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7 Ways To Show "Why I Resist" Trump's America
The resistance to President Trump's America began on his first full day in office. The Women's March in Washington, D.C., and around the country was likely the largest protest in the nation's history — and that was just the beginning. Resistance picked up in the Senate with the fight against Betsy DeVos' confirmation as secretary of education, and it didn't relent during Jeff Sessions' confirmation fight as attorney general on Wednesday. Now, the question is if you can stick with it and persist. You bet you can. These are seven ways to show "Why I Resist" President Donald Trump's America.
The hashtag #WhyIResist was trending overnight after the Women's March used it on Twitter to energize their followers on Wednesday. "After the Sessions confirmation, we are fired up for resistance and we hope you are too. Tell us why you resist," the group tweeted out with the hashtag. Then activists across the country started to share their reasons for resisting, be it for women's rights, the environment, or their kids' education.
The messaging is without a doubt powerful, so keep that momentum going. It doesn't have to end — after all, the resistance is working. Follow these actions and show Trump that you don't support his divisive version of the United States.
2Call Those Senators Every Darn Day
We can't just count on superstars like the newly elected Sen. Kamala Harris to get things done. All the senators need to hear from their constituents — and they need to hear from you lots. I know that this is perhaps the lamest part of activism, but it makes a big difference. Dems and Republicans alike need to know you don't agree with Trump's agenda. Tell them why.
3Get Involved In A Cause Important To You
You can choose. Maybe it's reproductive rights, the environment, or electing women to government. That's up to you. But go to those meetings and do your part to further the agenda. Not only will it help the cause you care so much about, but it will feel empowering to actively fight against the Trump agenda.
4Give 10 Percent For Justice
Many Americans have opened their pocketbooks since Trump won to support many liberal causes — and that's great. But make it a practice. We can't count on government to fight for us with Trump and his cabinet in charge, so give what you can to those who will regularly.
I challenge you to try and give 10 percent of your paycheck each month to a cause you feel strongly about. This month I'm giving my 10 percent to the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Choose something you care about. It feels great. Then tell your family and friends why you did it. Maybe they'll join you.
5Attend Those Impromptu Protests
This is already happening, but keep doing it. For example, last night in Phoenix a mom of two was taken into custody and separated from her family after a routine check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Protestors nearly stopped her being transferred. The same impromptu protests happened at the airport when the travel ban was announced. Keep showing up in solidarity and explain why you do so.
6Put A Sign In Your Yard Or Window
Facebook and Twitter are a great way to share your thoughts, but we are trapped in our own bubbles of like-minded thinkers. Consider getting a sign to put in your yard (or window if you don't have one). Order one or make your own anti-Trump statement that explains why you're speaking out.
7Run For Office (Or Support Someone Who Is)
Be that change you want to see. Run for office, or actively support someone who is. Find out what the local races are in your area and put yourself out there. The odds are that you would be a great school board member, city councillor, or state rep. On the campaign trail, connect with people and tell them why you're running. If you're not ready to run yourself, make sure you're volunteering on the campaign of someone who is that you agree with.
These are just some of the ways to show why you resist on a regular basis. They also will have a huge impact — especially when all our voices are heard together. Persist and see the world change.
