 |
||
 |
California Women's Equality Parade |
 |
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy is August 26th Women Equality Day? The ratification of the 19th amendment on August 26, 1920, marked the end of a 72-year political campaign, which began with the first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls in July of 1848. The date was celebrated by those concerned, but didn't receive much public notice until Bella Abzug, Congresswoman from New York City, petitioned the Nixon administration to declare it Women's Equality Day in 1971. That did not make it an official holiday, however, as it must be re-proclaimed by the president each year. It is hoped that these parades will be the first step toward making August 26 an official women's holiday." When ever August 26 falls on a Sunday or a weekday it is, not the best day for a parade. Thus the parade will be held on the preceding Saturday. Who can participate in the parade? Everyone who celebrates women winning the vote is welcome - including men who support women's rights. In honor of the men who worked for women to have the right to vote, there will be a special men's contingent. The parade is non-partisan. You do not need to be a member of an organization. You can march as an individual or with your family. Children are also invited to participate, but must be closely supervised by their parents or guardians. What are the costs? If you are marching with a group or organization, the registration fee for the group participation is $25. If you are marching alone, a $5 donation is requested to help offset the Parade costs. Pre-registration is definitely encouraged so that officials can establish the Parade line-up in advance. No one will be turned away on the day of the parade because of the inability to pay the registration fee, however they must join in at the end of the line. Do I have to wear a costume? Costumes are not required. But come on, it’s a parade! Dress up is fun. Colorful dress (dance group, girls scouts or veterans) according to any group affiliation is encouraged. We are having a costume/ and best float or vehicle contest. The prize is “Winning the Vote: The Triumph of the American Women”. It is a fascinating book, replete with large photos of those past parades and confirms that the suffragettes learned that spectacular events, i.e., parades were most effective in changing public opinion. It was also the most economical use of their limited funds. The women who participated in the original suffrage parades wore the colors adopted for the movement: white, purple, and gold to designate truth, courage and loyalty. Long-sleeved white blouses with long white skirts and brimmed hats with purple sashes will serve. For costumes ideas and Suffrage slogans, look in the library and on web sites: nwhp.org and nwhm.org. Shop costume shops and thrift stores. (Don't overlook wedding garb) also rummage sales. Can we carry signs or banners? Yes, banners and signs are permitted as long as they are not partisan, that is not for or against political figures in support of, or opposition to specific candidates and/or elected officials. Hand held signs except for banners, should not be more than 30" in size. For more information about slogans visit the www.nwhp.org. Are floats permitted? And if so, what are the requirements? Floats are permitted, but it is important to register well in advance of the parade and no later than August 3, so that your float meets the requirements established by Parade officials. Decorated flatbed vehicles and classic automobiles are welcomed. Automobiles, colorfully decorated will serve. Are there going to be buses or trains to the parade? Regional Transit Bus passes may be available for transportation to and from parade/rally site on the day of the parade. Please indicate the request when registering. Will there be a Souvenir Program of the Parade? Yes. Supporters of the parade and women's rights - individuals, organizations, businesses, etc. - may purchase ads in the program. Our program contains interesting nuggets on women history that is a nice keepsake. The advertising form and rate schedule can be downloaded here. Deadline and benefits for ads are July 22, 2008. Who are the sponsoring groups and how can I become a sponsor? We expect to maintain these 2006 sponsors/supporters and welcome new ones: California Women’s Agenda (CAWA), National Women's History Project, American Association of University Women, California NOW, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, Sacramento Labor Council, Women Democrats of Placer County, Commission on the Status of Women, Grandmothers for Peace, Women's International League of Peace & Freedom, Coalition of Labor Union Women, California Association of Social Workers, Sacramento Women Democrats, Code Pink, Gray Panthers, Women's Inter-cultural Network, and others. You may download the Sponsor Information Sheet here or Dr. Kim Salter Ph.d or Media Chair Mary Rose Kaczorowski [See Below]. How can I become a sponsor? For program ads and queries on sponsoring, please contact: Diana Madoshi – quemere@sbcglobal.net or (916) 435-9760. Can non-profits have information tables where they can sell merchandise? Contact Dr. Kim Salter PhD: C/O, NWHP, 3440 Airway Dr., Ste F, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, (949-230-1169. kimsalter@cox.net Have other questions? Please contact: Northern California Contacts Southern California Contact |
| © Copyright 2007 J Brian Washman. All Rights Reserved. | Design by Interspire |