Daily Yopp 1.21.17 - Women's March Solidarity

As I'm sure you all know, hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of people will be participating in marches around the country and the world tomorrow. The main march is the Women's March on Washington, and there are at least 673 "sister marches" scheduled in every US state as well as many other countries. Trump and the GOP got a small turnout for the Inauguration. Let's show them what a real crowd looks like.

Here's what you can do:

1. March if you are able - The DC march has information on this website: DC March. You can also march in one of the many sister marches. Find one here: Sister Marches

2. Pray for peace/safety and light a candle - To my knowledge, all the marches are planned to be peaceful demonstrations, but with large crowds, heavy police presence, and strong emotions, there is a chance that conflicts could erupt in a few places. If you are one who believes that prayer or positive thought has an impact, then please send those thoughts out to the marchers and police. And light a vigil candle while you are at it.

3. Change your avatar - Shepard Fairey, he designer of the iconic "Hope" poster of Barak Obama, has taken that concept and applied it to some images inspired by the DC march. These posters and two more by other artists are available for free download at The Amplifier Foundation - We The People. Download your favorite and change your social media avatar.

4. Watch the live stream - Here's a chance to catch up on your TV watching after boycotting the Inauguration broadcast. The DC march organizers will be running a live stream from their Facebook page:  Facebook page with link to live stream

5. Stand for an hour in a public place holding a sign - There's a group of folks in my neighborhood who stand on a corner every Friday afternoon holding Black Lives Matter signs up for residents coming home.  During the Gulf War, my stepfather used to stand on a heavily traveled bridge in his small town holding up a sign calling for peace. He would do this for one hour each week, rain or shine.

You don't have to be part of a march with thousands of others. A small group or even one person silently holding a sign can be a powerful message. Depending on where you live, it can also be a very brave thing to do. Use your best judgement about whether that action works for you.

6. Virtual march (Twitter, phone, email storm) - Spend an hour calling, emailing, or tweeting the following to your MoCs (Members of Congress), the President/White House switchboard, and your state and local leaders:

Unable to be at the Women's March in person, but I am marching with them in spirit. #WhyIMarch

Whatever you choose to do this Saturday, trust that any action you take will contribute to the marches in a positive way.