Fire Department will be collecting items until December 19.  All items will go to Decatur Cooperative Ministries as they help families who face homelessness settle into safe, stable homes.

DCM offers comprehensive services helping to prevent, endure, and overcome homelessness. Drop off items at either of the City of Decatur Fire Stations (230 East Trinity Place or 356 West Hill St.), the Decatur Recreation Center (231 Sycamore St.), or City Hall (509 N. McDonough St.).

For more information you may call Captain Violante at 678-553-6583 or Decatur Cooperative Ministries at 404-377-5365.

• Decatur School Board delays vote to support annexation [Decaturish]
• Eye on Decatur’s tree atop Little Shop [Next Stop…Decatur]
• An easier way to pay your DeKalb County water bill? [Commissoner Rader]
• MARTA, northern suburbs and streetcar [AJC]
• Developer proposes 22-story tower near Piedmont Park [ABC]
• Woodruff Arts Center gets $38 million gift [Saporta Report]
• 5 parking innovations every city should adopt [CityLab]

Photo courtesy of Marla Tiara

As everyone is probably aware at this point, a terrible crime was committed in downtown Decatur last Saturday night.  Since then we’ve slowly learned details of what’s happened, but much is left unknown to the general public at this point.

I’ve closed comments on previous posts surrounding this issue, which reported specifically on the victim.  However, I agree that there needs to be a place for the community to discuss the multitude of issues and concerns in the wake of this event.

This post is open to the community to do just that.

If you haven’t reviewed our commenting policy in a while, you can read it here.

Be well.