Women and men from Maine plan to join others in a march for women's rights and civil rights on January 21 in Washington, D.C. Marchers, according to a news release, intend to send a message to all levels of government, including but not limited to, the incoming presidential administration, that women stand together in solidarity and expect elected leaders to act to protect the rights of women, their families and their communities.

"Women and men from Maine are committed to the ideals put forth by the national organizers of the march, and stand united behind the messages we will convey when we march on January 21," said Genevieve Morgan, in the release. She is coordinating the Maine group with a team of  women from more than 12 different regions from Caribou to Kittery.

In addition to marching in Washington, members of the Maine contingent will meet with a representative from Senator Susan Collins' office later this month.

"We plan to make very clear our support of human and equal rights for all women and the protection of civil rights for all Americans, regardless of race, religion, gender, age, or sexual orientation, as well as the health and safety of all of our families, our state and our planet," said Morgan, in the release.

Latest Facebook stats indicate that approximately 2,000 people from Maine plan to attend the march. The organizers are suggesting that Mainers wear something blaze orange — hat, a bandanna, a ribbon, gloves, a scarf, or just an accent (like an arm band).

“While we understand that many people associate this color with hunting, we came to this decision based on the following,” the organizers said, at the state march website.

“Orange is easily spotted in a massive crowd. It is our goal to keep track of all our state’s people, keep them safe, and make sure they know where we are should they get separated from us during the march. Blaze (or bright orange) will make this easier.If you get separated, look for us by looking for orange.

“Blaze/orange is easily procured in this state, relatively inexpensive and somebody usually knows someone who has a piece of it–thus it is readily available for those who might not be able to purchase a special item for the march.

“Blaze/orange symbolizes safety, protection, self-reliance, independence, and the rural heritage of our state and people.

“It is a color we can be fairly certain most other states will not adopt.

“If you can’t bear the idea of neon orange, please feel free to go with a gentler shade of orange. We are attempting to have buttons made that we will hand out.

“There are ribbons available via FB, which are white.”

Organizers are advising citizens to join local groups in order to stay abreast with logistics, and share information about transportation and lodging. Local hubs include Augusta/Gardiner, Bangor/Ellsworth, Belfast, Biddeford, Brunswick, Camden/Rockport, Fryeburg/ Western Maine, Lewiston/Auburn and greater Portland.

The group has reached out to groups throughout Maine, including the Maine chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, Catholic Charities, the Center for Peace, Action and Justice, EMPOWER the Immigrant Woman, the ILAP, MEJP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Slim Peace, the University of Southern Maine's Office of Multicultural Affairs, the University of Maine Law School, the Maine Immigrant Rights' Coalition and several student activist groups across the state's campuses.

Funding for marchers who need assistance with expenses is also available, thanks to a donation from Nathaniel and Anna Clark, brother and sister and grandchildren of Marion Fuller Brown, a celebrated Maine Republican who was the creator of the Scenic Highways Act, which prohibits billboards on highways in Maine. Those who wish to support marchers can make donations through the group's fiscal sponsor, the Maine People's Alliance (MPA).

Donations can be made at: https://www.mainepeoplesalliance.org

For more information: Maine homepage: http://mainemarch.com

Maine Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com

National homepage: https://www.womensmarch.com/

National Twitter account: twitter.com/womensmarch