• The witness of the occupation of Wall Street, the Summer of Human Rights in Georgia, and the Arab Spring reminds us of the possibilities that flow from disrupting business as usual. Join with human rights activists around the globe in making the Vigil this year another forum of speaking truth to power.

• Schedule of Events, November 18-20

SOA Watch

Submitted by David Culver

It’s that time of year again to gather at the gates of Fort Benning, Georgia. For more than 20 years we’ve come together as a community to close the School of the Americas (WHINSEC) and to resist the culture of militarization through teach-ins, music, memory and direct actions. Be one of thousands who will mobilize this year to fight oppression and stand up for justice and self-determination!

Read the October 17 Time Magazine article about the SOA.  Some of us are called to put our bodies on the line and engage in civil disobedience. Direct action is one of the pillars of our resistance. It is an opportunity for all those who seek peace with justice to bring their grievances to the place where the killers are being trained to protect the policies that benefit the world’s richest 1%, at the expense of the 99% throughout the Americas.

Federal Line Crossing Over the years, hundreds of activists have risked federal prison time because they “cross the line” onto Fort Benning, in order to draw attention to the US militarization of Latin America. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, please contact directaction@soaw.org. You can learn more about the SOA Watch Prisoners of Conscience here.

Other Actions For those who cannot risk serving federal prison time but have the desire to bear witness, there is the opportunity for other creative actions (in the past, SOA Watch activists have employed tactics such as leaf-letting, banner hanging and visiting local church groups – see more ideas here). But don’t feel limited to these actions alone – GET CREATIVE! Groups or individuals considering direct action should prepare ahead of time (please see these materials) and contact directaction@soaw.org.

The witness of the occupation of Wall Street, the Summer of Human Rights in Georgia, and the Arab Spring reminds us of the possibilities that flow from disrupting business as usual. Join with human rights activists around the globe in making the Vigil this year another forum of speaking truth to power.

Related:

Schedule of Events, November 18-20, SOA Watch
Actions speak louder than words. Only through consistent struggle will we create lasting change and forge a new world. Are you ready to join thousands this November 18-20 in a celebration of resistance and memory?