Safety Tips for Women’s March on Washington
(and other sister marches!)
Welcome to the Women’s March on Washington!
If you are marching with the League, please meet us at the McDonalds located at the corner of C Street
Southwest and 4th Street Southwest at 9:15am on Saturday, January 21.
The D.C. March starts at 10 am ET at the intersection of 3rd Street and Independence Avenue SW. Our
meeting location is 2 blocks from the official march start point and will likely be a meeting point for
other organizations. Organizers are expecting over 100,000 people so give yourself enough time and
stay together as a group.
TRANSPORTATION / METRO
Do not drive to the march. Parking will be limited and many streets will be closed. If you are driving to
the area, it is recommended to park away from the National Mall & use public transportation.
The DC Metro is recommended. You can purchase a SmartTrip metro card at any metro station. If you
are interested in having a pass ahead of time, they must be ordered by January 13th:
https://smartrip.wmata.com/storefront
The metro stop closest to our meeting point is Federal Center SW. This metro stop is on the blue,
orange and silver line trains.
Below are safety guidelines for the D.C. march, but they also apply to the sister marches taking place
around the country on the same day:
SAFETY FIRST
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This march is a peaceful demonstration. It is a non-violent event. Aggressive protest behavior
and tactics are strongly discouraged.
Organizers have been working closely with local law enforcement to ensure everyone’s safety
throughout the event – police and security are there to keep marchers safe.
Do not engage with hecklers and if a situation gets out of hand, notify security so the subject can
be removed, or remove yourself from the situation.
There is very low probability that violence or aggressive events occur, but if you find yourself in
danger, remove yourself from the situation quickly and calmly.
For marches outside D.C., be aware of the laws in your state. For example, in some states
videotaping a police officer can result in arrest or confiscation of the phone or camera.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear. Inauguration weekend is traditionally
very cold in Washington, DC – be prepared!
Bring your own League buttons. We will not have buttons available, but strongly encourage Leaguers to
wear them so they can identify one another.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring snacks, water, and anything else you might need day of (medication, license or ID, cash, Band-Aids
for blisters, tissues, chap stick)
WHAT NOT TO BRING
If you cannot bring it on an airplane, do not
bring it to the march. Anything that looks like,
or could be used as a weapon leave at home.
SIGNS
Signs are encouraged!
If you are marching in the name of the League,
we ask that you not carry any overtly partisan
signs.
Stick with messaging that highlight the nature of
the march: freedom, equality, women’s rights,
inclusivity and unity.
Do NOT use large sticks or any sort of metal if making large signs that need additional support.
LWVUS staff have created a limited number of signs which we will share with those traveling from out of
town but Leagues should feel free to BYO signs.
BAGS
Please note all bags may be subject to search. Backpacks are not permitted. Bags should be no larger
than 8”x6”x4”. Specifically, for people who would like to bring meals, each marcher is permitted one
additional 12”x12”x6” plastic or gallon bag. For marchers who have medical needs or for mothers who
need baby bags or breast pumps, one clear bag or backpack no larger than 17"x12"x6" will be permitted
and subject to search (colored transparent bags are not permitted).
PHOTOGRAPHY
Be mindful about photography – those you will be marching with might not want their picture taken, so
remember to be respectful of others privacy.
SOCIAL MEDIA
If you are marching with the League and sharing your photos and stories on social media, tag us so that
we too can share your images:
Twitter: @LWV
Facebook: leagueofwomenvoters
The event organizers (@WomensMarch) are using the hashtags #WhyIMarch and #WomensMarch
PLEASE RSVP
If you are attending the DC march and have not already, please RSVP on the official Women’s March
website: https://www.womensmarch.com/
This will help organizers keep track of how big the event will be and ensure there is enough ground
support.
COMMUNICATION
If you are traveling in a group, create a phone tree with your team contacts or have a group text/chat
available to communicate. Cell phones could be spotty with so many people in DC – texting is the
recommended form of communication.
REMEMBER THE SPIRIT OF THE MARCH
We are marching in solidarity, lend a hand to your neighbor if they trip and look out for one another.
MARCH FOR PIZZA
If you’re hungry after the event, Pizza Paradiso is supporting
the League on the day of the march.
The restaurant will be serving beer from Denizens Lowest Lord
(a majority women owned brewery).
Proceeds from the sale of that beer will be donated to the
League of Women Voters. Proceeds on the day of the march
going to the League!
KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER:
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Dress comfortable and for the weather
Have a buddy
Do not engage with any hecklers
Remove yourself if situations escalate
Continue to remind yourself why we are marching – for women