Security For The Women's March Is A Biggie

Plenty of attention has been paid to the inauguration, but there's one event taking place in D.C. this January that could upstage it — and it's only a day later. The Women's March on Washington has been organized not necessarily as a response to Donald Trump's election, but a reminder that there are other issues that need to be addressed. On Jan. 21, as many as 200,000 Americans are expected in Washington to support women's rights. With so many people, security for the Women's March on Washington might be a concern, but the organizers are following protocol to the letter.

At least, that's what they contend. If you're concerned about safety at the march, you're likely not the only one. The issue is addressed on the event's official website, which insists that they have a "team of experienced and professional national organizers working to ensure that every safety protocol is followed."

They also promise more details on event safety will be sent out before the day of the march. To be sure you get that, don't forget to RSVP to the event. That will not only entitle you to the latest information, but it allows the organizers to plan for the right size of people.

At the end of December, Planned Parenthood announced that it had signed on to join the event. That will help with the planning and preparation for so many people. DCist reported that Planned Parenthood will be helping with "staffing, planning efforts, and safety plans."

The exact route hasn't been announced yet, but the event will start at Independence Avenue and Third Street SW near the U.S. Capitol Building. That's at the edge of the National Mall between the botanic garden and the National Museum of the American Indian. Just up the street is the Capitol Reflecting Pool.

Security may be a concern, but there are plenty of reasons to attend the historic march. One of the honorary co-chairs is Gloria Steinem, who will be speaking. A preview of her thoughts sound like something you don't want to miss. She wrote some in a statement:

Our constitution does not begin with "I, the President." It begins with, "We, the People." I am proud to be one of thousands who have come to Washington to make clear that we will keep working for a democracy in which we are linked as human beings, not ranked by race or gender or class or any other label.

Ultimately, you'll need to consider whatever the final word from the march organizers is. But in the meantime, consider going. The impact on you — as much as the country — will be huge.