Q: Can I march part-time?
A: Absolutely. Marchers are invited to march any duration they are able. Prospective marchers who are interested in completing a particular segment are invited to submit the application indicating the segment they wish to complete.
Q: What route will the March take?
A: We started in Los Angeles, California on March 1, 2014, traveled through Nebraska (the focal point of the Keystone Pipeline) and will end in Washington, DC, on November 1. Working with local contacts across the country, we are striving to minimize the number of miles traveled, maximize the ease with which large campsites can be found roughly every 15 miles, and balance a variety of other considerations.
Q: What will it cost me to march?
A: We understand it involves a huge commitment of time, effort and personal resources for marchers to be able to participate, so we are trying to keep expenses to a minimum. Part-time marchers are encouraged to contribute $10/day. If a marcher decides not to march or is unable to do so, sponsorships received are nonrefundable but may be re-allocated to another marcher.
Q: What does a typical day on the March look like?
A: The marchers wake up before sunrise, eat breakfast, pack up, and take off. They average 15 miles/day. There is a lunch break half way through the day and a break at the ¼ point and the ¾ point for water and bathrooms. Additionally, the bathrooms and water are driven near the marchers at all times, so anyone can use the bathroom and take more water when needed. Halfway through the day, marchers start arriving at the campsites and settle in for the evening. At various times different events and meetings take place.
Q: What if I cannot complete 15 miles?
A: The essence of this March is the marching itself. While we have sag vehicles that can pick up people who need it due to injury or sickness, we are asking people who register to make the commitment of walking 12-18 miles every day.
Q: What are the age ranges of people marching?
A: Nearly every age demographic is covered! There are marchers in their teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
Q: What equipment will I need?
A: Please see our packing list for items we suggest.
Q: How will our equipment be transported?
A: We explored the possibility of hauling marchers’ personal gear with bike trailers, but it proved infeasible. We have a 20 foot gear truck, a smaller truck that serves as our kitchen, and a pick-up truck that hauls our EcoCommodes.
Q: What about food?
A: The March is purchasing food as it travels, with a high priority placed on high quality, organic product from local farms and businesses. Marchers, staff and volunteers will prepare food in camp and along the route. We strive to address as many unique dietary restrictions and preferences as possible. We welcome groups offering to prepare a meal for us!
Q: How do I get to and from the March?
A: Marchers are asked to arrange their own travel accommodations.
Q: Will marchers interact with the communities we pass through?
A: We are showcasing lots of sustainable technologies and practices as we move the climate-action city forward. Some ideas already suggested include weatherization in low-income homes, transporting a mobile wind generator, and demonstrating urban gardening techniques. The opportunities for interaction between marchers and host communities include learning from the many talented, innovative people we will meet along the way. The learning and teaching will be a two-way street.
Q: What organizations and individual leaders have endorsed the March?
A: The complete list of endorsements can be found here, and it’s updated regularly. Our first endorsement came from Bill McKibben of 350.org, who says, “350.org was born in a march of a thousand people across Vermont; it always does our hearts good to see others on the move!”
Q: Can marchers bring pets?
A: It depends on the pet. Marchers are responsible for completely taking care of the pet if it is approved. Any animals that harm another marcher will immediately be asked to leave.
Q: Can marchers fulfill other previous engagements during the March and/or take vacations from the March?
A: Marchers are encouraged to fulfill all previous engagements and are allowed to take vacation time.
Q: How many people work at the Great March for Climate Action?
A: There are 5 full-time employees. State Coordinators for each state the March passes through are hired 2-3 months before we pass through that state. We also have lots of volunteers across the country, and each marcher is expected to work for a few hours each week in camp in addition to marching.
Q: How can marchers communicate with each other and with supporters who aren’t marching?
A: Our Facebook page serves this purpose, as does our Marchers and Virtual Marchers page.
Q: Where will the marching community camp?
A: Marchers are camping at various locations contingent on available opportunities. State Coordinators will try to confirm camping destinations at least one month in advance. Camping locations include public campgrounds, public parks, farm fields and private property.
Q: How do I keep in touch with a Marcher while they are on the Great March for Climate Action?
A: You can send mail via our Snail Mail Trail. You can send letters, packages and more to the addresses on this list.
Q: Is there electricity on the March?
A: Yes, the March has a solar generator that can power all electrical equipment.
Q: Is the Climate March a non-profit?
A: Yes. The Great March for Climate Action is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Our IRS number is 46-2241822.