How can you return, changed, from any meaningful experience, and expect life to go on the same way? How can you communicate what that experience meant to you? When first returning from the School of the Americas protest Monday morning, I was greeted with many expressions of “How was the protest?” Not knowing how exactly to respond, I generalized the experience into “It was a good time.” How incredibly inaccurate. A good time? I have been/ am frustrated, saddened, infuriated by the injustices perpetuated (especially) by our American governing system, not just limited to the School of the Americas. In case you aren’t familiar with this institution (now known as the Western Hemisphere for International Security Cooperation), it is designed to train military personnel from all over Latin America in various counterinsurgency techniques, interrogation tactics, and other military operations. Because of its connections with many human rights atrocities throughout Latin America, many have dubbed it “School of Assassins.”

The protest this weekend was a time to lament together the inhumane acts of people trained at such an institution. It was difficult hearing stories of those affected by the school, and the Sunday funeral procession was humbling. Victims of various SOA actions were named, and, carrying crosses with their names, the group responded, “presente,” to show solidarity with our Latin American sisters and brothers. It was a very profound and powerful experience, and through it I believe I was better able to connect with those who have been directly affected by the SOA.

This annual protest is also a good place to learn about other relevant world issues. During the protest, there were many booths from organizations representing a variety of related issues, from the Iraq war and other military affairs to environmental issues, trade policies, poverty, and women’s rights. At first, it was hard for me to focus on the issue for which we came: closing the School of the Americas. I found the presence of the other issues distracting, as though they were all vying for my attention and support. Upon returning, however, I realized how amazing it was that the SOA protest could also provide the information for people to become more passionate about many other issues that are so interrelated.

I came away from the protest wondering what good could possibly happen as a result. I understood from the beginning that the fact that 25,000 people would show up to protest the school would have minimal direct effect on its closing, quite honestly. In my eyes, the point is to show our support for the movement as well as our sisters and brothers in Latin America. What I was hoping for was a greater understanding of the significance of the SOA, and a renewed passion for working towards its closing.

So did my traveling to Ft. Benning make an impact? Did I accomplish my goals? Will anything change? I don’t know. One positive, very direct effect of my participation in this protest was my ability to talk to others about the school and tell my friends about my experience. Granted, this strategy will not immediately change the world. But I believe that by convincing individuals of the importance of issues such as the School of the Americas as well as pressuring the government to make changes, we can transform society from both the top and the bottom.

p.s. photo credits to my fellow SOA protesters!