They were scared. They weren’t worried about the weather: it is supposed to be nice. Or the possible counter-demonstrations: security will be tight. Almost everyone said they were going to march. But one or two said they would not, and their reasons shocked Lisa Backer and Debra Stephens as they stood at the Westover Farmer’s Market handing out flyers. One woman said she was going, but not registering for the march because she was afraid her name would go on a list of people that the new administration could use against them, and one man, a federal employee who would be allowed to march otherwise, said this year he would not march because he might lose his job if his photo was taken at the march.

But generally the two women, who were publicizing the march as private citizens, said almost everyone they spoke to was attending the march on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. onwards. But they said they would expect that in a neighborhood like Westover, in a county like Arlington.

Backer and Stephens found the information about the march on-line on Facebook, and decided to attend the information session at the House of Steep, in Cherrydale, held last week. They picked up flyers and cards and decided their job for the next few days was to let women know about the march, and the fact that Virginia, as a state, has its own organization for the march and is collecting money for women who cannot otherwise get here. The information sessions help with logistics. There is a water taxi going across the Potomac from Alexandria, and those taking the Metro are being told they should leave at 7 a.m. rather than 9 a.m. and should buy a Metro Smart card and get a few for out-of-town guests, rather than stand in line for a ticket on the day. Backer and Stephens also learned about several “warming stations” open to marchers, and several congressional offices that will open. U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) will open her office to marchers, they said. Backer said a good parking option if you have to drive to the event is “Spot Hero” a parking app that reserves a place for your car near the event. Both women wondered why Metro was running a regular scedule for the event, instead of adding trains.

Stephens said there is a contingent of Yorktown alumni who are coming from all over the U.S. — 35 women in total, from the class of 1974, a class which often attends reunions and events together. “But what about the others?” Stephens asked. “The women who can’t get here for financial reasons, or who live in communities that haven’t publicized the march. That is why we support the Virginia March for Women effort.”

Arlingtonians will march, and host many out-of-towners. Sheridan Collins said she would be joining the march “to advocate for greater access to quality health care for women and families, to stand against rollback of reproductive rights, to urge equality in the work place re pay and hiring, to stand for greater restrictions on guns as a health hazard, to stand for public education and against vouchers to fund our kids' education and our retirement and health care.” She had a houseful of people coming to stay with her from other states.

Backer and Stephens urged that this is the beginning of the marathon, not the end. It will be important to start the “marathon” with the march on Jan. 21, and plan to keep running.

Stephens also added some advice for those going to embark on political activity this season: “It’s important for us not to be too hyperbolic. We shouldn’t focus on the negative all the time, or demonize the President-elect. We should be careful about treating him as a total joke. If he does something good, we should let people know and acknowledge it; and if he does something which is not good, we should let people know that too.”

There are several events this week to lead up to the march:

• Writers Resist will offer other events this week: see: https://www.facebook.com/events/133477420487280/.
• Arlington Democrats are having a sign making party. See http://www.arlingtondemocrats.org/calendar/.
• Liberty Tavern, 3195 Wilson Blvd., this week: Jan. 18 from 6-8 p.m. — Why We March Virginia. WMOW will offer a short presentation by their outreach team, do Q and A, offer some beanies and buttons for sale, and then toast to all their hard work.
• A useful Twitter address for the march is @IndivisibleTeam, and post-march events, according to Stephens, can be found at www.indivisibleguide.com/.

Logistics for the March

• The march will start on Independence Ave. and 3rd St., SW, at 10 a.m. The closest Metro is Federal Center SW, two blocks away. Get a Smart card early and leave at least two hours before the march.
• Poster making: Look for poster making events around town: if you are making your own:
• Don’t use wooden stakes or metal posts to put your posters on.
• Use discretion when writing poster slogans: it’s not an anti-Trump rally.
• See sample slogans on the website: www.wmwVirginia.org
• See website for updates and transportation suggestions.
• For suggestions on what to wear and bring, see www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2016/12/what-to-wear-to-a-protest-march.html
• Buses can be reserved at churches around Arlington: Rock Spring Church offers a round trip into DC for 40 dollars but may not be taking more reservations.
• Check Facebook’s Women's March on Washington-Virginia page
• Do not bring backpacks: no large bags will be allowed.