Anniversary March FAQs

One Year Anniversary of
Women’s March on Charlotte
Remarchable Women 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Join us Saturday, January 20, 2018 for REMARCHABLE WOMEN, a one year anniversary event sponsored by the Charlotte Women’s March organization. This March unites our communities and continues to empower grassroots change. We will work peacefully to send a bold message to our elected leaders that women’s rights are human rights.

“We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families, recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.” – Women’s March

In 2017, the Women’s Marches on Washington and Charlotte followed the principles of Kingian nonviolence, as will Charlotte Women’s March and REMARCHABLE WOMEN in 2018.

CWM and REMARCHABLE WOMEN are grateful to the organizers of the 2017 Women’s March on Charlotte for providing the answers to the (below listed) Frequently Asked Questions for this year’s March. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us at charlottewomensmarch@gmail.com.

WHEN IS THE EVENT AND WHAT IS THE ROUTE?

REMARCHABLE WOMEN will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, starting at 10:00 a.m. The March will begin at noon from First Ward Park at 7th Street and Brevard Street in uptown Charlotte. The plan is to have speakers in First Ward Park in uptown Charlotte between 10 a.m. and noon. At noon, the March will begin, heading out from First Ward Park (7th and Brevard). From there, we will proceed to Romare Bearden Park (1st and Church) where our March will conclude. The route is less than a mile through the center of uptown Charlotte.

DO YOU NEED VOLUNTEERS?

YES! if you would like to assist either prior to the March or on the day of, please SIGN UP HERE. We will need many hands to make this March as successful and impactful as last year. Please join us!

IS THERE A NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY WOMEN’S MARCH IN WASHINGTON DC?

The national Women’s March anniversary is taking place this year in Las Vegas. For more information visit their Facebook page.

IS THE CHARLOTTE WOMEN’S MARCH INCLUSIVE OF PEOPLE OF ALL RACES, RELIGIONS, GENDER AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION?

CWM is devoted to uniting a diverse and inclusive group of individuals to participate in the January 20, 2018 March. Everyone who supports our mission, vision and goals is invited to attend.

The Organizing Committee for CWM has invited Charlotte-based organizations focused on civil, religious, racial justice, sexual orientation, and women’s rights to partner with us. Please email CWM if your organization is interested in participating in REMARCHABLE WOMEN, and to learn more about how your organization can benefit from participation.

HOW DO I GET TO THE MARCH?

The best way to attend the March is to use the Lynx Blue line. Park at any station and take the train to the 7th Street Station. First Ward Park is across the street. From Romare Bearden Park, go to either the 3rd Street or Convention Center Blue Line station to return home.

If you prefer to drive, there is ample off-street parking in Uptown Charlotte. The City of Charlotte publishes a map of parking locations at Park It!

If you are chartering a bus, there will be a drop off area for buses next to First Ward Park on Brevard Street between 8th and 9th Streets and a pickup area next to Romare Bearden Park on 3rd Street between Church St. and Mint St. After discharging and picking up passengers, buses must find an off-street location to park. The March committee is not responsible for charter buses.

WILL IT BE SAFE? CAN I BRING MY KIDS AND PETS?

The REMARCHABLE WOMEN Organizing Committee is coordinating with city officials and the police department to ensure the safety of March participants. We ask that no sticks or posts be used for signs and that only fanny packs or very small backpacks be carried. The Committee will follow every safety protocol and will release further details as we draw closer to the date.

We welcome adults and children who share the views of the Charlotte Women’s March; however, the decision to bring your children is a personal one and should take into consideration your child’s needs.

If you choose to bring a pet, we ask that you stay at the rear of the March and clean up after your pet.

HOW CAN MY ORGANIZATION GET INVOLVED?

Please email CWM for more information on how your organization can become a partner for the March and join and support Charlotte Women’s March.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE EFFORT FINANCIALLY?

We welcome donations of needed services and supplies, such as sign-making materials, printing and design services, apparel, etc. Financial donations to the Charlotte Women’s March organization can be made by visiting our CWM website Donation Page.

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE PERMITTING PROCESS?

CWM filed a picketing notice with the CMPD which allows us to march on the sidewalks of the designated route. A notice filed with the Mecklenburg County Parks Department reserves the use of First Ward Park for that day and we filed a request for an amplification permit the week prior to the event. Our march does not require a permit, but does require that we not interfere with traffic patterns. We are continuing to coordinate with CMPD to guarantee that all participants follow regulations and that our March is a peaceful event.

Please note a permit for a bullhorn or any type of sound amplification device is required for every individual who carries or uses one; the permit is not transferable to another individual.

IS THERE ANY PROVISION FOR BAD WEATHER?

REMARCHABLE WOMEN will be held rain, snow or shine. So dress accordingly. In the unlikely event of severe weather conditions, we will publicize the March’s cancellation through every available channel, including this website. The March will not be rescheduled.

WILL POSTERS OR SIGNS BE PROVIDED? CAN WE BRING OUR OWN? ARE THERE ANY GUIDELINES ABOUT WHAT WE SAY?

One of the most remarkable parts of the 2017 march were the signs, peaceful and issue-oriented. We encourage participants to make their own signs expressing their thoughts and feelings while being respectful of others’ concerns. We prefer signs with positive messages. For safety reasons, please do NOT mount signs on wooden or metal sticks.

MAY I VIDEOTAPE OR PHOTOGRAPH THE MARCH?

Yes. When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything that is in plain view. That includes pictures of federal buildings, transportation facilities, and the police. When you are on private property, the property owner may set rules about the taking of photographs or video. Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your digital photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete your photographs or video under any circumstances. However, they may legitimately order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations.

WHAT DO I DO IF I AM STOPPED BY POLICE DURING THE MARCH?

The March Team has coordinated closely with the CMPD and we anticipate a positive response to our event from the police. If you are stopped, stay calm, be polite, and don’t run. Don’t argue, resist, or obstruct the police, even if you are innocent or you believe that the police are violating your rights. In some states, you must give your name if asked to identify yourself, but you do not have to provide an ID or other paperwork. Make sure to keep your hands where police can see them. Point out that you are not disrupting anyone else’s activity and that the First Amendment protects your actions. Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly and silently walk away.

You can read more here about what to do if you are stopped by the police, with special information for non-citizens.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED DURING THE MARCH?

Remember: the street is not the place to challenge police misconduct. Don’t physically resist officers or threaten to file a complaint. As soon as you can, write down everything you remember, including officers’ badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses. If you are injured, take photographs of your injuries (but seek medical attention first). Once you have this information, you can file a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board; in many cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish. You can also seek the assistance of an attorney or the ACLU.

DO COUNTER-DEMONSTRATORS HAVE FREE SPEECH RIGHTS AT THIS MARCH?

Yes. Although counter-demonstrators should not be allowed to physically disrupt the event they are protesting, they do have the right to be present and to voice their displeasure. Police are permitted to keep two antagonistic groups separated but should allow them to be within the general vicinity of one another.