Friends,
Since the inception of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington, the League has monitored the developments and plans for the event on January 21. Over the past few weeks, organizers have obtained permits and security, disclosed additional information about the organizers and partner organizations, and shaped the grassroots demonstration as a diverse and inclusive event. For these reasons, the LWVUS Board of Directors voted unanimously Tuesday for the League to participate officially in the DC March.
It was important for us to take the time to confirm that this peaceful protest is in line with the League’s principles. We know this event will bring together many organizations with a variety of priorities and messages for the incoming administration, not all of which we will agree with. But as women and defenders of our democracy, there is more that unites us than divides us.
This is an opportunity for the League to make our voice heard on our priorities. We march for voting rights. We march to reform money in politics. We march for health care. We march for the environment. These are our core issues and we want to ensure they are front and center.
For League members who are planning to travel to Washington for the event, this means we will coordinate a meeting location in DC and look to march as one unit. Please bring any League signs and buttons you may have. LWVUS will be supplying additional League signage when we gather. DC Staff will work to provide more information in the coming days + including a specific meeting location and time. Please share this information with League members whom you know are planning to attend.
This decision also pertains to state and local Leagues interested in participating in sister marches. The board strongly recommends that any state or local League check their liability with the organizers of the local marches to make sure your League is covered by insurance.
When I think about our heritage, I am proud that the League will participate in this historic day, which will bring Americans together in the spirit of democracy. After all, the League was founded because women and men marched.
And this month, the League will march again. We are Making Democracy Work!
Chris Carson, LWVUS President
League of Women Voters 1730 M Street NW, Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-429-1965
