I march because I am a woman and a mother. I march because I want my children to see me fighting for their future, and because I want them to know that I value all people of all genders, colors, and creeds. I march because I am married to a man who is supportive, kind, nurturing, and loving – and demonstrates daily that equal partnerships are possible. I march because I live with rheumatoid arthritis and hemiplegic migraines, and life without access to health insurance and healthcare would be an absolute nightmare for me (it’s already hard enough). I march because of the unbearable and inexcusable racial injustice in our country today, that is being fueled by the hateful rhetoric surrounding the 45th president. I march because of economic inequality that keeps the poor poor and makes the rich richer. I march for all of these reasons and more – because I will not accept a presidency based on ignorance, hatred, and fear.

Allyson Wendt lives in Vermont, where just about everything in her life revolves around food, fiber, and kids. Professionally, she’s the marketing coordinator for Food Connects (http://www.foodconnects.org/). At home, she’s usually found in the kitchen, where she’s cooking, canning, or otherwise dealing with food, often with the help of her son and daughter. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s knitting, weaving, or sewing – or outside playing in the garden.