Derechos: Human Rights Listings

The School of the Americas (renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation SOA/WHINSEC) is not an aberration of U.S. foreign policy but a clear illustration of it. The racist system of violence and domination that is being promoted by institutions like the SOA/WHINSEC, employs military solutions as the one-size-fits-all "solution" for social problems throughout the world.

Fort Benning, Georgia, one of the biggest military bases in the world has become a focal point of the people power resistance to this system. In recent months, caravans from Veterans For Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War and the Journey for Humanity and Accountability by Cindy Sheehan and Anne Wright took a stand for justice at the gates of Fort Benning.
In November, social movement leaders from Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Colombia, the United States and other countries will converge on Fort Benning to speak out against empire and call for justice and peace. Join us!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Thursday, November 15: Benefit Concert in Atlanta, Georgia; trainings and workshops in Columbus, Georgia
Friday, November 16: Teach-Ins, workshops, films screenings and a benefit concert in Columbus, Georgia
Saturday, November 17: Massive rally with music, speakers and a puppet show at the gates of Fort Benning, Georgia, teach-Ins, workshops, and films screenings at the Columbus Convention Center and in hotel meeting rooms in the evening; benefit concert at night.
Sunday, November 18: Veterans march to the gates, commemoration of the victims of SOA/WHINSEC violence at the gates of Fort Benning, nonviolent direct action

Click here for a map with the event locations.

HOTELS: See a list of hotel and other accomodations in and around Columbus, Georgia. If you are looking for housing, contact Alyson Hayes at the Columbus Visitors Bureau to see which hotels have vacancies. Reach the Visitors Bureau at 1-800-999-1613.

MEDIA OUTREACH: Taking a little time to carry out a handful of media-related tasks before you head to Georgia can profoundly impact the number of people in your area who know about the SOA/WHINSEC issue and the number of people who get involved in the work to close it down. Read about how you can work with your local media or contact us in the SOA Watch office at 202-234-3440 or media(at)soaw.org for more information and resources.

TRAVEL: See information on traveling to Columbus, whether by plane, car, bus, train or something more creative.

ACCESSIBILITY & INTERPRETATION: ASL and English<>Spanish interpretation services will be available during the vigil weekend. Find out more about interpretation services, large print and Braille programs and wheelchair accessibility.

PEACEMAKERS NEEDED:SOA Watch is looking for Peacemaker Volunteers to work at the vigil this year. Read more about how you can participate, and how to contact Peacemaker coordinators.

LOCAL GROUPS: Do you know others in your area that are working to close down the School of the Americas? Connect with others now before heading to Georgia. Click here for a listing of SOA Watch local groups. If your group is not listed, please add your contact information.

Don't see a group for your area? Consider starting one! For more information, contact us at info@soaw.org or at 202-234-3440 or contact your regional representative for more information about those in your region working to close the SOA/ WHINSEC.

NOVEMBER ORGANIZING PACKET: The November Organizing Packet is a great resource for you and your community as you spread the word about the SOA/ WHINSEC and as you make plans to attend the November 16-18 Vigil to Close the SOA at Fort Benning, Georgia. In it, you'll find information about what to expect at Ft. Benning, logistical information to assist your trip planning, media, legislative, fundraising and outreach tips and resources, and flyers you can reproduce and use in your community. Order the November Organizing Packet for $4 from SOA Watch, PO Box 4566, Washington, D.C. 20017.