Teaching Activities for: ‘One Year After Women’s March, More Activism but Less Unity’

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Before reading the article:

Glance through these highlights from the Times coverage of the Women’s March nearly a year ago. What do you remember about the event? What reactions do you have from viewing the images in the article?

Now, open March On’s website here and scroll down to read about the group’s mission and purpose. Have you heard about the group, either in the news or on social media? What does March On hope to accomplish, and how?

Now, read the article, “One Year After Women’s March, More Activism but Less Unity,” and answer the following questions:

1. What did Amber Selman-Lynn do last year for the Women’s March, and what has she done since?

2. According to paragraphs six and seven of the article, what goals from last year’s Women’s March have been realized?

3. How are the tactics and priorities of two groups organizing marches, Women’s March Inc. and March On, different?

4. What does Ms. Selman-Lynn particularly like about March On, and why? What did she say about the guidance the group gives?

5. Why did the Women’s March Inc. protests fail to catch on in red states, according to the article?

6. Why has the split between Women’s March Inc. and March On not dampened the enthusiasm for commemorating the anniversary, according to the article?

Finally, tell us more about what you think:

In the article, Jo Reger, professor of sociology at Oakland University in Michigan, says the feminist movement — like other important social movements — has always had people coming together and then breaking apart. Dr. Reger said:

“We think it looks so chaotic and full of factions and what it really looks like is every other social movement. Often those factions end up coming back together later on.”

Do you agree with Dr. Reger? Why or why not? If you do agree, what other important social movements can you use as examples, and why?