Informational Session Replay with Whitney Freya

The PDFs referenced in this Info Session can be accessed with the following links:

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-pVpCNCJgqw6vDJsZHPtsYqOShXqs1o2/view?usp=sharing

2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-lRuyzwlIYakRZUpNFZQYFu3YTKyQX23/view?usp=sharing

Notes from meeting:

Meeting Overview & Recording

• Great Mother March family meeting, December 17th

• Focus: practical march preparation information and Q&A

• All information being shared in Facebook group and website

• PDFs created to standardize information distribution

Mobilization & Outreach Strategy

• Primary call: share march information widely

  • Comment on resonant social media posts

  • Share with existing communities (yoga, meditation, online groups)

  • Reach out to community leaders through info@greatmothermarch.com

• Facebook group essential for connections

  • Meet potential circle members

  • Share updates and resources

• Registration critical for planning

  • No fees to join march

  • Detailed form at greatmothermarch.com helps estimate numbers

Physical Preparation & Training

• Start walking and foot exercises now

• Angela Holmes offering group training sessions (fee-based)

• Two foot/leg strengthening videos available

  • Portal: greatmothermarchportal.com

  • YouTube playlist for march preparation

  • Simple exercise: lift big toe, then other toes alternately

• Shoe strategy: rotate between 2 pairs running shoes and rigid hiking boots

• Lightweight vest with backpack and water bottles ordered

Circle Formation & Support Structure

• March organized around self-responsible circles (~8 people)

• Each circle needs at least one support vehicle (shared rental car expenses)

• Circle leader responsibilities:

  • Organize group formation

  • Coordinate vehicle rental

  • Manage collective resources (camp stove, supplies, etc.)

• Support vehicle contains:

  • All supplies, food, camping gear or luggage

  • Protein bars, emergency equipment

  • Second pair shoes, medical supplies

• No pressure to walk entire daily distance

  • Can join support vehicle anytime

  • Drive to finish point when needed

Logistics & Accommodations

• 32-day march through all seasons

• Camping available ~26 of 32 nights

  • Camp Grier (Old Fort): $10 camping, $20 bunk house

  • River Country Campground (north of Boone): New River location

  • Porta potties and water trucks following march

• Hotel alternatives for non-camping nights

  • Spreadsheet recommendations coming in February

  • Circle members coordinate shared accommodations

  • Whitney has Charlottesville reservation as example

• Food arrangements:

  • Local restaurants offering $10 Great Mother March specials

  • Farm Cafe in Boone: pay-what-you-want meals

  • Smoothie truck secured for Lynchburg

  • Bring own bowls, utensils, cups for vendors

Creative & Performance Elements

• Art and banner creation encouraged

  • Anna started painting banners

  • Whitney ordered 3x5 foot flag ($82 telescoping stick)

  • Address in Asheville for shipping artwork

• Elephant theme for 2025

  • Matriarchal culture representing sacred feminine

  • Historical migration patterns north-south Africa

  • Plan elephant art at each stopover town

• Performance opportunities:

  • Flash mob crossing bridge into DC (Breeda/Wild Core Movement leading)

  • Seven core songs to learn by mid-January

  • Local theater collaboration in Waynesboro

  • Giant puppets from Floyd, Virginia school

• Daily themes and color coordination possible

• No websites or self-promotion on carried artwork

Route & Safety Coordination

• Still organizing permits and city coordination

• Reaching out to Virginia DOT, sheriff offices, local communities

• Two HQ tents hopscotching between stops

  • 20ft square tents for central gathering

  • March from tent to tent each day

• Safety protocols:

  • Follow cars at strategic spots

  • Marked trails

  • Multiple support vehicles available

  • Parking areas designated for support vehicles

• Police support expected based on We Are America March experience

Local Community Coordination

• Volunteer teams needed for each stopover town (1 hour/week commitment)

• Current local contacts:

  • Diana: Boone coordination, reaching Todd Carter

  • Laura: Asheville hospitality planning

  • Waynesboro: theater producer with arts community connections

• Community benefits:

  • Support local women-owned businesses

  • $10 restaurant specials for marchers

  • Evening events: yoga, dance, song circles, murals

• Church partnerships potential for housing (similar to We Are America March)

Resources & Information Access

• Website: greatmothermarch.com

  • Donation button (tax deductible through Global Women’s Village)

  • Sponsorship deck with 32-day promotion opportunities

  • Downloadable posters for local distribution

• Portal: greatmothermarchportal.com ($13 fee supports march)

• Stickers available: $19 for 50 from Sticker Mule

• Instagram: like/share/comment to increase reach

• Weekly Asheville group Zoom calls ongoing

International & Equipment Logistics

• Deborah (London): shipping camping gear to Asheville possible

  • Working on address for gear delivery

  • Connecting with Asheville outdoor supply store for orders

• Equipment recommendations:

  • Multiple shoe types and layers for weather variation

  • Colorful umbrellas for group coordination

  • Yoga mats for daily stretching

• Foot Sloggers (Boone): 30-40 year local camping gear store contact