Socorro Peace Vigil

Socorro, a small town with a small university (New Mexico Tech, strongly connected to military research), is the nearest town to White Sands Missile Testing Range. In 2001 several people began a weekly peace vigil. Then during the planning of the first anniversary of 9/11 we talked about forming a WRL local. In October 2002 we organized Socorro's first ever teach-in with 14 speakers from throughout New Mexico, attracting about 120 people. By the end of the teach-in, 45 people had signed the WRL pledge so we became a WRL local. We continue to hold a vigil every Friday at 4:30 on the plaza — attended by 6 to 12 folks from the community; in addition, we've organized one film night with plans for more, provided speakers for a teach-in at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, organized a movement to get the City Council to re-affirm the Bill of Rights, written letters to the local papers, send out a weekly update local peace and justice activities.

About 15 people attend twice-monthly meetings. Though this is conservative town, we are encouraged by positive responses from many who pass us at our vigil. We have affiliated as a sponsor of Puerto Seguro, the local drop-in shelter for the needy in this area, starting with a drive to collect warm clothing and to provide volunteers to keep the shelter open. Our experience is that people are concerned and in opposition to war — the wars that we now sponsor and ones that may shortly ensue.

P.O. Box 635
Socorro, NM 87801
575.835.2517