Women's March 'Pre-Party' Lets Activists, Candidates Meet

FRANKFORT, IL — With this weekend's second annual Women's March in Chicago on the horizon, a south suburban political action group is holding an event Friday to help demonstrators get ready for Saturday's rally. The March to the Polls Pre-Party, organized by Southwest Suburban Activists, will run from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Frankfort's El Motor Mexican Restaurant, 9645 Lincoln Way, suite 107, and the event shares the same goal as this year's march: drawing attention to March's midterm and November's gubernatorial elections and help launch voter education programs.

Last year's Women's March on Chicago drew around 250,000 people who protested the inauguration of President Donald Trump. The downtown rally and march — starting at Grant Park before proceeding to Federal Plaza and eventually Trump Tower and International Hotel — was one of many "sister marches" held around the country to protest

The success of the 2017 events prompted organizers to hold more than 350 global March to the Polls demonstrations this year. The 2018 Women's March on Chicago begins with a rally at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at Grant Park and followed by a march to Federal Plaza at 12:30 p.m.

As a way to "continue to keep folks motivated," Friday's pre-party will allow participants to create posters for Saturday's rally, meet other marchers and raise money for get-out-the-vote intiatives, according to an announcement about the event by Southwest Suburban Activists. Attendees also will have a chance to meet and talk to some of the local candidates running in the upcoming elections.

RELATED: Women's March 2018: Speakers, Street Closings And A Schedule

The following candidates are scheduled and confirmed for the pre-party in Frankfort, according to Southwest Suburban Activists:

• Chris Kennedy, Democratic Illinois gubernatorial candidate
• Marie Newman, Democratic candidate for Illinois' 3rd Congressional district
• Scott Drury, Pat Quinn and Nancy Rotering, Illinois attorney general candidates
• Mary Carvlin, Democratic candidate for 28th District, Illinois House
• Matt Hunt, Democratic candidate for 37th District, Illinois House
• David Bonner and Debbie Meyers-Martin, Democratic candidates for 38th District, Illinois House

“Through this event, we are providing an opportunity to learn about candidates, find ways to get folks elected, and engage with people who want to make a difference in our communities," Emily Biegel, director for Southwest Suburban Activists, said in a statement. "We hope that those who attend leave here with some tangible ways to get involved and renewed inspiration."

More Patch Coverage:

• Frankfort Rally Planned For International Women's Day
• 'A Day Without A Woman' March In Frankfort Withstands Resistance From Trump Supporters
• Progressive Group Forms In Frankfort
• 2017 Women's March On Chicago Draws 250K (VIDEO)

Southwest Suburban Activists formed last year following the Women's March, and the group's charter members met for the first time during an International Women's Day rally in March in Frankfort. The group has around 600 members and has organized area events, such as candidate forums and a vigil for Syrian refugees.

March to the Polls Pre-Party

• When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19
• Where: El Motor Mexican Restaurant, 9645 Lincoln Way, suite 107
• More Info: Go to the event's Facebook page and Southwest Suburban Activists' website for details.

Women's March on Chicago 2018

• When: Saturday, Jan. 20. Music will begin playing at 9 a.m., and rally presentations start at 11 a.m. The march begins at 12:30 p.m.
• Where: Downtown Chicago. The rally starts at Grant Park, and the march will proceed from the park to the Federal Plaza.
• More Info: Check out Patch's guide to what you need to know before you go.

Photo by Emily Biegel