We are marching because equality, mutual respect, inclusiveness and appreciation of diversity are hallmarks of American democracy.

Another symbol of American democracy is the peaceful transition of power.

We have a profound respect for the institution of the United States presidency, and sincerely hope that our commander-in-chief shares this respect. We gather together to honor these virtues and to remind the incoming administration that we will not be marginalized. We are watching and listening, and we are prepared to stand up for ourselves and our beliefs.

Our country must heal deep wounds after a particularly ugly and divisive presidential election. Many families and friends — mainly because of the constant presence of social media — endured rifts based on individual political beliefs. It is the right of American citizens to exercise their First Amendment freedoms, and we encourage passionate engagement in the political process.

However, now is the time to move past the divisiveness, to come together and remember the enduring ties that bind us to each other in communities across our country.

In its mission statement, the national organizers of today’s march affirm that “in the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore.

The Women’s March on Washington will send a bold message to our new government on their first day in office, and to the world that women’s rights are human rights.” I will remember these important words on Saturday, and look forward to the future with a renewed spirit of hope and optimism. Together we will continue to fight for our founding fathers’ vision of a more perfect union.

For more information about how you can get involved in this effort here in Fairbanks, please visit bit.ly/2jh5CnY.

Casey Steinau, vice chair of the Alaska Democratic Party, lives in Big Lake.