Womens Rights are Human Rights
What started as an inauguration weekend filled with uncertainty turned out to be a catalyst for citizen action.
“I’m fired up! I’m activated! I’m all in! Now what?”
These were the thoughts going through our heads as we marched. The Women’s March on Washington was a momentous and inspiring event, but throughout the day we kept asking ourselves how we could maintain that passion, avoid complacency and turn that energy into action once the weekend was over.
We were surrounded by more than 500,000 like-minded activists in Washington — and more than 4 million around the world — all united to stand up to the Trump administration’s agenda.
As individuals, we each have issues we care passionately about, but we’re united under a common cause: We will not stand for this administration’s divisive political agenda, and demand a better future for our families, our communities and ourselves. This is why we are all in on the fight for justice.
In a democracy, we must stay informed, activate our communities, demand change and use our voices to stand up to injustice. Do not be silenced. Now is the time to fight and raise your voice. As Gloria Steinem reminded us during the Women’s March, “Remember the constitution does not begin with ‘I, the president.’ It begins with ‘We, the people.’”
We developed a First 100 Days checklist to help stay focused to ensure we have more progressive leaders elected in 2018. We hope the list can serve as a starting point to help organize, take action, and see an immediate impact. Please feel free to collaborate and contribute so we can all stay engaged and active.
First 30 Days:
Be proud of recognizing that in order to move forward we need to take action and do it together.
Learn about the White House’s positioning on key issues.
Follow the Women’s March “10 actions in 100 Days” plan and complete actions 1, 2, and 3.
Add your local elected officials contact info to your phonebook ― placing them on your favorites list will make calling easier.
Learn about your local and state representatives’ views on key issues.
Call your senators. Senate phone numbers can be found here.
To learn who your senators are, look here.
Sign up to know how local representatives vote each week.
Show up to your local officials town halls, issue forums, ribbon cuttings etc. to share your opinion.
Get on their mailing list to know when and where these are happening. You can usually sign up on their website.
Organize a group and hold each other accountable to make five calls a day. If that idea sounds frightening, leverage the support of your collective group to make your calls. Here is a great resource to find your local representatives on key issues with example scripts.
Sign up to stay informed about how your local representatives vote each week.
Petitions that gather over 100,000 signatures in 30 days will be reviewed by the White House ― sign every petition that reflects your views.
Get engaged with organizations that matter to you by signing up for email newsletters and following them on social media: Moveon.org, WomensMarch, MediaMatters.org, The Hill, NPR, Factcheck.org, Project Vote Smart, etc.
Hold the media accountable.
Support the ACLU, lawyers and member of the judicial branch who are helping to protect our freedom of speech and civil liberties, with a one-time or monthly commitment.
First 60 Days:
Become active in local government ― attend town hall meetings, know my government officials, prepare to ask tough questions.
Lead by example and share your story to help humanize some of the key issues being discussed.
Offer bi-monthly check-ins with personal #WhyIMarch group.
Help protect journalists and fact-checking media organizations.
Know the swing districts and learn what the major issues are.
Donate to causes and organizations that are important to me.
Continue to make five calls a day.
Participate in local protests and marches that reflect your views this will help build your network of like-minded individuals.
First 90 Days:
Encourage #WhyIMarch group members to publish their thoughts and opinions to social media or blog platforms.
Organize a charity event or fundraising drive to help a notable cause.
Open a dialogue and be open to having conversations with people from all sides of the conversation.
Complete actions 7, 8 and 9 published by the Women’s March 10 actions in 100 days plan.
Become active in local government ― attend town hall meetings, know my government officials, ask the tough questions.
Place continued pressure on elected officials via phone calls, letters, and demonstrations.
Continue to sign important petitions that reflect your views.
Continue to call/write/show up communicate with your local representatives to ensure they understand your position.
Volunteer my time for an organization I’m passionate about.
Keep calling five times a day!
First 100 Days:
Complete action 10 published by the Women’s March 10 actions in 100 days plan
Plan for April 15th march and encourage friends/family to attend and be a part of the movement.
Plan to support and March during Gay Pride weekend June 15.
Place continued pressure on elected officials via phone calls, letters, showing up to town halls, asking the tough questions, and attending demonstrations.
We must show popular resistance to their agenda and a willingness to stay engaged.
Volunteer your time.
Hold each other accountable to continue making phone calls and staying active in local government.
SHOW UP and make informed votes for my elected officials.
Our journey begins now to ensure our society moves forward and we continue to progress as a nation. Our time is now and momentum is on our side!
You Are Not Powerless