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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the "12" stand for? The 12 refers to 12 million people, which is 3.5% of the population of the United States. History has proven in hundreds of cases that when 3.5% of a population take to the streets in fired-up, sustained and peaceful resistance, a fascist regime can't survive. That’s what researchers who have studied resistance movements around the world have discovered. When ordinary people unify and rise up with a shared sense of urgency and hope and love for the beautiful ideals of our threatened nation, we can be the ordinary citizens who make all the difference. This is, of course, very good news because it means that we are the good trouble we've been waiting for.

​Lots of people feel scared right now. What can we do about that? When human beings connect with each other,  it’s easier to move out of fear and silence and into courage and hope.  We are all part of something bigger– something courageous and moving and ready to fight.  But when we're sitting by ourselves, worrying and silent,  we often forget.  So part of getting people out onto the streets means encouraging people to show up.  Once we're in good company good human things get contagious-- our hope, our courage, our willingness to do something out of the ordinary in an extraordinary time.

What's Democracy 12 all about? Yes, and so glad you'll be spreading the word. Thank you and here you go. 12 Days to Democracy: A 12 Day, 138 Mile March from Philly to DC June 16-28 www.democracy12.com Inviting all concerned citizens and fired up resistors! Welcome, musicians and artists, introverts, thoughtful people, and humans who have never taken to the streets before! Now is the time for ordinary citizens to rise up and speak out. This is the occasion for all of us who care about democracy to join together and take action. Our country can and must do better than this! Democracy12 is a pro-democracy group organizing a totally democratic, completely civil, enormously inclusive, and decidedly extra-ordinary action for ordinary people, and that’s because we are the 3.5% that can and must rise up in peaceful resistance. We are the good trouble we’ve been waiting for! Join us for a mile, for three days, or for the whole big adventure. And! bring your drum, a kazoo, a cowbell… pull a poem out of your pocket, lead a new chant, share some street dancing. We hope to see you soon.

What do you mean by “pro-democracy” mission? Rule of law, free speech, freedom of assembly, a free press– these are the essentials of democracy, and they guarantee us the right to keep up the ongoing fight for a more just and equitable society. We can do better. We must do better. And, if we keep up the fight, someday we will do better– not just for the few, and not only for some, but for all of us. Our constitution has supported our ongoing, beautiful and messy fight for almost 250 years. And now, this best and most hopeful part of our American story is under serious attack. This is why we are rising up in creative, peaceful protest, and this is what we mean when we say that Democracy 12 is a pro-democracy mission.

Nuts & Bolts

How much does it cost? There is no charge to participate in the march. We are soliciting lodging from houses of worship along the route and other people and civic institutions. We are also soliciting meal donations/pot-lucks from local community groups.

How walker-friendly is the route? The organizers aren’t big fans of roadside terror. So, our march to DC will include one stretch (from Chesapeake City to Bel Air) that will be traversed not on foot, but with the help of a shuttle. We are grateful to Vicki Lee and many others who have provided their knowledge and care to help us to curate the routes. Of course, it's very cool that many of us will be employing old fashioned human feet for so much of the route, and we celebrate all the human-power of this mission. That said, there's no need to be purists here. We aren’t out to set any world records! Also, Wendy is thinking about bringing a razor scooter and putting that on the support vehicle, as another alternative that could provide some relief, and she invites others to reach out with some walker-weary transport hacks.

Will I have access to power? Yes! There will be a source of power available on the route. If there are no outlets nearby, we have a battery that can power multiple devices at once.

On the march, will I have to lug around all my stuff? We want participants to feel light and mobile and free… this way, we can give it all we’ve got, bust into the joyful noise and spirit that’ll inspire other concerned citizens to join up, and become a part of the 3.5% . This is why we will have TOTALLY AWESOME SUPPORT VEHICLES! The longer-marchers will be able to put their backpack on the SV, so they can stay light. ride a few miles on the SV, if a foot or a back is complaining. Also, check this out! To ensure that your bag won’t get confused with somebody else’s, it will be safely stowed with a Democracy12 Safe Stow tag, so you can rest easy that nobody else will have mistakenly eaten your peanut butter sandwich!

How to Help

How can we share about the event on our personal social media pages? The best way is just to share from your own heart—why the Democracy 12 speaks to you. If you’re excited, curious, or just want to see change, say that. Feel free to point folks to our main site: https://democracy12.com or our registration link: https://register.democracy12.com/ Thanks so much for wanting to help spread the word—it really matters. ❤️

Packing
List

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Baggage limit: One standard, carry-on-size bag. PLUS Bag for Sleeping Bag. (One larger bag to fit sleeping bag and rest of gear is permitted.)

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​***Please bring a photocopy of your government-issued ID***

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SIGNS!  Bring signs meaningful to you. 

 

​Basics

  1. day pack

  2. sleeping bag and pad

  3. ​small/travel pillow

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Toiletries​ or Personal Items

  1. grooming necessities:

    • toothbrush

    • toothpaste

    • soap

    • deodorant

  2. small towel 

  3. bug repellent

  4. Any medications you may need (e.g. for allergies)

  5. Medical or assistive devices (e.g. a CPAP machine or glucose monitor)

  6. Mask(s) for COVID precautions

  7. OPTIONAL:

    • earplugs  

    • hand sanitizer 

    • moleskin (we will also have this in first aid kits)

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Weather

  1. lip balm

  2. sunscreen

  3. simple rain gear or poncho

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Attire

  1. A weather-appropriate, comfortable change of clothes or two

  2. one easily packed evening outfit/dress 

  3. hiking shoes or trailrunners or simply running shoes

  4. flip flops or crocs

  5. sunglasses

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​Functional

  1. ​1-2 refillable water bottles or camelbak-type water container

  2. headlamp or flashlight

  3. phone charger

    • NOTE: we have battery charging stations, but will mostly be in buildings with power

  4. ​CONSIDER:

    • walking sticks

    • electrolytes 

    • utensils 

    • waste bags​

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​Fun and spirit

  1. music playlist 

  2. your favorite poem/inspiration

  3. thank you notes for your hosts

  4. bathing suit 

  5. musical instrument

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To stay comfortable and safe marching in the summer heat, choose lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable clothing in light colors. Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight, while moisture-wicking fabrics help you stay dry and cool by drawing sweat away from your skin. Sun protection is also crucial, such as a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and of course, sunscreen.​

How else can I help on social media? We have a Social Media Amplification Team, in which we text people with key posts that need comments (or likes/shares) in order to get traction. To join this fill out our "MARCH WITH US!" form on the website, or just reach out to us with a message from the website or our Democracy 12 Public Group or email us at 12daystodemocracy@gmail.com.

How can I help this effort if I can't walk? There are lots of ways to help! Of course you can donate with the link on the home page or this link (click here). You can also join a zoom meeting and see how you fit into the organizational mix. We have lots of jobs to do!

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