Our Future: March For Abortion Access

Frequently Asked Questions

 

• What is the march route?

The march starting point is at St. Paul College in Parking Lot E off of Concordia Avenue. We will gather there starting at 11:00am and march along John Ireland Blvd to the State Capitol Upper Mall.

 

• What is happening after the march?

We will be holding a rally at the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, with performers, local and national speakers, and plenty of opportunities for crowd involvement. 

 

• Where should I park?

Public transit is strongly encouraged, as parking is limited near the State Capitol. Don’t live near transit? We suggest driving to Union Depot in downtown St. Paul and taking the light rail west back to the Capitol. There is ample parking at Union Depot and the Capitol Station is only 4 stops away!

Near St. Paul College (March starting point): Parking is available in the Parking Ramp, Lot B, and Lot C. Accessible parking is located in Lot B. Due to road closures for the march, please plan on entering campus on Marshall Avenue. Once parking at St. Paul College is full, limited street parking is available in surrounding neighborhoods. Please follow all local parking restrictions.

Near State Capitol (Rally location): Parking near the Capitol is very limited, especially because roads around the Capitol will be shut down for security. Accessible parking only will be available at State Capitol Parking Ramp F located at 424 Rice Street. Handicap parking passes will be checked upon entering the ramp.

Due to the anticipated numbers for this event, we strongly encourage carpooling and use of public transportation–get a group together and join us in St. Paul!

• Directions to St. Paul College, with parking instructions—map
• State Capitol Parking—map

 

• What measures are you taking for those of us with specific accessibility needs?

We’ve got you covered: click here for instructions on accessible parking, drop-off, and accessible seating at both St. Paul College and the Minnesota State Capitol.

 

• Will food and beverages be available?

There will be six food trucks on site selling a variety of snacks and beverages. However, we encourage you to bring water, beverages with electrolytes (like Gatorade or Propel), and small snacks like granola bars to keep you healthy throughout the day. We will have a water bottle filling station near one of our Medic Tents. We also ask for your assistance in making this a zero-waste event by carrying out any empty bottles and wrappers you bring in with you.

 

• What safety precautions are you taking to make this a safe event?

Safety is our top priority! We have been working with a local security firm to provide de-escalation and situational awareness training for our march marshals and volunteers, in addition to working with local officials on various response plans for emergencies. Please keep in mind that because of the location of this event, it will be heavily surveilled and policed.

Heat is one of our biggest concerns for attendee safety, so we ask that you prepare accordingly for the weather and listen to your body if you need to get out of the sun.

 

• Can I take pictures and share them online?

Yes! We encourage you to share your selfies, rally photos, and sentiments to social media using the hashtag #AbortionJusticeMN, before, during and after the event. We ask you to be mindful of others’ privacy before taking and sharing photos of other participants. 

 

• Why is this event taking place on a Sunday, and not a Saturday? 

We have partners of many faiths in our coalition and we try to respect the practices and holy days of all faiths. Our Jewish partners requested that we look into a Sunday date for this action – as they have not been able to participate in many Saturday/Sabbath events and organizing actions in the past. 

Also, a lot of abortion clinics see patients on Saturdays so their workers can’t attend on a Saturday but will be able to join the community on a Sunday.

 

Attendee Considerations

We strongly encourage bringing the following items:

• Masks! Due to the ongoing nature of COVID-19, we are strongly encouraging masks, even for this outdoor event.
• Hats, sunscreen, cooling neck scarves, personal fans, and UPF clothing. It is projected to be very hot, and we want you to be safe. 
• Water, beverages with electrolytes (like Gatorade or Propel), snacks
• Rally signs to hold (we will have signs at the rally, but we love the creative, DIY signs everyone brings! Please do check out these guidelines if you are making rally signs.) 
• Small fanny packs

 

For the safety of our event, we ask that you do not bring:

• Signs mounted on sticks, poles, or yardsticks.
• Umbrellas.
• Guns, knives, or other weapons.
• Large backpacks or bags.

Please note:

By attending an event or program of Gender Justice and Unrestrict MN, you are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur.

Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with the Gender Justice, UnRestrict MN and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising.

By entering the event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of recorded media of you at the event, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video or audio recording of you, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees for use of such record media.

You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.