As I am writing this article, it has been a full week since the inauguration of Donald Trump’s presidency. No words can describe the seething, blood curdling indignation as Trump and his administration trample on citizens’ rights and basic human decency. In the past week, he has already signed ten executive orders; most of the orders have threatened:

Women who deserves the right to choose abortion

Park rangers and scientists

Affordable health care

It is unfortunate that citizens do not have an active role in preventing or overriding executive orders, but it is not pointless to fight. It is only by passively hoping for changes to occur in our favor that people in this nation are powerless. There are numerous actions that can be done in order to mitigate or even stop Trump’s authority.

1. Contact your state representatives and respectively let them know of your concerns and issues.

2. Vote. Not just for the presidential election but for state legislative seats as well. Voting for someone who represents you and not their own interest is crucial. For example, Congress is responsible for voting for or against a bill the President proposes.

3. Peaceful protest. Even if Trump will still do as he please, he could still see the sheer amount of people disapproving of his actions. He will know that many people will not believe him blindly and that he must take his presidency seriously. In addition, increased awareness to the damage of the executive orders will cause is essential.

4. Be respectful to those with prejudiced or different political views. We have become too stigmatized and charged that we automatically dismiss and disparage each other, particularly on social media. It is difficult but state your views clearly and explain why you must disagree respectfully. That will decrease stigma about each other and enable better understanding.

5. Make the world aware of what is happening. Use social media (respectfully) to make known what the executive orders mean to the millions who are going to be affected. Share how you feel and actions that you can take to help.

Trump’s presidency holds an uncertain future (a tad bit too dystopian for my taste) but that means all the more that we must be active. I’m sure that this country will still stay in one peace and not be ravaged in a second civil war.