One year ago I helped organize the largest single day protest in US history. I was brand new to activism although, upon reflection, it’s been in my blood for decades. I believe the awareness brought about by the Women’s March on Washington has inspired our country, our state and our community to stand up, fight back.
I had prided myself on always voting but have since learned how woefully unaware and uneducated I was in the realm of politics. This year has afforded me the opportunity to meet amazing activists and social justice warriors. I blindly believed that my vote was enough, that justice would prevail. I woke up on November 9, 2016 to the reality of that delusion.
I have learned the value of phone calls to legislators, the importance of showing up at their office. I stand with those working to rid our state of traditions in which people legally control other people and supporting issues that don’t necessarily impact me directly. What is most important is to be connected to the goal, which is justice for all, even if our motivation is different.
The reason I share the effect this year has had on me is because I know I’m not alone. Women are speaking up in numbers this country has never seen before. First-time female candidates are running for offices big and small, from the U.S. Senate and state legislatures to local school boards and county commissions. We are educating ourselves and each other on issues that affect us all.
The reason I know how impactful this movement has become isn’t because of the press coverage or the number of women running for office. Last year my youngest daughter refused to listen to anything I tried to talk about regarding Women’s March or the potential consequences resulting from the election. I tried to engage her in meaningful discussions but she wanted no part of that - her vote was enough. This year we are marched together in Roanoke, Virginia and she volunteered with the local Women’s March to put on this event.
This year women organized rally’s and marches, #PowerToThePolls, as a campaign to register and engage voters for the 2018 elections. Our collective power is rooted in one another and having a wave of women pouring into public office will bring forth the issues that draw support from women in both parties. Celinda Lake said, “Women candidates help energize women voters and in close races you win with women voters.” If I can help mobilize 26,000 Floridians to D. C. I can help mobilize 26,000 (and more) Floridians to the voting booths in 2018.
Women are the backbone of every society. Never underestimate the strength of a woman-led movement.
Marina Welch
