Sample Phone Message to Representatives

On November 4, 2011, Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA) reintroduced the Latin America Military Training Review Act, HR 3368 along with 21 original co-sponsors. This legislation would suspend operations at the SOA/WHINSEC, investigate torture manuals and human rights abuses associatd with the school, and conduct an assessment of military training in Latin America.

call congress! Check the list of co-sponsors to HR 3368 to see if your Representative has co-sponsored. If so, call to say thank you!

If not, call now! Urge them to support human rights and co-sponsor HR 3368. You can reach the your Representative by calling 202-224-3121. Ask to be connected to your Member of Congress, and then ask to speak with the legislative aide that deals with foreign affairs.

SAMPLE PHONE MESSAGE URGING REPRESENTATIVE TO CO-SPONSOR HR 3368:

“Hi, my name is ______ and I live in ______. I am calling because I would like to bring to your attention an important to support human rights in Latin America. Congressman Jim McGovern's office has introduced HR 3368, the Latin America Military Training Review Act to suspend operations at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), formerly called the US Army School of the Americas (or SOA).

The School of the Americas is a combat training school in Ft. Benning, GA that has trained more than 64,000 Latin American soldiers and officers. Renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, the SOA/WHINSEC continues to train hundreds of soldiers each year in the exact same location with almost the same curriculum. The concerns raised with regards to the SOA were never adequately addressed, and it needs to be closed so that an investigation can occur.

Please contact Cindy Buhl in Congressman McGovern's office to co-sponsor this bill."

TIPS FOR MAKING EFFECTIVE PHONE CALLS

1. Ask to speak with the legislative aide responsible for the issue. Give your name and tell him or her that you are a constituent.
2. Be specific about what you want the member to do.
3. Ask what the member’s position is on the issue. If the staff person is uncertain, ask the staffer what he/she would recommend to her/his boss.
4. Thank them for their time.

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Job Opening: SOA Watch Development and Operations Coordinator

SOA Watch has an opening for a full-time Operations and Development Coordinator in our Washington, DC office. We are looking for someone with a background dealing with finances, and with a strong commitment to the grassroots movement to close the SOA. People of color and women are encouraged to apply. If you are interested or if you can think of someone who would be great for this position, please see http://SOAW.org/work for the job description, requirements and for information on how to apply.

Tell Congress to Close the SOA/WHINSEC
Congress: Close the SOA