 Join us in Georgia from November 19-21 to remember the victims and to celebrate the resistance! (para información en español, haga click aquí)
Thirty years have passed since Maryknoll missioners Maura Clark, Jean Donovan, Ita Ford, and Dorothy Kazel were brutally killed by graduates of the SOA in El Salvador. They are four among thousands of victims and survivors of the ongoing SOA / WHINSEC violence. In 2009, SOA graduates overthrew the democratically elected government of Honduras and unleashed brutal repression against the pro-democracy resistance. This year saw the release of a human rights report that links SOA graduates to extrajudicial killings in Colombia. The SOA / WHINSEC has remained open throughout too many years of terror and violence in Latin America, and no formal investigation of the school has ever taken place. Enough is enough! Shut it down!
From November 19-21, 2010, thousands will gather at the gates of Fort Benning to stand up for justice, to shut down the School of the Americas and to end the oppressive U.S. foreign policy that the school represents. We invite you to join us this November as we remember, in solemnity, the victims, and as we grow stronger than ever before in our resistance.
Organizing Packet (Paquete Organizativo)
Organizing a group to come to Georgia may seem intimidating, but the organizing packet can make it a lot easier! Use this packet as a guide and feel free to contact info[at]soaw.org to request a paper copy of the packet.
Workshops, Tables, and Ads
Workshops are a vital part of the Vigil weekend. SOA Watch offers space on a first come, first serve basis to organizations, individuals, and student groups who wish to present on a certain topic, screen a film, or host a meeting. Past workshop topics have included: immigrant rights, corporate greed, war, women's issues, resistance movements and media, counter-military recruitment, and effective student organizing. To become a workshop host(ess) please fill out the workshop registration form and return it to Liz by October 6th. Instructions are on the form.
Tabling at the Vigil is a great way to educate people about the work you are doing. Tom Bottolene is handling all table requests. You can contact him at tom[at]circlevision.org. Read the tabling information and fill out the included registration form if interested.
Advertising space in the 2010 Vigil Program will go fast! The program is distributed to thousands of people throughout the weekend. If you are interested in placing an ad, click here. Contact liz[at]soaw.org with questions about workshops or ads.
 Help us make the 2010 November Vigil even better!
Please donate to support the campaign and convergence to close the SOA.
Get the word out: order your palm cards today!
Palm cards have arrived! You can mobilize your community for the November Vigil at Fort Benning by ordering 125 front-and-back 3" by 6" palm cards for only $6.00. Email info[at]soaw.org with your mailing address and the number of cards you would like to order!
Volunteer at this year's Vigil
SOA Watch is built on a network of volunteers. Join an SOA Watch working group, help with interpretation, become a peacemaker, join the puppetistas, volunteer with the medics team, or contact Nico at nico[at]soaw.org for a list of other opportunities.
Get in touch with your local SOA Watch group
Click here for a listing of SOA Watch local groups and connect with them about their Vigil plans. Set up carpools, organize a film showing before the Vigil, or host a speaker. Don't see a local group for your area? Consider starting one. Contact us at info[at]soaw.org or 202-234-3440, or contact your regional representative for more info.
Helpful Links:
Travel Information / Ride Board
Hotels, Motels, and Camping in and around Columbus, GA
A Call for 2010 Peacemaker Volunteers
Legal Briefing for those Considering Nonviolent Civil Disobedience |
