Women's March SLO's third march slated for Jan. 19 is supposed to be a reflection on 2018.

Local Women's March organizers chose Truth to Power as the theme for this year's march. Andrea Chmelik, communication director for the local chapter, said the concept comes from the understanding that there is nothing more important than knowing our truth and holding those in authority accountable.

• File Photo Courtesy Of Jayson Mellom
• MARCHING ON Jan. 21, 2017, was a cold and rainy day but that didn’t stop demonstrators from participating in the first Women’s March San Luis Obispo.

Last year's truths, she said, included the women who spoke against gymnastics national team doctor Larry Nassar, the journalists who have been under fire for reporting the facts, and all the victims of violence and assault who spoke out during the "why I didn't report" and "me too" actions.

"The Women's March movement began in 2016 as a vision of an America that is fair, just, and inclusive. The message still resonates," Chmelik told New Times.

In 2017, women gained seats in government, nationally and locally, a trend that continued in the 2018 midterm elections.

Heidi Harmon was re-elected as the city of San Luis Obispo's mayor, incumbent Carlyn Christianson and newcomer Erica Stewart claimed the city's council seats. Susan Funk and Heather Newsom were elected onto the Atascadero City Council, and Heather Moreno took the mayor position. Maria Garcia was elected to one of two open seats on the Paso Robles City Council. Caren Ray beat two-term incumbent Jim Hill for the Arroyo Grande mayor position. Women's March SLO co-founder Dawn Addis was elected to the Morro Bay City Council.

"Women are galvanized and more organized than ever, claiming their seat at the table," Addis said.

Chmelik said that while the spotlight on the movement is brightest during the annual marches, the real work is done in communities, and every community is facing different issues.

This year, there will be about 30 local organizations signed up to participate in the event's Call to Action Alley—a section of the march where groups set up informational booths.

"These local nonprofits work on many different issues in our area, from civil rights to LGBTQ rights to environmental justice and human traffic prevention—our goal is for people to connect with the organizations based on the issues they are most passionate about," Chmelik said.

Approximately 10,000 people attended the first Women's March SLO in January 2017, about 5,000 people attended the Hear Our Vote rally January 2018, and about 7,000 attended the March for Our Lives in March 2018. Δ