Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

January 21, 2017, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

More than 2,000 people are expected to march through the streets of Spokane, joining communities nation-wide as part of a day-long coordinated Women’s March, which will begin in Washington DC. In the spirit of democracy, and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice, marchers will join in diversity to show their presence in numbers too great to ignore. They will march and stand together in solidarity, demanding protection of the rights, safety, and health for all.

“The rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us: women, immigrants of all statuses, Muslims and those of diverse religious faiths, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, survivors of sexual assault,” says Maria Garcia-Bachman, from the Women’s March Spokane Action Committee. “We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concern and fear.” Organizers recognize that vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of the country.

A group of approximately thirty volunteers is coordinating the march in concert with hundreds of other cities across America. Spokane activities start at 11 a.m. with a rally at the Spokane Convention Center, where guests will hear inspirational speakers from national and local human rights, justice, and women’s advocacy groups, as well as musical entertainment. Beginning at 1 p.m., there will be a peaceful but powerful march through downtown Spokane, followed by a volunteer fair after a return to the Convention Center. The Volunteer Fair provides guests the opportunity to learn about, support, and volunteer for a constellation of agencies and organizations. March organizers have collaborated with a local agency to collect donations of warm clothing, blankets, and personal supplies for a shelter serving homeless and at-risk women in our community.

Citizens of Central and Eastern Washington, North Idaho, Western Montana, and British Columbia are invited to gather in Spokane for the march. “We are reaching out to all defenders of human rights to mobilize with us. This march is the first step toward unifying communities, grounded in new relationships, to create change from the grassroots level up,” says Maria. The event is a 100 percent inclusive event, welcoming all genders, races, ages, religions, and sexual orientation. “March participants will be inspired and supported, and will leave with a new or renewed sense that ‘We Are America’ and will not be silenced.”

For detailed information and updates, visit WomensMarchOnSpokane.org or Facebook at Women’s March on Spokane.