How to get involved with the Women's March on Washington if you're not in D.C.
The Women's March on Washington is set to be one of the largest acts of protest and solidarity the U.S. has seen in years -- potentially decades -- with up to 400,000 protesters expected to attend.
And while many people won't be able to make it to the nation's capital to join the massive movement for equality, that doesn't mean they can't participate.
Whether you can't afford the trip, disability prevents you from accessing the event or D.C. is just too far away, there are still a lot of ways you can show your support.
Here are just a few things you can do to show solidarity for the Women's March and make your voice heard, even from afar.
1. Join a local sister march
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If distance or cost is your main barrier in attending the Women's March, you can connect with your local activist community. Sister marches are planned throughout the U.S. -- and around the world -- to help people organize if they can't make the trek to D.C.
The official Women's March website estimates that there will be more than 600 sister marches across the globe, with more than 1 million participants expected outside D.C.
You can see a full list and an interactive map of sister marches here.
2. Wear a pink "pussyhat"
Thanks to viral craftivism, the unofficial uniform for the Women's March is a pink hat with two points at the top, mimicking cat ears. Dubbed "pussyhats," these caps are a clear reference to Trump's infamous "grab her by the pussy" comment, and marchers will wear them as symbols of unity. Best of all, you don't need to be in Washington, D.C., to wear them.
According to Pussyhat Project organizers Krista Suh and Jayna Zweiman, the project's mission from the start was to allow people who can't make it to the Women's March to show their support, wherever they are. While wearing a pussyhat is largely symbolic, the hats are a visual way to connect to those marching in D.C.
Check out patterns for knitting, crocheting or sewing your own, or simply put on a pink hat you already have.
3. Donate to the Women's March or an official partner
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Organizing a massive march comes at a cost, including permits, security, staging equipment and the ever-essential portable toilets.
The Women's March organizers are looking to collect $2 million in donations to cover the cost of the event -- and that's where supporters from any location can help. To donate to the Women's March, click here.
For those who would rather put their dollars toward long-standing activist work, you can look at the list of official partners to narrow down which justice organizations you'd like to support. You can find a list of partner organizations here.
4. Call your local representatives
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Calling your local representatives to advocate for change has been a heavily championed call-to-action in the aftermath of Trump's election. Considering Trump's habit of insulting marginalized groups and the concerning histories of his cabinet picks, many officials and activists alike have said Trump's America will be a direct threat to the equality the Women's March stands for.
If you can't make it to the Women's March to advocate for equality en masse, consider bringing it to a local level with a phone call to your representative on Jan. 21. Make your concerns and fears known -- it's the first step in holding them accountable and pushing for social progress.
You can find a list of official numbers for both the House of Representatives and the Senate here.
5. Join the Disability March
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If you can't attend the Women's March due to disability, a movement dedicated to virtual participation is making its mark on the community.
Dubbed the Disability March, the online-only event is giving those living with chronic illnesses and disabilities a way to "march" in solidarity, without having to navigate barriers in access.
Those who want to participate can simply submit their names and why they're "marching" through an online form. On Jan. 21, their photos and stories will be uploaded to the website to show the disability and chronic illness communities' support of the Women's March on Washington.
For more information on how to participate in the virtual march, visit here.
6. Ask those who are going to represent you
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If you can't make it to any of the sister marches, find friends and family who are attending and ask if they can represent you. That could mean collaborating on eye-catching protest signs or simply video chatting during the main event.
Start a conversation with marchers in your life on how they can help you be more present at the event. Get creative together, and come up with alternative ways of participation.
7. Use social media to your advantage
Finding community is simple, no matter the distance, thanks to online spaces -- and you should take advantage of that during the Women's March.
While the team behind the march will document the event via official social media channels, a lot of participants will undoubtedly stream the march in real time, too. Use social media during the event to be present virtually, and don't be shy about making your voice heard.
Plug in. Speak out. Promote equality. Use social media as a tool for advocacy, because it has incredible potential.
8. Use the day to plan your activism moving forward
The Women's March is a one-day event, but the work needed to advocate for equality is tireless and ongoing. Even if you can't attend a march, your activism and passion are needed far beyond Jan. 21.
Use the day to make a plan for how you can have an impact in the near future. Think of ways to channel your talents for good. Research local organizations that could use your time. Think of the gaps that need to be filled in your community.
Start thinking of things you can do today, next week, next month and the rest of the year to make equality a priority. Then, commit to taking action.
Topics Activism Social Good
Katie Dupere was a Social Good reporter at Mashable from May 2015 to July 2017, covering activism, identities and social impact. Prior to her work with Mashable, Katie penned pieces about queerness, body positivity, sex and relationships for Gurl. She also previously contributed LGBTQ news coverage to PinkNews.
