Last week, I wrote about how Trump’s presidency may affect access to reproductive healthcare. This week, it seems fitting to talk about how we can fight to maintain the rights of women, people of color, and other marginalized groups under a Trump presidency and predominantly Republican federal government. Below are several ways that you can take action, at least one of which will hopefully be practical for your lifestyle.

Donate (time or money)

Planned Parenthood is a great place to start donating to now, or continue to if you already do so. Donations don’t have to be financial; you can volunteer to help at local clinics, organize ways to push others to donate money, or be an escort to women afraid to go to the clinic alone. You can also donate (again, time or money) to any LGBTQ+ organizations, such as GLAAD, Trans Lifeline, or the Mazzoni Center. You can also check out this list from Bustle of all sorts of women-specific organizations, such as Women in Need, an organization that has homeless shelters for women and children in New York City. The ACLU is another valuable organization to get involved with. Also check out the organizations and resource centers your town has to offer; oftentimes small, local nonprofits are constantly in need of funds and volunteers, and they may be especially in need soon.

Be a Strong Ally

Millions of people in marginalized groups have been impacted by or been a target of Trump’s negative words, or some of his supporters’ rhetoric. Make sure to check in with those around you who may have been affected, or who are feeling concerned about what’s to come. It might be helpful to gather together several friends and either talk through worries, create action plans, or simply practice acts of self-care together. This election took an emotional toll on almost everyone, regardless of political stance, in different ways, and reflecting together could be beneficial.

Get Involved In Local Politics

This can be done in many ways. First, you can contact your local or state politicians, whether through email, phone call, or a letter. You can also attend meetings on issues in your town to voice your opinion and become more informed on the ins and outs of government. Take the time to study up on local issues that you may be voted on, or officials that may be elected, and support the issues or candidates of your choice monetarily or through volunteering time. Volunteer at your local polling booths and encourage voter turnout, especially for local elections when turnout is especially low. Make sure you and your friends and family are registered to vote if you are able to, and encourage those who aren’t registered but are able to do so.

These are just a handful of ways you can fight for the rights of women and other marginalized groups under Trump’s presidency. It is time to take action, and there are so many practical ways of doing so.

Cover image courtesy of Getty Images.

By Ariel Wodarcyk on December 8, 2016
Ariel is a contributing writer for Helloflo. She is currently studying journalism at the Newhouse School of Syracuse University, and is an intern at Arts Council Napa Valley, a nonprofit arts adovacy agency. Her writing has been feautured on the Arts Council Napa Valley blog, FLURT, Naturma, and in the Napa Valley Register. You can find Ariel’s shameless self-promotion and newsy shares on Twitter.