December 20, 2016

DA Canada - Ontario Delegation | Women's March on Washington | January 21, 2017


DA Canada - Ontario Delegation | Our Plan for the Women's March on Washington (WMW)

What is the latest update?  Jan 9 2016

Registration for DA bus to WMW is closed and we are not organizing more buses. HOWEVER, you can still get there by bus! Go to
http://canadianwomenmarch.ca/products-page/bus-march/  We are combining efforts, because we are Stronger Together!

What is the Mission of the WMW organizers?

On January 21, 2017, we will unite in Washington, D.C. for the Women's March on Washington. 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. Everyone is Invited - WMW is for any person, regardless of gender or gender identity, who believes women's rights are human rights.

What is the Status of Permits & March Route?

The location of the WMW has been approved by an inter-agency task force. People will gather at the intersection of Independence Ave and Third St SW near the U.S. Capitol, beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 21, 2017. For security reasons, details about the WMW logistics will be released at a later date.

Who are the organizers of the DA Canada - Ontario Delegation?

Lissette Wright
DA Canada Treasurer
DAC National Capital Region Vice-Chair
[email protected]

Karin Lippert
DAC Toronto Board - Press/Media Contact
[email protected]

Gena Brumitt
DAC London & Area Chair
[email protected]

Julie Buchanan
DA Canada Vice-Chair
DAC Toronto Acting Chair
[email protected]

What is our ITINERARY as of December 21, 2016?

*Depart the night of Friday, January 20, from two stops in the Toronto and Burlington area. Time TBD, between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

*Valid passports, travel documentation and travel waivers will be checked before departure.

*Travel waivers will be emailed ahead of time so you can review and sign before embarking.

*Arrive in Washington, DC, the morning of Saturday, January 21. The bus will only be able to get as close to the march as traffic allows. DC Public Transportation may need to be used to get to the march.

*The march is scheduled for 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST. We will ALL be marching together as a Democrats Abroad contingency with DA banners and signs;

*Our International Committee is organizing a non-hosted Democrats Abroad dinner for our DACA Ontario Delegation (DACA bus travelers), alumni and many other DA members in Washington on the 21st:There will be a separate dinner registration sent to you and payment in advance of $30-$50.  Dinner location and registration will be announced asap.

*Depart from the dinner (or close proximity to dinner venue) back to Ontario, arriving the morning of the Sunday, January 22nd.

What about cost and guests?

Cost of the luxury Canada Coach bus will be around $125 per person, plus your expenses for food, drink, transit, if necessary, travel insurance, if desired, and we will be passing the hat for bus driver tips. DA Dinner is optional with separate registration and emailed to paid bus riders. The cost is between range of $30-$50.

Payment instructions and waivers will be sent to registrants by . Guests (including children 9 yrs. and up) are allowed and welcome; however DA Canada can only accept payments from US Citizens, as DA Canada is part of the U.S. Democratic Party.

We will organize as many buses as we can fill on a first-come, first-serve basis.

How Democrats Abroad (DA) will travel to DC?

We've engaged Canada Coach for a bus(es) for the trip to and return from Washington, DC January 20-21, 2017 for our DA members. DA Members are permitted to bring a Canadian family member, friend or a child. The bus has reclining seats, outlets for charging computer devices and a bathroom. Blankets, pillows, hand/foot warmers and snacks are personal options. 

We will make a stop(s) to change drivers and perhaps schedule a breakfast stop (Saturday morning before the march).

Departure locations in the Toronto area are still being explored. We want to accommodate people using public transportation and those needing to park their cars overnight. Details will be updated here on the site and by email.

What Documents are required to Cross U.S. Border? Please READ!

The Consulate's basic guideline is: Get a valid passport! U.S. and Canadian citizens should have valid passports when traveling between the U.S. and Canada. US citizens are required by U.S. law to present a U.S. passport book. Guests of US citizen who are Canadian must have a valid Canadian passport.

If only one parent is accompanying a child, other documentation requirements are: child's passport, birth certificate, a letter of authorization (English or French if possible) signed by parent who is not traveling, including address and phone number of parent not traveling and photocopy of that parent's signed passport or national identity card.  Permanent Residents should bring valid passport and CA PR Card. US citizen currently studying in CA - must have a valid US passport. 

Valid passports, travel documentation and travel waivers will be checked before departure.

For requirements to enter or return to the US, please visit:  U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative .

For requirements to enter or return to Canada, please visit:  Canada Border Services Agency – Travellers – Travel Document .

What about a bus for DA Members from Ottawa NCR? Update Jan 8 2017

Registration for DA bus to WMW is closed and we are not organizing more buses. HOWEVER, you can still get there by bus! Go to

http://canadianwomenmarch.ca/products-page/bus-march/ We are combining efforts, because we are Stronger Together!

 

What about signs at the WMW? 

We have a DA Banner and will have some signage, and some free apparel to make our group identifiable, if small in comparison to the hundreds of thousands expected! If you wish to make your own sign, please follow DA guidelines below.

DA signage and slogans for the march should focus on the positive -- what we support: tolerance, equality and civil rights for all, an economy that works for all, equal pay, etc.  We will stand firm as Democratic opposition and keep fighting for our values and common sense policies, and holding the Republican Congress accountable. Focus on what we believe in - not anti-Trump or questioning the legality of the election. We're not anti-USA, and please do not promote local candidates. 

Organizers in US and CA are using signage that includes hashtag #WhyIMarch and @womensmarch with personal statements and space for ID at the bottom.

What is happening in Canada?

There is a national Canadian Women's Delegation going to Washington and they're also acting as the clearinghouse for local marches across the country. We have been in contact with them and hope we will be able to march with their delegation in DC. 

For information, click here: http://canadianwomenmarch.ca/

Local rallies are being organized in Canada and around the world by Democrats Abroad Chapters. You can also tell people to check Events at Democrats Abroad: http://www.democratsabroad.org/ca_events.

Will the WMW be Accessible for People with Disabilities?

The WMW is committed to ensuring that the national convening is accessible to people with disabilities. There will be an area with seating to accommodate people with disabilities, elderly people and pregnant women. Additional information is available on the WMW website.

Visit WMW site for information, questions and updates: https://www.womensmarch.com