If there was one thing to characterize the Sioux Falls Women's March last year, it was when Amy Kelley stood on a van.
"Exhilarating" is how she described it.
More than 3,000 people stood around her as she spoke downtown last January about women's health, surrounded by signs calling for unity and equality.
Previously: Thousands join women's march in Sioux Falls
Even when Kelley was lifted onto the van, she saw it as a metaphor about what could be achieved when people came together for a cause.
"We all want a fair shake in the world; we all want our families to be safe and we all want everyone's voice to matter," said Kelley, a doctor and volunteer for this year's Sioux Falls Women's March.
Thousands gather in downtown Sioux Falls to march for women's rights. Wochit
Many of the same themes will define this year's Women's March in Sioux Falls on Jan. 20, but organizers want the focus to be on voter registration and encouraging political involvement in midterm elections.
Last year's event was one of 673 marches across the United States and 32 countries that drew attention to women's issues. More than 2 million people participated in the global movement the day after President Donald Trump's inauguration.
The march will begin at 10 a.m. at Carnegie Town Hall and end at the Minnehaha County Building.
Sue Bentz, who volunteered to help organize the event, wants to see an even bigger turnout this year.
"The need is still there, maybe even more so than last year," Bentz said.
Similar movements such as #MeToo are evidence of the impact and importance of women's causes, Kelly said, which only strengthens the need for the Women's March.
"Last year it was about anger and figuring out where we needed to go," Kelley said. "This year it's about doing it, voting and holding legislators accountable."
Three speakers will focus on issues including immigrant experiences and the importance of African American voters. Speakers include Laura Renee Chandler, an assistant professor at South Dakota State University; Sioux Falls mayoral candidate Jolene Loetscher and Achut Deng, a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.
Although it's the Women's March, Kelley said everyone is invited, including men and children, to celebrate accomplishments in the last year, decrease apathy and spark change on the local level.
"It really takes a very large community to get anything done," Kelley said.
Her hope is to see changes in Pierre over the next year and to create a more politically-balanced state.
"It's really about holding elected officials accountable and holding ourselves accountable to make sure we make the differences we want to make," Kelley said.
There will be a pre-march event at 8 a.m. at EmBe and an after-march event at the Icon Lounge. Both will focus on political engagement. Check the Facebook event page for more information.
Bentz hopes those who attend will be inspired to take part in South Dakota politics.
"It just gives you a sense of pride," Bentz said. "Not just as an American, but as a South Dakotan."
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Sioux Falls Women's March
WHEN: Saturday, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Starts at Carnegie Town Hall (235 W. 10th St.)
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