Home » Board

SOA: Frequently Asked Questions

< Return to main SOA page

“The pilgrimage was a life-altering path that both challenged and enriched my faith. It also allowed me to symbolically take a stand against violence in its many forms.”
- Meagan, pilgrimage participant


CONTENTS:

When is the trip?

November 15-19. Tentatively, there will be caravans leaving from Toronto, Winnipeg & Guelph on Nov 15, meeting up in the US Midwest and traveling together. Please note that arriving the night before is best.

How much does it cost?

The pilgrimage is $150 for four days of programming, travel and shelter. We’re trying really hard to keep costs low, so students will get most of their own food on the way (we’ll probably buy bulk on the way). See financial bursary info below. There is a $50 deposit to secure your place.

I want to come. How can I register?

Please visit our SOA Registration Page, which has several electronic forms, our address, and deposit payment options.

Can I get financial help to attend?

Yes, SCM has set aside some funds for helping students attend with financial need or from more remote regions. Please inquire or fill in our application at the registration page. We can also direct you to contacts in your denomination for assistance.

What is the School of the Americas?

The School of the Americas (SOA) is a U.S. Army training school that trains soldiers and military personnel from Latin American countries in subjects like counter-insurgency, military intelligence and counter-narcotics operations. Under Department of Defense jurisdiction, this school is funded by U.S. taxpayer money, all of the training is conducted in Spanish, and most of the classes are taught by Latin American instructors. According to the SOA itself, more than 60,000 members of Latin American militaries have attended the SOA since its inception in 1946. (from SOA Watch)

Wasn’t the SOA closed?

The SOA was “closed” in December of 2000 and “reopened” on January 17, 2001 with a new name, the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC). This was a result of a Department of Defense (DOD) proposal included in the Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2001. The measure passed when the House of Representatives defeated by a narrow ten vote margin a bipartisan amendment to close the school and conduct a Congressional investigation. The name change was widely viewed as an attempt to distance the institution from its controversial history. (from SOA Watch)

Is this a protest?

Yes and no. We gather in Fort Benning to protest the activities of the SOA. However, participants have described it as more like a vigil/street party/guerrilla theatre/liturgy - a place where art, spirituality and politics meet. November 17 is a day of workshops, discussion and skill-sharing; November 18 is the cross procession, reading the names of the disappeared, and a celebration of life parade with giant puppets and music.

Will I get arrested? Is this legal?

SCM takes part in a legal, annual march of 25,000 people, which includes many church-people, families and campus & refugee groups. All participants take a pledge of nonviolence, and only those who choose to climb over a fence get arrested - usually only a handful every year. SCM takes part primarily as education & witness for those Americas taking direct action.

This seems too radical for me. I’m not sure yet about the issues.

Great! Nobody has to agree with us - this is a learning process and we’ll have many chances to share our perspectives and reflections on the trip. The whole point is to become more conscious and active in addressing what’s happening in our world today - or at least to think about it.

This doesn’t seem radical enough for me. Will this actually make a difference?

Also great! Though some people might be critical of just marching to the gates of some base symbolically and going home, we are going in solidarity with those who choose more direct forms of civil disobedience, not to mention the estimated 300,000 people who have been killed by SOA graduates and their related policies.

Plus, we feel that journeying together, building community and exploring how to transform our lives and world is radical.

What is the route & itinerary?

Information about our travel route and schedule are posted at this page

Do I have to be Christian? What about the faith stuff?

SCM is a non-dogmatic social justice community. Though we’re inspired by faith, all are welcome to participate in our justice activities without judgement or assumptions. We’ve had self-avowed atheists on the trip, as well as non-Christians, and the atmosphere is one of discussion, ideas and action for a better world.

For those for whom spirituality is important, we offer optional prayer times and reflection on the ‘pilgrimage’ theme. All are welcome.

Is it just about protesting the army or the US?

No. We call it a pilgrimage because it is a chance to reflect on a journey towards living more justly and sustainably in our world. That means visiting justice communities like Jubilee Partners, Catholic Workers, inner-city parishes and others on the way, and taking time to discuss and reflect how our learnings affect our lives in Canada. Our pledge of nonviolence includes commitment to respecting the communities we visit and the people we stand in solidarity with.

What is your group’s stance on anti-oppression and homophobia?

SCM is committed to an Anti-Oppression Covenant which states that we recognize all forms of oppression as being interlinked and connected - sexism, racism, homophobia, classism, ableism and others - and seeking to challenge them in our world, but also in our own organizing. We have a reputation of celebrating sexual diversity and striving to become more inclusive and radical in welcoming all.

What denomination is SCM? Is this a church mission trip or something?

As a movement, we are not part of any particular church or branch of Christianity. We are, however, part of the ecumenical movement, which transcends church divisions and seeks justice and peace in the world. However, we are supported by the United Church of Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada, and we consider various ecumenical and Catholic justice organizations our partners.

Our mission is to seek justice in our world and transformation in our lives as North Americans committed to the process of liberation. Other than that, we’re not missionaries! Justice is ‘good news’ for the oppressed.

Who organizes the protest/vigil?

SOA Watch is an independent organization that seeks to close the U.S. Army School of the Americas, under whatever name it is called, through vigils and fasts, demonstrations and nonviolent protest, as well as media and legislative work. It was founded by Maryknoll priest Fr. Roy Bourgeois in 1990

Do I have to sleep in church basements, ride in a van for days on end, explore deep issues and challenge the way I view the world?

Most likely, yes.