This morning, we all woke up in a different USA. The first notification I clicked on was a link sent to me by a family member of the executive order stating that the US government no longer acknowledges my wife’s gender identity (non-binary). Heck, they don’t even acknowledge that gender identity is real and different from sex. This isn’t surprising, but it is another wake up call. I have felt for a long time a dreaded sense of worry over this administration coming back. This time they were ready, they have plans and they’re going to execute them. I’ve been thinking long and hard about how to keep sane and fight back.

What You Can Do

Previously, I’ve talked about focusing on your locus of control and about how worrying can be a positive thing. I’m planning to lean even further into that ideology going forward. While I’ve found that protesting just hasn’t been effective from a policy change standpoint, it can be from a rallying and inspirational standpoint. If that’s what you need, please go and protest (safely). My thoughts are focused on the smaller, more pointed actions that we all can take.

Donate

There are so many organizations that are already doing the work to support causes I believe in and fight against the injustices that currently exist and are already getting worse. The simplest thing, if you can afford it, is to donate. Make your money choices align with your values. Here are some of the organizations that my wife and I donate to on a monthly basis to get you thinking about some that you may want to look into:

Volunteer

If you can’t afford to donate, then you can keep sane and fight back by volunteering your time. Many of these organizations have local chapters where you can volunteer for events to raise awareness. Additionally, local food banks, community centers, shelters, etc are always looking for extra sets of hands to help out.

Get to Know Your Representatives

I use an app called 5 Calls that links me to the issues I care about and the representatives that have input into that legislation. Their tag line is Spend 5 minutes, make 5 calls. This is the most impactful thing that you can do. Get very comfortable with contacting your representatives. Getting constituent input is the most important part of their job.

If you’re nervous to make those phone calls and don’t know what to say, don’t worry. I was too. The app provides scripts that you can either follow exactly or take key talking points from to make sure you are coming across clearly and concisely. Very little will lose your argument for you quite like droning on non-stop.

Build (and Expand) Your Community

I think that this is the most impactful change you can make in your daily life to keep sane and fight back. Emphasis on keeping sane. Having a local community with reciprocal support is proven to be better for your own longevity. It also flies in the face of consumer culture when using that community to contribute to the sharing economy. This can be done through acvitivities like tool sharing or giving hand me downs. This is how we saved literally thousnads of dollars on all things baby. We got a crib, bassinett, 2 bouncers, pack n play, clothes, and more. It was great to know that we had so many people helping us and knowing that we were not contributing to unnecessary demand for new items at the same time. We’re excited to pass these items on to friends and their little ones when the time comes as well.

The catalyst for change has always happened slowly. Person to person, over time, with caring conversation. There are many ways to do this, but one of the easiest is look into your local library. They have all kinds of groups who advertise with them or run programs out of their facilities.

Wrap It Up

It’s easy to feel like there’s nothing you can do as executive orders and hatred is already flying. That’s just not true. Keep sane and fight back with a bottoms up approach. It’s the best method we’ve got.

What other ways are you keeping sane and fighting back? Spread the word!