SANDPOINT — It’s time to “Take Action,” according to organizers of the fourth annual N. Idaho Women’s March.

The event, set for Saturday, will begin with a rally at Sandpoint Middle School, 310 S. Division, with doors opening at 11 a.m.

Three highly-motivating speakers will address the marchers, starting with Rebecca Schroeder, executive director of Reclaim Idaho, said one of the organizers, Rebecca Holland in a press release. Also speaking will be Nancy Harris, who is running for the U.S. Senate against incumbent James Risch; and Laura Tenneson with the Western States Center.

After a successful campaign passing Medicaid Expansion into law, Schroeder will detail a new ballot initiative, “Invest in Idaho,” which targets funding for K-12.

The initiative education “is the answer to our underfunding problem that ranks Idaho near the bottom in the nation,” Holland said in the press release.

Women stepping-up to run for public office is exemplified by Nancy Harris, a fourth generation Idahoan, Holland said.

“There’s no time more critical than now to remove complacent, corporate-funded lawmakers,” she said. “She will address one of our most serious issues, the climate crisis, which has solid solutions that offers numerous entrepreneurial opportunities and good-paying jobs. Inaction is unacceptable.”

Another big topic facing the region is that of human rights.

“The human rights issue that northern Idaho faces most directly is the bigotry of white supremacy,” said Holland. “This became evident from the sly distribution of hate materials in neighborhoods, stores, and on students’ vehicles.”

Tenneson will offer solid ways citizens can effectively oppose hateful messaging from spreading, she said.

Human rights groups from Bonner, Boundary, and Kootenai counties, as well as other local organizations, will have tables offering direct actions for marchers. “Love Lives Here” signs will be available for a donation. Organizers noted out that the march and rally are an opportunity for women to join other women in an uncompromising renewal to human rights and progressive social change.

“Yes, our good brothers and families are welcome to march with us,” Holland said. “We all need to stand firm together!”

Like the millions participating in “sister marches” across the nation, N. Idaho Women’s march organizers said the event will raise strong voices for positive changes in the government.

For three years, citizens have resisted attacks against diversity, against the environment and public lands, against cuts to social programs supporting citizens’ basic needs. This women-led movement is a bonding nationwide of ordinary hard-working, principled individuals who are determined to move the nation toward a more caring, peaceful existence, she said.

The group’s Facebook page offers pre-registration for free admission. For those who can help, donations to their GoFundMe or at the welcome table will help cover basic costs for facility, permit fee, and printing. Marchers are encouraged to bring signs expressing their feelings in PG-rated terms; as well as rhythm instruments, small drums, and shakers. The march will follow the city’s paved “Community Trail” safe from traffic with local peacekeepers and Sandpoint Police protecting a peaceful demonstration.

Last year’s event attracted more than 400 people with an additional hundred or so who took part in the march.