How to prep for the Women’s March on Washington

Congratulations! You’ve decided it’s time to march for rights for women. You and an estimated 150,000 people will march from the Capital building through Washington, D.C., and in cities across the country on January 21, 2017. Here’s a few tips on how to prep for the event.

1. Register. It’s important to register to attend the march so that organizers can plan logistics. This ensures marchers have a safe and memorable experience. It will also help to get a reliable headcount of attendees. Register in advance here. Seriously, it will take 15 seconds.

2. How to get there. Plan how you are going to attend the march. If you live in the DC metro area, traffic and parking will probably be a challenge. Look to options for ride share apps and taking the metro. The starting point for the march is at the intersection of Independence Avenue and Third Street SW near the US Capital. Refer to the metro map below for the closest metro stops.

If you are travelling from outside of DC. Look into bus, Amtrak, and plane tickets now. It’s going to be a busy weekend and they may sell out. You can also recruit your friends and travel together by bus to DC. Learn more about how to register a bus here.

3. Where to stay? There are still AirBNBs available for the weekend. But you should probably book quickly before it gets any more expensive. Look into hotels or reach out to friends and family in the area for a place to crash.

4. What to wear? It is going to be cold, so plan to layer your best feminist apparel. I will be rocking sweatpants and combat boots — I call it feminist chic. Official march t-shirts are still available, but note the shirts will arrive after the march. Or, if you’re an ambitious knitter, you can make one of these pussy hats.

5. Volunteer. If you would like to help coordinate the women’s march, you can register to volunteer. They are looking for volunteers who are available, January 20, early morning and throughout the day on January 21.

6. Accessibility. If you or someone in your group requires special accommodations, there will be an ADA tent and volunteers will help provide one-on-one support. Read more about the Women’s March on Washington Disability Caucus here.

7. Donate! If you can’t make the march, but still want to participate, you can purchase an official shirt to raise money for the march or donate here. Proceeds go to covering expenses for the march. If you can’t make it to DC, that’s cool! There are opportunities to march at other places throughout the country. Check out options for sister marches here.

8. Recruit! Still have spaces in your uber? Grab your friends (male, female, child, elderly relative) and take a walk!

9. Plan the after party. After a long day of walking, you’ll need a pint to warm up afterwards. Or keep the spirit of the march alive by visiting the National Museum of American History or National Museum of Women in the Arts.

10. Keep fighting. Remember that the conversation on women’s rights doesn’t end after the march. Remain vigilant, stand up for what you believe in, and speak loudly for change.

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