If you're like me, you aren't particularly thrilled with joy and excitement for January 20th.
The upcoming Inauguration has not been without controversy, and truth be told, I don't think anyone could hold it against you if you turned off the Internet router, unplugged the TV, and shut yourself away for the duration of the day. In fact, I know a handful of people planning to do just that. Tens of thousands of Progressives online are spreading word of a complete media blackout of the Inauguration, and I have to agree that there is little I can think would infuriate the new President than refusing to give him an audience. That means no watching the Inauguration, and no posting or tweeting about it. But, if you're planning on going this route, there's plenty of things you can do with your day to make Donald Trump's supporters seethe in rage. Here's the top things you can do this Friday to do just that.
1. Watch The Love-A-Thon Instead
On Friday, Facebook Live will be the host of a show you won't want to miss at the same time as the Inauguration broadcast. Hosted by advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Earthjustice, and Planned Parenthood, this "Love-a-Thon" is a great way to give back. The show hopes to raise a goal of $500,000 to defend civil liberties, and to captivate your attention they have a great line up of actors, artists and musicians who will appear and perform for any viewers.
2. Support Diverse or Progressive Media
Another alternative might be a little more addictive, depending on your style. Many people in the media industry who are part of stigmatized minorities don't get as much love as their peers who are rich, white, straight, male, Christian, able-bodied, etc. and they could use some support and feedback. Whether you're a reader, a binge-watcher, music-lover, or an investigator, there's diverse and progressive media that may be more worth your viewership than Donald Trump. Consider streaming Netflix and watching On Demand shows like Black-ish, Sense8, Marvel's Luke Cage, Wynnona Earp, and Supergirl. Or, if reading is more your pace, check out the lists that We Need Diverse Books and Operation Librarian have to offer. Educate yourself with dozens of documentaries on social justice issues like Thirteenth, The Invisible War, Mann vs. Ford, and Gaycation. Or find your new favorite song by checking out music by transgender artists like Laura Jane Grace of Against Me!, bands with strong female leads like We Are The In Crowd, and artists that are unapologetically non-white like the queen Beyonce herself.
3. Contact Your Representatives
For whatever causes are closest to your heart, there are plenty of issues that your representatives need your input on. Luckily, contacting your representatives isn't as hard or as daunting as it sounds. Sometimes it's as easy as going to Change.org and finding a petition you can get behind, or checking the website of a non-profit you support. Plus, many government insiders have stated that representatives usually put the most weight in contact via e-mail, snail mail, and phone calls. Most of the time, you don't even have to write a letter or script yourself, because NGOs do it for you. Just enter your information and send it in. And if you, like me, have a touch a phone anxiety, don't worry calling your representative is usually a 30 second-1 minute experience if you talk to a live human at all. All you have to do is say what area you are a constituent of and the phrase "I want to voice my support/concern for [enter specific bill/amendment/motion etc here]." They won't grill you and almost never ask questions, all they need is to tally your call down.
4. Volunteer
Maybe you aren't really comfortable in politics at all, but you do feel really strongly about the people affected by President-Elect Trump's policies. That's fine, because government action isn't the only option, you can also help out on the ground level and volunteer. Look into local charities and spend the day with at-risk youth, the homeless, hospital patients, or animals. Then you can make a change, feel good about doing it, and minimalize the red tape you have to deal with.
5. Protest
Now, if you are really brave or just really upset, many groups have proclaimed Inauguration Day to be a day of mass mobilization. Anti-Trump rallies, protests for civil rights, are taking place all week. Not surprisingly, the largest protest will be in Washington D.C., but there will be rallies of various sorts in almost every major city of America. Here's one list detailing a state by state breakdown of the events, but for more up to date results, you can always skim the local news, advocacy webpages, and search engines. And remember, if you choose to protest be prepared and above all, know your rights!
I hope this has inspired you to keep in mind that even though he next few years may be tough, hope isn't lost. Resistance, education, and giving back out of the goodness of you heart will together see us through to the end of this term, and the terms of any future presidents who make see to undermine us.
Good luck, and I'll see you on the other side.
