Protest can come in many forms – art, music, boycott, writing, and countless other methods are proven tools in voicing opposition. Historically, the loudest method of resistance has always been the protest march and on January 21st, a day after the presidential inauguration and one day prior to the 44th anniversary of Roe vs Wade, a giant crowd of women and forward-thinking men will come together in America’s capitol to attend one of the most massive demonstrations in recent history – the Women’s March on Washington.
Whisperings of the march began immediately following the presidential election. Since then the significance of the march has grown seismically with each conservative, Planned Parenthood hating, racist appointee that Trump adds to his cabinet. As of today more than 200,000 people have said via Facebook that they will attend the march, including celebrities, Katy Perry, Ashley Judd, America Ferrera, Janelle Monáe (who is set to perform at the massive demonstration) and Fiona Apple who penned “Tiny Hands,” a protest chant specifically for the march. Nationwide, there are more than 600 sister marches planned for the same date.
If you plan on attending the D.C. march, check out the video above for an overview of the event and see below for further information, courtesy of the Women’s March on Washington official website. Be sure to use #WhyIMarch on social media in order to connect with fellow marchers. For after parties check out feminist drummer and free-bleeding marathon runner, Madame Ghandi’s events. She will host Got Equality, an evening of drinks, interactive art, dancing and women empowerment that will immediately follow the march and benefits Becky’s Fund, a non-profit that strives to address domestic violence. Late night, Ghandi will host and perform at Our DC, a dance party that benefits the ACLU.
GENERAL INFO
Q: When is the Women’s March on Washington? A: January 21, 2017, 10am
Q: Where is the starting point?
A: The starting point will be the intersection of Independence Avenue and Third Street SW, near the U.S. Capitol.
Q: Do I need to register?
A: Yes. We are asking that marchers register so that we can have an accurate count to ensure that we have the proper services available.
-posting about the march on social media with the hashtag #WhyIMarch and talking about the march with your friends and family.
Q: How do I get from Union Station to the march?
A: There are multiple ways to get from Union Station to the march. The easiest way might be to walk or take a metrobus or train.
Q: Where is the starting point?
A: The starting point will be the intersection of Independence Avenue and Third Street SW, near the U.S. Capitol.
Q: Are there bathrooms along the course of the march?
A: Yes, we are planning on having portable bathroom facilities available at different points around our march and rally site.
Q: Will cell phones be usable?
A: We cannot promise cell service for calls or texting on the day of the march. Please be sure to make a plan for the day of the march with your friends, family and group ahead of time, in the event that cell service does not work.
Q: Can we bring flags and banners?
A: Flags are allowed, but not on a pole. Posters and signs are allowed, but not with the use of wooden sign posts. Instead, we encourage people to use cardboard sign posts.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE MARCH
Q: Can I bring my backpack/bag to the march?
-All backpacks and bags may be subject to search at the March, and those not conforming to the standards set here may be confiscated or asked to be left behind. Backpacks are not permitted unless they are clear and no larger than 17″x12″x6″ (colored transparent bags are not permitted).
-Bags/totes/purses for small personal items should be no larger than 8”x6”x4”.
-If you require disability accommodations or related equipment, that will not fit into the above bags, please enter via the ADA Accessible route: 4th St. SW from C St. to Independence Ave. For anyone using Metro, please get off at Federal Center SW and use 4th St. to enter the rally area.
-Canes, walking sticks, walkers, and portable seats are allowed for individuals who require them for mobility and accessibility on a regular basis.
-Strollers are permitted at the march, but we recommend smaller strollers if possible.
-Do not bring anything that can be construed as a weapon, including signage with any kind of handle (e.g. a sharpened wooden stick).
Q: Can we bring folding chairs so we can take rests, and canes to walk with?
A: If you need the assistance of a cane please bring it. Folding chairs are not permitted. If there are specific medical needs that you cannot have met with regular accommodation, we will have a limited seated section for people who need seating. We will give more information on this in the next week.
Q: What should I wear?
A: We advise you check the weather regularly the week leading up to the march. The end of January in Washington D.C. can be frigid. Please plan accordingly and dress for EXTREME COLD. Even if the temperatures are higher than normal, standing outside for hours at a time will impact you.
LEGAL
Q: What if I get arrested? Is there a phone number I can call?
A: Questions about legal support? Call 1-866-798-6444. If you are in jail, call 202-670-6866
Please note that we are working with local and federal law enforcement and do not intend to engage in any civil disobedience. We expect all marchers to abide by all laws and any instruction of law enforcement. Finally, we are planning a peaceful demonstration and are training marshals in de-escalation tactics and ask that all marchers remain peaceful.
Q: I am a non-citizen planning to attend the march, what should I be aware of?
A: We have spoken to law enforcement regarding their policies as it relates to undocumented immigrants and they have stated they will not be making any arrests of law-abiding marchers, no matter what their status is. We will also have a team of immigration defense attorney available on the day of the march to respond to your questions. Our legal hotline number is (202) 670-6866. If you are traveling to Washington, D.C. for the march, please review “8 Things Immigrants Can Do if Traveling to Washington, DC for Marches or Actions” from our friends at the National Immigration Project.
