Attending the Peoples Climate March? Here’s What to Expect!

You’re probably very excited about this weekend’s huge Peoples Climate March in Washington, DC - so are we! It’s going to be a fun day marching with thousands of other amazing people, and we’re guessing you probably need a few more details about the who’s, where’s, what’s, and when’s of the day. Let us help!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Here’s a great list from the Peoples Climate organizers. Bring things that help communicate the message:

  • If you plan on attending the Sunrise Water Ceremony, bring a small sample of water from your home; the water will be blended in a copper pail, blessed, and carried in the march.
  • Make your own signs and banners and t-shirts and flags (download some signs here, too!) – be creative! Sticks and poles are allowed — but please, no sticks with pointy ends or exposed nails/screws.
  • Carry signs or banners that let people know where you are from – what organization, what city or state, what country
  • Music that does not need amplification is encouraged

Items to bring that will make your day more comfortable:

  • Small backpacks and bags are allowed and should be filled with water and snacks! We do not recommend bringing hiking backpacks. You can store bags at Union Station.
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Layers (the weather in DC can be pretty unpredictable and shift a lot over the course of a day)
  • Check the weather a day or two in advance; if it’s going to be a sunny day, bring sunscreen and a hat
  • Reusable water bottle (we will have water filling stations throughout the march)
  • Bring some light food and drinks…it will be a long day

Also - because things the day of the march can change quickly - be informed! For updates and details during the day of the march in D.C., sign up for texts from the Sierra Club.

To sign up: Text PCM to 69866.

text pcm to 69866 for updates

WHAT TIME DOES EVERYTHING START?

While many people will be arriving via bus and public transit and bike throughout the early morning hours, the march line-up starts at 11:00am. So at 11:00am, we will gather in front of the Capitol Building in contingents that spell out the values we share: justice, truth, democracy, faith and more. No matter what community you’re marching with, or where you’re coming from, there will be a spot for you.

WHO MARCHES WHERE?

There’s a map for that! More details here, as well.

PCM lineup

WHEN DOES THE MARCHING START?

The front of the march starts moving at 12:30pm, but of course a crowd that huge will move slowly! So if you’re not at the very front, it may take a little bit for your section to get moving. Stay relaxed, get to know the people around you, start some chants with your section, and be ready for a great march.

WHERE DOES THE MARCH GO?

There’s a map for that, too!

PCM route map

WE’RE CIRCLING THE WHITE HOUSE?

You bet we are. At 2:00pm we will surround the White House on all sides, and take powerful collective action to honor the lives at stake and make a loud sound demanding climate justice and good jobs that will drown out all of the climate-denying nonsense that has been coming out of the White House.

WHEN DO WE HEAR FROM SPEAKERS?

At 3:00pm the march wraps up at the Washington Monument grounds to connect and share the stories that brought us to DC. We’ll hear from the front line of the climate crisis and share solutions rooted in our own communities. There’ll be music and beautiful art from around the country that powerfully shows our local demands and visions. We’ll even assemble all our individual signs into one collective message of resistance.

Everything will wrap up at 5:00pm.

ANYTHING ELSE TO KNOW?

Peoples Climate has a fantastic logistics page, so refer to that for more info on everything from buses, to bike parking, the code of conduct, and so much more.

Above all, be respectful to everyone and have fun. Get to know the people around you. Share your experiences during and after the march on social media using the #PeoplesClimate and/or #ClimateMarch hashtag.

Make plans for what action steps you’ll take in the weeks to come. To change everything we need everyone, and it’s about so much more than a march!