Those who can’t make it to the capital city for the Women’s March on Washington can still take part in one locally on Saturday.

Shelby Smith, an organizer with Golden Triangle Sister March, said participants are asked to be at 2485 Calder St. at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 21 to sign up and get pertinent information and the march — which is open to both women and men — will begin at 11 a.m.

Smith, a retired teacher, had wanted to attend the march in Washington but was unable to. She had thought of attending the march in Denton then realized there was no similar event in Southeast Texas. Her and a friend registered the event on the national site and between150 to 200 people have said they would be attending.

“Evidently there is a real need for people to express their concerns and frustrations and I want to do something positive rather than something negative,” Smith said.

According to the Golden Triangle Sister March Facebook page, the march is to stand with families for civil rights, health, environment, immigrants, those with disabilities, for all religions and for survivors of sexual assault.

“We will sing praises for the vibrancy of a diverse community, freedom of speech and press, dignity, justice and truth. We are the defenders of human rights and justice for ALL peoples. This gathering will be peaceful, non-political and non-physical. There will be no alcohol or drugs, only love, peace and and appreciation of each other,” the site reads.

The women’s march on Washington was purposely set for the first full day of the new Trump administration and is non-partisan.

“We feel the ideas we have set forth and marching for are bigger than one political party,” she said.

Smith said the event is a way to give people a chance to say how they feel here in Southeast Texas and wants members of Congress to understand there are people here with unfulfilled needs and who feel useless.

The march is also a way for those who feel fearful and anxious to channel that energy in a positive manner moving forward.

The group has heard response from people as far away as Lake Charles, La. who will be making the drive in to take part in the march.

She said there is no official count as to who may show up. Facebook indicates 150 to 200 and she received numerous calls and emails from people interested in attending. Some may bring along friends and some may not show up.

“I am reinforcing this is a peaceful, non-partisan and positive march. Anyone with any sort of negative sign can put it in the car. We have slogans and chats we’re going to use that are uplifting,” she said.

Reporter: Mary Meaux, 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews