November 20-22, 2009: Vigil and Nonviolent Direct Action
Converge on Fort Benning, Georgia
Join the Mass Mobilization to Close the School of the Americas and to Change U.S. Foreign Policy

In less than 2 weeks, thousands will converge on Fort Benning, Georgia to say no to military coups, military violence and the training of repressive forces at the School of the Americas. Join union workers, students, religious communities and grassroots activists from across the Americas from November 20-22, 2009 at the gates of Fort Benning to commemorate the martyrs and to take a stand for justice. It is up to us to change oppressive U.S. foreign policy since we can only hope for as much as we are willing to work for.
Click here to visit the new November Vigil Rideboard. (see links to transportation, hotel & other logistical information on the bottom of this posting.)

Speakers and Musicians

Among the many featured performers on the stage at the gates of Fort Benning and in the Columbus Convention Center will be the Indigo Girls, the Hip Hop groups Rebel Diaz and Kuumba Lynx, Emma's Revolution, Candy Garcia, the lead vocalist of the Salvadoran folk band Grupo Musical Horizontes and many more.

The high-profile line up of speakers includes Bernardo Vivas of the Cacraica Community for Self-Determination, Life, and Dignity (CAVIDA) from Colombia, South Bronx community organizers and immigrant rights activists Victor Toro and Nieves Aires, Catholic Worker and Plowshares activist Liz McAllister, Bertha Oliva, the coordinator of the Committee of Relatives of the Disappeared in Honduras and others who are active in the resistance against the SOA graduate-led military coup.

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Anti-Militarization Convergence: Panels, Workshops, Film Screening and Benefit Concerts

Throughout the weekend of the vigil, the Columbus Convention Center, the Howard Johnson Inn and the Days Inn will once again be transformed by passionate social justice energy as thousands gather to attend dozens of workshops and gatherings! Traditional workshops, films, media presentations, theatrical performances, concerts and art displays will all take place.
Here's a sneak peak at what this year's schedule has to offer:

• Un Poquito de Tanta Verdad
  
• Update from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and the Student Farmworker Alliance
  
• The Coup in Honduras and the Role of the SOA (Bertha Oliva, Tom Loudon, Lisa Sullivan)
• Job, Intern, Volunteer, and Religious Vocation Fair (Contact Liz Albanese at Liz@soaw.org if your organization would like to reserve a table for $25)

Other workshops will focus on expanding militarism in Colombia, war and violence in Iraq and Afghanistan, migration, land rights, labor issues, and much more!

The November vigil has evolved into one of the largest convergences against militarism and for justice in North America. Be there as we share stories, experiences, challenges and hopes for a more just and peaceful world-it is what makes our movement stronger!

To view the complete schedule of events, click here!

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Translation/ Interpretation working group looking for two days of volunteer radio tech support for the vigil (click here for more info).

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Don't forget to register for the November Vigil here.
The Rideboard is up! Check here for rides to the November Vigil from your area. Sign up to offer a ride or request a ride.
Click on the icons below for more information about the November Vigil logistics: