...and I'm kind of freaking out. I've never done anything like this on my own before. It's for the climate march in Washington DC on the 28th of April. I'll be going on a bus with 34 other people who I don't know, leaving at the asscrack of dawn, being in DC all day, and getting home at the next asscrack of dawn. I'm going by myself, and even though I'm a grown-ass adult, I've never gone this far on my own before. It's only for one day, so I know I can handle it, but still. I feel like if I don't get out and do something about this whiny bitch man-baby who is trying to completely fuck over our planet in the name of more money for himself and his buddies, I'm going to lose my shit. Will it make a difference if I go walk around the capital for a day? I don't fucking know, but I'm pissed and worried to hell and I'm going.

If nothing else, this will be a good trial run for something I may do this summer, which is volunteer with Sea Shepherd in Florida, helping to protect sea turtles for a week or more, depending on how much paid time-off I have accrued by then. I'm hoping two weeks...maybe even a week paid and a week not. I could deal money-wise with that. But until I do this DC thing, I've never done anything like this before so we'll see if I can even deal.

Did I mention I have depression, social anxiety, general anxiety, and I'm very probably somewhere on the autism spectrum? Yeah, there's that.

As an activist myself, I'd recommend to always have an emergency contact list in case you get injured or arrested by the police force. Make sure to travel light but have the necessary items: band-aids, water, food, a second pair of socks, mittens if needed etc.

Thanks - adding contact list to stuff to bring. Already have a water bottle, first aid kit, and granola bars.

I went to the Women's March in DC and I'm going to the Science March on April 22nd. I have social anxiety too and I thought all the people were going to trigger an attack. I did fine. Everyone and I mean everyone was super nice. They apologized if they bumped into you and said excuse me if they needed to get by. I did get a little anxious going in on the metro because it was super packed but we got to the station before it got too bad. There are plenty of places to stop along the route to take a break or get pictures.

From my experience, make sure you leave your contact info with family. Bring some ibuprofen or whatever you take in a small bottle. Bring some cash too, just to have it. You don't have to spend it but it's nice to have. A pack of tissues is a must in case you find yourself in a bathroom with no TP. And go to the bathroom every chance you can. Even if you don't have to go, go anyway. And bring your ID. Oh and a pair of slippers and leave them on the bus. Your feet will thank you. Be prepared to sit for a long time on the bus. I was floored when I saw all the buses lined up when riding out on the metro. It actually gave me chills. If your bus has a toilet, being a pair of comfy pants to change into.

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions or concerns you may have. I had so much fun at the Women's March and I'm looking forward to the Science March

One other thing, always listen to your gut. If it's telling you to get away from a place, do it and do it fast. The only problem I encountered at the Women's March was at the end when my friend and I were trying to find a metro station and some people stood in the street to hold up traffic. My friend and I looked at each other and said, "nope" and we hightailed it out of there. The DC police were really nice and helpful. I went to as many as I could and thanked them for being there. A simple thank you means the world to them.

I wanted to go to the Women's March so bad, but I couldn't get the day off work. I'll remember the tissue and slippers. I'm not sure if the bus will have a bathroom or not, but comfy pants would be great. Although depending on the weather, I might be wearing yoga-type pants/leggings and they're comfy enough. I might be going to a local science march, depending on what my schedule is.

Thanks!

I had so much fun at the Women's March. I'm still shocked by how many people attended around the world.

You're welcome. Have a good time and feel free to comment me if you think of any questions.