In total, there were 673 marches in all 50 states and 32 countries this weekend with the largest taking place in Washington, D.C. The message was definitely received by those in power that women will not have their rights and the rights of those who are vulnerable taken away without a fight. Women all across the world protested for issues they are currently facing including abortion rights, healthcare, and immigration. Despite the large crowds, certainly not all supporters of the cause could attend the marches. Therefore, there are still ways to help the cause if you didn’t march.
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1. Vote and volunteer
VOTE, VOLUNTEER, and consider running yourself! You can begin now to support causes and parties that you believe in. The upcoming midterm elections are important because the outcome of the elections will decide the members of Congress as well as governorships and state legislatures. For example, every seat in the House of Representatives and 1/3 of the seats in the Senate are up for re-election. You can find out who your representative is and commit now to volunteering to support or oppose them. Whatever you do, DON'T sit out the midterms!
2. Donate to charity
Donate to organizations like Planned Parenthood, PFLAG and the ACLU.
3. Call your representatives
The best way to have your voice heard is to call your representatives directly. You have two U.S. Senators, who represent the entire state, and a U.S. Representative, who represents your specific district. You can look them up here and here with your zip code. It is better to call than email because you will actually reach a person instead of having your email deleted without being read. Also, it's helpful to prepare a script if you are nervous talking on the phone.
4. Volunteer with local organizations
Another way to support the cause is to volunteer with local organizations such as a domestic abuse shelter or your local Planned Parenthood. For example, organize a toiletry drive for a local women's shelter. Do some research because there are plenty of organization that could use a willing pair of hands right now in your own community.
5. Share the images of the massive crowds marching in cities around the world on social media
You can share pictures taken at the march as a reminder that this is a huge global movement that isn't going away.
Vote, donate if you can: money, time, extra things you don't need, to organizations that help women (and men) and their families who are struggling. We can all do our part to support women's issues whether or not you can physically attend a march.
