As the date draws closer for what is expected to be one of the largest demonstrations in Washington, D.C. in recent times, Illinois marchers and the Illinois Chapter organizers are in final stages of preparation for the Women's March on Washington. The March is taking place Saturday, Jan. 21st, 2017, the day after the inauguration of the next president of the United States.
Illinois organizers Mrinalini Chakraborty, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Amber Hummel, Julie List, Amanda Jane Long and Amanda Drenth have been working extensively over the last 11 weeks to ensure all Illinoisans who want to attend the March in D.C., are able to. They have coordinated more than 30 buses throughout the state ( there are more than 50 leaving from Illinois in total ), facilitated financial assistance for more than 250 marchers in need to attend the March, and organized several informational and motivational events for marchers throughout Illinois.
The organizers estimate that there will be at least 3,000-4,000 Illinoisans at the March, if not more. They are organizing a final event in Chicago for marchers to gather information, share their stories, and make signs together ( details below ).
"We realize that our rights are severely threatened and hard-earned progress in civil rights for women, people of color, immigrants, religious minorities, the disabled, the LGBTQIA community and many other vulnerable groups, is in danger of being erased. We stand in solidarity with our partners, children, and allies for the protection and in defense of our rights, our safety and our individual voices," organizers stated.
"As the Illinois organizers for the March, we are so proud of what we have accomplished over the last two months. We had only imagined that we would be able to organize and mobilize not only Illinois, but the entire nation, the way we have," said spokeswoman Chakraborty, one of the National Committee Members and the Illinois State Lead. "We invite all women and our allies to join this national effort and turn fear into direct, positive action by demanding protection of civil rights for all Americans. It is our vision that the Women's March on Washington will be a springboard for action and will galvanize the hundreds of thousands of marchers to return to their local communities and participate in a multitude of local efforts directed at positive social change."
The work of the Illinois chapter has been supported by Chicago Women Take Action ( CWTA ), the National Council for Jewish Women ( NCJW ), Rainbow PUSH Coalition, RISE Movement, Suburban Unity Alliance, Pride Action Tank, Windy City Times, among other organizations and local advocacy groups. The national efforts have been lauded and supported by organizations such as Amnesty International, National Organization for Women ( NOW ), The Gathering for Justice, CHIRLA, 1199 SEIU, and many more.
The Illinois organizers are hosting a final event in Chicago:
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 17th; Time: 6—8 p.m.
Location: Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 716 W Addison St., Chicago.
The hashtags for social media are: #wmwillinois #womensmarch, #whyIMarch, #hearourvoice.
On Twitter go to: @womensmarchIL and Instagram: @womensmarchillinois. Download flyers for printing here:goo.gl/10wuqw .
For Illinois-specific information, visit our website at: www.womensmarchillinois.com or find the official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/wmwillinois/ .
For more information about the Women's March on Washington itself and the national efforts, go to:www.womensmarch.com
About The Women's March on Washington:
The Women's March on Washington, began in response to the divisive rhetoric of the past election cycle, which demonized and threatened the rights of women, immigrants, the LGBTQIA community, survivors of sexual assault, and various other religious and ethnic minorities. This is a grassroots effort comprised of dozens of independent coordinators at the state and local level. The effort is helmed by four National Co-chairs and a National Committee of organizers who are working around the clock to make this march a success and send a bold message to the new administration on their first day in office.
The Women's March on Washington will start at the intersection of Independence Avenue and Third Street SW, near the United States Capitol, at 10:00 AM on January 21st, 2017. There will be a rally followed by the march ( with a route that will be released before the date ). A program featuring nationally recognized advocates, artists, entertainers, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and others will be announced in the final days before the March, as well.
