The battle for rights of minorities, women, immigrants, transgender and queer folk is not over. The war is not lost. In fact, our work is stacked deep and we have to get to it. The approaching of a confirmed conservative senate and presidential administration is threatening to these groups of people but it doesn’t have to end with that feeling of discomfort and disgrace. Within the time that the results of the presidential race were becoming clear, the outpour of support and proclamations of love were immense. That is something that a disappointing result can’t kill; a passionate lust for safety and validation from the people in the communities and the supportive allies around them.

I was once given a quote by Margaret Mead while fighting for something seemingly small that eventually become a large victory for myself and the others involved. It reads, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” I believe that those who are greatly influenced and feeling emotional in terms of the results can take pride in this quote's validity. Eventually one can even refute the mentioning of the "small" group that it takes note of since it is undoubtebly growing with the youthful generations and their will to create an outflow of love and justice. The work that needs to be done takes more than a Facebook status and a recently inspired article subject (@ me) although these still are pieces to the larger puzzle of overall unity and shouldn’t be criticized for lack of movement or marked as useless. The spreading of word through these outlets has proved in both the past and presently that news, revolution, and agency have many forms and at times no bounds.

Mobilize your beliefs by writing to your local governments, educating yourself, networking through peers, professors and professionals, and discovering outlets that can provide change and rational movements that are fit for you. Join the protest occurring in your local town or place of study and work and discover the deep corners of why people hold the beliefs that they do.

We will not succeed on the limits of miscommunication, shutting down, and silence. Instead we will succeed on collaboration, expression, and intellect. Fear cannot be crowned king. As a citizen of the United States I acknowledge the work that is laid out before me and I’m not ready to shy away.