Election Day

It’s the day after election day and Donald Trump is the president of the United States. I haven’t fully processed how I’m feeling about it, but I’m worried. I’m worried for the women around me, the marginalized communities around me, and my loved ones. 

If you know me, you know this is the worst possible scenario for me. In 2016, I wished I had been old enough to vote for a woman. In 2024, I got to vote for a woman—a woman far more qualified than the winner. She was not the perfect candidate, and personally, I have many issues with Harris. But I also understand US politics, and I was not going to sit here and vote for a convicted felon. 

So what do we do now? 

We lean into our communities. We lean into compassion and empathy. We use our anger, not let it use us. I woke up today anxious and then I started hearing from the community of women I have around me. I immediately felt less alone. Right now, there are women in red states that are alone and many marginalized communities that are feeling hopeless and it’s up to us to keep that hope. It’s easy to begin assigning blame, but first, we need to be there for each other. Because only we can. 

Here’s how you can do that:

Get involved in local politics 

Local politics impacts our day to day, this is where citizens can have the most impact. Grassroots campaigns in local areas can help in flipping Congress, passing better policies, and helping support the people around you. While midterm elections are 2 years away, there is a lot that can be done in our local areas to create better instances in the future. 

Participate in mutual aid 

This can come in many forms, but it’s an important way to show up for your community and the people around you. Volunteer at a homeless shelter near you, volunteer to work on a political campaign in your local area, volunteer at a soup kitchen, donate goods to shelters, reach out to your neighbors, and work with your community to help the people who will be most affected. I will always be a believer that the government will only do so much, at the end of the day it’s up to us to look out for each other. 

Donate to organizations on the ground and in red states

The American Civil Liberties Union has already committed to taking action against Trump. They have been fighting for the civil liberties of Americans for over a century now. Explore their ongoing campaigns and donate if you feel inclined. 

Everytown fought against NRA-backed bills in Trump’s first presidency and is committed to gun safety and control across the nation. 

The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global human rights organization committed to protecting reproductive rights for all across the world. They’ve won groundbreaking cases in the United Nations and have been involved in SCOTUS abortion cases. 

These are only a few, find local charters or local organizations so your impact can be lasting and can support your community. 

Stay educated and don’t fall for misinformation 

Trump has stated he wants to get rid of the Department of Education and has spread misinformation numerous times. Stay wary of headlines and research to find unbiased sources where possible. With the rise of fascism, education, and educational institutions are the first to be targeted. 

Check out this Politico article on misinformation and elections. 

Rely on your support system 

But before you get to this list, take the time to step back. Check in with yourself, and your loved ones, and then proceed. We are allowed to grieve the future we could have obtained. Allow yourself to feel it all, the good and the bad. But don’t stay there, we have to move forward because the world will be with or without us. 

Stay safe out there and feel free to reach out if you want someone to talk to! Also, the results we are seeing are not final. There are recounts taking place and votes are still to be counted.

I’ll leave you with this quote: