Marching Isn't the Only Way to Fight

I can't be at the Women's March on Washington on Saturday; in fact, I can't even attend the Women's March here in Cleveland on Saturday because I'd already purchased tickets to another event long before I knew what the day would be.

In truth, I know that such a loud, crowded gathering would likely overwhelm my anxiety, anyway, but I still have deep guilt about not participating in this momentous & important day of action. I am grateful & honored that my friend Stephanie has offered to write my name & the names of others who cannot attend literally on her body to carry us with her while she marches.

And I am trying to remind myself that there are a great many ways to be an activist; marching is certainly not the only one. Though I can't participate on Saturday, I pledge to continue to participate year-round, for the next four years & as long as it takes, in acts of advocacy, protest, education, intersectionality, solidarity, & beyond.

I will write to my members of Congress.

I will vote my conscience.

I will stay up-to-date on what's happening.

I will speak, debate, argue, write.

I will not be ashamed to be a liberal, a Jew, an America, a woman.

I will not go quietly into the night.

Whether or not you're marching on Saturday, I urge you to think about what you will do for these next four years. Will you pay attention? Will you fight? Will you educate yourself & others? Will you do more than simply wait?

Where will you begin?

 

*If anyone can identify the source of this gorgeous image, I'd love to give proper credit.