Last night, I cried myself to sleep. I felt pure sadness. I had felt anger, and shock, and fear over the past few months after Trump's election, but this was the first time I was just sad.
What do I do? What do we do? I decided I would dedicate the next day to figuring out just that. Figuring out how to stand up for what I believe in, and not be a silent bystander anymore. In case you feel similarly, here are the top ten actions you can take right now to fight for freedom, equality, and our country:
1. 10 Actions in 100 Days
The Women's March website has a ton of resources, including a program of 10 actions you can do in the next 100 days to keep the momentum going. The first one is up, and they provide all of the information needed to complete it.
2. Donate to or Act with the ACLU.
The American Civil Liberties Union is a powerful organization with over 200 attorneys fighting for our rights and freedoms. They are the ones that blocked Trump's unconstitutional Muslim Ban. One small act or donation can go a long way to help such an important organization.
3. Take it one day at a time.
Are you overwhelmed? Not sure where to start? Enter your zip code and phone number at Daily Action, and they will send you a text with one small thing you can do that day in order to take action, based on events in your community!
4. Stand with Planned Parenthood.
There are so many ways to stand with Planned Parenthood, whether it's educating yourself or others, donate, volunteer, call your representatives, etc.
5. Fight Climate Change.
The NRDC (Natural Resource Defence Council) is basically the ACLU for climate change. Head over to the "Get Involved" tab and find out how you can support their work and government legislation to support the planet.
6. Join a protest near you.
This is such an awesome resource to find relevant and important protests in your area. If you want to show your support for anything from racism, climate change, to immigration, head on over.
7. Volunteer for causes you believe in.
At Serve 306, they have an awesome opportunity finder for volunteering that fits your interests, time limits, and ability. Take the pledge to volunteer 306 hours this year, or 1 hour for every electoral vote that Trump received.
8. Support journalism.
There are a few things you can do here. First of all, subscribe to the new outlets you enjoy, so that you can support them financially. Along with this, you can contact journalists who report on topics that you are grateful are being covered, and thank them or ask more questions.
9. Donate to the SPLC.
The Southern Poverty Law Center fight hate groups and seek justice. There are also great ways to get involved through them and resources to keep you informed and educated.
10. Stay sane.
It's okay to unplug. It's okay to take a break from the news. It's okay to need time for yourself and time with those you love and care about. You do not have to bear the weight of the world. We will get through this, just take it one day at a time.
