Important Updates from Today

As the organizers of the women’s rights protests we sensed the outrage in the community and wanted to help focus it in a productive way. Our goal was to provide a platform for Virginians to take coordinated and individual action and speak out against these injustices whether through their voices, their bodies or through their silence. We appreciate the diversity of tactics taken at today’s protest and are amazed with the overwhelming response we received.

At this time there are 28 out of 34 arrestees still in custody. We have received reports of inhumane treatment during the over 4 hours in holding. We urge the police to drop all charges and release everyone immediately. As the protest organizers, we believe that all Virginians can exercise their First Amendment rights to peaceably assemble. The fact that this infringement of our rights took place on our own state capital is a constitutional atrocity.

We sent the clear message, to the legislators and Governor McDonnell, that we will not accept these laws now, next year, or ever and if they continue this assault on women’s rights, they will be met with an even stronger, wiser and more organized force.

We also have a WebPay online donations account for the arrestees at today's protest. Any left over funding will be donated to the Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project or the Capitol Area Women's Health Network.  Here is the link to the WebPay account: 

https://www.wepay.com/donations/legal-fund-for-m3-speak-loudly-with-silence

Thanks everyone!!! 

10 Things You NEED to Know Before Saturday's Protest

On Saturday, March 3rd, we're putting out a call out for over a thousand to march on Capitol Square. This will be a similar style of protest as Feb 20th, with some new tactics included. Some stuff you should know before heading downtown:

• Please plan to show up at or before 12:00, near the bell tower on Bank Street. We will likely be doing a short march near the capitol grounds, and we'll need critical mass before mobilizing.
• Bring a sign for the march. We'll be putting them down on the sidewalk when we enter the Capitol grounds.
• Parking will be free and unlimited all over the city on the streets.
• If you have experience in legal, medical, or protest management, please email us at speak.loud.with.silence@gmail.com
• This event will end at THREE O'CLOCK, not four as listed on the Facebook event. Facebook won't allow us to change the time for some reason.
• It is likely to rain, so ponchos/umbrellas are recommended. Feel free to decorate them! Bring extras to share if you can. Please don't let rain be an excuse for not coming. There's millions of women out there counting on us.
• Bring cameras, both film and photo! We'll be posting the Tumblr link soon.
• We will have a police liaison who is authorized to speak to the police on our behalf. We ask that you let the police liaison be the primary contact for communication with the police- this will help us avoid any possible miscommunications. 
• Wear RED armbands if you can. Point People will be wearing WHITE armbands. Legal aids will be wearing green hats.
• Bathrooms will be available at the Library of Virginia, the Capitol building, and numerous other restaurants and buildings around the area.

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**ATTENTION PLEASE READ** We love you all and have been so overwhelmed by your passion and spirit! We want you all to always be safe and informed of the actions we take. The organizers that make up Speak Loudly with Silence are experienced activists who are extremely devoted to the causes that we organize around. We consult with legal consultants and utilize every resource and opportunity to do things safely, orderly, and legally. At times we will challenge laws that are purposely put in place to limit our freedom of speech and assembly. At any time we decide to challenge these laws, we will inform you. We will always provide multiple alternatives based on risk level and present those alternatives to everyone upon assembly. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, we encourage you to message or come up to an organizer/point person and let us know. We always want to hear from you! But keep in mind: "Well-behaved women seldom make history."