Why March Now?

Some thoughts from WAAM's Director, Maggie:

Right now we’re in a (non-violent, at least on our side) war. Our neighbors are being rounded up and thrown into concentration camps. Our friends are literally being shot in the streets. It’s the coldest winter many of us have felt in 60 years, and that’s not only on account of the weather. Many of us are feeling down-trodden. We’re running out of resources and we’re just exhausted. This exhaustion is more dangerous than tear gas or rubber bullets. Weaponized it breaks our resolve and poisons our hope.

Napoleon has been credited with the expression, “An army marches on its stomach.” I’m not sure how we’re supposed to feel about Napoleon, but he’s made a good point. An army needs sustenance to persevere, especially when our feet are blistered and there’s thousands of miles left to march. In a time of constant crises, rapid responses and increasing fear, the We Are America March is that sustenance.

WAAM doesn’t mobilize millions of people for protests (though some of our members do this work). WAAM doesn’t run ICE watches (though many of our members do this as well). WAAM doesn't get much publicity (though there is that documentary going around Europe right now). WAAM focuses on goals that seem less exciting and take much longer to develop but are just as vital: community, education and hope.

Last September, WAAM worked with over 40 organizations to execute the march. We helped foster relationships between activists usually siloed who are now working together and caring for each other. We brought people together from all over the country, crossing differences in age, location and life circumstances. We built circles of community to help sustain our resistance. When we feel less alone, we feel less afraid.

This April, WAAM will be holding workshops along the route. We’re establishing 2 curriculums: Direct Action Training and the Principles of Organizing. In addition, WAAM is once again going to be offering de-escalation training for communities in Maryland prior to the march. We intend for these skills to better-prepare and inform activists for the fight ahead. One of the greatest fuels to fear is the unknown. When we understand our abilities, our risks and the actions to best mitigate them, we feel less afraid.

Then there’s hope. Many of you might have already heard, but I ran the WAAM pace car last September. This meant I drove 3 miles an hour for 160 miles. Yes, it was definitely boring, but I was blessed with the opportunity to watch the marchers as they traveled. Seeing their sweat, blisters, sunburn, but ultimately their resilience, determination and sacrifice was the most moving experience of my life. I can’t believe that anyone who sees such marching wouldn’t be changed. That change is hope.

I know many of us are questioning the work that we’re doing. Is it enough? Is it the right outlet for our depleted energy and resources? What I know is that WAAM gives its participants, organizers and the greater community hope. It supplies warmth and friendship in a winter that otherwise is freezing and isolating. WAAM dedicates the time, effort and resources to turn resistance into meaningful action. It is crucial that we invest in activities that build energy and resilience for the fight – only then do we remind people that they are not resisting alone.

I’m looking forward to marching, and resisting, with you all in April. 

As always: 

• Register to march with WAAM.

• Donations are greatly appreciated, desperately needed and tax deductible!

• And check out our new Promotion Toolkit!

  
  

  

  Last September's march ended in a marriage proposal between two of our amazing marchers.