I participated in the Women’s March on Washington. I feel the need to explain to you why I did this and to encourage you to become a more active citizen.
The Women’s March was started by one woman in Hawaii, who after this past election felt she needed to do something. She was frustrated with the results and posted on Facebook that women should march in solidarity showing others that the results were not representative of who we were. This post got over 10,000 responses within 24 hours. It struck a chord with many. Amazingly, this one idea snowballed and quickly became a local, statewide, national and international movement to rally and march against an America that frightened us. We feared for our liberties.
I woke up the day after the election to an America that did not make sense to me. I was shaken to my core. I could not fathom how Donald Trump could have been elected president. A man who had exhibited bigotry, misogamy, and xenophobia was soon to become the most powerful leader in the world. How was it possible that people were willing to vote for someone who made fun of the disabled, bragged about sexually exploiting women, encouraged hated and mob mentality and had little control over his own actions? I mourned the election results for a time and then knew I must act. I came upon the march in its early stages and I knew I had to be a part of this. Actively engaging in resistance against this change in America made me realize I could be a part of the solution. I was no longer helpless. I was attempting to make a difference. And, most importantly, I was not alone.
The basic goals of the march evolved over time and became a catalyst to defend human rights, safety, health and families. Why a women’s march? Because women initiated it, women’s rights are human rights, and women have a vested interest in all of the potential changes this election could bring. This was an inclusive march and all people were welcome to the march. It was a march to celebrate diversity and acknowledge that America is great because of its diversity. Any attack on minority communities: immigrants, people of color, the LBGTQ, and the disabled is an attack on America. “We stand together recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.” The movement was a chance to feel unity and also a call for action.
Many people could not go to Washington but found their voice through marches in state capitols and locally. Thousands went to marches in Greenfield and Northampton. Over a hundred thousand marched in Boston. Over 500,000 of us went to our country’s capitol. It took an enormous amount of planning on many levels to make the national march and rally happen. There were permits to be obtained; each state dealt with things like communication, transportation, safety, and sanitation. These groups were all comprised of volunteers. The Massachusetts chapter devoted itself to getting people from all types of communities to attend. People spearheaded fundraising efforts while others made sure that there were opportunities for those without financial means be included.
I will forever remember the lines of buses making their way down Interstate 95 in the middle of the night. We stopped at a rest area in Delaware where the line for the women’s room started outside the entrance to the building. Pink pussyhats were in abundance. Men opened up their restroom to allow women to use it. Once at the march the feeling of affirmative energy was pervasive. Every person was there to help every other. The metro had a one and a half hour delay due to the enormous crowds. So, we walked two miles to get to our destination and on that walk, I saw people who lived in the areas we passed opening their homes to women who needed a bathroom. Churches and some businesses provided food, drinks, restrooms and a place to sit free of charge. Police and metro workers thanked us for what we were doing. I saw the best of humanity and it was reaffirming. There were so many people at the event that I, along with hundreds of thousands of others, never even got to the rally site. Instead, we stood for over an hour until they let some barricades down and we marched around the streets of Washington. Women, men and children of all ages and races were there. Signs of unity and concern were everywhere. Chants like “This is what democracy looks like” could be heard. The group was enthusiastic, energized and positivity personified.
This march was the first step in a wave of resistance. Perhaps you weren’t a part of it. It is time you joined us. Already in the first few days on Mr. Trumps’ presidency he has made actions to threaten women’s rights, the environment, immigration and free speech. We are called to find ways to begin or maintain involvement. Identify something that you are enthusiastic about and then find a local, state or national way to make sure your passion is protected. Healthcare, social security, immigration, the environment and education are all in danger with President Trump and his proposed cabinet.
Find a vehicle to get and stay engaged. I was a passive citizen for many years. Living in western Massachusetts, I took for granted that our liberties were being protected. I am now well aware that is no longer true. All of us who value our country and its ideals must find some way to keep the United States a true democracy.
Our country’s ideals are lofty and we have yet to reach them. But, over our history we have continually gotten closer to them and become more inclusive. We must not let that forward momentum stop; we must guard our democracy.
Denise Petrin lives in Gill.