— from Mary Gropp —
The 2016 United States Presidential campaign and election received an enormous amount of attention. The upcoming Inauguration has inspired a desire to express feelings about important issues. The Women’s March on Washington is a national movement for everyone who stands for human rights, civil liberties, diversity, and compassion for our shared humanity. Events will be held across the country, including in Seattle, Bellingham and other Northwest cities. For those wanting to stay near home, several local events have been scheduled.
[Addendum from Sarah Ross] There is a meeting at Emmanuel Parish Hall January 15 Sunday 3-5. This is meeting is organized by the Concerned Women on Orcas and is an open meeting where women will continue discussions about issues of concern like environment, health care, education, immigration and civil rights; and networking to attend the march in Seattle.
Womens Salon: Inauguration Day, Friday January 20, 2pm to 4pm at the Orcas Senior Center. Salons have traditionally been held all over the world as a way of exchanging ideas, fostering connections within the community and exploring culture and the arts.
On this day when people are dealing with the uncertainty of a divisive political transition, the invitation is to meet with your community of friends and neighbors and focus on what connects us as humans who all want a healthy, peaceful life.
Refreshments will be provided, artists will perform and neighbors will bring interesting topics to explore. Feel free to choose an open table to sit and visit with friends or join a table with a moderated topic. Exploring how music can be used for healing and how spiritual practices can support positive change in times of difficulty are just two of the topics that will be discussed. If crafts make you happy, bring a project or join a table involved in artistic expression. The power and benefits of social connections are too numerous to mention, so just come be with a community of women and experience the support and camaraderie of Orcas women.
Women’s March in Eastsound: January 21, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Please join us in Eastsound. We’ll gather at the Labyrinth at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in solidarity with our sisters and brothers Marching on Washington. Signs and banners welcome….and dress for the occasion.
Women’s March on Friday Harbor: Saturday January 21, 12 Noon. Gather on the Courthouse Lawn. This event has been scheduled to begin at noon so that inter-islanders can easily join us via the ferry which gets in at 11:30. The march will start on the courthouse lawn, weave through downtown, and end at the middle school where a reception will take place. Everyone is invited to participate–yes this means men, kids, everyone.
Many islanders will be attending the March in Washington DC, Seattle, Bellingham and Friday Harbor. Information will be posted soon for those who are interested in trying to connect with others from San Juan County at these events.
Local knitters have been creating pink “Pussyhats” to send with marchers to Washington DC.
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There is a meeting at Emmanuel Parish Hall January 15 Sunday 3-5. This is meeting is organized by the Concerned Women on Orcas and is an open meeting where women will continue discussions about issues of concern like environment, health care, education, immigration and civil rights; and networking to attend the march in Seattle.
This makes me so happy. We will be full time soon and knowing that there are so many who share my concern is awesome
Nicely written and informative; thanks!