Rose City Self-Defense and the Safe Blocks Program had a great turnout for the Personal Safety & Self Defense Workshop at Midland Library on August 19, 2025 with 19 people in attendance. The group included women, men and non-binary folks of all ages and physical abilities from throughout Portland. Overall, it was one of the most diverse workshops ever run by the program.
Participants discussed specific safety concerns, including walking to a car in a dark parking lot after a work shift to feeling isolated and trapped on public transit. Some people shared concerns for violence against others and asked how best to intervene during difficult situations. Overall, participants left feeling empowered, with increased options for their own safety and for others in their community.
The next workshop is planned at Midland Library on Wednesday September 17, 5:30-7:30pm.