Women's March Oakland

What is Women's March Oakland 2018?
Women's March Oakland 2018 is a rally and march in partnership with the Bay Area chapter of youth organization March for Our Future. We are joining 22 other California chapters in hosting rallies on the anniversary of the historic Women’s March. Our anniversary event will focus on voter education and participation as well as uplifting tomorrow’s leaders, with the theme, “Hear Our Vote: March for Our Future.”

Women’s March Oakland 2018 is a nonpartisan, peaceful event that will give people from across the East Bay and beyond the opportunity to activate their communities, engage and support youth, and publicly proclaim that women’s rights are human rights and human rights are women’s rights in line with the Unity Principles.

Making Women’s Marches safe spaces for all kinds of people is critical to their success. We expect everyone taking part in Women's March Oakland to respect the following agreements:

We will not use violence (physical or verbal) towards any person.
We will not destroy or damage property.
We will promote a tone of respect, honesty, transparency, and accountability in our actions.
We will not carry anything that can be construed as a weapon, nor possess (or consume) any alcohol or drugs.
We are nonpartisan, and will use Women’s March Oakland primarily to express our support for women’s rights and human rights in our communities and the country, rather than to criticize politicians or political parties.
We will all hold each other accountable to respecting these agreements.
Do I need to register? Do I need a ticket to attend?
To give us a more accurate attendance estimate so we can have the proper services available, please register on our Eventbrite page. Tickets are free of charge. You do not need to bring your printed Eventbrite ticket with you to the march.

By attending, you acknowledge that you are physically fit for this outdoor march and assume the risks of participating.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers and comfortable shoes. Check the weather and dress appropriately. It may be in the 40s/50s with a 60%+ chance of rain, so bring a rain jacket/poncho.

What should I bring?
Bring water, snacks and sunscreen. Out of consideration for other people at the march, please consider bringing a poncho instead of an umbrella. Strollers are welcome, although we do recommend smaller ones if possible.

Can I bring banners, signs or flags?
Posters and signs are allowed, but not with the use of wooden, plastic or metal sign posts. Instead, we encourage people to use cardboard sign posts (or rolled up poster paper). Flags are allowed, but not on a pole.

What items are not allowed at the march and rally?
We ask that you do not bring backpacks to the event. Instead, please bring clear bags. No alcohol, weapons of any kind, dogs or pets (service animals only, please), or bikes. Please park your bike before the march begins.

Other marching day tips
Stay hydrated and never pass up an opportunity to use a toilet!

Don't rely on your cell phone. We cannot promise cell service for calls or texting on the day of the march. Please be sure to make a meet-up plan with your friends, family and group ahead of time in case you get separated at the march or rally. Use a sharpie to write important information on your forearm (especially helpful on children). Don't offer personal information to anyone.

See something? Say something to a peace ambassador or volunteer.

When and where will the march be held?
The event will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2018.

The rally and march starting point will be at Lake Merritt Amphitheater in Oakland, CA. The march will proceed up 14th Street, ending at Frank Ogawa Plaza with our Call to Action Alley.

Accessibility information for the route: The route is 0.9 miles. It is uphill for the first couple of blocks to Oak Street. There is a slight uphill slope from Oak to Madison. There is a bad curb cut at 14th and Alice on the right, and another one at 14th and Franklin on the right.

WMO 2018 march route.png
How do I get to the march?
We strongly recommend public transportation. BART is available from the East Bay, San Francisco, and the Peninsula. We suggest that you purchase a roundtrip fare and give yourself extra time to get to the march.

The Lake Merritt BART station is right next to the rally and starting point of the march. The 12th Street Oakland/Civic Center station is near the ending point of the march (and Call to Action Alley). For more information, visit BART's website.

Is the march accessible?
Yes! There is built-in seating at Lake Merritt Amphitheater and an additional entrance to the rally for wheelchairs. ASL interpreters will be present during the rally.

There will be a medical station about halfway through the march route to rest and get help. There will be help (volunteers/medical professionals) along the way if people fall too far behind and need assistance. Marchers can enter or leave the march route at any time; the path will not be blocked off completely.

Suggested accessible viewing locations are located at:

-14th and Madison Streets on the northwest corner
-14th and Harrison Streets on the southwest corner in front of the parking lot and vacant building.

For additional information regarding accessibility visit the Reclamation Press disability contingent page.

Will there be bathrooms?
Yes, there will be handicap and standard portable restrooms at Lake Merritt Amphitheater and Frank Ogawa Plaza.

Frequently Asked Questions
https://womensmarchoakland.org/faq/