I'm excited AND nervous for this weekend.

This Saturday, I am attending the Women's March on Washington to march in unity with thousands of other people from around the world. 

The Mission & Vision of the Women's March on Washington says it all: 

"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."

We are marching for these Unity Principles: Ending Violence, Reproductive Rights, LGBTQIA Rights, Worker's Rights, Civil Rights, Disability Rights, Immigrant Rights, and Environmental Justice.

You can read a more detailed breakdown of the Unity Principles here.

I am hoping this day is a positive experience for all involved. I am excited AND nervous for this weekend. First of all, I tend to get a little anxiety when doing something new... like marching in Washington, DC! Second, I'm scared of a violent attack of some sort! The march itself is advertised as a peaceful demonstration. It's not about rioting, civil disobedience, or disruption of any sort. The march has permits and there will be police officers there to protect and facilitate this demonstration. So I do not fear that march participants will get out of hand, but more of someone from the outside targeting us.

However, I realize we have to live our lives. There are crazy people everywhere. I am sure DC will have top notch security... especially since it is inauguration weekend.


After watching this video, produced by march officials, I felt a lot less worried about the event overall. Note: This video cuts off at the end, you can watch the full video on the Women's March on Washington Facebook page.

There has been some criticism of the march, and I was sure to read some articles that did criticize. (Hey, I like to know what everyone is saying!) One article I read was called Ladies, Protesting Isn't Going To Cut It. While I find the title of the article condescending, the article did point out that "protesting" is just part of a strategic plan of civic engagement.


Of course, demonstrating and protesting is just one aspect of the resistance. I am part of several Facebook groups of march participants and people are continually posting about their experiences contacting their elected officials and other calls to action. I hope all who attend the march are inspired to be more engaged!

Because really, there needs to be all kinds of people in this fight. If protesting is your thing, we need you. If you decide to run for office, we need you. If you are one to contact your representatives, we need you too. And we need everyone in between! There is a place for everything, and we all need to do what we are the most comfortable with.

So while I'm a little apprehensive about marching in Washington, I know I will never regret the principles I am marching for!

Are you marching? Attending a sister march?
Do you get apprehensive in large crowds?
What is an issue you care deeply about?