This election cycle has been personally, professionally and emotionally draining for me, but I think we need to wrap it up in a good way and ask the question, “What can I do next?” The future is incredibly uncertain, but there are a ton of ways to give back and support your community in preparation for the trying times ahead.
Donating to organizations and charities dedicated to helping others is a great way to give back. Donations can be monetary, but they don’t have to be. Volunteering is equally as valuable, and spreading the word about the good work these organizations do is vital.
Here are 12 Organizations You Can Donate Your Time or Money To:
One of the organizations most under potential fire from a Trump White House, Planned Parenthood does a lot more than just provide abortions. It provides general healthcare, birth control methods, men’s sexual health services and STD testing. Planned Parenthood serves roughly 4.67 million people each year, according to its website. If you can’t donate monetarily, offer to volunteer. Most Planned Parenthoods experience protestations, which can make clients uncomfortable as they enter the building. You can volunteer to walk people safely in and out of the building, providing comfort and a sense of stability.
The number one lifeline for crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. It’s open 24-hours-a-day, and trained counselors can be reached via phone call, text or chat. Unfortunately, a lot of times, LGBTQ teens are not given proper education or space to ask questions. The Trevor Project provides that vital space where teens can find education and explore various resources. Give comfort to the countless LGBTQ+ teens who are now more uncomfortable and uncertain in the face of President-Elect Trump!
Human Rights Campaign is the largest American civil rights organization advocating for LGBTQ equality. The HRC is working to ensure that queer people around the country are treated with dignity and respect and equality in their communities and work environments. The HRC works on local levels as well as on a broader scale.
4). American Civil Liberties Union
The ACLU has received record-breaking donations since election day, totaling more than $940,000. The Union works in courts, legislatures and communities to guarantee equal rights, and does an amazing job at reminding you exactly what your rights are. They provide information on what to do if you’re stopped by police, the legality of voter intimidation, and the right to protest peacefully. The ACLU is working on policing reform, mass incarceration and immigration reform.
5). National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
The NAACP’s mission is to end race-based discrimination and ensure the political/social/economic rights of all people. They do amazing work, seeking enactment and enforcement of legislature securing civil rights and informing the public of the effects of racial discrimination and pursuing its elimination.
6). Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
RAINN is the world’s largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN provides education on safety and prevention, what happens after sexual assault and legal recourse in the aftermath of a sexual assault. It operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline that offers anonymous and private support.
7). Your local LGBT Center
Not all the support operates at a nationwide level. Chances are, there’s a local LGBTQ center that could really use your donations and volunteering. Do some research online to find out where your closest center is. I guarantee they’ll really appreciate your support.
8). Council on American-Islamic Relations
CAIR was established to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslim-Americans in America. Muslims have borne the brunt of Trump’s attacks, scapegoated for many problems. It seeks to increase understanding of Islam, encourage dialogues and ensure civil liberties. It is also America’s largest Muslim civil liberties organization, with national headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
9). She Should Run and Running Start
Both are organizations dedicated to empowering women and getting them into elected offices. Running Start grew out of the non-partisan Women Under Forty Political Action Committee, which gave financial support to women running for office. Both organizations push education about running for office and encourage political participation from an early age. We shouldn’t have to wait another lifetime for a strong female presidential candidate.
A chapter-based national organization, Black Lives Matter seeks to validate black lives. They seek to broaden the conversation around state violence to include black poverty, the particular struggles of black, queer people, and black incarceration statistics.
11). National Immigration Law Center
The NILC is dedicated to defending and extending the rights of low-income immigrants. In a time when immigrants are facing an untoward amount of aggression, NILC offers legal counsel, advocacy and strategic communications to benefit low-income immigrants.
12). National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential and free support for people in distress or crisis. The future is really uncertain, but that doesn’t mean that you should suffer silently. Reaching out for help is one of the bravest and biggest steps you can take towards getting better.
Things are dark right now, but there are ways that we can help our local communities and take active roles towards healing America’s divisions. I hope that these gave you some ideas on how you can help out in whatever way you can.
