Accidental Activism: How a regular gal ended up at the center of a 1.1 million person movement

Yesterday was an exhilarating, but draining day.  I have had many of those in my privileged life as a physician and mother.  But nothing compares to how it felt leading several hundred Californians through a crowd, bullhorn in hand, shouting march phrases.  Who is this person?  How did I get here?  What will my co-workers think?  I belong in an exam room treating patients.  Not at a march.  And certainly not leading one.

... the disappointment hit me like a tsunami

My road to that day can best be summarized as serendipity.  As a feminist, progressive woman, I was in rapture as I walked with my daughters to cast my first vote for a woman president on election day.  After years crawling our way up the ladder, fighting for equal pay, a seat at the table ... it was our moment!  And then the disappointment hit me like a tsunami.  

The clouds parted when I received one of the early Facebook invites to the Women's March in DC.  Like thousands of women across the US, I bought my ticket, reserved a hotel, and made plans to meet college friends in DC.  Recruited to help out, I was swept away by the current of activism.  It started with monitoring the CA Facebook page for women traveling to DC.  But soon we noticed women talking online about planning marches here in CA.  

During only 8 conference calls and countless emails .... we made history

The other 3 state coordinators were inundated planning the DC march.  Someone needed to keep things organized, build consensus, and delegate tasks here at home.  I volunteered readily.  As a working mom of twins, those are skills I have in spades!  In an instant I was leading 66 fantastic, regular gals like me as we navigated the new territory of political organizing together.

We learned about permits, event insurance, PR, branding, and merchandising.  In 10 short weeks, we planned 14+ marches statewide.  There were mis-steps to be sure.  Like the time I accidentally posted everyone's phone numbers online (still so sorry about that ladies!).  And spirited arguments as we negotiated common ground despite our diversity.  99.9% of the credit goes to the amazing women who lovingly planned each march.  During only 8 conference calls and countless emails, Facebook posts, slacks, and text messages we made history.  In many cases, we didn't even meet in person until March day. 

... estimates are that 1.1 million people marched yesterday in California

Though it's hard to say for sure, estimates are that 1.1 million people marched yesterday in California.  The result exceeded all of our expectations, and today I am filled with pride and gratitude to the women who made this happen.  

But what next?  An identity crisis.  I am not a professional organizer.  I am a Pediatrician, wife, and mom.  I liked my life just fine before all this happened.  Or at least before November 8th.  But we can't return to regular life.  It's not enough anymore to vote our conscience and live our lives quietly.  This political storm requires us to re-invent ourselves.

We exit that historic march day with a new mandate.  The professionals have failed us, our democracy is broken, and we need radical change.  I don't know exactly what's next, but I do know that anyone can make a difference.  Just ask the 66 brilliant, powerful, and courageous women who shepherded 1.1 million people through the streets of California yesterday.  Or the countless others who participated in marches worldwide.  That is what democracy looks like.