Women’s March Florida has planned four regional anniversary events to take place on Jan. 21 in Orlando, Jacksonville, St. Pete, and Miami. Chapters have been working non-stop since November to plan and prepare these events. You can expect exciting speakers on relevant subjects related to Women’s March Unity Principles, music, voter registration drive, and large crowds of allies marching again in solidarity for our vision of a country that is healthy, fair, and kind.
We want to remind the country that we are still here, we are growing, and we vote! We will be raising awareness about voter suppression, our sister island’s continued struggle after the hurricanes, and how “none of us are free until all of us are free.”
Gainesville has helped to plan the Orlando event and we will have amazing speakers from Gainesville addressing the Orlando crowd. RSVP to the event at: https://www.facebook.com/events/864975127001077/
Find info at: http://hearourvoicegnv.org
Speakers will include Anna Eskamani of Planned Parenthood as Master of Ceremonies, Jhody Polk of the FRRC speaking on the importance of voter rights restoration and the destructive nature of voter suppression, Viviana Troche of QLatinx speaking about layers of disparity, Gail Johnson of Gainesville speaking of her experience as a woman running for local office for the first time, Suzanna Randolph of the Sierra Club speaking about our state’s water crisis, and Amy Mercado speaking on the current crisis and ongoing voter suppression in Puerto Rico.
Gainesville will be sending a bus to Orlando. Tickets are $25. Meet at the Oaks Mall South Parking Lot at 7:30 am and return at 6 pm. RSVP a spot on the bus and direct questions to our bus captain, Captain Carol Barron. Email: capcarol@bellsouth.net Phone: 352-316-3703
If you are interested in finding or hosting a carpool, please fill out the carpool form at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLanmFbiWzrvp31VHe2wPDiaWsBSz8G0D1YKhSXtlxxZcGxw/viewform?usp=sf_linkJan.
Local January 21 Events
Those who cannot make it to Orlando or one of the regional events can attend a UF anniversary event hosted by Genevieve Curtis at the Bo Diddley Plaza in Gainesville at 2 pm. Although not an official Women’s March chapter event, this gathering of like-minded citizens will demonstrate their values in the spirit of Jan. 21, 2017, with speakers and performances. Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/events/159056584716886/
Women’s March National Organization’s Statement of Purpose, November 2017
The mission of Women’s March is to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change. Women’s March is a women-led movement providing intersectional education on a diverse range of issues and creating entry points for new grassroots activists and organizers to engage in their local communities through trainings, outreach programs and events. Women’s March is committed to dismantling systems of oppression through nonviolent resistance and building inclusive structures guided by self-determination, dignity and respect.
Unity Principles
The Women’s March on Washington convened a broad and diverse group of leaders to produce an intersectional platform known as the Unity Principles. Representing a new understanding of the connected nature of our struggles and a vision of our collective liberation, the Unity Principles continue to be a guiding light for our movement.
We believe that Women’s Rights are Human Rights and Human Rights are Women’s Rights. We must create a society in which women – including Black women, Native women, poor women, immigrant women, disabled women, Muslim women, lesbian queer and trans women – are free and able to care for and nurture their families, however they are formed, in safe and healthy environments free from structural impediments.
Ending Violence
Women deserve to live full and healthy lives, free of all forms of violence against our bodies. We believe in accountability and justice in cases of police brutality and ending racial profiling and targeting of communities of color. It is our moral imperative to dismantle the gender and racial inequities within the criminal justice system.
Reproductive Rights
We believe in Reproductive Freedom. We do not accept any federal, state or local rollbacks, cuts or restrictions on our ability to access quality reproductive healthcare services, birth control, HIV/AIDS care and prevention, or medically accurate sexuality education. This means open access to safe, legal, affordable abortion and birth control for all people, regardless of income, location or education.
LGBTQIA+ Rights
We firmly declare that LGBTQIA Rights are Human Rights and that it is our obligation to uplift, expand and protect the rights of our gay, lesbian, bi, queer, trans or gender non-conforming brothers, sisters and siblings. We must have the power to control our bodies and be free from gender norms, expectations and stereotypes.
Worker’s Rights
We believe in an economy powered by transparency, accountability, security and equity. All women should be paid equitably, with access to affordable childcare, sick days, healthcare, paid family leave, and healthy work environments. All workers – including domestic and farm workers, undocumented and migrant workers – must have the right to organize and fight for a living minimum wage.
Civil Rights
We believe Civil Rights are our birthright, including voting rights, freedom to worship without fear of intimidation or harassment, freedom of speech, and protections for all citizens regardless of race, gender, age or disability. We believe it is time for an all-inclusive Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Disability Rights
We believe that all women’s issues are issues faced by women with disabilities. As mothers, sisters, daughters, and contributing members of this great nation, we seek to break barriers to access, inclusion, independence, and the full enjoyment of citizenship at home and around the world. We strive to be fully included in and contribute to all aspects of American life, economy, and culture.
Immigrant Rights
Rooted in the promise of America’s call for huddled masses yearning to breathe free, we believe in immigrant and refugee rights regardless of status or country of origin. We believe migration is a human right and that no human being is illegal.
Environmental Justice
We believe that every person and every community in our nation has the right to clean water, clean air, and access to and enjoyment of public lands. We believe that our environment and our climate must be protected, and that our land and natural resources cannot be exploited for corporate gain or greed – especially at the risk of public safety and health. D