#TBT to That Time We All Woke Up Feeling Funny after the Election
Remember that time everyone woke up sad, mad, ready to run? No matter who you voted for during the 2016 Presidential Election, we’ve all had to take a few minutes, or days, or weeks, to think about what really matters to us. As our friends, coworkers, family members, and random high school contacts have taken to the internet to express themselves, I have chosen to remain silent.
Why? Because I don’t believe that does a whole lot of good. See the definition of slacktivism:
Slacktivism (sometimes slactivism or slackervism) is a portmanteau of the words slacker and activism. The word is usually considered a pejorative term that describes “feel-good” measures, in support of an issue or social cause, that have little physical or practical effect, other than to make the person doing it feel satisfied that they have contributed. Slacktivism can be defined as the act of showing support for a cause but only truly being beneficial to the egos of people participating in this so-called activism.
From someone who has worked with nonprofits for a decade, I understand that no matter who won the election, poverty will continue to cripple our nation’s minority populations and neighborhoods; racism will continue to thrive in the household kitchens of southern America; women will still face barriers to employment, healthcare, and power; and immigrants will continue to have a difficult time making America their home. Trust me: I’ve lobbied in the General Assembly, written 20-page grant proposals, and chronicled heart-breaking stories of the people in this country who are marginalized, abused, and forgotten. I know how limited the government–local, state and national–is.
That being said, I also know there are organizations and people who make a real difference every day.
Stop spending your valuable time and brainpower sharing your–though, possibly extremely well written–thoughts and opinions and instead DO SOMETHING.
Here is a list of 5 Things You Can Do to Make A Difference Now
1. Donate. Nonprofits exist because the government fails to take care of its people properly. This is not a new thing. The numbers of nonprofits continues to grow every year. If you don’t donate to causes that matter to you, then you should start thinking about it. I, personally, am passionate about job training, addiction, domestic violence, child abuse, and healthcare. The best way to fight any injustices that may occur because of policy change is to empower these organizations to work harder, better, and more efficiently to help those who are less fortunate. To find a nonprofit, visit
United Way or
Guidestar.
Bonus: November 29 is
#GivingTuesday. Join the global movement to donate to nonprofits after you’ve binged on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Double Bonus: Donations to qualified nonprofits are tax deductible. If making a difference isn’t good enough, then maybe a break on your taxes is.
2. Volunteer: What makes you the most upset about the current state of affairs? What cause could you see yourself spending your energy on? What cause can you talk endlessly to people about? Find it. Connect with a local chapter of that nonprofit. You can offer in-kind legal aid services, medical care, accounting, database management, strategy consulting, front desk help, photography, special event coordination, and so much more. If you’re good at something, there’s likely a nonprofit who needs your skills.
Bonus: Your professional volunteer hours are also tax deductible. Just ask the nonprofit for the correct forms to use when efiling your taxes.
3. Spend Wisely: Pay attention to who is behind the companies you buy from. Use your wallet to make a statement. The quickest way to get around possibly supporting shady a** people? Shop local. Shop for your clothes from local boutiques, buy your groceries from local markets, purchase your household plants from a local nursery… etc. If you’d like to think more strategically, here is a list of retailers you might not want to shop with.
4. Educate yourself about activism. There are good kinds, bad kinds, and wasteful kinds. I mentioned one of the latter above: Ranting on Facebook. It doesn’t count as activism, people! Violence is is also counter productive. Read up on the history of successful movements.
Talk to your friends who are passionate about different causes. Ask questions. All activism doesn’t have to be bold and loud. If laws are endanger of being changed that you’re concerned about, target your efforts to stopping the change in legislation. Write and call your representatives. Ask to speak in front of Congress, your local government, etc. Submit your meaningful stories to media outlets to share.
How else do you like to make a difference?
Please, no politics…
So needed this !!!!
Glad you dig! We all need a little inspiration!
Thank you for this inspiration and ideas of what we all can do now after the election! Love it babe!
Linh
http://www.xcapewithlinh.com
It’s true, we need to be active because we make a huge difference too, probably more than one president will!
Laurelle
http://www.bellebylaurelle.com
I love this! So into it. For me, it’s important to educate myself about activism!
I loved that part – gorgeous!
xoox
Krista
http://www.hundredblog.com
Thank you for reading!
These are such great tips! Volunteering and donating are so important too! Thanks for sharing this girl! xoxo
Wow, that so amazing that you worked with non-profits for awhile. This a great post that hopefully really puts things into perspective instead of ranting on social media. Such a well done post girl!
xoxo Bryanna | Coming in Clutch
AMEN ranting on Facebook doesn’t count as activism!! Thanks for sharing these meaningful ways to make a difference. Truly, so important and a great reminder that small change starts with us.
Xx, Kathryn
http://Www.jassamineelaine.com
These tips are so great! I love the way you put together this post – so helpful!
I love this! What a great way to inspire!!