Action 60 – International Women’s Day – March 8, this Saturday
Background: International Women’s Day, March 8, has an interesting history, going all the way back to 1909. It has socialist roots, but became a mainstream global holiday following its promotion by the United Nations in 1977. The recent history of the demonstrations on and around the day show that women’s issues cross many political divisions between nations and between socioeconomic groups (1). In Maine in 2024, the day was marked by (among other things) a dip in the frigid Atlantic off Willard Beach in South Portland, and a statement by Governor Mills (2). At this time, we know of three marches or rallies that are taking place in Maine on Saturday March 8.
Right now, Trump is threatening to crack down on protests, particularly on campuses. If you are wondering if rallies and marches are effective, there are two important references for you in the Extra Credit section (#4 and #3 – especially the TED talk at the end). What has been demonstrated through careful research is that, when just 3.5% of the population actively joins a movement, change usually becomes inevitable. The population of Hancock County in 2023 was 56,526. 3.5% is only 1,978. We had an estimated crowd of 300 at the March 1 rally in Ellsworth. This means that, if each of the people who attended could recruit just 5.5 more people, the movement for protecting our democracy would be unstoppable! At least in Hancock County!
Action: Participate in demonstrations and rallies for democracy whenever they happen near you. A rally for International Women’s Day is taking place in these places in Maine:
Orono https://action.womensmarch.com/events/international-women-s-day-unite-resist-in-city-town-75
Augusta https://action.womensmarch.com/events/international-women-s-day-unite-resist-in-city-town-17
Presque Isle https://action.womensmarch.com/events/international-women-s-day-unite-resist-in-presque-isle-me
Extra Credit:
(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Women%27s_Day
(4) https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190513-it-only-takes-35-of-people-to-change-the-world