Don't you know me Kansas City?

It has only been two weeks since the election? Holy tomatoes! I thought it was like a month ago.
I have read crap on social media, traditional news outlets, blogs, had many conversations in person and online, and watched political satire television on the subject. My head hurts.
Am I surprised? Not at all.
Did I think that the next president was going to be a woman?
I wanted the next president to be a woman.

Speaking to a colleague about the election, I wanted her perspective on the whole thing.
She is African-American and part of the LGBTIQA community and I super respect her opinion on just about everything, so I felt comfortable asking her thoughts on the election.
This is the brief summary of the conversation.
Wear a safety pin, a Black Lives Matter teeshirt, donate to the ACLU, protest, create a support group or whatever. Just stand by what you are doing/wearing.
Be okay with yourself.
 Racism (and all the rest of it) didn't magically reappear after an 8 year absence. Yes, it is horrifying to read the news, but it has been here all along. Hateful people are lashing out at those they think oppress them. And because Trump was elected they think that shit will be okay.

It is not okay. That is why I can't subscribe to the "let's see how this all plays out," attitude.


 Here is a website that a friend has put together-
https://www.beforeitgetsworse.com/

There are some really helpful resources and great links to all kinds of ways one can take action.

There are many ways to protest. As a responsible parent I have to protest, but as a responsible parent I am not going to follow protesters onto the freeway.

I want to support my community and if you do to, I am sure there are organizations in your own backyard that could use some help.
Can't donate much time?
Money is always good.
If you are not sure how the money is spent. Call the organization.
Want to check on the politicians who represent your district, city, state, and the like? Call them. Email them.
I called Barbara Lee, my representative for my district and left a message with her office. I got an email back that she was part of a coalition of representatives who were putting pressure on pres-elect to not have Bannon as his strategist.
I called some publishers who have titles that focus on bullying and asked them to send free copies to Oakland Unified School District.
I am putting together a list of local resources for the students I serve, who are afraid for their safety.
After this post I will probably donate some money to Planned Parenthood.

Being heard is important. Nothing is going to happen overnight, and I cannot sit by waiting for someone else to make noise.