I’ve heard a lot from people wondering what they can do. Determined that we don’t slip into a place of complacency with all that is going on in our country right now, there are actions we need to take. And there is so much going on it can be overwhelming to figure out what you can do to help. Especially if you haven’t been immersed into the conversation for long.
This is just the first installment of suggestions – there will certainly be more to come. I’m putting some suggestions here, and they will also get added to the “What Do I Do Now?” page for later reference.
I would also recommend that you take a look at the Doc of All Docs – a great resource of all sorts of information.
There is plenty that you can do – and some of it is more urgent than others, but the reality is it’s all important. The most important thing is that you do take action. Don’t just sit and figure others will do it for you – there is power in numbers.
And be sure to share. Speak out, speak up, share the information you find.
One of the basic, simple, things you can do is contribute your voice to the wave of voices that are contacting your representatives.
Focus on issues in these calls (and if your representatives are on the same page as you, calling to thank them for their work is good – positive support never hurts!) Issues such as Steve Bannon’s appointment as chief West Wing strategist, are a good place to start
There are certainly tactics to approach this that are going to be more effective than others, and phone calls are the way to go. Now, I HATE making phone calls, but even I am picking up the phone and making some calls. Because it’s an immediate thing that can do (and let’s be honest, it’s also a pretty simple thing to do once you get over any phone-anxiety).
To help with this is the “We’re His Problem Now” Calling Sheet. This document gives you good information on making these calls, who you can call, and some scripts to help in the calling.
This zip-code based search also will help you find your local representatives easily.
You could also reach out to those Republicans that spoke out against Trump.
Another way to help is to donate to organizations that are well established in their good work. There are many places that can use your help, but I want to highlight a few.
Southern Poverty Law Center “…dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality.”
American Civil Liberties Union “For nearly 100 years, the ACLU has been our nation’s guardian of liberty, working in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.”
Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood just celebrated their 100th year of providing community health care, they provide “vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide.”
The Trevor Project a “national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbina, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13 – 24.”
Black Lives Matter “…a chapter-based national organization working for the validity of Black life. We are working to (re)build the Black liberation movement.”
National Immigrant Law Center “one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants.”
Human Rights Campaign “…the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.”
Immigrant Defense Project “We work to transform a racially biased criminal legal system that violates basic human rights and an immigration system that tears hundreds of thousands of immigrants with convictions each year from their homes, their families, and their communities.”
NAACP “The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.”
National Resources Defense Council “NRDC works to safeguard the earth – its people, it’s plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends.”
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) “the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization… created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline… RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Society of Professional Journalist Legal Defense Fund “for aiding journalists in defending the freedom of speech and press guaranteed by the First Amendment.”
Eclectic Alli 