I'm not sure about you, but I've sat behind my phone or my laptop on social media watching the youth climate marches, and the Extinction Rebellion protests with a mixture of gratitude, and awe, maybe a little bit of envy. And I've also curled up inside at the thought of going along myself. 
I feel like this stuff NEEDS to happen, that it's so important that we stand up and show the world, the government, business leaders and our friends and family that this matters. That this matters enough for us to get off our butts and take time out of our busy lives to literally stand up and be counted. But I've always felt like marching, and protesting, and waving placards was for other people. People braver than me, more extroverted, more out spoken. And I've felt a little bit ashamed that I haven't joined in.

When I heard about the Mothers Rise Up climate march, organised by an 'ordinary group of scared mums' I felt like maybe this was something I could join in with. Even as as someone who's not mad keen on crowds and hordes of strangers. Even if I had to go on my own.
So this Sunday I went. And now obviously feel suitably qualified to put together a little round up of tips for other first time introverts scared of the thought of marches too.

Enjoy!

TOP TIPS...

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  Go with a friend or try to arrange to meet someone there - it's honestly not horrendous if you do end up going on your own, but for a first time a friend is definitely helpful! 
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  Make a placard - my friend was right. It does give you something to do with your hands, and it makes you feel part of of the march. AND it's a great  conversation starter - several people commented on mine and we'd then chat for a few minutes together.
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  Make your banner foldable/roll-able if you don't want to have to carry it on the train/tube and feel like a knob. Having said that, it is a good way for other people to recognise fellow marchers, and a good way to start conversations with others not aware of the march taking place.
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