The founder of  SOA Watch will speak in Homer Saturday during an event planned for 1-3 p.m. at WKFL Park.

“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,” according to the organization’s website.

Father Roy Bourgeois, SOA Watch founder, will be in Homer Saturday as part of a speaking tour in Alaska that also includes stops in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Father Bourgeois has spent more than four years in U.S. federal prisons for nonviolent protests against the training of Latin American soldiers at Fort Benning, Ga. His talks have inspired thousands to take action for social justice, according to SOA Watch.

Mako Haggerty, who is helping to get the word out about Saturday’s event, said he has heard Father Bourgeois speak at vigils at Fort Benning and that the message is powerful.