Unity Gathering coming to Chambersburg

CHAMBERSBURG - Several residents are continuing the spirit of the Women's March on Washington with a Unity Gathering in Chambersburg.

The event will be hosted by the Franklin County Coalition for Progress from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 25 on the downtown square.

The coalition was created over the last six weeks after several locals attended the march in Washington. After the march, a group of concerned citizens came together and a meeting was held at Wilson College that included more than 100 attendees. Since then, volunteers have been organizing the coalition with the goal of creating a nonprofit. Its mission is to be an inclusive, nonpartisan group uniting to stand up for the American values of equality, acceptance, liberty and justice for all people.

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“Concerned citizens in our community have been fragmented over the national discourse and there is a need to unify and speak a message about those who are oppressed by systemic injustices, who are treated less than what their human rights demand and who currently feel unwelcome and unsafe in our neighborhoods and nation," said Melissa Deeken, one of the organizers of the coalition. "This march is a collective voice that speaks of justice, equality, humanity and love."

According to the release, the purpose of the event is to unite citizens around common issues such as immigration, education, Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ rights, the environment and healthcare. The event will include local musicians, and family-friendly signs are encouraged. Attendees are also encouraged to dine or shop downtown after the gathering.

“This will be our second gathering, and we're looking forward to uniting more members of our community around issues of tolerance and human rights," said Natasha Goessel, another organizer. "No matter what your political affiliation is, I think we can agree that hate and fear in a community are divisive."

The coalition is organizing other events with the goal of educating citizens about a variety of issues, so they can be empowered to make positive choices and build relationships in the community. Upcoming events will include topics about diversity and inclusion, racial and social justice, refugees in Franklin County and redistricting.

“We’re inspired by the support for this kind of movement in Franklin County,” said another organizer, Noel Purdy.

For more information about the Unity Gathering or other FCCP events, email fccforprogress@gmail.com.