Nov. 19-21: Converge on Fort Benning
In a few days, from November 19-21, 2010, thousands will gather at the gates of Fort Benning to stand up for justice and call for the SOA/WHINSEC to be shut down! Below are some helpful links for your trip planning, and a sneak peak into what SOA Watch has lined up for this year! (para información en español, haga click aquí)
Still looking for a ride to Georgia? Visit our rideboard, and click here for more helpful travel tips.
Still looking for a place to stay in Georgia? Check out hotels, motels, and camping in and around Columbus, GA!
Organizing Packet (Paquete Organizativo)
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
MORNING PLENARY SPEAKERS!
Engage in Nonviolent Direct Action to Close the SOA/WHINSEC
This year there will be different ways for people to be involved in the Saturday action including crossing the line of the base of Fort Benning which risks federal arrest, or a city side action, outside the permitted area. But note that you may also participate without risking arrest. SOA Watch has permits for the activities in front of the base, and the acts of civil disobedience for those risking arrest will be clearly marked.
Legal Briefing for Those Considering Crossing the Line or Civil Disobedience on Federal Property
Legal Briefing for Those Considering Civil Disobedience in Columbus ON CITY OR STATESIDE PROPERTY
For more information click here; Para información en español haz clíc aquí
NONVIOLENCE TRAININGS AND PRINCIPLES
Stage Program:
The stage program at the gates of Fort Benning will take place on Saturday, November 20, 2010 from 11:30am - 4pm and on Sunday, November 21, 2010 from 8am - 2pm. The program will feature leaders from the resistance against the illegitimate U.S.-supported government in Honduras; Padre Jesus Alberto Franco, a renowned leader from Colombia, risking his life working with Afro-Colombian, indigenous and mixed-race farmers in resistance; Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit; Marie Dennis, director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns and Co-President of Pax Christi International; United Auto Worker president Bob King; the Hip Hop group Rebel Diaz from the Bronx; the puppetistas, musicians and many other beautiful people.
Above: Rebel Diaz
Workshops and Vendors:
The vigil at the gates of Fort Benning has become one of the largest annual progressive gatherings in the country. This year, 60+ tables hosted by progressive organizations and fair trade retailers will line Fort Benning Road throughout the weekend. Pick up a cup of fair trade, organic coffee at the Café Campesino tent, check out empowering literature at the Catholic Worker Bookstore, and learn about Witness for Peace's fall campaign at their table.
Dozens of workshops and other events will be held throughout the weekend at the Columbus Convention Center. Organizations and individuals such as Ann Wright, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Símon Sedillo, the Colombia Support Network, Pax Christi USA, and MANY others, will hold infomative sessions throughout the weekend. There will also be concerts, student meet-ups, a Catholic liturgy at which Bishop Thomas Gumbleton will preside, a hip hop show case, film screenings including The Coca Cola Case and Quién Dijo Miedo (Inside the Coup in Honduras), nonviolence trainings, and other exciting events to look forward to! For a full list of events, click here.
**Please join in on Nonviolence Trainings Friday morning and afternoon. The practice of nonviolent direct action is an essential part of the movement to close the School of the Americas and it is only successful if we are constantly practicing and improving our nonviolent pressure.**
4th Annual Vigil at the Stewart Detention Center
Friday, November 19th @ 10AM in Lumpkin, Georgia
SOA Watch calls for justice for all immigrants including those held inhumanely and without due process at the Stewart Detention Center, an isolated, for-profit facility. We contend that many immigrants to the United States, particularly those from Latin America, are victims of U.S.-sponsored military training and other atrocious policies around issues like trade and immigration. Click here to read more...
If you are interested in participating in this vigil, contact Becca Polk, Becca@soaw.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Those leaving from Columbus will meet outside the Convention Center (801 Front Ave.) at 8:15am to join the caravan led by a member of Georgia Detention Watch. Please notify Becca if you are able to drive.
we can do it!YOU can make this year's vigil even better: VOLUNTEER TODAY!
* URGENT! We need two people with A/V expertise (production) to help out from Friday morning to Saturday evening, at the Convention Center. Please email Nico at nico@soaw.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you can help!
* Become a Peacemaker
* Get creative! Join the Puppetistas!
* Educate people at the legislative table near the stage, contact Theresa at tmcameranesi@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
* Help with translation and interpretation. We still need bi-lingual English-Spanish interpreters. Contact Sara at sara.koopman@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Marcos at somospoetas@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , to volunteer!
* Volunteer with the medics team, contact Larry at egbertL4pj@yahoo.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
* Other volunteer tasks include: sitting at the event registration table, delivering programs to hotels, unloading tables and chairs for Saturday and Sunday's events at the gates, and more! Contact Nico at nico@soaw.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , to help with vigil logistics in Georgia.
Donate to the SOA Watch Silent Auction
The third annual auction will be held in conjunction with the annual SOA Watch vigil from November 19-21 in the Columbus Convention Center. Some ideas for auction items you might donate: crafts, jewelry, artwork, local foods, fair trade coffee or chocolate, wine, a few days in your country/lake cabin or condo! Please contact Lisa at LSullivan@soaw.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let her know what item you can donate to the auction and she will be in touch with you about details of how to get it to the auction.
Make History: Endorse the November Vigil
With less than a month to go, many organizations have expressed their support for the closing of the SOA/WHINSEC and for our 2010 vigil. We are heartened by the solidarity and support felt across the Americas!
Current endorsers include: the United Auto Workers; the Student-Farmworker Alliance; Movimiento Estudiantil Chican@ de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A); Fellowship of Reconciliation; United for Peace and Justice; Catholics United; Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW); Womens' International League for Peace and Freedom, US Section; A.N.S.W.E.R.; Students for a Democratic Society (SDS); and dozens of other faith, community, worker and peace groups from around the country.
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