And that was a big feature of the March, to solidify the base, not just women but men, strong enough and man enough to stand up with women in our fight for equality and the fight to keep the gains we had already made.
But it was not just about our equality struggles but also the equality struggles of all the diverse members of our society, of our country that has always made America great in the eyes of the world.
The goal was to give voice not only to women but to persons of color, Black, Hispanic, Native Americans, Asian, born here and immigrants. Black lives matter, all lives matter. And give voice to those in the LBGT community who always seem to be on the fringe of society. And a voice to those who would identify as nonChristian, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists. They have a place here too. We cannot and should not separate ourselves from each other.
The Women's March mission statement reads, "We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families - recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country."
What was it like on the ground? Many of you attended a March somewhere in the world. I went to Washington DC. For such a huge crowd it was surprisingly cheerful and patient. If you had to cut across lines, folks would smile and let you through. Toilet lines were long mostly due to the porta potties in several locations that were locked up. Why, no one knows. While it was boisterous and sometimes a bit irreverent, it was always peaceful and contained. The March itself stretched for miles. It wound throughout the city. And while there was jocularity and camaraderie, there was also a seriousness as everyone carried with them that day the weight of an administration gone wild, bent on destroying democracy, environmental protections and the constitutional rights of great swathes of our nation.
Men frequently carried signs saying I'm marching for - my mother, my sister, my daughters, etc. And that was a common theme among all marchers. I marched for me but also for my granddaughters because I want them to have a strong female role model and for my Mother. Although we have never gotten along all that well, she is one of the bravest women I know.
We are calling out a leadership that cares nothing for us, over half the citizens of this country. We are calling out voters who care for no one but themselves and voted out of spite and ignorance and laziness. We are calling out the base to get busy and MAKE yourself be heard! Maybe what you say will fall on deaf ears, maybe none of it will make a difference but doing nothing is far worse and failing to reach an apathetic administration.
STRONGER TOGETHER - that was a sign I saw. And it is the rallying cry of a movement that will continue to fight the attacks on equality, protections and diversity until we have turned the tide. It could take years but a Movement has been born and while politicians and Trump voters try to downplay our importance we keep moving until our importance steamrolls right over top of them.
About the pink hats, this was another grassroots idea that, if you have seen the photos from across the country, grew into a massive pink hat wave. Called the Pussy Hat Project, you can learn more about the empowerment created by wearing the hat.
There are many ways to get involved. There are postcard writing campaigns, calls being made, visits to legislators offices and more rallies and marches in every state.
Resources to look for:
Indivisible Guide can be downloaded and there is a local groups link for groups currently forming and organizing events.
Women's March isn't finished either. 10 Events in 100 Days. Go to their website and sign up for alerts.
NAACP join and use the site to find a local chapter. Many of them, like our local NC chapter are scheduling events. (And no you do not have to be black to join)
Moveon.org is a clearinghouse of campaigns and events.
As time goes on, I think we will see groups merge to become one stronger entity, and a national site to coordinate all groups so we can be stronger, organized and powerful.
JOIN THE RESISTANCE NOW!
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