WAAM there it is, 2026 Edition

Happy 2026 WAAM Family — near and far, marchers, supporters, friends, neighbors and allies.

An organizer, mom and teacher, I learned a lot from WAAM. As we move into the New Year and continue planning for the next march (April 11, 2026!), I’d like to share a few lessons with you:

1. Dark money is bad (Teddy will remind you in case you forget).

2. Do not be ashamed of the shuttle.

3. Sometimes the cure for leg cramps is Diet Coke and McDonalds French fries.

4. Bathroom available? Use it!

5. Bring water!

6. Always be on the lookout for uneven sidewalks (and warn your fellow marchers).

7. Stop walking and ask for help if anything feels funny.

8. Large horses sure attract attention but they’re a pain in the ass to take care of.

9. More water!

10. How to bathe effectively without a shower.

11. Double-check the knot on your laundry bag.

12. Even counter-protestors like dogs.

13. It’s okay to put politicians on the spot even when (especially when) they attend your rally.

14. “No public urination” is a phrase that needs extensive repetition.

15. Even more water!

16. Wear good socks.

17. It only takes one step after another to walk 160 miles.

18. Neon is a fashion statement.

19. A little hope goes a long way (all the way to DC and beyond).

20. Uncrustables need to be frozen.

A lot happened in 2025. From the kidnapping of friends to the destruction of our social safety net and war on neighboring countries — it’s been one hell of a dark year. 

We also did the impossible. A handful of inexperienced organizers somehow got 50 strangers safely on foot from Philly to DC. In turn, those amazing individuals connected with thousands more — sharing community, courage, agency and meaning when all were incredibly difficult to find. That’s truly the impossible: that you were able to find light in the darkness, that you celebrated that light and, because of you (from marchers to local organizers to social media sharers), that light continues to spread.

Thank you all for bringing that hope into my life.

May this year be better than the last!

Maggie 

As always:

Register to march this April 11-25, 2026.

Donations are more important than you realize and are tax-deductible!

Marchers traveled from Texas and Kentucky to celebrate the New Year together and join the Bridge Brigade!