The past week has been one of mourning for many of us. As a nation, we have grieved, but part of that grieving has to be moving forward. If you're feeling helpless, here are five things you can do after this election:
1. I'm Worried For Minorities and Immigrants: Donate to the ACLU
The ACLU, or the American Civil Liberties Union works to "defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States" through "litigation, lobbying, and community empowerment." Throughout history, the ACLU has protected freedom of speech rights for anti-war protesters, help protect the rights of those affected by AIDS and HIV, fight for the rights of prisoners, immigrants, women, minorities, and much more. Democrat or Republican, we can all agree that our presidents need to be held accountable for their actions. To donate and become a card-carrying member of the ACLU, go to https://action.aclu.org/donate-aclu?redirect=donat....
2. I'm Worried For Women: Donate to Planned Parenthood
(In Mike Pence's name). Our future Vice President, Mike Pence, the evangelical Catholic governor from Indiana has some strong opinions on the function of women's bodies. Babies. He wants us to make a whole bunch of babies. Planned Parenthood is a reproductive health clinic that provides vital help to the women (and men) who need it. Last year, the clinic provided 4.5 million tests for sexually transmitted infections, 3.6 million contraception related services (the pill, the patch, the IUD, etc), 935,753 cancer screenings, 1.1 million pregnancy test and prenatal services, and yes about 300,000 abortions. While you may or may not agree with the last service, women deserve the right to choose what happens to their own bodies. Mike Pence's own state has shown that when these clinics shut down, many do not have access to affordable healthcare, and when he cut funding, an HIV epidemic broke out. To support Planned Parenthood, please go to https://secure.ppaction.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1... and give what you can. And if you want Mike Pence to receive a certificate of thanks, here's the information to put in:
Office of Governor Mike Pence/ State House/ Room 206/ Indianapolis, IN 46204-2797
NOTE: please be sure to make this gift "in honor" of Mike Pence and not as him (this ensures that he cannot use your money as a tax write off).
3. I'm Worried for the Environment: Cut Out Meat and Dairy
Just because our future president (gag) is not worried about the state of our environment doesn't mean you have to do the same. Reducing or eliminating meat from your diet is the easiest way to shrink your carbon footprint. The next four years do not look promising when it comes to the legislation that will be proposed pertaining to the environment (Trump has threatened to go back on the Paris Agreement), so it's time to take personal responsibility. Poor populations will be the first to be affected by global warming. Don't just tweet about social responsibility, take action, too.
4. You're Very Confused: Listen, Discuss, Plan.
Why did Trump win? I'm still not completely sure, but I think some of it might come from a lack of understanding of the views of your "enemies." I do not condone hateful, racist, bigoted, or sexist views in any way, but the best way to meet hate is with love. Listen to those who disagree with you, and, most importantly, listen to vulnerable groups. Ask questions about their experience, and use your privilege to help. Today, discussion is not useless. Meet anger with empathy, and listen to those who have been ignored.
5. I'm Worried For Everything, and I Mean Everything: VOTE. IN. THE. MIDTERM. ELECTION.
In November 2018, there will be 33 senate seats up for grabs, and all 435 house seats. 36 of 50 Governors will be up for re-election. If you haven't, register to vote now, and make your voice heard in two years. Now is not the time for apathy, now is the time to show up, even if it won't affect you personally.
