All the things you should bring to the Women’s March on Washington
I read an article today that made me raise my eyebrows, because it seemed to only to talk people who could afford to spend $1,000 prepping for the Women’s March. While it claimed to have “everything” you needed, in my experience I found that it was lacking some good stuff. I have attended over 25 marches, rallies etc, since I started organizing in college. Too many of them have taken place in the winter, and every time I wish I would have brought something else. I’ve created a list of things that I’ve found helpful to bring or that I think are super cool to bring along for any type of march situation. This guide is for folks need a packing list (like me), people who are new to direct action organizing, and are marching for an issue they care about for the first time. So here’s what you should bring:
- Layers on Layers on Layers
The forecasted weather in DC is in the 50s but temperatures change all the time. DC wind can be brutal, and after moving there last January r I learned the hard way to put on some long johns. If you don’t own any, I’ve found leggings, workout pants, tights, basketball shorts with high socks, or any type of thin pants can be helpful. Don’t get too carried away — , you will be walkingso be sure to not bulk up too much.
2. Comfortable Footwear
Find your most comfortable footwear! Choose a pair of shoes that you wouldn’t mind wearing all day.
3. Hat & Gloves
If you don’t want to have your hands in your pockets the whole time, or you’re clapping to a fly chant, or you’re holding some dope protest artwork, you’ll need some gloves at some point. If you are extra like me, handwarmers are also good idea.
4. Protest Art
- I love being the cool person with the poppin’ signage. I hope that it is you this year. Artists have worked really hard to make this a reality for you. You can download FREE protest art from the Repeal Hyde Project by Megan J. Smith here; or from The Amplifier Foundation by various artists who came together to create artwork specifically for the Women’s March here.
- Please note while posters, signs, and flags are allowed you cannot bring poles or wooden sign posts. Instead, it is encouraged that you use cardboard sign posts.
5. List of Warming Stations and Rest Stops -
Be sure to keep the link to this list of places handy, so you know where you can stop in to use the restroom or just sit down and warm up.
6. SmarTrip + Cash
- SmarTrip cards cost $10 and are preloaded with $8 for fare. If you expect to be doing all the things, you should buy a one-day fare card for $14.50. Remember that each person must get their own SmarTrip — they cannot be shared.
- Also bring some cash, you don’t want to miss out on that pretzel or lemonade because you only have a Visa on you.
7. A very small bag, tote, or purse
Bags, totes, purses for small personal items are permitted on the march but must be no larger than 8”x6”x4”. So pull out that fanny pack boo, if you got it.
8. Water & Snacks
It is super important to stay hydrated and fueled. Pack as many snacks you can fit in your pockets and and your up to 8”x6”x4" bag.
9. Chapstick, Lotion, Shea Butter
My theme for 2017 is that “the revolution will be moisturized.” Change is slow, but moving from ashy to moisturized is not. Bring your favorite type of moisturizer because chapped skin hurts.
10. Sharpie, Legal Hotline Number, and Your Safety Plan
Let’s be serious for a moment. The organizers of the March are “working with local and federal law enforcement and do not intend to engage in any civil disobedience.” They have worked hard to plan a peaceful demonstration including having trained marshals in de-escalation tactics, as a Black woman in America, I know you can never be too careful.
I advise you do the following;
- Create a safety plan. Make sure at least two people who are not marching know where you are and a rough itinerary of your day. After the March concludes, and you are on your way to your next situation, send them a quick text message to let them know you’re alright.
- Write the legal hotline number for the March(202- 670 -6866)- on your forearm with a permanent marker. Bring the Sharpie with you for other folks to use.
- Write any allergies and medications, and medical issues on your arm also.
- If you are new to direct action organizing, check out this awesome Know Your Rights on Demonstrations in DC resource.
- If you are undocumented — — The March organizers “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.” In the event this does not go as planned, the March is providing a team of immigration defense attorney available on the day of the march to respond to your questions.
- It is also recommended that folks review “8 Things Immigrants Can Do if Traveling to Washington, DC for Marches or Actions” from the National Immigration Project. This other resource by the National Immigration project could also be useful.
11. Remedies, Rituals + Self Care Items
- It is important to maintain any wellness rituals you have on the day of the March. Check out the Mindful Occupation: RIsing Up without Burning Out guide which is packed with lots of tips for mental and emotional support for people in direction action/protest/occupation situations.
- Bring your favorite poems, prayers, coloring pages, crystals, essential oils — whatever you need to sustain and care for yourself.
12. Phone + Charger Accessories + Meet-Up-If-you-Get-Separated Plan
- Be sure to bring a fully charged phone to the March. If you have access to portable chargers or spare batteries bring those too. To preserve your battery, avoid running any non-essential apps that may drain your battery. Taking 87 selfies the morning of the march is not recommended for phone’s battery heath.
- Choose a place that is accessible to everyone in your group that you will meet-up-if-you-get-separated. Do not rely solely on you cell phones, they could potentially get jammed, or loose signal. Always have a just in case spot.
13. Extras
It doesn’t matter if it’s jasmine oil or an extra set of gloves, having a little bit extra is how we support our community (only if it fits in your 8”x 6”x4” bag or pockets though)
Leave the following all the way at home!
Backpacks — they are not permitted unless they are clear and no larger than 17"x12"x6". See number 7 on this list.
Folding chairs — nope, not a concert. If you have medical or accessibility needs, the March will have offer a limited seated section for folks who need seating.
Bikes — also no. They will not be allowed in the rally area or the march route. If you will be riding your bike to the rally, the March organizers are currently identifying a place for bike parking. Check out the March’s page for forthcoming details about parking your wheels.
This isn’t an exhaustive list so of course feel free to bring the other things you know you will need. If you have anymore questions please check out the FAQs on the Women’s March website.
