DENVER – Thousands of people are expected to march this Saturday during the fourth annual Womxn’s March in Denver at Civic Center Park. This year, however, things will be a bit different than before.
The march, which started in 2017 following the inauguration of President Donald Trump a day prior, started with the goal of sending a bold message to the new administration. The theme for 2020 will be “Our Vote Is Our Voice.”
Which is why organizers say they are putting more of a focus on impact and action in the midst of an election year. Because of this, the Womxn’s March Denver will not have a rally this year. Instead, those participating in the march will have the opportunity to connect with nonprofits and grassroots organizations that work in reproductive rights, climate change, gun safety, immigration, voter registration, domestic violence, among others.
With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the 2020 Womxn’s March in Denver.
The weather’s looking nice Saturday and I want to be part of the movement
If you’ve never participated in the Womxn’s March, no biggie – we’re pretty sure the thousands of people who’ve said they’ll be participating will help you navigate the event from start to finish.
But in case you can’t make it to the pre-march entertainment by dancer and drummer ensembles and a capella groups that starts at 9;30 a.m., you’ll want to be near the corner of 14th Ave. and Bannock Streets by 10 a.m.
The route of the march will also be different than in years prior. Before, the march began outside the City and County building and ended right across from the Colorado State Capitol. This year, the march will start and end in the same location.
If there’s no rally this year, what happens when the march is over?
Organizers say they want to challenge anger, frustration and exhaustion into action, which is why nearly 60 Denver-area nonprofits will be participating in Denver IMPACT EXPO, taking place inside the McNichols building.
The nonprofits will focus on reproductive rights, climate change, gun safety, immigration, voter registration, domestic violence, among others.
There will also be two community engagement workshops and a live recording of the “Dear white Women” podcast. These are ticketed events.
Can men attend the march? What about my dog?
The Womxn’s March on Denver makes it clear on its website that “men are absolutely welcome and encouraged to join us. Children are welcome, too.”
And yes, your well-behaved family dog (on a leash) is also welcome to attend.
Organizers said they would do their best to accommodate people “of all abilities” and will have reserved seating for those who cannot march but would like to support the cause that day.
Worried about safety? Here are some safety tips from organizers:
- Dress warmly and in layers. Temperatures can change rapidly when you are moving or standing in a crowd.
- Have your cell phone fully charged but also have an emergency contact memorized or written down in the event your battery is dead or cell service is not available.
- Have snacks, water and any medications you take regularly in the event you cannot get home as quickly as planned.
- Bring identification and have emergency cash on your person.
- Do not carry a large backpack or bag and never leave any bag or personal item unattended.
- Drones are not allowed at the March. They will be confiscated by law enforcement and the owner will be cited.
- Always have an emergency plan and communicate that with friends ahead of time.
- Know what you will do in the event of an emergency (know the closest exit, identify a safe location to move to if warranted, identify a meet-up location with family/friends).
- Take note of where law enforcement and Peacekeepers (wearing security vests) are posted.
- If you see anything suspicious, bring it to the attention of a law enforcement officer or Womxn’s March Peacekeeper (they will be wearing yellow safety vest and are posted all along the route and in the park).
- You many encounter individuals who disagree with our beliefs. Remain calm and do not engage with them. Stay alert and bring the disruptive behavior to the attention of Peacekeepers.
Take the bus to and from downtown Denver? Some routes will be affected
The Womxn’s March will begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately four hours, which means several bus routes that make their way into and out of downtown Denver will be temporarily affected.
Buses affected by the Womxn’s March are the 0, 6, 9, 10, 15, 15L, 16, 48, 52, and the 83L routes. RTD officials said you should expect some detours from these buses as well as minor delays.
If you’re in Fort Collins and want to participate in the Womxn’s March in Denver, you’re asked to meet at the Harmony Transfer Center (near I-25) in Fort Collins by 7:45 a.m. The bus will leave to Civic Center Park in Denver at 8 a.m. on the dot.
Not in Denver? There will be sister marches across Colorado (not to mention the rest of the world)
Denver won’t be the only place the Womxn’s March will be taking place in Colorado.
Sister marches are taking place in 13 different cities across the Centennial State: Steamboat Springs, Estes Park, Greeley, Fraser, Broomfield, Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Vail, Gunnison, Cortez, Durango, Alamosa and Trinidad. Find more information about other Colorado marches here.
Besides the U.S. (including Hawaii and Alaska), marches are also being planned in Nigeria, Portugal, Belgium, Germany and New Zealand.
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