Our Social Action Committee is sponsoring and helping coordinate the North Country contingent’s participation in the Women’s March on Washington scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 2017.
According to their main Facebook page, the march is intended to demonstrate that “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. The rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us–women, immigrants of all statuses, those with diverse religious faiths particularly Muslim, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native and Indigenous people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, the economically impoverished and survivors of sexual assault... In the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore.”
According to a Washington Post article, the head organizer of the march says, “We welcome our male allies. We want this to be as inclusive as possible while acknowledging that it’s okay to have a women-centered march.”
Seats on the march-bound bus are available for $135/person. The tentative plan is to leave Canton Friday morning, January 20, stay overnight, march Saturday, then drive home after the march. Housing is being coordinated with the River Road UU church in Maryland (anticipated cost will range from $10 to $30/person). If you wish to ride the bus but have your own overnight accommodations, that’s fine. If you have other ideas – other churches, other possibilities for housing a big number – let us know.
Please email socialaction@uucantonny.org if you are planning to march, and bring or send your check to church ASAP (3 1/2 East Main Street, Canton). We have had several offers of financial support from people who are unable to go. If you or someone you know wishes to make a donation, please also send or mail checks to the church. All checks should be memo’ed “Washington March” plus “donation” if applicable.
Please email socialaction@uucantonny.org with your questions and ideas.
I would like to participate in the women’s march!
You’re on the list, Caron! Anyone else who is interested, please feel free to reply here or email socialaction@uucantonny.org.
If I had legs that were ten years younger, I’d be marching with you. I shall send a contribution in lieu of participation; my heart and my belief in what you are doing will be with you all.