Saturday, we had the privilege of marching with millions of people in our nation’s capital, around the country, and around the world to advocate for women’s rights (they’re human rights!). The march was a reminder that when we are united, our power crosses oceans and transforms hearts and minds globally.

While the march is over, this is just the beginning. Now more than ever, it is important for us to continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of every member of our society. Whether it’s protecting women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, civil rights, racial justice, immigrant rights, religious freedom, or environmental justice, let’s create a sustained coalition and movement, demanding better representation for all.

That’s why this week, we’re asking you to build upon the momentum of the Women’s March and organize your community. Convene a group of people you respect (even if they have different political views than you) around a meal, a cup of coffee, a movie night, and have a discussion to break down barriers and unite around a common cause. Use these instructions as a way to get started:

1. ASK: What are our values?
After introductions, try discussing the shared values that brought you together. Brainstorm things like “family,” “equality,” or “respect.” Connecting around these values will help sustain your group as you move forward.

2. ASK: What can we agree on?
Find common ground around your values. Ask people to pick one local issue in your city or town that you would like to see changed to improve the lives of women and under-represented people. The goal is to positively discuss a manageable issue where a small group can have a tangible impact.

3. ASK: What can we do to advance our shared values?
Make an action plan of concrete steps of what to do next. Ideas include calling your representatives, volunteering, and raising money / donating. Don’t forget to follow up and hold the members of your group accountable for what they agree to do.

We know these conversations can be hard and it takes courage to engage people with different views. We also know that these discussions are critical to building a culture that values and respects everyone. Together, let’s recreate that culture and better world.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom & The Representation Project Team

P.S. Having a hard time finding common ground? Start by screening and discussing Miss Representation and The Mask You Live In with your friends, family, and community.

#MarchingForward Training

The #MarchingForward Campaign is just getting started! Join The Representation Project, GlobalGirl Media, Emerge America, The Female Quotient, IGNITE National, and WorldWideWomen collective in channeling the energy from the Women’s March into a sustained movement demanding better representation for all.

We’re training young women to become more civically engaged and ultimately step into public service. Are you interested in being trained? Do you run a girls’ or young women’s group that would like to participate? Join us and sign up for the #MarchingForward training.
 

Representation Around the Web

“But I also have to admit that when you’re the father of two daughters, you become even more aware of how gender stereotypes pervade our society. You see the subtle and not-so-subtle social cues transmitted through culture. You feel the enormous pressure girls are under to look and behave and even think a certain way. And those same stereotypes affected my own consciousness as a young man. Growing up without a dad, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out who I was, how the world perceived me, and what kind of man I wanted to be. It’s easy to absorb all kinds of messages from society about masculinity and come to believe that there’s a right way and a wrong way to be a man. But as I got older, I realized that my ideas about being a tough guy or cool guy just weren’t me. They were a manifestation of my youth and insecurity. Life became a lot easier when I simply started being myself.” – Barack Obama, via Vox
 

• BuzzFeed: Flights Packed with Women’s March Participants are Celebrating All the Way to DC
• Mashable: Octavia Spencer Bought Out a Whole Cinema so Families Could See Hidden Figures
• Mic: America Ferrera’s Women’s March Address Stood in Solidarity with Young Undocumented Immigrants
• New York Magazine: Pakistani Pop Star Stops Concert When He Spots Sexual Harassment
• SFGate: Baker with Down Syndrome is Rejected from Every Bakery, so She Opens Her Own Shop Instead
• Vox: 100 Years Ago, Americans Talked about Catholics the Way They Talk about Muslims Today

We’re making #Herstory. #MarchingForward #WomensMarch
Image via Miss Representation‘s Instagram