What Next? Practical Things You Can Do Today to Keep Hope Alive

You're most likely at least theoretically familiar with the Kübler-Ross model of the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. A lot of us probably went through the first four stages real fast in the hours following Tuesday night's election result. But that last thing, acceptance, does not—can not—apply here.

In the immortal words of Hillary Clinton, "The worst thing that can happen in a democracy–as well as in an individual's life–is to become cynical about the future and lose hope: that is the end, and we cannot let that happen." If you're feeling extreme disappointment at Tuesday's results, this is not a time for hopelessness or despair. Maybe you took time yesterday to mourn—I sure did—but now you're looking for ways to move forward. Are you upset and devastated and angry? Good. Here are some outlets:

GET INVOLVED IN POLITICS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZING

Lobby elected officials.

Contact your elected officials, from the federal to local level, to make them aware of the causes and liberties you want to protect.

Run for office.

EMILY's List, which supports pro-choice women running for congress and governor, can help.

Mobilize.

Participate in or organize peaceful protests against sexism, racism, xenophobia, transphobia, homophobia. This is where social media comes in handy. A simple "anyone know of a peaceful protest in [fill in the blank] city" status should do the trick.Volunteer or intern with Take Back the Night, or participate in a local event. If there isn't one already, plan one. Get acquainted with a local Black Lives Matter chapter to find out about upcoming events.

Work with the next generation.

Volunteer at after school educational and mentoring programs like Dave Eggers' 826 National, Big Brothers Big Sisters, or Reading Partners.

Join the ACLU.

All it takes is a donation (as much as you're able to give). Pro tip: keep that little box checked that allows the ACLU to send you emails. You'll want to stay abreast of what's going on with reproductive/civil rights in the coming months.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR SEXISM

Help end workplace discrimination and harassment.

Read up on workplace discrimination laws and file a Charge of Discrimination if it applies to you.

Report sexism in the media.

Contact the Women's Media Center to report problematic coverage of women in local and national media.

STAND UP FOR MINORITIES AND OTHER PEOPLE WHO FEEL NEWLY THREATENED

Be there for those who need you.

Tell your trans/gay/immigrant/non-white/female-identifying friends that you love them, and that they matter. Listen to them. Ask what you can do to help. Then volunteer with a local crisis hotline center to help the people who don't have friends like you.

Make bathroom access safe for all.

Contribute information to Refuge Restrooms, a web app that seeks to provide safe restroom access for who are transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming individuals.

Assist U.S. citizenship-seekers.

Contact English or citizen preparation classes near you; many rely on volunteers to serve as tutors and create lesson plans. If you need legal assistance, or know someone who does, find a local service provider.

GET INVOLVED IN A SPECIFIC CAUSE

Support action against climate change.

Sign the Nature Conservancy's Climate Action Pledge. Volunteer with NextGenClimate. Become involved in activist groups (find some here) to fundraise, lobby elected officials, and organize meet-ups and rallies.