Biden's the Winner: Here's what you can still do

“A compassionate city is an uncomfortable city! A city that is uncomfortable when anyone is homeless or hungry. Uncomfortable if every child isn’t loved and given rich opportunities to grow and thrive. Uncomfortable when as a community we don’t treat our neighbors as we would wish to be treated.” --Karen Armstrong, Founder of the global movement, The Charter for Compassion

Now that the 2020 U.S. presidential elections have come to an end, it seems like we can finally let out the 4 years worth of accumulating worry in a sigh of relief. Though it's not unjustified, relief shouldn't be the immediate reaction to this news. Just as racism wasn't immediately snuffed out with the election of former President Obama, Biden's win doesn't extinguish the fires Donald Trump has set across the country. Since Trumps election we've seen a rise in hate crimes, particularly in communitites Trump had a significant win in.

1. Vote big and small Don't just show up at the presidential election. Change happens most immediately in our communities. Stay informed about your local elections. Who are the candidates and what changes are being proposed? Some useful resources are Ballotpedia and Vote411. Both websites will help you look up your location, find local elections and information on candidates.

2. Stand up when you see acts of discrimination When we stand in solidarity, bigots lose their power. If it is safe to do so, intervene in situations of injustice. Let it be clear that you're a witness. Let the victim know you see what's happening and ask if they need help. Read up on the 5 D's of bystander intervention if you don't know where to start.

3. Donate your time/money The juries still unclear on what's more important when it comes to social causes and charities; time or money. However, either is better than none. The editors of NYMag have a great list of organizations you can donate to here. The list divides into different categories such as victim funds, bail bonds, community restoration/enrichment and more. If you don't have money, show up for marches or volunteer your time. Can you provide meals/child care to marginalized people? Are you a medical professional who can provide assitance to protestors? You may have skills that can help those in need. Look at events or demonstrations near you and learn how you can help.

4. Support black owned businesses. Find out if you have any local eateries or shops that are black owned. Make an effort to support those businesses in your own community. You can look here to find eateries near you and here to find other businesses.

This is a great way to lift those in your community up and support their livelihoods.

5. Seek out marginalized voices How many books do you read by POC? How many shows or movies do you watch? Even look at who you follow on twitter or instagram. Are you gaining perspective and information straight from the source? By opening yourself to these voices you're giving them a wider platform and another avenue to be heard.

6. Reach out to your elected officials You can ignite change by reaching out to your elected officials. You can go here to find your U.S. representative, here to find your state legislature and here to find your state governer. Keep your massage consice, direct and name the law/bill/policy/problem that your concerns are about. Email is better than nothing but if you can, a letter may be most effective.