The 2016 Presidential Election was ugly, to say the least. Donald Trump's election in and of itself caused outrage across the country, but it is clear that Trump's presidency might prove to be even more outrageous.
Some people, especially young people, are not only frustrated by Trump's actions — like his latest immigration ban on Muslims from war-torn countries — but because they aren't sure how to fight back.
Here's a list of some of the ways you can make a tangible difference:
1. Call your senator and tell them how you feel.
Upset with Trump's cabinet nominations? Not happy about a bill going through the House? Want to propose a bill? CALL- don't email, don't write- your Senator's office and tell them exactly how you feel! To find your state senator and their contact info, check out this website.
2. Donate.
Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood Federation are working hard to fight back against Trump's controversial policies. Also, giving to independent media sources- such as The Young Turks and Democracy Now- ensures that there will always be journalists to keep the government accountable.
3. Get hyped — and informed — for 2018!
Everyone has been talking about 2020, but in 2018, we can still make progressive changes. We have the opportunity to turn the House blue again, which could help limit Trump's ability to implement his policies.
4. Protest.
It may seem futile to protest, but it's not. Tea Party protesters were relatively successful in blocking some of President Obama's policies. Keep up the fight by going to protests and making your voice heard. The White House will not be able to ignore us for long if we commit to keeping the protests going.
So roll up your sleeves. Get your hands dirty. And make everything a little cleaner on the way.
5. Sign some petitions.
Does your senator have a petition to oppose Trump's Muslim ban? Is there a petition going around pushing to block a confirmation for Trump's cabinet? Sign them. Sign them all.
6. Run for office.
You. Yes, you. Get geared up. Get ready to go. There's no real age limit for running for office. So educate yourself, get out there, and do the dirty work yourself.
7. Get involved in your local government.
Go to town halls. Campaign for an official you believe in. Go to public meetings. Write to your local leaders. Make your voice heard. Eventually, someone will have to listen.
8. Educate yo'self.
Know the issues. Take a stance. And go out there and make your stance known. Come up with solutions. Work with your local community. Every big movement has to start small. Start a movement. Make a change.
9. Get people mobilized, now.
2018 may be two years away, but make the effort to help people register to vote. Whether it's your high school's senior class, your college campus, your family or your job- encourage people to register to vote now, so that they're ready for 2018.
10. Have healthy discussions.
It's not always easy to sympathize with the other side. But healthy discussion is important. Understand the needs of the other side. Think about solutions that would be a good compromise, and bring that compromise to people who can implement it.
11. Do not lose hope.
Democracy is hard. Sometimes, it lets us down. But it has always managed to pull itself together if people are willing to reign it back in. So do your part. Don't lose hope, and get to work.