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SOA Watch rocked the house at Haydee's Restaurant on Sunday night! After a few initial days of creating cardboard cut-outs, banners, and signs, we let loose with the amazing local musical talent of Tierra Morena and Seven Jackson. We came together as a community to rock out against the oppression, share a laugh, a dance-step and build up our collective energy to chip away at the crumbling Empire! Thank you to the talented musicians, Haydee's staff and all the great SOA Watch activists - who came from Oregon, Washington, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Minnesota, Virginia and many more places - for the memorable night!

On Monday, we started out the morning with a training from the Legislative Working Group, about upcoming legislation in Congress, and how to meet with a member of Congress. Grassroots lobbying may not have the money that Pentagon lobbyists have, but they sure do have the heart! The training gave activists the tools to convey a powerful message of truth to those in power, and many took off directly to meet with their legislators. Following lunch, we prepared for the rally, and discussed possible direct action scenarios.

Later in the evening, SOA Watch activists channeled the energy of the day and that of our compañer@s from across the Americas through the streets and over to the Capitol South metro station, where a die-in representing the thousands of victims of SOA graduates and destructive US economic policies was re-enacted. Despite heavy police presence, surveillance and harassment, the die-in attracted the attention of hundreds of Capitol Hill staffers, who were encouraged to take the message to their bosses. We will continue our presence and pressure tomorrow inside Congress and around DC! Join us!

April 9: National Call-In Day - CALL YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS!

You can call the office of your Representative at (202) 224-3121 and amplify the voices of those who have traveled to Washington, DC! Call your Representative now and ask them to become an original co-sponsor of the Latin America Military Training Review Act, which is going to get introduced soon by the Representatives Jim McGovern (D, MA) and John Lewis (D-GA). Call Congress now: (202) 224-3121

Wednesday, April 10. Continue lobbying, keep up the pressure! Join the anti-militarization contingent with SOA Watch activists for the Citizenship for 11 Million Immigration Reform rally, organized by Casa de Maryland, SEIU and regional partners, the rally starts at 3pm; march with the anti-militarization contingent starting at 2:30pm from Capitol Hill United Methodist Church (421 Seward Sq, SE).

READ THE CALL-OUT AND ENDORSE THE ANTI-MILITARIZATION CONTINGENT!

Set up a meeting with your Member of Congress!

We are encouraging SOA Watch activists to start planning your trip today to Washington, and to set up meetings with your members of Congress today. This includes both House and Senate!

Read more information from SOA Watch's April 2012 activities in DC!

Start Mobilizing!

CHECK OUT THE APRIL LOBBY DAYS ORGANIZING PACKET!

1. Let your friends, community and networks know about the April 8-10 Days of Action. At the 2012 November Vigil in Fort Benning, at least 37 states were represented (and 10 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean), and in the weeks following, SOA Watch activists sent over 8,000 messages to Congress and the White House about cutting the SOA/WHINSEC from the budget! Let's make that even better in April, as we need to show Congress that we won't stop!

2. Show a screening of the SOA Watch DVD "Somos Una América" in your community, and invite SOA Watch speakers to your events! Order our bilingual, informational broadsheet about the SOA/WHINSEC to educate your community!

3. Contact your Congressional representative. Ask them to set up a meeting (click here to learn how) with you on April 9 or 10.

4. Make a donation to help make April in DC a real celebration of life, hope and resistance!

Where to Stay in DC and How to Get to DC

Housing: Want to come to DC for the April Days of Action, but don't know where to look for housing options? Check out the list of hostels, churches and hotels in the Washington, DC area and start making your reservations!

Travel: Check here for a listing of different ways to get to Washington, DC

Call 202-234-3440, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Get email updates and stay tuned!