Oct 2nd Day of Action

Start: Saturday, October 02, 2021• 9:00 AM

End: Saturday, October 02, 2021• 1:00 PM

Our Body

Our Choice

Now Is the Time to Act !

When the Supreme Court rejected an emergency request to block Texas's abortion ban, they effectively took the next step towards overturning Roe v. Wade. Florida's Governor, Ron DeSantis, and Republican legislators has already expressed his support of a Heartbeat bill. We must defend reproductive rights! Right now, across this state Republican leaders are taking actions to restrict a woman’s right to choose!

We must let our voices be heard! Oct 2nd across the nation demonstrations will be held to fight for the right to safe and effective reproductive health choices health choices including our right to safe abortions, and to stand in solidarity with the women in Texas. On Oct 2nd we must demand a stop to Ron DeSantis's draft of his own Florida Heartbeat bill.

Jacksonville organizations are combining forces to host demonstrations to send a clear message to Florida legislators – “Our Body – Our Choice”.

3 Part Demonstration

1. Caravan

2. Rally at the courthouse

3. March to City Hall

Masks and social distancing are required. Please note that these events are not only for women, but for anyone who supports body autonomy. Anyone who supports reproductive rights is welcome to attend. Please RSVP to be added to our attendee list and receive updates as we get closer to the event.

Masks and social distancing required. Please note that these events are not for just those that identify as female, but for anyone who supports body autonomy.

Let’s remember that Body Autonomy impacts all of us. Our right to choose, our body our choice, doesn’t apply just to females. While today’s fight might be abortion rights, and access to reproductive healthcare, remember it is only one cog in the wheel of power and control that others seek to gain over us.

Supporters are welcome at all 3 activities or any portion thereof.

1. Our Body - Our Choice Car Caravan

The car caravan is an excellent opportunity for those with COVID concerns or risks to join in the demonstration and experience little to no exposure to other participants.   All participants are asked to mask up when they are outside of their vehicles.

Car caravans will be initiated in Mandarin and the Beaches and converge on the Courthouse on Adams Street, where the Our Body- Our Choice Rally will be held.

Participants are asked to arrive by 9:15am to decorate their cars with signs and banners and line up in an orderly fashion.

Caravans will depart their start points at 10:00am and proceed at approximately 30-35mph through designated portions of town making noise and bringing visibility to this critical issue. The caravans will terminate at the Courthouse at 10:45am where participants can park and join in the Rally.

A complete list of the caravan start points will be announced on social media, and via email within the coming days. Use this link to register so we can email you about caravan rally points.

2. Our Body- Our Choice Rally

The in-person rally will be held at 501 W. Adams St. and is slated to begin at 11:00am. The rally will feature legislative leaders, community organization leaders, and activists. Stay tuned for a complete list of speakers.

3. Our Body- Our Choice March

After the rally we will march, carrying our message to City Hall for some unified chanting, and then march back to the courthouse for our final speakers. The march will start no later than 12:00pm.

If you would like to volunteer for any of our events on October 2nd, please use this link!

Afterwards

River City Pride

The River City Pride parade begins at 2:00 in Riverside. We hope everyone who feel comfortable with public event will caravans to Riverside to show your pride! Let’s remember that body autonomy impacts all of us. Our right to choose, our body our choice, doesn’t apply just to women. While today’s fight might be abortion rights, remember it is only one cog in the wheel of power and control that others seek to gain over us.

Legislative Session

Also, Florida legislators will begin convening in Tallahassee to shape the next legislative session beginning September 20th! Please follow Women's March Florida Jacksonville Chapter on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to be apprised of actions you can take to influence your representatives.

Other Actions

Women's March Jacksonville is a women-led, nonpartisan, issue-focused organization serving Northeast Florida. We mobilize our diverse community to advocate for, protect, and advance the rights of women by focusing on engagement, education, and empowerment, while holding our leaders accountable for decisions that impact our community.

We have a network and tools for mobilizing people and lifting voices. If there is something in your community you think Women's March can help with please let us know. Send us an email at info@womensmarchjax.org. We want to hear from you!

How to prepare for the Day of Action

  • Dress for the weather. This could mean chilly in the morning and warmer at noon. Or it could mean rain.
  • Wear comfortable shoes.
  • If you want a chair for the rally at the courthouse, bring a chair.
  • There are few eateries open downtown on the weekends. So, bring something to drink and eat.