There have been numerous petitions. Many attempts to tweet or get the facts out there. (And even as I write this the orange one is ruining Boeing stock with some fake facts about a new Air Force One). And we have ranted and raved here about how there’s not much we can do to fight the results of this election, though we are willing to do so.
I think it will take the concentrated effort of many different groups and people working on many different aspects of what it will take to regain control of the states and federal governing bodies. So much will be under attack: reproductive rights, health care, immigration, voter suppression, among others. Certain organizations can take on the topic where they can do the most good and you can sign up to help.
Just for encouragement, if not an avenue for you to explore, here is just one small example of one organization doing something. And, if you consider that all over the country other organizations and groups are doing even just one small thing, they all can add up to success.
I joined the League of Women Voters a few years ago. I haven’t been very active, but I believe in what they do and pay my dues every year. I just received a letter from them showcasing what they will, and have been, doing to combat voter suppression.
Some highlights:
“Voter suppression is back.
And it is as outrageous as it is indefensible.
Across the country, legislators and election officials in many states are working to stop eligible voters from voting, or to make it much harder for them to participate in our democracy. The League remains committed to fighting suppression tactics that threaten our democracy ad the right to vote. Fighting this injustice will be THE top priority of the League of Women Voters in 2017.
Throughout 2016, the League worked to make sure voters impacted by new laws were aware of these restrictions especially in states like Ohio, Kansas and Virginia where illegal and discriminatory laws were implemented regarding voter registration, voter ID and illegal voter purging. We’re gearing up for a nationwide fight against voter suppression-from the halls of Congress to statehouses and courthouses across the country.”
It goes on to say that their volunteers made calls to inform people, did outreach to those impacted, performed GOTV activities, and more.
My point here is that things are happening across the country that we may not even know about. But there are organized efforts to fight back against bad policies and to try to get things in shape for the next 2 to 4 years. We are not alone. We just may not realize there is so much going on to support us and our ideals. Planned Parenthood, NARAL, NAACP, they are all out there fighting for us, as are so many I don't know about.
Don’t say you are helpless and there isn't anything you can do. Hook up with the organization that speaks to your values and what you fear will be taken from you, whether it is reproductive rights, immigration, whatever and do something. There is power in numbers and there is much we can do. Phone calls. Door to door. Taking a shift at a booth to perform outreach. Hounding your representative to stay on message and fight against the GOP. Ragging on your local newspaper or news for not reporting the facts. Starting a campaign to convince your state to stop allowing gerrymandering. Pick something and get it done.
Let’s quit complaining and just do it. We need to start now.