Votes are still being counted, and our country is on edge; but this anxiety doesn’t have to last forever.

During his Presidency, Trump has emboldened racists, sexists, and other violent bigots in way that has both terrified and disgusted me. This video of Trump supporters surrounding the Biden bus to deliberately intimidate and threaten has been circulating the internet…

…and inspired me to immediately donate to the Biden campaign. Candidates and campaigns which work so hard to slow democracy, and threaten their candidates personally are NOT good for our country. The suggestion of violence is how authoritarian governments seize power, and these threats have been escalating for more than 4 years.

Black lives matter, trans lives matter, women’s rights are human rights, and there is no planet B. —These critical issues are all under siege - and there is truly no time to spare in advocating for these issues.

Here are some ways you can continue “the work” after all the votes are counted - regardless of who ends up in the White House:

1. Get involved in a community group

In community is strength.

I will be the first to say that my home is a sanctuary, and that as a woman, I’ve had bad experiences being friendly towards [male] neighbors who got the wrong idea — but you have to get connected somewhere. Whether it’s a spiritual organization (ie church, synagogue), an interest organization (ie league of women voters), or a community group (ie community garden), there are lots of ways to find others to share life with.

I had an epiphany in my FIRE (financial independence) journey last year - that even though I had hit more milestones in my journey of finding financial security, I still felt insecure in my life. Having connections with people you can be honest with about life is not only where you’ll find support, but where you’ll begin to understand just how critical these socio-political issues really are. & When policies begin to take away your dignity and rights, and those of people you know - you’ll be there to support one another.

Here are the main communities I’m involved with, as an example: feminist book club + community garden.

2. Get educated - start reading

“Without confronting internalized sexism women who picked up the feminist banner often betrayed the cause in their interactions with other women.” Feminism is for Everybody (11) Bell Hooks

Addressing our own unconscious bias and incorrect understanding of history is critical, or else we become perpetrators of more oppression.

Feminism is for Everybody is a great place to start, but I’ve made a list of others to consider: Essential Reading.

3. Donate to advocacy organizations - time or money

This is one way to find community - get involved with an organization that works on a cause you care about.

Easier said than done, I know! Time is in short supply and many organizations can have rigid schedules and their own distinct cultures. —But this is definitely “the work".

My volunteer efforts with Tech for Campaigns this election cycle allowed me to work with other brilliant women, and even try my hand at a new skill with the support of other professionals. By using skills from my profession, I was also able to generate more funds for a progressive candidate than I ever could as an out-of-practice canvasser.

If you don’t have the emotional bandwidth to give your time, know that funds of any amount go a long way as well. Charity Navigator can help identify reputable organizations worth investigating.

4. Get your finances in order - learn about FIRE

While I spoke earlier about how financial independence won’t support you in all areas of life, it is critical to get educated and active in managing your independence from corporations and trading time for money.

Knowing you’re on a path to independence (ie you don’t have to work anymore to cover your living expenses for the rest of your life), and understanding what resources you truly have available to you, will empower you to give and participate in advocacy with confidence. The FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) movement offers a great framework to think about this, regardless of whether you plan to retire early.

5. Create a self care routine

Whatever action you ultimately take in the wake of the election, it will be critical to create space for yourself to regularly “refill your cup.” Everyone from women, people of color, LGBTQIA, and more, are experiencing constant aggressions and “other”-isms which promise to wear you down if left uninhibited.

Here are some of my favorite tools to support yourself everyday:

• Future self journal prompts for daily journaling

• Probiotics to increase your stress tolerance (I take Athletic Greens)

• Have a plethora of quarantine-friendly hobbies (I love puzzles, cooking, and reading)

• Have an exercise outlet (I go to a yoga studio that follows CDC COVID guidelines, and love @jessicaolie on IG, and GrowingAnanas on YouTube for gym and HIIT workouts)

• A spiritual practice that inspires greater trust and a sense of abundance in the world (I like Morning Pages)

No matter what, take care of yourselves & remember your power!
What are you doing to stay grounded?

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