This election has been one fueled by heavy emotions on both sides of the party aisle. Many right-leaning people feel they have not been represented fairly until Trump came along. Many left-leaning people feel absolutely terrified about what is to come. Personally, I am having a hard time putting my thoughts in to words about the whole thing. But in the midst of the chaos and screaming, beautiful things have happened on an international scale all the way down to my own circle of friends.
1. People are paying attention.
Trump has made lots of interesting choices for Cabinet positions. This is the first election in my voting history where I have paid attention so closely to who the President-elect chose to be part of his team. Last week I wrote about Trump's choice for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. He has made many other questionable choices and I have seen so many of my friends talking about it on social media. Whether we agree or disagree, people are paying attention and talking about what is going on - that is what we are all called to do as Americans.
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2. People have organized a movement of marches.
There has been a movement started to advocate for and protect women's rights in the face of a man who threatens to do things to continue to oppress women. I have seen women's marches happening in solidarity in other countries like Australia, London, New Zealand, and Germany, to name a few. To sit and think about this is mind-blowing. The entire world is paying attention and this transition of power does not only impact the United States.
I was thrilled to be part of a march in my local city (Richmond, VA) last weekend. It was peaceful, well-attended, and empowering. Critics of this movement say this is "not productive", but I would argue that point (please reference the Civil Rights Movement). The point is to be heard, and right now this is getting the job done.
3. People are doing things.
Trump has accused many people of being "all talk and no action". And as you probably know, he is...
People are donating to non-profits at a higher rate than before. I was talking to a colleague of mine this past week about the Inauguration and she was sharing how she and her family are volunteering for other activist agencies. She and I are privileged to work for one (shout out to the YWCA!), but she and her family feel it is important to support other causes in an effort to create a greater feeling of unity.
This election has shown America how broken we are as a nation. But there is hope and change coming, and we must continue to find ways to work together. So to all of my friends working toward unity, keep up the good work.
