Nov.16-18: Mobilize for Justice and People Power Print
Converge at the Gates of Fort Benning, Georgia, to Close the SOA and to Change U.S. Foreign Policy

However you feel about the upcoming elections, one thing is certain: changing the bipartisan U.S. policy towards Latin America and pushing back militarization is a long-term project and it depends on pressure from the grassroots. We need to mobilize and build mass movements that get people in the streets.

Anyone familiar with the words of Frederick Douglass knows that “power concedes nothing without a demand.” SOA Watch has a proud history as a direct action movement and is deeply rooted in the struggle for justice, nonviolence, and resistance to empire.

The 2012 November Vigil is taking place 10 days after the elections and is our chance to set the agenda for justice, no matter who is being elected. If you have stood vigil at the gates of Fort Benning before, now is the time to mobilize others in your community to join you. If you have never come to the November Vigil before; this is the year! Make history and be part of the largest annual anti-militarization convergence in North America. Come take a stand for justice, peace, dignity and self-determination.

Below you will find the Schedule of Events, and information about the rally with amazing speakers and musicians from Colombia, Paraguay, Haiti, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. The November Vigil started with a handful of activists who fasted at the gates. It now draws thousands and features in-depth information sessions, excellent workshops, and concerts at the Columbus Convention Center in addition to the rally and the vigil at Fort Benning.

November 16-18 Schedule of Events
 Three-Day Convergence in Columbus, Georgia
As we converge each year at the gates of Fort Benning, Georgia, we are creating a strong community and a powerful force that will close the SOA, end U.S. militarization in the Americas and dismantle the broader system of oppression of which the SOA is a part.

Wednesday and Thursday, Nov 14 and 15:
  • Kick off the weekend with MUSIC and CULTURE! SOA Watch Concerts in Atlanta.

    Friday, Nov 16:
  • Rally to Close the Stewart Detention Center, starting 10am in Lumpkin, Georgia.**Meet at 8:30am at the Columbus Convention Center to caravan together! If you can offer a ride, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • Workshops starting in the afternoon at the Columbus Convention Center (801 Front Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901).
  • Concert with Joe Jencks, Francisco Herrera, Omari, Elise Witt, emma's revolution, Charlie King, Colleen Kattau, Steve Jacobs

    Saturday, Nov 17:
  • Morning Plenary is from 9-10:30am at Ballroom C, Columbus Convention Center.
  • Peace Walk to the main gate of Fort Benning. Gathering time is 9am at the Columbus Convention Center with walking to start at 9:30am until 11:30am.

    • Energetic Rally at the Gates of Fort Benning with speakers and musicians from across the Americas from 11am-4pm.

  • Workshops and caucuses continue in the evening at the Convention Center (801 Front Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901).
  • Concert with Son del Centro, Taína Asili, si dåko'ta alcantara-camacho, and Son Altepee from 8pm - 11:30pm

    Sunday, Nov 18:
  • Veterans' march to the gates, 8am.
    Veterans for Peace and friends will gather at 8:00am the Columbus Inn (3170 Victory Drive) to march together to the gates of Ft. Benning, Georgia. Join the march!

    • Solemn Funeral Procession with the names of the victims from 9am - 2pm

    Our movement unites vast sectors of society, including union workers, immigrants, people of faith, anarchists, pacifists, students, torture survivors, and many others. We recognize the existence of the School of the Americas as an example of the pervasive culture of militarization. We stand together with many justice movements in our joint struggle for social change.

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