Before you go: 6 tips to help you navigate the March for Life

Every January, thousands of people gather in Washington, D.C., for a peaceful, prayerful witness to the dignity of every human life. Whether you’re heading to the March for Life for the first time or you’ve walked the path for years, preparing well can help you stay focused, peaceful, and prayerful. Here are six tips to help you make the most of the experience.

1.      Get there early and bring a snack.

The March for Life is huge. We’re talking about tens of thousands of people all using the same roads, sidewalks and metro stops. The earlier you head to the National Mall, the less stressed you’ll be. It’s also a good idea to have a snack with you — the experience can be draining, and all the restaurants nearby are filled to bursting after the march!

2.      Dress appropriately.

Most years, the weather is cold and wet. Look at the forecast and be sure to have anything you might need. This could mean anything from shorts and comfortable walking shoes to snowpants and huge, warm boots. Some years, you might even want an umbrella!

3.      Bring a sign, and be creative with it!

The March for Life is a sea of friendly faces and marching signs. A lot of people carry signs with positive messages like, “Pro-life, pro-woman, pro-baby” or “Love them both,” while others are more provocative, saying “Not being able to kill humans does not oppress you,” “Medicaid for all, abortion for none,” or “abortion is genocide.” Whatever you decide, your sign is an opportunity to express your support for the unborn. (And if you don’t have a sign with you, don’t worry — some groups bring hundreds of extra signs to hand out.)

4.      Don’t rely on your cell phone.

These days, people are in the habit of making plans with friends and family on the fly using their phones. But when tens of thousands of people get together in one place, cellular networks can become overwhelmed. During the March for Life, people’s phones often stop working for minutes or even hours, so if you’re meeting up with someone at the March or just after, decide on a place before the day of the march! Speaking of which…

5.      Familiarize yourself with the route.

The March for Life is fun, but it can be a little disorienting. You’ll want to take the time beforehand to understand the path you’ll be taking in our nation’s capital. Thankfully, the March for Life website has a clearly labeled route map in its travel planner, which is a huge help.

6.      Remember to offer up your sufferings.

Even though the March for Life is a lot of fun, it can be hard. Standing in the cold for hours before marching through the city is draining and sometimes even physically painful. Thankfully, Catholics know that suffering never has to be pointless. You can offer up your sufferings in union with Christ’s for mothers experiencing unplanned pregnancies or for an end to abortion. Every one of us has a role in the fight for the unborn, so don’t forget that offering up your sufferings is one of the most powerful weapons we have against evil!