It’s a new year, and there’s a distinct feeling that movement organizers are collectively tired. The past three years have been intense on so many levels, and throughout it all, we have stayed true to the purpose of grassroots organizing and have continued to show up, speak out, unite and put our bodies on the line for our collective liberation. The cost has been our well-being: we’re feeling mental and emotional fatigue, physical exhaustion and burn out.
Why are we so tired? The fight hasn’t gotten easier.
The irony is that protests continue to be a catalyst for change both politically and for changing social norms. When people show up in numbers impossible to ignore, it puts leaders on notice.published a piece by researcher Daniel Gillion finding that the “volume and intensity of progressive protests have been higher in 2018 than at any time since the late 1960s.” Protests are “a form of information-gathering,” Gillion says.
Take, for example, the 119 year old law crimalzing abortion in New South Wales, Australia. Last year, Women’s March Sydney, in partnership with grassroots organizations, coordinated a series of educational and awareness raising actions in the lead-up to the vote; because of their commitment and presence, having an abortion is no longer a criminal offense there.
I march because I know that every single action and every single voice in this movement counts. I march as an ally to and in solidarity with the collective force fighting for our freedom and human rights. I march because I don’t have a choice—because our planet is burning, war is imminent and women are still being silenced for fighting for our rights.On January 18 2020, women and allies globally will unite once again for the Global Women’s March.
umajmishra womensmarchgbal yeah - except for the Jewish voices - oh and the Dem voices - WomensMarch is dead - Sarsour & co killed it.