Donald Trump’s unexpected win as president-elect has left many people feeling conflicted, unsafe, and fearful of the future. The sense of stability, peace and comfortability that many have felt over the last 8 years has now become a thing of the past. For those, the question is, “Now what?” How do we prepare to navigate through this uncharted territory we are about to enter? For many young liberals, this is not the fate they will submit to.
It is not the time to accept defeat. It is a battle cry.
In light of a Republican president, House of Representatives, and Senate, it is now more vital than ever for young millennials to use their voice and rise above. It is now time to talk louder, fight harder, and push more aggressively. We need to be more vocal than ever about race, LGBT+ rights, immigration, climate change, police brutality, among many other topics.
If you are not satisfied with the election results, do not surrender. Keep fighting. Change happens more than just every 4 years. Instead of giving up and moving to Canada, there are more proactive things you can do to push our country in a different direction. Millennials have the choice to become an activist generation. It’s time to step up to the plate. Here’s how to get involved:
PROTECT AND FIGHT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT:
Volunteer to fight climate change through political action with NextGen Climate Action by recruiting and informing people about climate change on campus or events.
Protect wildlife, promote healthy communities, and cleaner energy options with EarthJustice by volunteering alongside the thousands of lawyers who defend clients for free and need your help.
CHANGE THE FUTURE BY WORKING WITH CHILDREN:
Help young Americans fulfill their potential in New York with The Future Project by coaching and teaching students in schools.
Help provide a safe and constructive environment for kids after school Boys and Girls Club at their locations all over New York City and the country. Volunteers empower young children and provides them new experiences by teaching them skills and becoming mentors.
ADVOCATE FOR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE:
Fight for the rights of low-income immigrants by getting involved with The National Immigration Law Center by working alongside attorneys, organizers, and analysts who need help informing people of their rights.
Advocate for immigration reform and social justice through educational awareness with Border Angels by becoming a language translator or preventing illogical deaths due to dehydration by supplying water.
WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND EQUALITY:
Defend and demand women’s equal rights with The National Organization for Women NY by becoming a clinic escort, joining the political action team, or attend the numerous events they host yearly.
Help the world’s foremost legal advocate for securing women’s access to quality reproductive health care by attending protests at congressional buildings, working with their social media team, or fundraising.
Advocate for women’s reproductive rights with NARL New York by joining their activist team that help elect pro-choice candidates into office, advocating for key legislation, and informing and ensuring those in New York of their reproductive rights.
Join the country’s leading sexual and reproductive health care provider Planned Parenthood at their New York City offices by joining their various groups such Political Action, Fundraising Planning, Sex Education, and Field Group. Their Generation Activist program connects students from universities around the cities to create change on reproductive justice issues.
RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION:
Combat racism with Showing Up For Racial Justice by hosting a house party centered around discussing the fight against racism, graphic design, writing for their blog, becoming a social media ambassador, or facilitating trainings against racism.
Advocate for low income families that are discriminated against and not heard by the government at Our Stories Our Power. by sharing your story, creating videos, fundraising, or volunteering in their offices.
Promote civil rights for people of color and end race-based discrimination with The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Help create a generation that ends racism and police violence at Campaign Zero by joining their team of activists, protesting, or volunteering with their research team.
Advocate for Muslim friends and family at Council on American-Islamic Relations New York by becoming a trainer that educates the Muslim community on their legal rights, trains schools on how to counter bullying, and how to prevent and respond to discrimination.
HELP PREVENT DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE:
Assist the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network in combating sexual violence by becoming a volunteer support hotline for victims, fundraising events, or educate your peers on campus through their social media program.
Help stop domestic violence in New York with New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence by becoming an emergency hotline operator, working social events, advocating for policies, or educating the public at various events.
OTHER:
Uphold individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution with NYCLU by volunteering graphic design skills, teaching, working in public relations, fundraising, or any other special skill you might have.
Encourage those around you to vote next election by becoming a poll worker.
Volunteer to help at The Mazzoni Center promote health and wellness for the LGBTQ community.by becoming a trainer that guides organizations, universities, providers and educators on how to build more affirming communities.
Help your local community by volunteering with AmeriCorps through their countless volunteer opportunities that help create jobs, fight illiteracy, teaching skillsets, etc. They also provide volunteers the option to travel the country to address community needs and respond to natural disasters.
If are interested in the hundreds of other topics and ways to get involved, explore the options: DoSomething.org
Photo: Julia Himmel
